What can I do with USSD Push?

by | Apr 16, 2015 |

Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) Push messages can be used to convey various types of information to your customers in the blink of an eye. Much like SMS, USSD Push messages are sent in plain text to a recipient’s mobile handset. You can use it to communicate with your customers (or even your employees or stakeholders) about absolutely anything. For example: A promotion or special offer A onetime pin or password Relevant company news (the company reached its sales target, you received a big investment, new stakeholders are joining the team, the company is relocating etc.) Directions to your social media pages or website Important info about your products and services (shipment dates, shift schedules etc.) Unlike an SMS, these messages can’t be saved to the recipient’s phone. How is this useful? Take the onetime pin for example – this is sensitive info that the recipient doesn’t want to store on his phone in case his phone ever get’s stolen. In other words, having the message disappear automatically after reading, provides the customer with an extra measure of security. Because the customer can just click the message away without reading it, some customers find this communication method less invasive when compared to actual phone calls. Some of the advantages of USSD Push are: It puts the focus solely on your message – no pictures or jingles It is a very cheap method of customer communication It all happens in real-time It is fast and can reach your customers wherever they are All handsets are capable of receiving these messages It is a point of contact that you can use...

Give your business an edge with USSD

by | Nov 14, 2014 |

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a mobile product that allows a company to use their computers to communicate with customers’ cell phones. How can this give your business an edge, you ask? Let’s find out! You get more characters Some people argue that USSD Push and Pull message could even be better for client communication than text messages. Maybe, maybe not. But what we can say for certain is that you can fit more characters into such a message than you can with a SMS. It makes you look more accessible It is also a real-time connection, which implies that the customer will experience it like that as well. It allows a brand to be more responsive and data can be exchanged in a flash. In other words, you appear more eager to help your customer because you are able to respond in the “here and now.” It provides your customers with shortcuts You can use USSD to create interactive mobile menus. For customers who don’t have the time or patience (or who are simply not comfortable) to speak to a live consultant, this can be a dream come true. Instead of explaining what they want to a person, they can choose a suitable option from a set menu. It is literally as easy as 1,2,3! It can make more of your services available Because USSD Push and Pull messages can be used for a variety of functions, it can enable you to make more of your services available on mobile. You can safely send passwords, polls, alerts, notifications, updates, promotional material etc. It can also allow you to...

How to convince your boss that a USSD Push app is worth it

by | Aug 11, 2014 |

As a marketer, you probably already know that USSD Push is a powerful marketing tool. But, the decision ultimately lies with your boss. How can you convince him/ her that they should get on board with it? Unstructured Supplementary Service Data apps are a great, low cost way to reach customers fast. But that is not all. You can also use it to gain insight into customer behaviour. So what stops businesses from using it in the first place? We don’t want to spam our customers Good, you shouldn’t. But take heart, you will only annoy your customers if you handle USSD Push the wrong way. And no, it is not rocket science to figure out how to do it right. As long as your messages are relevant, personalized and timed well, you don’t have to be afraid to go for gold. We don’t really know what to do with it Be Creative! You can use it on its own or in combination with your other marketing channels. For example: send pins/ passwords, notifications, reminders, alerts, polls/ surveys etc. We don’t know if it will be effective: When it comes to mobile marketing in any form (SMS, MMS, USSD etc.) you can always be sure about one thing. Messages via traditional mediums (radio, television, paper) and even email easily get lost in the mass of other messages. Mobile messages however go directly to the recipient’s phone and is guaranteed to be opened and read – even if it is only the first sentence. Customers won’t be interested in my app: It really won’t be any effort for your customers to...

Can USSD Push messages still be personal?

by | Jun 9, 2014 |

There is no doubt that USSD Push messages can drive sales, but too many companies make the mistake of composing cold, impersonal content. How can you be different? Start by welcoming subscribers to your mobile marketing and thank them for opting in. They are doing you a favour – not the other way around. Don’t constantly blast your customers with generic messages. It looks spammy and will cause the receiver to shut down immediately. Use consumers’ first name to address them in your messages as well so they don’t feel like it is an “attack of the automation robots” on their privacy. Keep the look and feel of your USSD Push messages consistent. It helps to create brand awareness. The second a user receives your notification, they should be able to recognize your company immediately. You can even combine your Push messages with other channels (SMS, email) to lend an air of authenticity to the first mentioned. If you sell a variety of products, make sure the product you are offering to your customer, is relevant to him or her. The same goes for rewards. Nothing is more disappointing than receiving a voucher for a product that you can’t use. Research your target market thoroughly and you will be able to keep your opt-outs to a minimum. Keep an eye on the reaction of your customers. If you see that you receive no engagement on your USSD Push messages, find out why. Don’t ignore signs that your campaign isn’t working. Make sure you send it at an optimal time of day and that your content is appealing. If you...

How can I use USSD Push in my company?

by | Feb 5, 2014 |

Unstructured Supplementary Services Data can be divided into USSD Push and Pull. Both have advantages for a business that is looking towards something “different” when it comes to marketing and client services. You can use USSD Push for a variety of things. For example: Banking / Secure Account Management Surveys and Interaction Direct marketing campaigns and offers Application updates Scheduled reminders and alerts Unstructured Supplementary Services Data is especially valued in the financial sector. It allows your clients to receive one-time pins that they can’t save to their inbox, thus providing them with the security that their pin can’t be stolen. A client can also receive request a literally pops onto the receiver’s screen. Integrat offers v as one of our many mobile products and services. Find out more by giving us a call right...