Virtual gifts

Sending a virtual gift to a friend or a loved one is a popular option on special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, in long-distance relationships, in online/mobile dating or on social networks and online communities. A virtual gift might come in the form of digital content, such as an animated flower bouquet, teddy bear or birthday card. Multimedia mobile interaction gives new ways for consumers to communicate with and surprise their friends.

Social networking and online dating channels in particular are starting to offer such value-added services to subscribers who wish to go beyond simple texting. Offering virtual gifts with SMS can substantially increase revenues for online companies whose primary revenue source is advertising.  In addition, virtual gifting can enhance customer loyalty by providing unique, value-added services that appeal to a variety of consumer tastes and pockets.

Enabling virtual gifts is simple and straightforward with 2-way SMS. Companies can use a hyperlink within an SMS, which enables consumers to click and access the multimedia gift on their mobile phone.

SMS has a key role in offering virtual gifts to consumers. Because text is simple, globally-reachable and cost-effective, the messaging channel is the preferred method to deliver such gifts.