Treat yourself with more sales this Christmas

In a world where people are watching their pennies more and more, retailers are having to work harder to survive. The festive period is fast becoming a crucial time for many retailers to increase sales as shoppers come out in force.

When it comes to buying, online and mobile are fast becoming the channels of choice for shoppers. A recent article in the Guardian, Mobile phones are changing the world of retail – at a remarkable speed, stated that the retail industry is going through a ‘revolution’ as mobile changes the way shoppers find and buy products and services. One of the major reasons for shoppers increasing their use of mobile is because of the sheer convenience of it – customers can buy whenever they want, from wherever they are. And let’s not forget that we can now obtain a wealth of information about the product or service and find out who is selling at the cheapest price – which is paramount in the current climate we live in. There is a growing trend where people are actually using their mobile phone whilst in shops to go online and check reviews and prices!

This Christmas researchers are predicting that mobile will continue to have a dramatic impact on sales. Whilst The Independent reports that Deloitte is expecting consumers to spend £330m straight from their smartphones, a huge £3.2 billion of Christmas sales is claimed to be influenced by smartphones as shoppers use their mobile phones to investigate prices, save their Christmas gift buying lists and interact with others over social media. Colin Jeffrey, the head of multichannel retail at Deloitte, asserted: "The strongest growth will be found online, with purchases completed on mobile phones double or even triple that of last year. It is also going to be a click-and-collect Christmas with those retailers who have invested in this service set to do well as these customers spend more and collections drive footfall into stores."

How to Increase 2012 Christmas Sales

1. Get with it - Develop a mobile friendly site

You must have a mobile friendly website. The ultimate aim for any retailer should be to make it as easy as possible for customers to find information and buy products and services. With shoppers increasingly using mobile, a mobile friendly site will help you gain visits to your website, encourage shoppers to stay and look around and help turn those visits into customers.

It is important to consider the buying experience when shoppers visit your website using a mobile. For example, it can often be more difficult to find information as screens are smaller and connection speeds can vary. Therefore, it is crucial that you ensure your content is mobile friendly on different mobile devices by making the site more simple with easy navigation and tabs. You can read further at Mobile Commerce Daily.

2. Finders keepers - Gift finder apps

Consider developing apps as they can be a very effective way to increase mobile usage. An app which we came across this Christmas and may be useful to consider is a 'gift finder' app. This could enable customers to sync their phone book to make gift lists and link with products and services. You could also highlight popular products and services through 'top gift ideas' and allow multiple delivery options to make it more friendly and convenient for the user. If you have a physical store, it is also worthwhile allowing shoppers to scan items when in store and add to gift list.

This can be an effective way to make yourself stand out from the crowd and drive customers to your store.

3. Who are you? - Know your audience

Shoppers are still being cautious when it comes to spending. Therefore it’s crucial that you know your customers well and meet their expectations. For example, will shoppers be entering your website from a smartphone or an iPad? Will they be wary about buying online from a mobile? These answers will impact on your website and whether you offer other ways to buy to ensure you do not lose sales.

Understanding the answers to key questions such as these will help determine the customer experience you deliver and influence your website design, navigation and layout.

4. Get to grips - Handle customer demand.

Capgemini is advising retailers that key dates to look out for are the two weeks beginning the 3rd and the 10th December as £920 million is expected to be spent using mobile. It is vital that you are able to process orders and meet delivery dates.

Therefore, plan ahead to ensure you have the necessary resources and infrastructure in place to handle customer demand.

5. Talk is cheap - Communicate, communicate and communicate!

An effective way to deliver great customer service and make sure your customers are having the best experience when reviewing and buying your products and services, is by communicating with shoppers throughout the buying process.

A quick and way to achieve this is via SMS communications. Retailers can use SMS to notify customers when orders are complete, due to arrive and have arrived as well as alerts on other products or services helping generate further revenue.

Message to retailers

Ensure you are not left behind the mobile trend. Tailor your website so it is mobile friendly, easy to navigate and allows customers to locate what they are looking for this Christmas. For more information about HSL's mobile messaging solutions, please see our Solutions and APIs.

