Guinness Launches SMS Code
Lagos
Guinness Nigeria has launched a 1759 Short Message System code on all mobile networks in Nigeria to facilitate interaction with consumers especially on the launch of the new Stout bottle.
The four mobile phone operators in Nigeria, MTN, VMobile, MTel and Globacom offer the beverage giant the SMS platform, to ensure Guinness owns the 1759 short code.
Speaking on the importance of the code, Mr Tomi Davies, of Richardson and Briggs, a public relations and IT consultant, said 1759 was a significant year for Guinness, as it was the year the company was established.
"What this means is that Guinness publics using SMS do not have to worry about long code before they interact with the company through SMS. They just have to remember the year the company was formed and this year is also being used as Guinness time and called 17:59," he said.
Davies identifies SMS short code as a good platform for marketers and big corporations to get across to their publics.
"Richardson and Briggs, as a PR company has succeeded in making Guinness first marketer to have the same short code on all GSM networks in Nigeria. This means Guinness, as the leader in brand marketing in Nigeria is leading the way in the new interactive SMS environment," he added.
He said Guinness and its consumers could now interact on common issues of interest through SMS and internet, adding that the company would also use the platform to get feedback from its millions of consumers who use mobile phones.
"We are in the age of technology and Guinness as a company believes in reaching out to its publics through this medium which is very potent and powerful in brand marketing," said Davies.
Davies explained that his company, Richardson and Briggs, has developed the technical capability that gives Guinness Nigeria the same short code on all GSM networks.
"Any mobile phone subscriber who sends text to 1759 anywhere in Nigeria is sending text to Guinness. this is more relevant to the company with the launch of its unique new bottle," he added.
Meanwhile, some of the winners in the SMS competition of the Guinness BlackGold concert had lunch with Wyclef Jean at St Michael Restaurant, Victoria Island.
Biodun Oshodi, an electrical engineer said he relished the experience and described it as a rare opportunity.
Tayo, one of the lucky winners said he took part in the SMS competition so as to meet Wyclef, whom he called his favourite superstar.
An advertising practitioner and Associate Director of LTC, Kingsley Efere, who also won, said the 1759 short code for Guinness, was a unique idea in brand marketing.
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