January 2009
Monthly Archive
SMS – 13, 1300 and 1800 available
MattE 28 Jan 2009 | : Marketing, SMS
The value of shortcode phone numbers for business has long been recognised. This is especially the case when you have a numeric/alpha combination such as 13QUIT or 13NAVY etc.
Like any marketing it is worthwhile have all avenues covered and in the case of 13, 1300 and 1800 numbers, this now means the capacity to accept text messages to you number/s.
We are pleased to announce that we can provide SMS access for your existing numbers, or assist in the establishment of a new number.
Using Twitter to Track User Satisfaction
MattE 23 Jan 2009 | : Marketing, consumer engagement
Twitter has been a bit of a mystery to me. Yes I have a twitter account for our caricature business @caricatures but have been at a bit of a loss as to how best to use it beyond posting specials and notifying about the caricature blog updates.
Below is a piece that explains how it can be used. Sure these are big companies and there is going to be a bit of chatter about them. But think of it – chatter.
Can Twitter be used more like a word of mouth marketing tool?
Top Small Business Marketing Trends for 2009
MattE 19 Jan 2009 | : Marketing
Here is a good read if you own a small business or are the person in charge of marketing.
Tip, make yourself a cuppa before sitting down to read it (or a beer etc if after hours 
)
Top Small Business Marketing Trends for 2009 | Small Business Trends
Marketing in 2008 became decidedly social — and 2009 will see the social elements of marketing accelerate. Social media went from being on the cutting edge, to approaching the mainstream. When I say “social” I mean marketing driven by word-of-mouth relationships.As you go through each of the following small business marketing trends, you’ll see how powerful the social component is for getting and keeping your ideal customer. Just remember, your customers control your brand, so act accordingly.
Optus fined $110,000 for sending spam
MattE 14 Jan 2009 | : Marketing, SMS
This news story highlights the need to provide ways to opt out, either through clear naming of the sender of an opt-out mechanism.
It also highlights that you cannot use the reason that a person is a customer to send unsolicited messages.
Optus has been slapped with fines of $110,000, the second biggest penalty ever issued under the Spam Act.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority ACMA has accused Optus of sending 20,000 electronic messages without accurate sender identification.
New SMS virus
Mobile phones have been at risk if viruses via bluetooth transmission or the installation of an affected application sent to your phone. But this is something new and far more invasive.
A new exploit delivered by SMS crashes the SMS function on a wide range of Symbian OS-based smartphones so the user cannot receive new text messages.
The exploit, dubbed the “SMS Curse of Silence” was made public at “hacker” enthusiast event the Chaos Communication Congress.
Size does matter when it comes to lunch
MattE 06 Jan 2009 | : Marketing
The use of US TV commercials in Australia is something that irks me. Especially when there has not even been any effort made to dub the voices with Australian accents.
I can put up with the politically correct racial mixes (Negro and Hispanic) even if they have no relevance for us here in Australia. It would be good to see ads with a healthy mix of Asians, women wearing Muslim head wear and maybe even the occasional Aborigine for good luck. Even John Williamson the singer has Warren Williams as his token Aborigine during his shows and on his latest CD.
But one ad on TV really has be intrigued – the Subway foot-long Sub.
