How to Hook Up a Cricket Phone for Free

1. Remove the battery from your Cricket phone and locate the electronic serial number (ESN). The ESN number is usually found inside the battery compartment on a label. Write down the ESN number.
2. Reinsert the battery and fully charge your mobile phone.
3. Contact Cricket at 800-CRICKET (800-274-2538) and follow the prompts to speak with a representative.
4. Inform the representative of your intent to establish a new account. Provide the representative with the information requested of you.
5. Wait for the representative to inform you of the available wireless plans in your area, and then select a plan.
6. Inform the representative of your intent to activate a used or flashed Cricket phone.
7. Provide the representative with the model and ESN of your mobile phone. Wait for the representative to complete the setup of your account.
8. Follow the instructions provided by the representative to program your device.

How to Send Greeting Cards to a Cell Phone From a Computer

1. Go to an online greeting card site with mobile phone options. Popular choices include ATM Greetings, Cool GSM Rings and Hallmark E-Cards. (See Resources)
2. Select a card. Most sites have cards separated by category.
3. Customize your card. Type a message and customize images and colors.
4. Insert the phone number of the recipient and send the card.

How to Create a Toll Free Number

1. Visit the 800 Service Management System website and look at the list of RespOrgs. Toll free numbers are obtained through service providers known as RespOrgs (Responsible Organizations). RespOrgs are establishments that have access to the toll-free service database and are designated to manage the records.
2. Choose a RespOrg from the list. You can judge the reliability of RespOrgs by reading reviews in forums, blogs or by asking colleagues who are currently subscribed to a toll-free service. Should you make a mistake of choosing a bad RespOrg, toll-free numbers are portable. This means that you can use the same number even if you transfer to another RespOrg.
3. Choose a toll-free package. RespOrgs offer additional services on top of the basic toll-free calls. Examples of value-added services include the ability to know who is calling and the ability to route the call to a voice mail, if you are not available to take the call. You can also receive fax messages as email attachments. You will be able to route your toll-free number to a mobile phone. You can get a toll-free number directory listing. You can choose flat-rate or per-call charging. Be sure to choose the package appropriate for your business.
4. Fill out the application form. They can either fax or email the application form to you and you will return the form in the same manner. Some RespOrgs have websites where you can enter your information and the application process begins immediately. In many cases, application processing takes about three days.

How to Send an MMS Message for Free

1. Visit Text4free.net or PixDrop.com. Enter the recipient's cell phone number in the appropriate field and select the recipient's wireless carrier from the drop-down menu. If you are sending your MMS message to more than one person, click 'Add another recipient.'
2. Type a message that will accompany your picture in the message box.
3. Select the number of messages that you want to send by clicking the drop down menu.
4. Click the 'Browse' link and select a picture from your computer's photo gallery.
5. Enter the security code, if prompted and click the link 'Send Message.'

The History of SMS Marketing

Youth Market
SMS messages have a 160-character limit. This created a challenge when using correct spelling and grammar. Younger people adopted SMS and devised abbreviations for frequently used words and phrases, such as 'l8r' for later, and '2moro' for tomorrow. Two aspects of SMS attracted a youth audience. Parents didn't understand how to use it, plus it was free on cellphone services. Young people could communicate without the expense of a voice call. In 2000, the average number of SMS texts sent monthly was 35, but by 2010, it was 357. With the rise in usage, cellphone providers introduced charges for SMS texts, but usage still continued to rise.
Short Codes
In 2003, SMS services introduced the use of short codes that were easier to remember than phone numbers. A short code is a five- or six-digit number, and it played an important role in the expansion of SMS for mobile marketing. Users could text a message to a short code number. This increased the response rate to marketing campaigns. Applications for short codes are carefully regulated to ensure that the marketing campaign follows specified rules for message content and customer participation.
SMS Niche Marketing
Another development in SMS marketing is its use in niche marketing. Marketers build up a database of the numbers of people who have an interest in their product or service. Beauty salons can alert customers about a special offer and hotels can send texts about room rate discounts, for example. Marketers can craft the messages so that the recipient feels it is exclusive to them. This increases the response rate. It is a cost-effective marketing method because the people receiving the SMS are more likely to have an interest in the offer.
Dunkin' Donuts Case Study
In 2002, Dunkin' Donuts had seven stores in Italy. It launched an SMS campaign to bring in more customers and increase revenue. The company was new in the Italian market, and it needed a campaign that stood out. Using a combination of print, outdoor and broadcast adverts, people were invited to text a short code number. In exchange, they received an SMS voucher for a free donut. In addition, if customers presented the coupon at Dunkin' Donuts in Rome, they were entered into a draw for a Piaggio scooter. The 18-to-30 age group were the biggest SMS users in Italy at the time, and also Dunkin' Donut's target market. The campaign resulted in a 9 percent increase in sales.

How to Send a Free SMS From Widgets

1. Open your Web browser and download SMS Widget onto your Mac from the website (see Resources).
2. Unzip the 'SMS.wdgt.zip' file that mounts on your desktop. Open your 'User' folder, then open the 'Library' folder. Click on the 'Widgets' folder. Place the SMS Widget in the 'Widgets' folder.
3. Open the dashboard on your Mac. Click on the '+' in the lower left-hand corner and click on the SMS widget.
4. Register your information, including your cell number and your email address, and click 'Submit.'
5. Input the person's cell phone number and type in your text message. Click 'Send.'

How to Connect a Bluetooth Headset on a Cell Phone

1. Read the owner's manual for your Bluetooth device. You will need to find the code to pair your headset to your phone. This code is usually 0000 (four zeroes, not the letter O), but verify your particular Bluetooth's code before you proceed.
2. Go to your phone's main menu and/or settings options, and navigate to your Bluetooth set-up menu. Usually, this is found in your menu under 'Bluetooth,' 'Wireless Connections' or something similar.
3. Turn on your Bluetooth headset and put it in pairing mode. Pairing mode means the Bluetooth is ready to be found by your cell phone. To pair your headset, follow the owner's manual for your specific Bluetooth model.
4. Select 'Add Device' or 'Search for New Device' from your cell phone. Your cell phone will search for your Bluetooth. Enter the pairing code discussed in Step 1 once your phone finds your Bluetooth.
5. Select 'Connect' to finalize the connection if the Bluetooth headset didn't connect automatically after the pairing code was entered. Make a test call with your Bluetooth in your ear to ensure it is connected properly.