SMS Text Marketing

Blackboard (News - Alert) Inc., a major player in the enterprise technology space that strives to improve the experience of millions of students and learners around the world every day, has recently launched Blackboard ConnectTxt, a two-way SMS text marketing platform.

Now available in the United States, when leveraging ConnectTxt users can send text messages and e-mails to a broad audience through a powerful inbound messaging engine, as well as receive replies via text.

Blackboard ConnectTxt already helps more than 500 customers around the world including more than half of all colleges and universities in the United Kingdom to drive response rates to communications and encourage participation.

When using this solution, education, government and private organizations can leverage the popularity of text messaging for more meaningful conversations.

"Texting has quickly become the communication method of choice for many of us, and Blackboard ConnectTxt helps leaders make the most of this channel's unique strengths," said Ed Miller, president of Blackboard Connect, in a statement.

"When you communicate with people in the mode they prefer, response rates and community engagement improve, and organizations can better measure the overall effectiveness of their communications," Miller added.

Dana Simmons, director of e-Marketing and Outreach at Westminster College, said that communications have changed; while e-mail, phone calls and direct mail are still viable tools, effectively connecting with students today means having a mobile conversation.

"Incorporating Blackboard ConnectTxt into our recruitment strategy has proven that students are willing to respond if you connect with them in the right way," according to Simmons.

The core Blackboard ConnectTxt messaging engine processes and routes inbound SMS with unique keywords, shortcodes and standard codes, QR codes, inbox filters and workflow rules.

These tools assist customers in strengthening relationships with their communities by enabling clients to-Increase response rates; establish text-based hotlines; drive contact database registration; run real-time SMS surveys; track message delivery and integrate mobile into marketing campaigns.

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