Vibes Media

FAQ

Q :: What is SMS?

A :: SMS is an acronym for short message service. SMS messages are most commonly referred to as text messages.

Q :: What is MMS?

A :: MMS is an acronym for multimedia messaging service. MMS messages are mobile messages that can contain text, images, audio and video.

Q :: How long can a text message (SMS) be?

A :: Text messages in the U.S. are typically limited to 160 characters, with spaces.

Q :: What is a short code?

A :: A short code is a specialized telephone number used to deliver text messages (SMS) and multimedia messages (MMS). These numbers are much shorter than typical telephone numbers and usually contain 4, 5 or 6 digits. We use short codes to execute all our mobile programs, as they are much more convenient than full telephone numbers, allowing consumers to quickly memorize them and providing clients more flexibility when promoting a mobile program.

Q :: Who owns the short code used to run my program?

A :: Once we agree to execute a mobile program with a client we will purchase a short code to be used exclusively for that program. The cost of the short code will be included in the price of the program, and once the program has ended, Vibes will continue to be the owner of the short code.

Q :: How prevalent is text messaging?

A :: Consumers are rapidly expanding the way they use mobile phones. Out of the 237 million wireless subscribers in the US, over 80% use their phones to send text messages. In 2008 more than 300 billion text messages will be sent in the US, with an average of more than 1 billion each day.

Q :: How long will it take to get my program up-and-running?

A :: Several factors will determine how long it will take to develop and execute a mobile program. The timeline often revolves around how long it will take to secure and provision a short code to be used exclusively for your program. This process typically takes between 8 to 10 weeks. During this period, however, our accounts team will work with you to ensure your program is ready to go live as soon as your short code is provisioned. The timeline for this process is highly subject to change, as some smaller projects can be developed and executed in a much shorter timeframe, while others may take longer.

Q :: Can I send out unsolicited text messages?

A :: It is our hope that text messaging will continue to remain a private affair and therefore refuse to send unsolicited text messages. If spamming becomes as prevalent in text messaging as it has in email, the impact and effectiveness of text messaging will suffer. With this in mind, all our mobile programs are initiated by the consumer, providing an engaging, personal experience.

Q :: What is a keyword?

A :: Keywords allow your consumers to interact with your mobile programs. For example: If your marketing materials read, Text WEATHER to 12345 to receive the local weather report, the operative keyword is WEATHER. Each keyword is tied to a bounce back message, which is the message your consumer will receive after sending a keyword. The bounce back message for this example would be, 72 degrees with a 15% chance of rain. More advanced programs can be executed with multiple keywords so long as each keyword is unique.

Q :: Do you provide prize-fulfillment, legal review and rules and regulations?

A :: Yes, we provide all of the above services. If you choose to take advantage of these additional services they will be included in the price of your mobile program.

Q :: Do you have a creative department?

A :: Yes, we have a complete creative department including digital designers, copywriters and web developers that can provide a variety of materials to help support your mobile program. Of course, you can utilize your own creative team if you desire. Though we do provide creative services, the timeline for the development and execution of your mobile program, as well as the price of your mobile program, will increase depending on the amount of work required.

Q :: What is WAP?

A :: WAP is an acronym for wireless application protocol and is commonly referred to as the mobile web. However, WAP is not to be confused with the Internet, as WAP sites and Internet sites (websites) are very different. Essentially, WAP sites are simplified versions of websites, optimized for mobile handset functionality. Though some consumers are unfamiliar with WAP, most new mobile handsets are WAP compatible. WAP sites are ideal for delivering large amounts of content-including text, images, audio and video-to mobile consumers.