Archive for March 17th, 2009
Spanish Text Messaging Provides La Tribuna News Updates
The Hispanic population in Western Colorado will soon have the ability to receive a text message relaying weekly breaking news thanks to a new mobile opt-in service.
A local mobile marketing company is teaming up with The Aspen Times to offer this Spanish news source for the Hispanic population. Through local English speaking publications such as The Times, classifieds in the Aspen Times, Snowmass Sun, Post Independent and Rifle Citizen Telegram readers will be prompted in a sponsored advertisement to opt in to the service via mobile text message. The individual’s standard text message rates will apply.
The mobile initiative will be executed by Qittle, a mobile marketing company that helps businesses create, customize and manage a mobile marketing initiative.
After seeing the advertisement with a call to action, readers can text in the keyword LATRIBUNA to the number 32075 in order to receive the news service, called La Tribuna Mobile. Weekly updates will then be sent to their phone in which they will be able to get access to links providing more information. At any time, participants can opt out of the service by texting STOP to the number 32075.
Casey McConnell, CEO of Qittle, said he saw a need in the local Hispanic Community to better provide local news in Spanish.
“It’s very cost efficient to take and provide timely news matters via SMS on a cell phone at a fraction of the cost of print. It’s a win-win for everyone—news is delivered to people who have opted in and a sponsor gets a highly targeted ad in which they control the cost of it. Plus, it’s green!,” said McConnell.
La Energia, a Roaring Fork Leadership Civic group, is adding a bonus for all participants—a Home Energy Upgrade valued at $500. The upgrade will include a complimentary home energy audit and mini energy makeover including products and services identified in the audit.
La Energia recently won an Aspen Skiing Company grant that was to be used to provide information to Latinos in the Roaring Fork Valley. Being the CEO of a mobile marketing company as well as a member of Roaring Fork Leadership, McConnell knew just how to provide this information in an efficient and green way.
“Our group decided to start La Energia and this mobile initiative to share the benefits of energy upgrades with the Hispanic population. Saving energy helps the environment, not to mention it saves money!”
The winner of the Home Energy Upgrade prize will be announced on April 22, 2009—Earth Day.
