ClubTexting, the parent of this blog, opened for business a year ago with a radical marketing proposition--allow nightclub patrons to use their cellphones to opt in to read about promotions and events in the palm of their hands. Instead of relying on promoters to hand out flyers to people who may or may not be interested, opt-in mobile messaging allows you to speak directly to customers who want to know about what your venue has to offer them.

What differentiates ClubTexting from so many other similar mobile messaging services, is that ClubTexting allows customers to sign up with their thumbs--not by heading to a website, not by writing their name on a form, and not by sending them to a WAP site--with ClubTexting, Customers opt-in to the service by sending a text message with your venue name to the number 25827 (Clubs). That's it.

The possibilities for a venue owner looking to sign up loyal patrons are endless. Do you often have long lines outside of your venue? What better way to impress upon your customers the value for them of signing up for your service than having a bouncer or a rep. walk down the line handing out cards with your keyword?

DJ's can call out the short code--"Text VenueX to CLUBS to sign up for our VIP list." You can post signs inside your venue with your new keyword. And of course, you can integrate your new mobile marketing campaigns with your existing campaigns. If you print flyers add your keyword to them and see just how effectively you are reaching potential customers. If you've spent the last few years cultivating an email database, you now have a new way to exploit that asset--when you send your weekly list of events you can let your customers know about your keyword.

Text Messaging is not just another way to communicate with your customers; it's a better way. Today no one goes anywhere without their cell phone, which means that with a ClubTexting account, you have permanent, 24/7 access to your customers. And not just any customers, customers who want to hear from you! Further, ClubTexting is unique because it allows your customers to easily let you know that they want to hear from you with a few taps on the keys of their phone. Why send them to a website--as other providers often make them--when you can allow them to sign up right then, right there, with the device on which they will receive the actual messages?

Once you've built up a list of customers, sending them messages is simple. Just log on to the ClubTexting website, compose a message in our simple form, and click Send.

While ClubTexting was originally conceived with venue owners in mind, the service has rapidly expanded, rolling out solutions tailored for event marketers,  retailers, and magazines. Check back Friday to hear about how magazine publishers are implementing mobile marketing strategies.