Case study: Integrated SMS and postcode lookup

Brochure requests via SMS are increasing, and when linked in with address validation software, saves time and money.

Established in 1896 Salford University is right at the heart of Salford’s growing prosperity and economic success, playing a pivotal role in regeneration projects to enhance the local area. Salford University is currently spending over £150m in improving its buildings and facilities.

Mediaburst broke ground with one of its business partners to provide Salford University with an instant and cost-effective tool for prospective students.

When advertising the university across TV, radio, press, schools and colleges, Salford University included an SMS shortcode e.g. 87202, allowing prospective students to immediately text for a brochure.

Students need only provide their postcode, which allows address validation via Mediaburst’s systems. Once the address is validated, this information is passed to fulfilment for the prospectus to be mailed out.

Mediaburst’s solution is win-win. From the student’s perspective, they receive the brochure quickly; from the university’s, they know that the brochure has been sent to the correct address, saving significant time and money of re-distributing items or managing inbound calls via a dedicated person. Joanne Nugent, key Account Manager at Mediaburst, comments, “Salford University’s Mediaburst-driven SMS solution is a really simple and effective tool for communicating with young audiences and is a beacon for all other universities across the country. Brochure requests via SMS are increasing, and when linked in with address validation software, save time and money.”