Phone users get SMS credits in return for viewing ads
A new mobile voucher system has been unveiled today which will change the way consumers communicate via SMS.
i-movo, the mobile marketing company whose clients include Nectar, All Bar One and Cuervo, has worked with mobile technology provider i-text to launch a service where consumers can text for free in return for viewing advertisements on their mobile phones.
Having downloaded a simple application, mobile phone users with a GPRS Internet connection can select an advert to view in return for a number of credits. These credits can then be used to send text messages. Users will also be given a free online account which they can use to send text messages in a web browser.
Recent research revealed that the mobile phone is the electronic device consumers value the most, and industry experts predict that mobiles will eventually replace TV as the prime advertising medium. i-movo is set to capitalise on this trend by rewarding consumers for active participation in the advertising process.
David Tymm, managing director at i-movo, said: “This system is a real step forward for advertisers. In an industry where results are typically difficult to quantify, this system is set to provide some real benefits. It goes way beyond the traditional ‘pay per click’ models established by search engines to provide much greater measurability of all advertising success.
There are also benefits for the consumer. Unlike ordinary advertising, users can choose which adverts to view and when. This filtering process takes away the consumer frustrations associated with intrusive ‘broadcast’ mechanisms such as web advertising, email and standard SMS advertising.
Tymm continued: “Services such as eMail and Voice-Over-IP have made person-to-person communications, fast, easy and virtually free. Why should SMS be any different?”
i-movo and i-text plan to go live with the system this month, and are currently looking for volunteers to help with the beta testing program – in return for free text messages.
