This article discusses some of the SMS based campaigns that were launched by different companies in different industries. These examples show the true potential of text messaging campaigns and how they can be used in different ways individually or as an add-on with other activities.

A shoe manufacturer ran a text message campaign where passers-by would read directions of the contest from a huge billboard and send in custom designs of shoes in a SMS. A large number of lucky winners were given their custom designed shoes. The company engaged customers through an attractive billboard and the “passion to create” of their potential customers.

An airline company offers a text messaging service on its website for anyone who is interested in confirming the scheduled arrival and departure time of flights. For Departure timings, anyone can text DE (space) FLIGHT NUMBER (space) CITY OF DESTINATION and text it to 51051. For arrival timings, mobile users can text AR (space) FLIGHT NUMBER (space) CITY OF DEPARTURE and send the text message to 51051. The scheduled time is sent in the response message. This kind of service provides convenience for the customers and instructions can be printed on the ticket so the passenger can confirm the flight timings with a single SMS.

A beverage company ran a rewards program with text messaging where customers found unique codes under bottle caps and sent the code in a SMS to a designated short code. The customers received points for each code which could be redeemed for different prizes.

A radio station ran a live text messaging campaign where listeners would text “PumpIt” or “Dumpit” to vote for the songs being played on the show. The RJ ( radio jockey ) kept announcing the results after each song and even read some of the comments sent in the text messages. The radio station was able to engage listeners without use of live telephone calls and create a playlist which is selected by listeners.