Alternatively, visit us at:

http://www.linkedin.com/company/hay-systems-ltd

follow us on Twitter @HSLSMS

or call us on +44 (0)1506 605260

or email us at sales@haysystems.com

Top Tips for Flyers!

Mobile technology is transforming the airline industry making travelling more efficient, convenient and a much more pleasant experience from beginning to end.

Before you even begin your journey, you can use your mobile to research and plan your trip to make the most of ‘dead’ time such as when you’re on the bus to work or waiting for someone to arrive. Once you know where and when you want to go, you can use your mobile to book flights and manage your booking from here - meaning you can access the booking at anytime!

SMS alerts are being used by airlines to send a variety of information to passengers and you should check what type of alerts is available. For example, you may be able to receive alerts instantly when seats become available helping ensure you travel with your companions. Other useful alerts include notifications regarding flight changes as this can help you manage knock on delays on other activities such as arriving to business meetings and catching connecting flights. SMS is therefore ideal as passengers can be notified immediately regarding updates to flights or services even if they are on the move and do not have access to a computer or internet link.

One of the most wearisome aspects of travelling that mobile technology is helping to reduce is the length of time spent waiting in queues as this may result in missed flights. Therefore, the ability to actually check in online or through your own mobile helps reduce waiting times, stress levels and produce much more happy travellers!

The Financial reports that according to J.D. Power & Associates’ 2012 North America Airline Satisfaction Study digital check-ins are now becoming so popular they are already showing signs of maturity, and mobile check-in adoption rates are advancing quickly.

However, they outline a different study by SITA and Airline Business which shows only half of airlines are offering mobile check-in services for their customers. Nonetheless, it is worthwhile finding out if your airline offers mobile check-in as it will allow you to check in wherever you are which is particularly useful when you are on the move! 

Even better, Fox Business outline another study by SITA in which they state 15% of air travellers will use a mobile phone to not only check in at the airport but also to attain an electronic mobile boarding pass by 2014. This means that you no longer have to use the self service kiosks to print tickets or print them at home and then keep the boarding pass somewhere safe - helping simplify the whole process and make it speedier.

It’s also worthwhile looking out for new technology developments which are helping streamline and enhance the airline experience. For example, Fox Business highlight that Near Field Communication is beginning to be used for electronically storing and accessing all travel documents without needing to connect via the Internet such as e-Passports, e-Visas, baggage receipts and immigration forms. SAS Scandinavian Airlines is reported as already using this technology.

Another trend to watch out for is in-flight entertainment packages. The Financial claims they are proving to be hugely popular for travellers but although it creates massive advertising opportunities they are expensive for airlines to install and update which is affecting adoption rates.

More recently, we are starting to see airlines introduce in-flight mobile services allowing passengers to use mobiles for sending messages and checking email for example. However, be wary as tariffs may be higher!

So what can you do to make your trip more convenient and pleasant? Use our top tips below and check with your airline to ensure these services are available!

Top Tips for Flyers 

1. Make most of dead time - research and plan trip via mobile
2. Access information anytime - book and manage booking using your mobile 
3. Sit with travelling companions - sign up for SMS updates on available seats 
4. Manage potential delays via SMS flight alerts 
5. Save time using mobile check-in 
6. Use convenient and fast electronic mobile boarding passes 
7. Check and see if in-flight mobile services are available and check tariffs

Further examples on how mobile messaging services can help the transport industry can be found on our website at http://www.hslsms.com/sectors/transport-and-logistics/.

Alternatively, visit us at:

http://www.linkedin.com/company/hay-systems-ltd

follow us on Twitter @HSLSMS

or call us on +44 (0)1506 605260

or email us at sales@haysystems.com

m-Ticketing Made Easy

Almost everyone has a mobile phone and will use a ticket at some point in their daily lives either for travelling, going to the cinema or attending an event - making m-ticketing (tickets sent to mobiles) a powerful ticketing solution.

