Katy Texas Entrepreneur Expands into Text Marketing

Dec. 1, 2010 - PRLog -- A-Train Creative co-founder Blaine Fallis has seen a lot of technologies come and go in his 16-year computer career. As a product manager for Tiger Direct (formerly Tiger Software) his job was to scan trade magazines looking for the next big thing.

"At Tiger I was trained to look for what would sell well in our mail order catalogue, which we sent to millions every month." As a software wholesaler he also saw first hand what moved off the shelves, working as a Key Account Manager for such firms as Tiger, Waldenbooks and Bizmart.

"One thing I've learned is that preferences change like the climate, and if you have ever tried to have a conversation with someone under 30, you may be competing with their hand held. SMS text messaging is the way people communicate."

Text marketing is a method of reaching out to permission-based lists with an enticing offer, and attracting opt-ins to receive a coupon. Once opted in, a business can periodically send other offers, allowing customers to act on these immediately, usually with phone and coupon in hand. Realtors can use this service to alert people to MLS details right from a property, and send open house invitations to prospects as well.

In addition to coupons, a business can also run contests, or take a quick poll. It can be a fun way to engage people. Tostitos, for example, runs a promotion tied into football in which you throw back the football or kick it by texting a certain keyword, in hopes of winning a prize. But if you’re a small business owner you too can market in much the same way as the big boys.

"We have seen businesses acting on one of their slow days of the week and getting customers coming in that same day, SMS coupon in hand. Because people carry their phone with them wherever they go."

Fallis recently branded himself the Text Marketing Guy, launched TextMarketingGuy.com and in December is offering a test texting campaign to first time customers who call (877) 240-1573.

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Blaine Fallis of ATrainCreative.com has launched TextMarketingGuy.com, a text marketing service for local businesses looking to reach customers in a way that gets an immediate response. In addition A-Train Creative handles SEO, WEBDEV and Branding.