Providing emergency text alerts is a good way to reach a niche market. This article explains how emergency text alerts may be used, an the pros and cons of emergency text alerts.
The cell phone is one of the most prolific and flexible forms of communication we have today. Almost everyone has a cell phone, and the ways that they can be used to communicate are varied. From voice, to video, to text, cell phones offer a number of ways to get in touch with others. The text message is probably one of the most used ways to communicate. It is fast and effective, and many people like using text messages. On top of being a great communication tool, though, the text message can also be used in emergency situations to convey important information.
Using Emergency Text Alerts
Because it is possible to reach thousands of people at one time, with the same important message, emergency text alerts have great potential. College campuses already use them to provide updates on weather conditions and class cancellations. There are many reasons that text messages are ideal for emergency text alerts. Here are some of the characteristics of SMS text messages that make them so useful:
- Short: Most text messages are short and to the point. There is no need to try and keep attention. A short text message can get the emergency information across effectively.
- Attention grabbing: Most cell phones alert users when a text message comes in. Unlike email alerts, which can be sent to the junk mail folder without ever being seen, cell phone SMS text messages are usually read. The fact that the cell phone draws attention to the emergency text alert increases the likelihood that it will be seen — and complied with.
- Customizable: It is possible to customize your emergency text message alert to say what you want it to. You change the text as conditions change, or provide updates. It is easy to customize an emergency text alert.
- Reach thousands at once: You can send emergency text alerts to everyone on the list at one time. Every number that you have in your database can be reached at once. You only need to send out one message and thousands are made aware of something important.
As you can see, there are a number of advantages to incorporating text messages into your emergency alert system. For smart phones, it is even possible to create emergency text alerts that can be location specific, a type of SMS Proximity Marketing. You can set up a system that interacts with smart phone GPS to warn people away from a certain areas, as well as direct them elsewhere.
SMS marketing is fast becoming a way to reach hundreds — or thousands — of people at once. It also provides opportunities for SMS niche marketing that allow you to reach certain populations quite easily. For those interested in providing value added services, emergency text alerts can be helpful. Governments, schools, non-profit organizations, emergency responders and others can use emergency text alerts to keep the people on their list informed, and up to date on what is happening. There are a number of uses for text message marketing, and the ability to send emergency alerts is just one advantage that is available with the widespread use of cell phones.