RocknRoots

Text Message Marketing for Radio Stations — Interactivity on a New Frequency

By admin on May. 20, 2009.

There are three things that we never leave home without any more–your keys, wallet, and mobile phone.

Note that we no longer have a need for a watch. Those of us who still wear watches do so only because it’s a nice piece of jewelry; it’s no longer a functional item with a cell phone in your pocket.

There were 157 billion text messages sent in the United States last year! That’s up 61% over the 98 billion text messages sent in 2005! There are now more cell phones in the United States than there are internet connections.

And, if you’re trying to reach teens and young adults with email, that is just so yesterday. Text messaging represents 48% of all written communication by 15 to 24-year-olds. Remember pen and paper? Only 5% of 15 to 24-year-olds written communication is done the old fashioned way.

But, perhaps the greatest advantage of text message marketing is that you can reach your audience anytime, anywhere, any place. 84% of all consumers keep their cell phone on and with them 24 hours per day and 94% of all text messages are opened and read. That’s why The New York Times called mobile marketing “the most powerful advertising medium of all time.”

We all know teens love to text; 29% of teens send more than ten texts per day. But, if you think text messaging is just for teens, think again. 39% of active text message users (those sending more than ten messages per week) are over the age of 35. Even Grandma does it now–8% of those over the age of 70 are now considered active text messagers. All told, 95 million Americans are in this elite group of active text messagers today.

Another invention going the way of the typewriter is the landline phone. 15% of all cell phone owners don’t bother to have a landline phone anymore and 31% are considering giving up their home phone in the next three years.

If you’re a radio station executive and you’re not offering text messaging by now, you may still be living in the Marconi era. The beauty of text messaging to radio listeners is that since so much of radio listening is done outside of access to general media, text may be the only medium available. If they’re in their car, on the beach, or at the office, there’s probably no competition from television or internet. Hence, radio and the cell phone are the means to reaching your target audience.

What do radio listeners want to do with text messaging? According to the Pew Study, they want to request songs, enter contests, and obtain station play lists. It’s not surprising then that the top text message applications for radio stations to date have been contests, song requests and dedications, vote lines, station play lists, and enhanced advertising.

Enhanced advertising is where the game is starting to change for radio stations. What was once a promotional tool has now become a sales tool. What was once a cost center for a radio station has now become a revenue center.

94% of all text messages are opened and read. No other medium can make that claim, not even radio. That’s why forward looking radio station sales teams are now up-selling their customers with text programs. And, it’s working because the advertising works. It’s no longer just a spot buy when you add an interactive text promotion to the on-air commercial. Some account executives are getting in on buys in demos where they were once shutout. Others are gaining additional market share on the buy by bundling spot buys with a station text message campaign. Mobile marketing offers the sales team a weapon that others in the market simply don’t have.

Here’s how it works. Next time the radio station plans to give away tickets to a concert, why have 999 frustrated callers reaching busy signals and one lucky winner? With text messaging, all 1000 listeners get through to the station. There’s still only one lucky winner, but all the entrants receive the station advertiser’s marketing message. More importantly, the station now has a database of 1000 opt-in P-1 listeners.

Next time the station has breaking news or a pre-sale buy of concert tickets, it will want to notify the opt-in database, thus providing another opportunity to put your advertiser’s message into the palm of the hands of your loyal station listeners. Your advertiser’s message gets through and your P-1’s feel like VIP’s.

According to Forrester Research, 43% of US marketers will be using mobile marketing within the next year. Mobile marketing is projected to generate $4.8 billion in revenue in 2011.

Radio needs to jump on the mobile marketing train. If it doesn’t, somebody else will.

Robert Bentz
http://www.articlesbase.com/cell-phones-articles/text-message-marketing-for-radio-stations-interactivity-on-a-new-frequency-119385.html

How to Set Up your Own Fm Radio Station: Licensing and Start Up Issues

By admin on May. 16, 2009.