There are huge benefits to m-Ticketing, most of which is how easy it is! Customers can now purchase a ticket anywhere using their mobile making the most of ‘downtime’ and receive tickets immediately. This is great for consumers as they no longer have to visit the box office or queue to collect tickets and they can view ticket information from their mobile any time they wish. For the forgetful, and those of us who lose things, this is a blessing as there is no longer a need to keep the paper copy somewhere safe for long periods of time!

From a company point of view, m-Ticketing can greatly improve efficiency by saving time and money as the requirement to send tickets by post or print the paper is removed and customers receive tickets instantly helping reduce turnaround times.

Show Data Systems is one of the UK’s leading Event Registration and Ticket booking companies. They wanted to make it even easier for attendees to register for trade and consumer events and decided the best way to do this was through mobile ticketing leading to the search for an SMS supplier to make this possible.

In the end, they opted to use HSL's SMS services due to their experience within the market, competitive pricing and user friendly software. They were able to easily integrate their online systems with HSL’s services enabling them to automatically send a barcoded mobile text confirmation of their end client’s badge or booking within seconds.

During the set up period, Show Data Systems were delighted as HSL took the time to fully understand their requirements and ensure that a suitable and effective solution was created rather than just a typical ‘off the shelf offering.’ As a result, the service provided to Show Data Systems meets their exact specifications and Show Data Systems are able to reliably send SMS communications without any worry.

In regards to HSL's own customer service and support, Show Data Systems’ technical director Graham Parkins praised HSL and said that he found the company to be “a pleasure to deal with.” He commented that, “My technical questions are always answered quickly and succinctly.”

Show Data Systems has now been a client of HSL’s since 2009. If you wish to see further examples of how we have helped businesses enhance their services via SMS, please view our case studies.

Alternatively, visit us at:

http://www.linkedin.com/company/hay-systems-ltd

follow us on Twitter @HSLSMS

or call us on +44 (0)1506 605260

or email us at sales@haysystems.com

Help! SMS in need of adoption.

When did you last NOT read a text (SMS) message? Not reply. Read. 

Can't remember? Never? Well, it's the same story for your biggest assets - your 'staff'.

There is huge potential for enterprise SMS particularly when you consider that the popularity of SMS amongst consumers is on the rise. 

The recent Ofcom report The Communications Market Report: United Kingdom concluded that people are more likely to send messages to each other rather than have voice calls or hold face to face meetings. It's so much quicker to text a couple of words as opposed to having an actual conversation, especially when you are busy.

One of the biggest benefits of SMS communications is the ability to actually reach intended recipients. The International Telecommunication Union report The World in 2011 - ICT Facts and Figures estimates that 87% of the global population now has a mobile phone giving enterprises the opportunity to connect with more people around the world and even reach people they previously thought were ‘unreachable'.  With market estimates stating that over 90% of SMS are opened, and some figures as high as 98%, SMS communications are also much more likely to be read by recipients than any other form of enterprise communication. Think. Do you know anyone over the age of 16 who doesn't have a mobile phone and doesn't have it with them?

Enterprises are using SMS in a wide variety of ways and it can be implemented across offices, departments, locations and countries. For example, SMS can be used to send information to customers with reminders to take medication, changes to their flight, or when they can expect their orders to be delivered. More specific examples include using SMS for IT monitoring and sending alerts to notify staff immediately of any system issues whilst others use SMS for emergency communications including alerting employees and locals regarding extreme weather conditions.

SMS is also helping enterprises around the world reach their target customers. To read further examples of how SMS is benefiting enterprises today, and how it could add value to your enterprise, please view our case studies.

Alternatively, visit us at:

http://www.linkedin.com/company/hay-systems-ltd

follow us on Twitter @HSLSMS

or call us on +44 (0)1506 605260

or email us at sales@haysystems.com

How do you get yours?

