Text Messaging Featured Article

There’s a reason why text messaging has endured despite newer communication technologies. Short messages that just about everybody can receive, no matter the cellular provider or phone, is a foundational technology like email. There are so many possible use cases for the technology, it is only limited by the imagination.

To get creative juices flowing, here are just some of the interesting ways that businesses and nonprofits have used text messaging to make lives easier and improve the bottom line. While these won’t necessarily be appropriate for most businesses, they can serve as a springboard for creative uses in a given industry. Text messaging is so incredibly adaptable for the savvy, creative business.

1. Finding lost pets. In conjunction with interactive voice response, it is possible to use text messaging to find lost pets. Someone who has found a lost pet can simply type in the animal’s ID tag (News - Alert) number and a text message can automatically be send to the pet owner with the finder’s contact information.

2. Easier valet service. About to pay the check at dinner? It might be time to text the valet that they should pull up your car so you don’t have to wait when you leave the restaurant.

3. Better stadium service. Some stadiums are bringing value to fans by enabling the ability for guests to text food requests from their seats. Stadiums also can send ticketholders alerts about weather, cleanliness reminders and even warnings to be more orderly during the game.

4. Super hotel concierge. Instead of having to go to the concierge desk or giving a call, cutting edge hospitality now enables guests to make their requests by text message. When on vacation and not wanting to interact with people, this can be a real lifesafer—or when visiting a city and not knowing your way back to the hotel!

5. Instead of keys. Text messaging can really open doors—literally. It is possible to use text messaging to unlock doors instead of having to fumble with keys or swipe cards. Doormen of the world might want to worry about the possibilities of this innovative use for texting!

6. Song identification. Power 105.1 in New York now lets listeners text the radio station to find out what song is playing, and to put in song requests.

7. Find the best prices. Some gas stations are using text message alerts to inform their customers about prices. If customers know the price of gas is going to explode in a couple days, they might be enticed to fill up earlier—which can be a good way to drive business at the right times.

These are just a few of the creative possibilities of text messages. How is your business going to better use this foundational technology?