There are several ways to set up your own radio station. It depends on how serious you are about it. The single most important thing you should know before you get started is why would you need to start your own radio station?

Maybe, it’s because you are a DJ or you have a band and want to reach an audience with your songs. Maybe, you have a huge collection of rock music and want to share it with the world. Maybe you are a member of club and want to make money by broadcasting a certain type of music along with commercials. Maybe you are a candidate and want to spread the word about your nomination and your speeches. Or maybe you are just person who is passionate about radio stations and always wanted to start your own FM radio station. Whatever the case, you need to know what you are doing.

Here are the basics of setting up a new radio station in a nutshell.

First you have to make decisions on two issues. You must choose the right place where your studio will be located. Also you must decide whether your radio transmitter will be placed at your studio or in a remote location.

Next, it’s time to obtain a FM radio station license that will allow you to legally broadcast your signal.

There are two types of FM radio station license:

- The low power FM (Local)

- The full power FM (Commercial)

- License for Internet radio (Streaming Media)

You can start broadcasting your new radio station by obtaining at least one of the licenses mentioned. If you are serious about this then your goal should be to first acquire a low power FM license and then move on to the full power license. There’s also the option to set up a radio station that streams sound on the internet which is the easiest way to go with, if you have no previous experience in FM radio stations.

Here are some issues you must consider after applying for the radio station license:

- How much money are you willing to spend for start up and ongoing costs?

- What type of equipment will you need? For example transmission equipment or a radio automation system etc. Do you know how to choose the best transmitter for your radio station?

- What is the process of getting in the air? Do you know how to use your equipment and go live? For example, do you know how many watts your broadcast equipment can handle?

- How will you deal with music licensing, royalties and copyright issues? Do you know that you actually have to pay for that too?

- How well informed are you on the subject of frequencies? Acquiring a license is one thing and obtaining a frequency for your radio station is a different thing. You have to fill and submit an application to request a new frequency.

- Do you know what kind of personnel you need? Do you have a plan to find the right people for the job?

The idea of broadcasting your messages to others through a radio station becomes more and more popular. These days, we are so empowered with communication possibilities than ever before. For very little money anyone can broadcast their messages to the world.

Mary Mark
http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/how-to-set-up-your-own-fm-radio-station-licensing-and-start-up-issues-124153.html

History and Benefits of Internet Marketing

By admin on May. 13, 2009.

The commencement of first Internet marketing was is early 1990s with simple, text-based websites, which offers product information. As the time passed Internet marketing evolved into more than just selling information products, now there are people who are selling advertising space, more software programs, business models, and actually many other products and services. Today companies like google, yahoo and msn leveled the playing field of internet marketing. They offer local advertising to small to medium sized businesses; ROI has also grown while the bottom line has been lowered. This type of internet marketing is a backbone of modern capitalism, permitting anyone with a though, product or any service to reach the widest possible audience.

Houston Internet marketing is gaining popularity day by day. Actually, the internet marketing could cover any face of outline marketing as described above; latest used term internet marketing commonly refers to the use of direct response marketing strategies, which were conventionally used in radio, direct main, and TV infomercials, have applied to internet business space. This ability for careful analysis has become quite general now, that is why you would commonly see terms such as ROI, conversion rate, and sales letter generally come up when discussing about internet marketing.

Benefits

Some of the advantages related with Houston Internet marketing comprise the availability of information. Consumers could simply log onto the Internet and know about products and as well as buy them, at any hour. Companies, which use Internet marketing, could also save money because of a reduced need for a sales force. Overall, Internet marketing could surely assist in expanding from a home market to both national as well as international marketplaces. Unlike established marketing media (such as print, radio and TV), entry into the kingdom of Internet marketing could be a lot less expensive.

Compared to the other media marketing (such as print, radio and TV), Internet marketing is rising extremely fast. It’s also earning fame among small businesses and even consumers when attempting to monetize their blog or website. The calculation of the internet marketing as a media makes it very easy to experience ground-breaking e-marketing tactics, which would prove a better Cost of Acquisition than other media. However, in most urbanized countries, internet marketing and advertising spending is about 5% only, while TV, radio, and the print are far more.

