Friday, December 19, 2008

A Breakthrough in Viral Marketing: Phone words

By Buck Thompson

A Phone word is a numeric telephone number that spells a word. Each telephone key is associated with a number of alphabetic characters. These are written under each number on the keypad. If used correctly, these alphabetic characters can be used in a charming way to grab the attention of the potential customers. Marketers use this cost effective tool to spell the brand name of the company.

Though this strategy is quite niche in Australia, its full potential is yet to be uncovered. When used, results have been easily observable through a boost in profits. The right number positions itself in the minds of the customer, creating a long term impact. For example 1300 SPARK can be dialed if you are in a need for an electrician. The numbers associating the brand name are easy to remember. It also has the added benefit of imprinting the brand in the customers mind.

Phone words have created a revolution in cutting out competition. Someone who is able to remember a phone number and knows where to dial will be less likely to begin flipping through the yellow pages or classifieds where they may instead find a competitor's number. A company can gain the right edge by being exclusive with their number.

A follow on effect of Phone words is that they enable customers to not only relay the name of your business to other potential customers but your phone number too. In this way the use of Phone words gives even more power to word-of-mouth advertising.

With Phone words, a business is better advertised and response rates are higher; so is the profit for the company. It is important how easily one can remember the phone word and what the message is, when one is marketing via this method.

In Australia, where this concept is in vogue, big names such as AAMI, Hyatt Regency, Telstra, Subway etc have had great responses to phone word campaigns. Leasing the phone word is cheap when compared with other marketing strategies. Service providers like 1300 Easy Dial offer simple, easy to use phone word facilities. You can choose your phone word number from 1300, 1800 or 13 numbers. A 1800 number puts the total call cost on the business that leases the number whereas costs for 13 and 1300 are divided between the customers and the company. Simply communicate your preferences and they will find the best deal for you.

Getting a phone word is simple. To get a fixed word, you have to have rights for a certain area. The word needs to be registered with a service provider. After having done this, you can readily lease the number. With this initial investment, you get excellent returns with a little effort. You can run two parallel services with two Phone words for the same business.

Phone words are the latest marketing tool to hit the world! Businesses get an extra edge and profits are increased for the long term, with very little investment. In today's world, Phone words are a must-have tool for every upcoming business. - 2364

About the Author:

No comments:

Blog Archive