Mobile phone advertising is quickly becoming a key component in large business marketing campaigns. Since billions of people use cell phones every day, and over 12 billion text messages are sent every month in the US, the reasons for are clear.

Harder to understand is how mobile phone advertising can benefit the smaller, more local business owner, when its reach is so vast. The answer lies in the other unique feature of mobile phone advertising, the ability to target customers to very specific demographics.

Let’s say you run an ice cream shop. How about sending via sms advertising coupons for a free cone on each of your customer’s kid’s birthday?

This form of personal contact is perfect for any type of service business. If you run a massage parlor or day spa, consider sending discounts or coupons to your customers on their anniversaries, birthdays or other special occasions.

The possibilities are really endless for staying in touch with your customers when you start to think about using mobile phone advertising as a high tech form of personal contact.

Mobile phone advertising can also become a form of viral marketing by offering in your text message that the offer is good for any other friend or family member that your customer forwards the text message to. A modern version of “I told two friends…and they told two friends…,” the possibilities for your business abound.

Whether you run a storefront or service business, viral mobile phone advertising is a great way to fill in slow gaps throughout your week. Suppose you run a cleaning service and your Tuesdays are typically slow.

Consider sending a text message advertisement offering a discount on a whole house cleaning to anyone who responds within a certain period. Try to make it fun and appealing for your customers to pass on to friends and family. You might find yourself overbooked for next Tuesday!

A small bit of creativity together with a commitment to offering a personal touch through mobile phone advertising will really set you above your competition in your customer’s minds.

Make sure to get your free mobile advertising trial (and mention the promo code “mobilenow” and receive double the credits during your free trial period).

For most businesses, marketing and advertising cannot be a static affair. It is important to be aware of new advertising opportunities and cutting edge ideas. If you don’t, your competition will, and, rather than just standing still you will find that you are falling behind.

At one point, advertising on the Internet was considered new and adventurous. Now, nearly every business has an Internet presence, if only a website. Banner advertising, pay per click marketing, and social network marketing are becoming norms for most business owners rather than new territory.

Most experts are predicting the next big wave in advertising for small businesses and large alike is in mobile phone advertising. No wonder, when the estimated number of cell phone users worldwide is 4.5 billion, compared to just 1.5 billion Internet users.

Even though industry leaders are convinced that mobile phone advertising will be huge, the speed to market, even for large advertisers has been slower than you would expect. But not surprisingly, the results are amazing for those willing to get their big toes wet and try mobile phone advertising. Fast food chain Chipotle had millions sign up via text message to receive mobile coupons in only a few short weeks, nearly all through word of mouth.

Smaller businesses can stand ahead of their competition by taking advantage of mobile phone advertising campaigns as well. Because most are opt-in in nature, mobile phone advertising is actually an integral part of the overall campaign rather than a stand-alone venture. What this means is that mobile phone advertising is a great way to offer an additional service to your customers, such as discounts delivered to their phone, that your competitors are not.

Conversion rates for mobile phone advertising has been found to be very high, as well. The rate of return if you were to mail out coupons to your customers might be about 1%, compared to 30-40% you could realize via mobile phone advertising.

The cost to small businesses is very low to start as well. Because mobile phone advertising is opt-in, a business owner can start with an inexpensive plan and only increase it as campaigns become more effective.

Make sure to get your free mobile advertising trial (and mention the promo code “mobilenow” and receive double the credits during your free trial period).