Houston
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-articles/history-and-benefits-of-internet-marketing-125907.html

Finding Radio Shows On Audio Books Websites

By admin on May. 9, 2009.

Do you have fond memories of sitting with your parents listening to the radio at night after supper? Well, now a new generation can make good memories of radio too! Just download a radio show from an audio book website to your iPod, Mp3 player, or computer and you can be listening in minutes

Radio went out of fashion for quite a while. Our society has fallen in love with television and now the internet threatens to take over TV as more and more shows and movies are available online. Radio was for all intents and purposes replaced except with the early morning commuters who listened to talk radio. And the problem in the past with talk radio has been that it was attracting only a certain demographic. Not all people have lengthy commutes and many people don’t have jobs where they are able to sit and listen to radio. The ironic thing is that one of the forms of media that has helped to replace radio, the internet, has now brought new life to it.

Downloading radio shows from audio book websites is now more popular then ever. You can download a copy of an old radio show like the Jack Benny program or your favorite morning radio show. You can then listen to it at a time that is convenient for you. This practice is especially popular in Britain where 45 million Britons are now listening to radio. It is believed that this number is due to the popularity of iPods and other mobile audio devices.

The BBC has even brought some criticism upon itself for planning to make available on the internet all of its radio broadcasts upon demand. Radio shows are receiving a revival thanks to the ability to download them from the internet and take them with you. You can download all kinds of radio shows and listen to the broadcast from your computer or transfer it to your iPod or Mp3 player.

Radio might have seemed like a thing of the past but Mp3 players, video players, and even cell phones are giving radio a revival. Check out a website that sells audio books and you are likely to find radio shows for download as well. Now you and your family can share radio together by downloading family radio programs from the internet and listening to them in the car or on the computer. It’s not too late to give your children the gift of radio.

David Stargel
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/finding-radio-shows-on-audio-books-websites-105679.html

How Internet Radio Will Help Direct Sale Work-At-Home-Moms

By admin on May. 5, 2009.

Are you constantly on the lookout for help with your direct sales business? Do you secretly long for a good, solid network support system?

Running a direct sales business can become taxing, if you aren’t careful. It is easy to become overwhelmed with a full, busy work schedule. When you add a family to the mix, you suddenly realize that you’re juggling one too many balls at once.

With a little help from the Internet, you can have complete access to a great radio program that will help you find balance, enhance your business smarts, and increase your networking skills.

What is a Podcast?

A Podcast is audio (or video) files that are published online. They are readily available for instant download to a personal computer. You can also playback the files on a mobile device, such as an iPod or any other MP3 player.

Podcasts have become wildly popular over the last couple of years. More and more radio programs are being built and distributed using this method. Because you can have access to the radio shows 24/7 and can download them into your mp3 player to listen to on the go, they are increasingly common among households in America.

How can a Podcast radio program help direct sales WAHMs?

Direct sales businesses include a wide gamut of opportunities for work-at-home-moms. With the pressures of building and maintaining your home and business, you need constant support, ready and at your fingertips at any and every moment of the day.

With a direct sales radio program, you are able to hear interviews with other successful WAHMs. You can also learn ways that other direct sales moms have found to balance home and work, as well as experience a measurable amount of success in their businesses. A direct sales radio program can give you tried-and-true tips from other “real” work-at-home-moms, just like you.

Can a simple radio program really help direct sales work at home moms like you? Absolutely! So tune in and listen to one today!

Kristina C
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/how-internet-radio-will-help-direct-sale-workathomemoms-125006.html

What Are Internet Radio Hosts Looking For In Their Guests?

By admin on May. 2, 2009.

