Google quietly announced last night on Google+ that they are testing a new AdWords ad format for users to subscribe to text/SMS alerts. Google said:
To help ease shopping-induced holidaze, we’re testing a new ad format that conveniently delivers the latest brand offers and updates straight to consumers’ phones via text messages. People can click to subscribe to a Google service that tailors promotional messages to products they’re interested in. After subscribing, their phone numbers will remain private and they have the option to opt out of receiving messages at any time.
I am able to replicate it on my device, here are screen shots. First, go to your smartphone and search for [black friday deals] and look for the ad unit with a "subscribe" button:
Then click on that button and this prompt will come up:
Click on continue and you will be taken to your text message app where it pre-fills in this message:
Then click send and you get a response:
Here is the the Google screen shot:
Google is not saying much about how Google charges for these ads. Do you pay per text? Per subscribe click? Etc. This is just a beta test Google says.
To give this a try, just text "JOIN" to one of the following phone numbers to check out cool holiday deals when they start to post later this month:
For Black Friday - 847-904-0608
For Cyber Monday - 847-906-8958
For Holiday deals - 847-904-0596
Forum discussion at Google+.
