subject: A Short Guide To Virtual Mobile Number [print this page] Communication and marketing are the two core elements of any business. Whether you are a manufacturer, service provider, trader, retail business owner or simply a professional; the said essentials makes sure you remain in touch with your associates and clients 24 X 7. However, traditional methods are gradually becoming less effective in terms of reach and cost. These platforms are evolving, but the newer technologies such as SMS and its variants offer an affordable and effective solution which is simply irresistible.
SMS and its subsets such as bulk SMS, Virtual Mobile Number or long code, short code, voice SMS are typically used for marketing purposes. These digital tools are cost effective. It allows organizations to keep in touch with consumers and at the same time increase sales and improve brand visibility. So what exactly is a virtual number and how does it help businesses?
Virtual mobile numbers or long codes are 10-digit numbers that allow marketers to send SMS offers to their customers and potential buyers. The recipients respond using the same number. This interactivity appears simple but the backend technology is quite complex.
The recipients text message in response to an SMS offer from a marketer is typically received as an email. Marketing entities then reply in the form of email which is received by the recipient as a text message. To put it in simple terms the text to email and email to text swap is accomplished with help of software and internet communication protocols such as SMTP, SMPP and HTTP.
Mentioned below are some of the areas where virtual mobile numbers are quite popular.
1. Virtual numbers allow marketers to collect opinions and views about products and services
2. Contests and sweepstakes are some of the other exciting activities which are accomplished with the help of virtual numbers. It assists companies in generating new leads and increase customer base. Typical examples are television and radio shows where viewers and listeners are given a chance to participate and choose their favourite candidate; a great way to popularize a brand or a business.
4. It is also used as a market research tool by exploiting its poll and voting capabilities.
Virtual mobile numbers or Long Code SMS offers several benefits. Some of them are mentioned below.
1. The application or API embedded email client is simple and easy to use.
2. Its reach is not limited to a particular country. It is a global interactive tool.
3. One of the major benefits of long code is its cost effectiveness. SMS sent to these numbers are not charged at premium rates.
4. Quick and hassle free implementation.
Virtual mobile number or long code & short code are tools that make 2 way SMS a reality. It is used in industries to co-ordinate with off-site engineers, sales people who are in the field and suppliers located in far flung places. Two way SMS is also used within the workplace where employees send and receive messages to quickly inform each other about emergency meetings or discussions.