Copyright 2005 Black Butterfly Press

http://www.maxinethompson.com

As an Internet Radio Host of On The Same Page on
www.voiceamerica.com, over the past three and a half years, I
have interviewed such illustrious guests as Haki Madhubuti of
Third World Press, Dr. Rosie Milligan of Milligan Books,
Celebrity Mother Love, Mark Victor Hansen, Jack Canfield,
(Chicken Soup For the Soul Fame), Dan Poynter, and other
writing/publishing experts. From the experienced to the
non-experienced guests, this much I have gleaned—these skills
are learnable. Even if you are a first-time author, you, too,
can become an exciting interviewee.

Why is Internet radio important as a media? For one, it has a
global audience. I’ve interviewed guests who were as far away as
Paris and in the Bahamas. Anyone with a computer and Internet
Access can listen to your show

Most of all, Internet radio is not only the wave of the future,
it is beginning to be heard in automobiles, so this is a good
place to start your publicity trek.

What are Internet Radio Hosts looking for In Their Guests?

1. Hosts are drawn to an energetic, upbeat, personable guest. If
you have a flat liner personality, be honest with yourself.
Practice on a tape recorder, even if it’s your own answer
machine, or in the mirror. If necessary, get a media coach. But
practice, practice, practice.

2. Host like guests who are well-informed and on top of their
game. Stay abreast of trends and provide updated new
information. (Read the newspaper, the Internet, do research. Be
an information junkie.) Consider different hooks and angles,
i.e. how has the Internet changed the way we do business? How
can writers market their books on the Internet?

3. Hosts like controversy, but not particularly of the “shock
jock” variety. If you are speaking on a controversial subject,
be non-judgmental and do not offend any particular group of
people. Make sure you learn how not to use language, which is
condescending or demeaning such as using phrases like “those
people.”

4. If you are a fiction writer, show how your novel addresses
social issues such as race, police brutality, crime, corruption,
drugs, AIDS, etc. Most of all, show how your story can provide
information that improves the quality of other people’s lives,
even if your story is fiction.

5. If you are from a medical, business or scientific background,
make your interview interesting and lively. Don’t make it a
pedantic lecture.

Tips for Improving Your Interview:

Send the host your press release and a review copy of your book,
including news articles or book reviews, before the show.

Send the host a list of questions or topics that you are well
versed in.

Become a guest who knows how to talk about his/her work and not
just all about “me.” Remember, people are always tuned into this
station—WIFM—”What’s in it For Me?”

Don’t just try to sell the store (your book, your seminar, your
product), but sell the story.

Learn to answer in sound bites. Do not go over one minute for a
reply.

Drop your voice to cue the host that you are through speaking
and waiting for the next question.

Give the host time to ask a question, without having to
interrupt, which means you are going on too long.

Learn the importance of pausing and deep breathing. Don’t run on
like a motor mouth.

Learn the power of the pause, even while you are answering. This
habit will make listeners lean forward to hear what you’re
saying. It also sends a message that you are a serious person
who chooses his words carefully.

If possible, use anecdotes, recite poems, or read excerpts from
your book. Tasteful humor always works.

Don’t forget to provide your web page and where your book can be
purchased.

When you hear the music before the break, you have 30 seconds to
wrap up whatever point you were making.

Sharpen your axe. Attend Toastmaster’s or join Speaking Bureaus
to become a better speaker.

Learn how to adlib and speak off the cuff, particularly if a
caller catches you off guard.

Learn to disagree, without being disagreeable.

Listen to other shows as well as “On The Same Page” on
www.voiceamerica.com.

Before the show, confirm with the host. (Most of the time, I
confirm beforehand.) Email if an emergency comes up and you
can’t be on the show.

Although I usually email a thank you note, I seldom get them
back. Remember to send a Thank-you email. This could go a long
way if you get on Howard Stern’s Show or Oprah’s.

* “On The Same Page” airs on Tuesday at 6:00 a.m. Pacific Time
live, then re-airs at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Friday 4:00 p.m.
PST and Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Maxine Thompson
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/what-are-internet-radio-hosts-looking-for-in-their-guests-525.html