What are some examples of how businesses are now using TextCaster.
The following are some examples of how TextCaster is now being used in various markets:
- Retail & Restaurants – mCoupons – Send special mobile coupon offers.
- Media – Newspapers, TV & Radio stations extend their primary channels and their websites to reach their audience anywhere.
- Education – High Schools, Colleges & Universities send sports scores, campus updates, school emergencies, closings, early dismissals etc.
- Municipalities & Law Enforcement – Create a localized Public Safety Alerts program addressing issues like Lost or Missing Persons, Hazardous Materials incidents etc.
- Utility Companies – Enhancing customer service by keeping patrons apprised of power outages, including estimated times to restore service.
How much does TextCaster cost?
Since TextCaster can be used in a variety of ways, for pricing please contact us via email at sales@textcaster.com We will contact you to talk about how TextCaster can enhance the way your business can connect with customers. At that time we are happy to quote you on the cost of TextCaster for your business.
OK…I’ve signed up for TextCaster, the Permission-based wireless communication application, and now I want to get started. What do I do first?
You will first want to log-in and create the Business Message Groups you will offer as information categories for your customers to choose from and receive as text messages on their mobile phones. You may also want to set up any Internal Message Groups too if you want to use TextCaster to enhance the way your communicate internally with staff. Once you’ve set up your Business Message Groups, you’ll want to complete the content for your Automated Sign-up Application (ASA). TextCaster will help you with this process.
How do I create Business and Internal Message Groups in the TextCaster application?
When you log in to your TextCaster application, click on the orange CONTACTS box at the top of the page. This will take you to a contact management feature that allows you to manually enter customer contact information as well as Business and Internal Message Groups. Select the Business or Internal Message Group tab, then click on the ADD button. You will first create a group entry name, then, after clicking the next ADD button, you can then add individuals that are already listed in your customer contact list.
How many message groups can I create in the TextCaster application?
You may create as many Business Message Groups as you would like for your customers to choose from as information they want to receive as a text message. Try to keep the number of Business Message Groups to a minimum so you can better manage the sending of this information more easily. For your Internal Message Groups, you may create an unlimited number of these groups based upon your personal needs.
Are there any extra charges from Wireless Carriers for people receiving text messages?
That is up to the pricing plans of each wireless carrier. In some cases, people can receive text messages as part of their mobile carrier’s service plan. Wireless carriers may charge a nominal fee for text messages if this feature is not included as part of a subscriber’s service plan. People should check with their mobile service provider to find out if there are any fees associated with receiving text messages.
When creating and sending a message, how many characters am I allowed?
Your message can vary depending upon how your application is set-up. Usually you'll be able to send approximately 120 Characters. TextCaster supports the Short Message Service (SMS) protocol. When you’re creating a message in the “Enter Message” box, you’ll notice a character counter just below the box to let you know how many characters you have left when creating your message.
Can I create and save messages for future use?
Yes. This feature is just below the Enter Message box. Simply click on the “ADD” link below the “Create, Save & Re-use” box and follow the instructions. It’s easy.
What if I need additional help?
You can either click on the “Contact Us” link above or send us an email at support@textcaster.com.
What if people want to unsubscribe?
TextCaster is an FCC "Can SPAM" compliant application. People can unsubscribe and change message preferences by simply visiting your ASA application that's integrated as part of your home page. They'll click on the Unsubscribe / Change Message Preferences link at the bottom of the page, then follow the simple process to do what they wish.
What’s an Automated Sign-up Application in the TextCaster application?
The Automated Sign-up Application (ASA) is a feature that lets TextCaster clients create an automated sign-up process for their customers to access via a link on the business’ website. TextCaster clients can brand, customize and manage the automated sign-up application by clicking on the ASA button on the right side of the TextCaster application once logged in. The ASA is easily integrated into a client's website - we'll show you how!
Can I brand the Automated Sign-up Application (ASA)?
YES. As a TextCaster client, you’ll have the ability to “browse” and “upload” a logo / graphic that can be placed at the top of your Automated Sign-up Application. You’ll also be able to create a description of how you are using TextCaster along with the message categories you wish to offer your customers. This is done with a convenient HTML content editor that’s part of the ASA building and editing process. These features are included as part of the automated process to assist you in creating your own Automated Sign-up Application.
How do I integrate the ASA application with my website?
It’s Easy. Part of the Automated Sign-up Application Builder is a feature that allows you to add the pop-up link to your website. The ASA dynamically creates for you sample HTML code to create a Sign-up Now link. Simply copy the HTML that’s been automatically created for you in the ASA Builder and paste it into the HTML for the page on your website for which the ASA application will be launched. Of course you can change this if you wish and create your own web link.
What if I don’t have a website but want to promote my new text messaging capability to customers via email?
Not a problem. In fact, this is one of the key features that TextCaster offers businesses that do not have a website, or that want to promote its new TextCaster program via email. As a TextCaster client, once you have logged in, simply click on the Automated Sign-up Application (ASA) link that’s part of the application. This will launch an ASA Builder that will automatically create an email link for you after you go through the Build ASA process. Simply copy and paste this email link as a hyperlink into an email you want to send to customers…it’s that easy. When customers receive your email, all they’ll need to do is click on the embedded hyperlink that was created as part of the email and the ASA will launch automatically allowing customers to sign-up and choose the message categories they wish to receive. Regardless of having a business website or not, TextCaster can support both the manual and automated entry of your customer’s mobile contact information.