Vast majority of people are open to marketing via SMS

LONDON - More than eight out of 10 mobile phone users in Europe are open to receiving marketing and promotional offers via text message on their handsets, according to new research.

However, only 18% of marketing and advertising agencies currently offer mobile messaging as one of their services, and more than half have no plans to offer it in the near future.

The research has been carried out by mobile services company in conjunction with Firedog Design.

It found that multimedia messaging, including picture and video content, was set to become more common with 70% of mobile users saying they would prefer to be sent MMS content than a straight text message.

Fraser Black, managing partner at Firedog Design, said: "We were quite surprised that agencies have largely ignored the potential revenue stream offered by MMS/SMS.

"Our research discovered that the vast majority of consumers are willing to accept promotions from local entertainment venues or retail operations, yet advertisers and their agencies seem unprepared to take advantage of the benefits offered by SMS/MMS marketing."

  • The Ussher track 'Yeah' is the biggest selling ringtone in the UK this year, according to . The US singer has outperformed Outkast's 'Hey Ya' to top the poll of sales between January and April. Australian pop singer Peter Andre, riding high on a new wave of popularity after appearing on 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!', was the only artist to appear twice, with 'Mysterious Girl' at number 10 and 'Insania' at number seven.

    If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .