Big Picture with Restaurant Text Message Marketing

It is no secret that text message marketing for the restaurant industry is a fantastic way of connecting with customers. Restaurants are as much a place to socialize as they are a place to eat. Nowadays, people have so many choices when it comes to where they dine – this is why it is so important to make sure your restaurant stands out over the competition. For a restaurant, ensuring customers return is vital. Establishing a loyal customer database creates the “word of mouth” reputation that so many businesses strive for. Don’t forget that acquiring new customers is equally important, as one of the main goals for a restaurant should be to push customers out of their regular routines, plus this opens the door for expansion.

Text message marketing is a great way to accomplish both of these essential connections, and there are many different ways to go about the process. In order to figure out which direction to take your marketing campaign in as a restaurateur, take a look at the big picture. For example, restaurants are aware that certain days are busier than other days, like Fridays and Saturdays compared to Mondays and Tuesdays . . . right? Running a text marketing campaign geared toward Monday and Tuesday special deals is a better use of a marketing effort, as Fridays and Saturdays are days that don’t need any help when it comes to the business flow.

Another benefit of business flow awareness is staffing. This is an angle many restaurateurs don’t think about – and it is a nice benefit of strategically text message marketing on certain days over others. In order to keep a solid group of staff members working for your restaurant, you need to provide them with the hours they require to make a living. If you are able to keep the flow in your restaurant more consistent throughout the days of the week by using text marketing, you’ll also need consistency when it comes to staffing to accommodate your increased customer based on those previously slow days. Happy servers, cooks and bartenders lead to happy customers, this is important to keep in the back of your mind.

Another point to consider is what it is your restaurant does well. Maybe you are known for a certain food item – best pie in town, most authentic falafel, or perhaps your unique mojitos are to die for. Whatever it is – capitalize on it. For example, if your restaurant is known for having a wonderful brunch, your first reaction may be to use brunch to branch out and get people to come in for other meals throughout the day – and this is a good idea – but a better idea is to market your brunch specifically. Get new customers hooked on what you do best, and you’ll find your regular brunch goers may try a different time of day to dine.

Retail Text Marketing Leads to Repeat Shoppers

Text Marketing in a Retail environment is the most effective way to increase sales from both returning customers and new customers. Many stores focus on bringing in new business, and while this is important, it is equally – if not more – important to keep existing business engaged. Every business owner needs to keep an eye on two types of customers: The current one, and the new one. Current customers include those who have made at least one purchase previously. Did you know that a returning customer has the potential to be five times more profitable than a new customer? Plus, keeping shoppers coming back, means that they will spread the word – leading to new business anyways.

Text Marketing is a low cost, simple way to keep in contact with existing Retail customers. Everyone has a smartphone these days, and they use it for more than just communication. These phones are used for research, mapping, browsing, photos and music. It makes perfect sense for businesses to tap into this “wonder gadget” and utilize the connection people have with their mobile device for marketing efforts. For a retail store there are so many ways to connect with their shoppers via text messaging. Here are a few examples, which have led to great success:

1. Rewards or Points. You know that card in your wallet for the sandwich store? The one that gets a punch every time you swing in for a sub? This can be automated to be done via text. As a retailer, you can apply this to more than just sandwiches. Reward your customers, text them their updated point score and encourage them to earn more to receive a prize.

2. Referrals are key. Send out a text blast to your customers letting them know if they bring in a friend, they will receive some sort of reward. Referrals are very successful, because people will certainly go somewhere their trusted friend tells them about. Retailer should really make this a top priority.

3. Members Only. Offer a special sale, only for existing customers. Consumers love to be an “insider” and to have access to a promotion other people don’t. Maybe send a discount coupon to your list, or even better – send out a message for customers to show as an “entry-fee” to shop an early release sale, before the sale becomes available to everyone else!

4. Come back to shop sale. Run a special sale that encourages shoppers to bring in a previous receipt from your store. The older the receipt, the better the discount – because this proves your long-term customers will reap the most benefits from your promotion. Longevity is the goal here, if people are rewarded for shopping over and over again – you’ll be sure they will return.

Start the New Year Right with Text Marketing for Real Estate

If you are a real estate professional and you haven’t started using text marketing – unfortunately this puts you a step behind your competition. The real estate market is one of the most competitive industries out there at the moment, and for 2013 your New Year’s resolution should be taking yourself to that next level for your business. Implementing an SMS marketing plan will connect you more quickly, and efficiently to potential buyers and sellers. Communicating with people on a deeper level is accomplished by identifying what it is they are looking for, while providing with them with a clear path on how to get there.

The greatest strength about using text marketing in the real estate industry is the immediacy. Potential buyers can text-in for more information about a listing, and not only will they receive the information they seek in an instant, directly to their cell phone, but this provides you with the opportunity to send them follow up information. Whether it is with your contact information, or other properties with similar qualities – you are connecting with them on their preferred level, which is convenient for everybody. You save time by not needing to take unnecessary phone calls for property information, and potential buyers save time by allowing permission for information to come straight to their mobile device.

