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In tough economic times, it is important for local merchants to make the most of their marketing dollars. Most have limited resources to keep their existing customers happy and finding innovative ways to bring in new clientele can be a challenge. The widespread popularity of group coupons has launched dozens of new companies to enter this emerging market.
Both the group coupon model and the traditional modes of marketing have proven successful. However, they don’t have the same impact as mobile marketing, which remains the most direct of all available media channels. It is any marketers’ dream to engage in a meaningful two-way conversation with consumers and the mobile or Smartphone is the only media that offers this.
Sunnyvale-based technology company, Powdeal.com today announces the coupon offers through SMS (text) marketing. SMS is ubiquitous and can reach any mobile phone on the planet, whether you are talking about the most exotic smart phone or the most rudimentary cell phone. And the message is immediate and effective.
“In today’s economic climate, coupon clipping, both online and off, is making an immense resurgence,” says Jagadish Channagiri, Founder and CEO. “Powdeal.com’s innovative SMS model gives consumers coupon-like discounts on everything from entire family meals to free appetizers in their respective regions. Now people don’t have to sit at the computer or use their scissors to get great bargains at their favorite restaurants. They need only pick up their cell phones.”
SMS marketing has shown tangible results and is now considered mainstream. The American Idol reality show receives over 20+ Million votes through SMS messages. A few facts and about SMS Marketing:
• SMS text messaging is the most widely used data application on the planet with 2.4 billion active users.
• Sending or receiving text messages is the most popular activity on mobile phones and increases every year.
PowDeal.com is focused on enhancing the brand value of local merchants by bringing them more customers through SMS Marketing.
Every one of the call-to-action (or campaign) and other forms of SMS marketing involves a shortcode. PowDeal.com has the infrastructure to provide shortcode and keywords and will assist the local merchants with designing the campaign. PowDeal.com tracks every campaign and provides merchants either weekly or monthly reports.
“Unamas is a Mexican restaurant chain that wanted to drive more traffic in terms of repeat business, “added Channagiri. “Powdeal.com devised a campaign where a soft drink cup was used to promote a call-to-action message. The campaign was successful with 2% conversion – meaning the customers came back to the restaurant to take advantage of the offer. We’re seeing more and more merchants looking for this type of promotion application each day. Bottom line, SMS moves the needle on sales.”
For now, Powdeal.com is focusing on the restaurant category but is growing their business to include everything from spa services to hotel deals. The goal is to harness over 10 categories in 20 major cities by 2011.
Powdeal.com’s participating restaurants include Jardiniere, Unamas, Acme Chophouse, Slow Club, Fish & Farm, burger joint and Serpentine.
About PowDeal.com
PowDeal.com is focused on driving traffic to local merchants through SMS Marketing. The SMS infrastructure, mobile marketing consulting, and reporting are provided as part of its core services. The local merchants can engage their customers through the most personal of media – mobile phones and drive traffic!
For more information, please call us at 408-743-4449 or email to sales[.]powdeal.com.
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andrea[.]andreaburnett.com 
