Text Messaging Done Right with uBoost
uBoost recently condu
cted a pilot with a national test prep program proving that SMS messaging can radically impact the amount of independent test prep completed by students.
Results of the pilot were staggering. On average, students in the program group exhibited 87% more activity than students in the control group, as measured by number of questions answered correctly.
Pilot participants opted in to participating in the program and were split into two groups. The program group received texts reminding them to prepare for their December 3, 2011 SAT test. The nine text messages sent over the two weeks leading up to the test used social normative pressure, prizes, and status updates to drive more independent test prep. The control group did not receive any texts. When program participants completed test prep questions, they continued to receive their uBoost credits in addition to contest entries for prizes like iPads, gift cards, and iPods. Winners were selected and announced during the pilot period, encouraging participants to continue to work hard.
“This study proved that sending messages to users in relevant ways, such as texting, can dramatically increase logons, participation and performance,” said John Bower, CEO of uBoost. “Even students considered motivated and engaged can be influenced to do more work if properly triggered he user motivation ecosystem must include behavior triggers to be truly effective. Our customers are working closely with us to create customized programs that deliver relevant messages with the goal of driving usage, achievement and ultimately completion."
uBoost customers can now utilize "texting with a twist" to increase student behaviors that they find most valuable in maximizing program participation and completion.