With the New Year upon us, there is no better time to take text marketing a step further as a successful real estate agent or professional. Here are some tips to kick to those resolutions in gear.

1. Keep it clear and simple. Post a call to action on your rider sign, but don’t make it complicated. “Text 123MAINST to 96000 for property details.” This is so easy, someone can remember the instruction if they are driving by.

2. Make your reply informative. Once a potential buyer text-in – or opts-in – for more information, give them what they want to know. How big, how many bedrooms/bathrooms, and how much.

3. It isn’t hard to add additional information. Include links to photos or even a virtual tour. You can also include a link to your personal page – so they can know more about you as an agent, and contact you if they like.

4. Referring to the above tip, create a mobile business card if you haven’t already. Text marketing is highly convenient, but making yourself available and approachable is a key element in your marketing effort.

5. Don’t forget to follow up. The whole purpose of text marketing in real estate is to capture potential buyers mobile numbers. Connect with your possibilities and help them find what they are looking for. Half the battle is YOUR effort to communicate.

6. Remember, it’s more than just a sale. It’s a home. Let people know information they may not initially seek, such as nearby schools, community activities, and resources.

Effective SMS Marketing Tips for Hair Salons

One of the best ways to connect with clients for your Hair Salon is to use SMS Marketing. People may have been scaling back their expenses these last few years, taking fewer vacations and shopping less. Everyone still needs a haircut, right? Hair services have been a great market these last few years, in fact the industry appears to be growing at a rapid pace. SMS Marketing is a great way for hair salon owners to not only grow their business, but to manage it as well. Building a client database has never been easier and keeping people coming back is a simple process with SMS. Here are a few ideas about how hair salons can take advantage of mobile marketing.

Firstly, it can reduce the number of no-shows and boost those business numbers. People are on the go nowadays, moving a mile a minute – therefore it seems like appointments can often be forgotten about. This is highly inconvenient for stylists, as their time is valuable. Send out a text message to remind your client about their booked appointment, therefore they can confirm, cancel or reschedule as needed. For those exclusive salons, this can be a great way to make the most of time slots – for example if there is a last-minute cancellation, send out a text message to someone who may have been trying to book on that particular day. This also eliminates the need for someone to make tedious phone calls as reminders – which are often ignored. This quick, affordable and instantaneous way of reaching out to clients will definitely increase your profit in the long run.

In order to run and maintain an SMS marketing campaign, your hair salon must first acquire a database of clients. Most salons have business cards that they hand out to clients, some even with appointment reminders jotted down on them. Post a message on the card that gives the client an instruction. “Text HAIR to 96000 for special discounts and promotions!” From here, your client will opt-in to your list, and they will automatically receive the deals, and customer appreciation messages that you send out.

Take advantage of holidays. There are a few times of year that stands out over others for being great opportunities to send out a text message marketing messages. Consider when your clients will want to look their best. Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day are a few good examples. Take this concept even further by keeping track of birthdays – so you can send a personalized message with a special promotion for someone to truly feel recognized on their day.

Use SMS marketing in your salon to appreciate your customers. Let them know about new products, improved services, or special promotions.

Timing is everything in SMS Marketing

When it comes to SMS marketing, timing really is everything. All kinds of industries love using text message marketing, not only as an effective form of advertising, but also as a method of organization, or just to make a connection with customers and clients. There are so many uses for a simple mobile marketing platform, and it feels like there are new ways of using the technology popping up every day! Whether you are a restaurant, retail store, or hair salon – I’m sure you have found the right use for you when it comes to using SMS marketing for your business. You may just be starting out in a text marketing plan, or perhaps you’re an expert in how it works, either way, remember that reaching people in such a personal and direct way comes with responsibilities. Timing is a really important factor when properly utilizing a text message marketing campaign. Here are a few examples:
If you own a restaurant, send lunch specials in the morning. This allows your opt-in group to plan accordingly. Maybe they were planning to take the office out today, now they’ll choose your restaurant to dine in. Don’t make your message unreasonably early though, you don’t want your message to beep in before the alarm does!

Maybe your business is an office where clients or patients need to make appointments. SMS marketing is a great platform to set up appointment reminders. Generate your text message reminder to be sent 2 days before the scheduled appointment time. Provide a call to action so that your client has the opportunity to reschedule or cancel if needed. This allows for a much more efficient use of time.

If you are a church, maybe you use SMS marketing to reach your church members. This is a great way to let people know about service times, guest speakers, and send out messages of enlightenment. If you are going to send a prayer message, or an uplifting text, make it early in the day. This way, you receiver will have your message in their thoughts to power them through their day.

