We’re in the final quarter of 2014, which means there are less than 90 days until the New Year and the celebration of a new year on its way. 2014 has been yet another banner year for social media, digital marketing, and the era of curation as the companies surrounding the trend make waves. For the next 10 weeks, we’ll be counting down the events of the year and looking at how each of these events presents a key and critical takeaway for what matters in marketing, and more. Today we go to #9, and cover the 2014 messaging craze. 

In 1995, Americans sent 0.4 text messages per month.

In 2000, that number rose to 35 per month.

The smartphone became hip in 2007, and that number has since exploded.

For a technology that seems so simple, the business behind it has evolved in recent years. Whatsapp, a staple of the international market where texting rates are high exploded some minds this year when Facebook acquired the company for a staggering $19 billion dollars, of which was mostly cash and has actually since rocketed another $2 billion due to Facebook’s stock. Similarly, Snapchat, founded by Evan Spiegel and in the business of disappearing messages fetched a $10 billion dollar valuation in August. On the Asia side, apps like WeChat, Line, Viber, and their competitors are also making an immense amount of news with valuations, influence in social events like the Hong Kong protests for Democracy.

In other words, it’s never been better to be in the business of sending messages.

All in a Text

The explosion of messaging while amazing might not come at a surprise. Since humans have this almost innate desire for communication the fact that companies are creating more options for people to stay connected seems like the obvious direction. Facebook seemed like the natural progression from apps like AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), and Whatsapp seemed like the natural progression from social media in the content-engagement ecosystem. However, I think few could have seen the valuations and acquisitions that happened in 2014 with Whatsapp and Snapchat to be as high as they were as not really much different than the built-in SMS functions in mobile phones.

So as simple as it might appear the future is still coming for messaging. Companies like Entefy are planning to take this explosion of messaging and bring it all back together in a seamless app, so that all this messaging insanity can be a bit easier for us all.

The Curatti Takeaway 

As a small business owner the existence of messaging is important, since it provides a key way to get in touch with consumers. It’s been shown over the past few years that text messaging has the highest open rate (in the 90% range) and is effective in bringing people through the door. If you’re a business that collects cell phone numbers, text messaging might just be the route you’ve been seeking as you try to manage your marketing and curate to a specific audience. Come 2015, even newer technologies and integrations might make it all even easier.

Stay tuned.

 

Attribution for 2nd image: http://thepublicqueue.com/2012/lets-talk-it-out-conversation-in-an-age-of-texting/

http://www.onbile.com/inforesponsive/messaging-apps-for-mobile-devices/