Focus Business Management Institute Announces Mobile Marketing Initiative

HENDERSON, NV, July 01, 2011 (Press-News.org) Focus Business Management Institute, the industry leader in retail jewelry consulting, today announced that they are launching their mobile marketing initiative and will have it in full production for the IJO jewelry show in Nashville at the end of the month. The plan will include the use of text message marketing and notifications to clients attending the show, as well as the use of QR codes to drive brand awareness.

Text message marketing employs the use of the Short Messaging Service, commonly known as SMS or text messages, to send notifications to people on their cell phones. The service uses existing cell phone infrastructure and requires no additional applications or technologies for the recipient. Messages can be received by users with just about any type of mobile phone (users do not have to have a 'smart phone'), so the technology can reach over 95% of mobile phone users. Consumers can opt-in to receive messages by sending a keyword to a short code, which is a 5-6 digit shortened telephone number.

Quick Response codes (commonly known as QR codes) are black and white dotted images that are commonly used in overnight package routing and inventory management. They are starting to become used more and more often in marketing. A user scans the image with a smart phone image reader application and the application then opens a web browser directed to a designated website right on the phone.

"We realize that these technologies are cutting edge," says Mike Derby, Operations Manager of Focus BMI, "and we like to be ahead of the curve. Using these technologies will help us learn more about how they work so that we can better explain them to our clients, as they are looking for new ways to capture their future high-end customers. Additionally, texting will allow us to provide instant updates and notifications to our clients during the show, enhancing their overall show experience."

Derby continued, "We recently deployed a redesigned website and social media platform, and both are producing great results. This mobile platform will just enhance those efforts."