Social networking and SMS

SOCIAL NETWORKING AND SMS

Posted by Phil Robinson
Monday 4th January 2010 at 09:41

Social networking on-line entails using a web 2.0 website to build a reputation and contact list through regular contact and participation. Social media sites are unique in that they allow their users to freely mingle and interact over vast distances with little to no constraints. Social media sites include Twitter, Facebook and Linked In. These three major players have monopolised the micro blogging, viral applications and contact building concepts being closely followed by various other websites of a similar nature.

Using business text messaging or bulk SMS as part of the social networking platforms is incredibly difficult because of the cost to the user versus the free on-line alternatives of communication.

Twitter has managed to include one way text messaging enabling their users to add micro blogs via text message. None of the social networks have fully realised the potential behind two way messaging, but as the competitive edge thins will they be forced to diversify their service offerings.

The future of social networking sites is unclear especially when you consider that the cost of maintenance and traffic to power these social realms is increasingly expensive and the profit sought from advertising has been tentative of late. The advertising element of Facebook shows that they are trying to monetise their services through advertising, why not offer an SMS mobile marketing service for businesses and professionals?

Its a great way to leverage social media especially when you consider a number of Internet marketers already have a formidable profile of contacts with targeted promotions, services and products being delivered direct to their wall or inbox.

Its amazing that they haven't considered allowing the ability to send SMS messages to contact, it is more instant and personal than the social networks and, if the profiling is accurate, the message will drive interest and draw brand attention. The long tail of SMS mobile marketing is always a sale, but its still one of the best ways to get your brand noticed.

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