It’s 17:10 on a Monday evening and you are just about to leave the office. Most of your colleagues have already left and as you check your inbox one last time you notice an email from your manager advising, “The office will be closed to all staff tomorrow morning due to emergency building repairs. Please communicate this to all staff immediately.”  You instantly reach for the telephone but then realise most staff left at 17:00 and that there are hundreds of them to contact. You first panic, then after taking a minute to let your blood pressure normalise, consider sending out an email to all staff; it’s quick and easy to do but not even half of your staff have access to work emails from home and the half of those that do, probably won't. In fact, according to Phonedog, "email sit unread for an average of 48 hours before being read while SMS messages are usually opened only four minutes after being sent".

It’s at that moment when you remember a text alerting service which the comms or marketing or some other department recently adopted for sending out customer service updates. "The proportion of adults who personally own/use a mobile phone in the UK is 92%," according to Ofcom and as all members of staff have already given their contact mobile number, you realise that this would be the ideal communication tool to use. You quickly scroll through your emails and call through to the marketing department who confirm that the service is active and that you can use it. They make a small change to the set up to allow you access and a few minutes later you have sent out a text to all members of staff advising of the office closure, what to do instead and also asking staff to acknowledge receipt of the message by replying with their name.

You then leave the office, safe in the knowledge that your colleagues will receive the notification and that you will be able to easily check the replies against the list of staff the message was sent to.

This is just one example of how using texting (SMS) alerts for emergency communications can work and can be quicker and slicker than other forms of communication. Texting can actually be applied in a host of situations and by all company departments whether that be updating field staff, sending out IT alerts or notifying customers that their product is available or tracking where the delivery is.

HSL have an excellent text alert solution for time sensitive communications which is known as AlertBroadcast. Put simply, the solution will enable you to text a number of contacts quickly, reliably and also offers the ability for contacts to reply back to the message sender thus confirming receipt and correct comprehension of the message. Alertbroadcast is therefore cost-effective, fast and quite simply works. In fact, a number of HSL clients have been benefiting from the solution for years. For example, Dartmoor Search and Rescue have used the solution for over 5 years and have found it to be “extremely reliable”. Likewise Newmont Mining Corporation have commented that “the technology helps the warnings to be more immediate and effective in alerting our communities and staff in case of an emergency".

To find out more about how AlertBroadcast works and how it could improve your company communications view our AlertBroadcast page. If you’d like to test the solution for yourself, contact us and we’ll set you up with a free test account so that you can see the benefits in action for yourself.

Alternatively, visit us at:

http://www.linkedin.com/company/hay-systems-ltd

follow us on Twitter @HSLSMS

or call us on +44 (0)1506 605260

or email us at sales@haysystems.com

Hot tips for cold snaps

As the first cold snap of the winter arrives to the UK, businesses need to prepare. Research conducted by Zurich Insurance has revealed that 64% of UK businesses have suffered disruption as a direct consequence of the severe weather experienced in the winter. We have all witnessed areas in the UK coming to a complete standstill with flights cancelled, trains delayed and parts of motorways completely closed. Ultimately, one of the biggest consequences of this disruption is employees struggle to get into work as they are either delayed or unable to make it in. Even when employees are able to make it in, businesses can expect less productive workers as employees are distracted and worried about the journey home.

With current economic conditions being so challenging, disruptions to business operations are severely damaging and experts have estimated that harsh winter weather has meant around 2000 businesses are more at risk of failure.

Home workers find winter warmth

One of the easiest ways to prepare for the winter weather and minimise the disruption of absent and late employees is through home working. This enables your business to operate as normal as staff can continue to perform their day to day tasks. It also removes the confusion over whether to pay employees who are absent from work due to bad weather. It could also provide competitive advantage as there may be others in the industry that fail to prepare and are therefore unable to operate as normal.

One recent survey conducted by Ceridian found that home workers are more productive, have lower levels of stress, higher morale and motivation. Research by TeamViewer also found that it can be an effective way to raise job satisfaction. This is great news for enterprises that are looking for effective ways to reward, motivate and retain staff and provides an alternative route to increasing salaries.

