It used to be that when you wanted to get in contact with customers, you either had to call them or send them a postcard or letter in the mail. Nowadays we have all this internet technology such as email, blogs, and instant messaging to communicate with people. There really is no excuse not to be able to keep in contact with valued customers.

In the past year I've noticed that companies are starting to use mass text marketing as a mode of communication. According to an Airwide Solutions independent survey of 50 brand name companies, 40% of major brands have deployed text messaging (SMS) campaigns.

Perhaps I'm still in the "old school" mindset and would prefer that customers call and talk to me personally about my business, but I understand that nowadays people want information instantly. I understand that we're in the era of text messaging and many people, especially young people, prefer to receive text messages rather than email or phone calls.

There are companies like Trumpia.com that offer companies text messaging services. I do like the idea of being able to send a text blast to customers to alert them of any sales or even provide tips or helpful information related to my industry. Unlike email where messages can get sent into a spam folder, a text message is immediately delivered to a person's phone - provided that the person consented to receiving messages from your company.

Is your company using text messages as a way of keeping in touch with customers? I'd love to hear about your experience...

Photo Credit: Cazimiro