Be aware of frequency. Don’t send messages too often, nobody wants to be bothered by you. Two times a week is more than enough - of course it depends on what type of business you are in. Plus, always make sure your messages are relevant. Don’t send out a message unless you are providing the customer or client with some sort of value.

Set up your messages so that they are generated and sent during regular business hours. It is very important to respect people’s space. You don’t want your message interrupting your client during dinner, or while they are spending time with their family.

Twelve Best Strategies to A Strong Text Marketing Database

Text marketing definitely involves some strategy. It’s one thing to read about the case studies, and mimic what businesses are doing out there to find success with the marketing method – but it’s another to actually take the steps and create your own unique campaign. Every business is different - therefore strategic steps should be taken to find a fresh marketing approach. With text marketing, there are a great number of possibilities. Achieving steady customer growth is the ultimate goal toward boosting those numbers. Here are some ideas to increase your customer database so you can drive traffic to your business.

1. Create your SMS text marketing campaign and advertise it properly. Put it somewhere where everyone can see it. A table tent, display sign, poster or business card. The more visible, the better.

2. Make your call to action simple, and provide an incentive to your customers. “Text SWEET to 96000 for a free cupcake with any bakery purchase!”

3. Keep your messages short. People enjoy text messages because they aren’t lengthy, like some emails can be. The message only takes a few seconds to read and respond to – and that is what works.

4. Constantly be seeking out new and fresh locations to place your advertisements. The more people who see your text marketing campaign, the more opt-ins you will see.

5. Provide your loyal customers with regular discounts, and don’t forget to reward them for referring their friends to your business. Word of mouth is the best reputation you can strive for.

6. Use text marketing to send out event announcements, invitations and streamline the RSVP process. This is a very effective way to host a successful event.

7. Send out valuable messages, such as tips or pieces of advice relevant to your business. If you are a restaurant, give a cooking tip or recipe idea.
8. Use text marketing to reach long lost customers. If someone hasn’t shopped at your store in a while – send out a “we miss you” message with a coupon, encouraging them to return.

9. Create appointment reminders in your SMS system. This is particularly effective in salons, spas, or doctor’s offices. No more no-shows, give your clients the opportunity to reschedule so as not to waste anyone’s time.

10. Take advantage of holidays. People love to feel special, so sending out special promotions for holiday shoppers will drive traffic through your doors in no time.

11. Use social networking. Link your customers up to your Facebook page, and offer incentives to those who “like” your business.

12. Create a survey. Find out what your customers are purchasing, and what they aren’t. Determining your customer’s preferences allows you to create individual lists – ensuring that your text marketing messages are always relevant.

SMS Text Marketing Brings Versatility to the New Year

With SMS text marketing showing such promise for so many different types of industries, implementing a fresh new marketing plan into your business should be your biggest New Year’s resolution. Nowadays, resolutions aren’t just for those looking to lose weight – there is no better time to consider moving toward business-oriented goals.

Times have changed with lightning speed these last few years with the onset of new mobile applications and the ever-growing social networking scene. One aspect of mobile communication that has held strong is SMS text marketing. In fact, there are becoming more and more uses for the technology with each new industry discovering the highly effective marketing technique.

Many industries out there are finding that text message marketing actually goes beyond the direct, targeted advertising – the most obvious, and most common – use of the basic technology. With an SMS text marketing platform, businesses in all industries are finding innovative ways of communicating with clients and customers – which is really what the marketing effort is all about. Not every industry has something to sell, but what every industry does have in common is the rooted need to establish connections with people on a daily basis. What is a more effective way to accomplish this than to reach people on the one device they can’t live without?

Perhaps your business already has a text marketing plan in place, and you are currently enjoying the benefits of creating more meaningful client relationships leading to higher business numbers. Not only are you on the right track for this upcoming year, but you are also establishing a solid reputation in your industry for being ahead of your competition. This doesn’t let you off the hook for coming up with your goal-oriented business New Year’s resolutions – there are always new directions to go in, and there is always an opportunity to step it up to the next level.

SMS text marketing is a great fit for industries such as restaurants, or retail stores. Mobile coupons are highly effective in bringing in customers, and sending notifications via text message regarding discounts, sales, happy hour deals, and dinner specials go a long way in establishing loyalty amongst your client and customer database. There are ways to take SMS marketing further – let’s take a look at an example. Churches have been taking advantage of mobile platforms as a means to keep their congregation notified about service times and changes, or special guest speakers. One cool way of using the technology, in addition to notifications, is that the church can send out messages of enlightenment, ensuring that their message stays with the churchgoer, even after services are through.

To carry this concept over to a restaurant, the establishment can send messages about cooking tips, or wine pairing ideas. A retail store can offer trendy how-to-wear examples. The ultimate goal with SMS text marketing is to bring more value to your customers in 2013.