It is also important that we do not forget that enterprises are responsible for the well being of their employees. By removing the need for employees to travel into work when the weather is severe and dangerous doesn’t just increase safety but it also eliminates the anxiety and stress involved with getting to and from work. This is particularly important when you consider the Met Office findings that when temperatures drop below zero, mortality rates from heart attacks peaks three days later, from strokes five days later and from respiratory infections ten days later.

Therefore, if the weather is bad or dangerous for employees to get to work, enterprises need to be able to communicate with staff before they set off to work to let them know when they do not need to travel in unnecessarily. This isn't always an easy task, especially when you have to communicate with a large group of employees in a limited space of time. The most effective way to do this is by sending a text as most people carry a mobile phone with them and are very likely to read the text message immediately.

HSL's AlertBroadcast solution provides customers with an easy and cost-effective solution to keep in touch with employees. This two-way SMS alert system enables enterprises to broadcast a message to inform a group of contacts with time critical information.

For more information about how HSL's AlertBroadcast solution can help your enterprise prepare this winter, please visit us at: http://www.hslsms.com/services/alertbroadcast/

Alternatively, visit us at:

http://www.linkedin.com/company/hay-systems-ltd

follow us on Twitter @HSLSMS

or call us on +44 (0)1506 605260

or email us at sales@haysystems.com

SMS Solutions Help Monitor Energy Usage

Utility companies face increasing pressure to lower rates and help customers cut consumption as more and more households and businesses struggle to pay their bills. SwitchGasandElectric.com estimate that half of the UK population will be in fuel poverty by the end of this year and others estimate that as many as 45 companies are going bankrupt every day.

Smart Meters with built-in SMS technology is just one way in which utility customers can benefit from advancing mobile technology.  Invaluable data can be sent from the Smart Meter as and when required making it possible for households and businesses to monitor their energy usage in real time.  As a result, customers are able to monitor their consumption and make any necessary changes to their usage patterns to help them lower their energy bills.  In addition to this, energy customers are finding that by receiving information more frequently they are also able to identify and investigate any irregularities straight away, helping rectify problems such as leaks quicker than they were able to in the past.  Alarm messages can also be sent by SMS when a certain threshold has been exceeded to help ensure customers are not hit by large bills. Alerts can even be used to analyse temperature and gas consumption and when an issue arises, for example a burst water or gas pipe, the relevant parties are advised by SMS.

Consequently, utility companies are finding that these types of SMS messaging alerts can help improve customer satisfaction and retention rates which is a top priority for utilities. Due to the competitive nature of the market, customers can easily find out the best rates available via dedicated online websites and switch to cheaper rates and tariffs. SMS alerts to create energy efficiencies and help customers cut costs can prove to be a simple yet effective way to ensure customer loyalty.  Another way that utility companies can achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction and retention rates is by using SMS to enhance general customer communications. For example, energy customers can also receive alerts regarding updates to their account or when an engineer will be arriving at their premises, helping keep customers informed and reducing the number of missed appointments.

Utility companies can also use SMS internally. Internal uses can include IT alerts, sending passwords, corporate promotions, sending meeting appointments and communicating with engineers in the field, all helping to increase operational efficiency and communications with staff. HR departments are also using SMS to update potential candidates on the status of their application, helping reduce the recruitment cycle.

There are many more ways in which mobile communications can be used to reduce energy consumption and lift customer satisfaction and retention levels and we continue to see new solutions enter the market. For example, using SMS messaging to turn off electrical devices remotely.  Further information on how HSL’s reliable and easy to use SMS solutions can be used for utility companies can be found on our website at http://www.hslsms.com/sectors/utilities/. Alternatively if you wish to find out more about the general uses of enterprise SMS, please read our case studies.
  
Alternatively, visit us at:

http://www.linkedin.com/company/hay-systems-ltd

follow us on Twitter @HSLSMS

or call us on +44 (0)1506 605260

or email us at sales@haysystems.com