Use Text Message for Your Restaurant

Applying Text Messages to a Restaurant’s current marketing plan can go beyond the simple mobile coupon. Text messaging is the most common form of communication, people of all ages are familiar with it – and every phone, even the simple ones, are capable of sending and receiving a text message. Text messages are personal; most people reserve this technology to connect with their friends and family. Businesses have started to take notice of this, and are realizing the potential of connecting with customers this way also. There are strict rules about text message marketing, for example a person must willingly provide a business with their cell phone number in order to receive promotions and information via text. It is illegal for a business to purchase cell numbers for marketing purposes. This is a good thing, as text is virtually spammed free – and consumers appreciate being marketed to on their own terms.

For a Restaurant, Text Messages are particularly effective. A restaurant is a social environment - therefore it makes sense for them to approach their marketing tactics from a social point of view. Customers love to be rewarded for their patronage, and this is what makes text message campaigns stand out over other advertising methods. Obviously this is the initial direction a restaurant should likely take – offering diners a discount or a promotion. Establishing brand recognition and encouraging customer interaction is a step toward going a little deeper into the marketing technology. Restaurants can approach customers in an indirect way, perhaps to offer a little bit of information or advice. Here are a few examples of how this can work.

Share a recipe: Perhaps your restaurant is known for a particular dish, or a signature sauce. Make customers feel like they are “in” on a secret, let them know about certain unique ingredients or methods of cooking.

Provide resources: Maybe recommend some reading material, or neat websites related to the cuisine your restaurant serves. A restaurant known for vegetarian dishes may direct customers to a vegetarian cooking blog.

Alert guests about restaurant updates: Perhaps there has been a change to the menu, or a renovation – let your customers know about it. Keeping them in the loop about the happenings within the restaurant will make them feel like they are a part of your family.

Introduce your staff: Let your guests know about the people who work in your restaurant - servers to kitchen staff. Provide a little background information about them. This lets your guests feel like they know them and it also gives your staff a sense of pride to be working with you.

Run a survey: Ask your customers which dishes they enjoy the most, or which cocktail stands out above others. This is constructive information, which can be used to make tweaks or changes later on.

Dos And Donts of SMS Text Marketing

SMS Text Marketing is earning a highly favorable reputation as a form of communication between consumers and businesses. One of the main reasons why this marketing technique is so successful - is because it can be applied to nearly any business out there, large or small. SMS Text Marketing is simple, and affordable. It used to be a technology used by only Fortune 500 companies, but not any longer. Small businesses are finding local packages that work very well on a smaller scale. Many marketers already use text marketing; however there are some out there who are fairly new to this industry. Email marketing jumped to popularity a few years ago, and still remains a common way to market. SMS Text campaigns can go hand in hand with email marketing, as well as easily be combined with traditional marketing efforts. Here are some tips for getting started.

1. Make your call to action clear: SMS messages are short, but this isn’t to say your message won’t be powerful. Think carefully about what to say in your 160-character limitation that will have the best impact. Give people direction about what to do upon receiving you message. Don’t be vague. Answer the four questions: What? Where? When? Why?

2. Take advantage of 2-way communication: Text messaging is interactive. This is one of the reasons people love it so much. The reason you are using an SMS campaign, is to encourage interaction between customers and your business. Allow them to reply to your texts for more information, or use a keyword for a special promotion.

3. Timing really is everything: Don’t send a text message in the middle of the night. This used to work with email, because your message would just be there when the customer checks their inbox – but text messages are instant. This can be very beneficial if timed correctly, however you don’t want to come off as intrusive or annoying.

Don’ts:
 
1. Don’t send out irrelevant messages: Segment your database into smaller lists, based on preferences. Now direct your marketing messages to each list, so that people receive marketing text messages that they will appreciate. If people find messages relevant all the time, the success rate is extraordinarily high.

2. Don’t be afraid to add links: Instead of trying to shorten words, or use abbreviations in your 160-characters to squeeze in a message, include a link to direct someone to further details about your business. There is even a cool way to shorten links now, for ease.

3. Don’t over do it: Nobody wants to get text messages from your business every day. In addition to remembering that timing is everything, it also important to space your messages in an appropriate way.

Text Marketing Works for Small Businesses

Text Marketing is a great way to establish your small business as an integral part of the neighborhood. Text messages seem to be the only thing people are reading these days, and although it was made popular by gossiping teenagers – everyone is getting into it now! People of all ages and generations are using text messaging to communicate with their family and friends. No one seems to be deterred by the 160-character limitation; in fact, this requires that messages sent and received must be short and sweet – just the way we like them to be. Text messages have close to a 100% open rate, therefore it is almost a guarantee that your message will be read instantly. Businesses are starting to take notice of this communication phenomenon, and are realizing text marketing truly does have its place.

The use of text messaging continues to explode in this country as years pass, and the numbers for people in their 30’s and 40’s using this technology are skyrocketing. More people use text messaging over phone calls or emails combined. Surprisingly, SMS remains spam free – which makes it a perfect uncluttered marketing source. There is also the fact that people are never without their cell phones, therefore text messages reach them instantly. Text marketing can work in any industry, and can be applied by any business out there, large or small. Restaurants can see some great results by using text marketing, as well as retail stores, or even a doctor’s office. The possibilities are quite vast. Here are some rules to get started in text marketing:

1. Keep it legal: Even though SMS is nearly spam-free, there are people out there who are trying to upset this balance by attempting to sell text blasts to lists of random cell phone numbers. If you go this route, you can expect to be cut off by cell phone carriers – and Congress will certainly hit you with penalties. Consumers must opt-in to receive your text message marketing campaigns, so offer an incentive or two to sweeten the deal.

2. Don’t discard your traditional marketing: Text marketing is highly versatile, and can be used alongside traditional marketing methods. Restaurants can use table tents to encourage a text-in for a discount. A retail store can post a sign. You can even run a radio advertisement, instructing customers to text-in for a promotion from your business.

3. Give people some bang for their buck: People are wary about giving up their cell phone number therefore it is important to make them feel comfortable. One way to accomplish this easily, is to reward them – for those who opt-in to your text message marketing campaigns, they may have special “insider” access to promotions that others don’t have.

Improve Customer Experience Using Text Marketing in Your Restaurant

Using Text Marketing for your Restaurant is the first step in the direction toward enhancing your customer’s experience. In your dining establishment, your first priority is making sure your guests are satisfied, and there is more to this than meets the eye. Of course the reason people go to a restaurant is to eat, however dining out is a social event. People dine out to celebrate, to catch up, to conduct a meeting, or simply just to try somewhere new. Regardless, in most instances dining in a restaurant is a social activity. The most common way people connect with one another, whether its friends or family, is through text message. The fact is, text messaging has held strong over the years as being a primary form of communication for many people, only to get more and more popular as time progresses, despite the number of different ways to reach out.

Businesses have started to take notice, and are discovering that using text messaging as an outlet for marketing proves to show some highly favorable results. Text marketing is taking off, and gaining momentum very quickly – particular in the restaurant industry. For a restaurant, the ideal goal is to make your establishment the place people want to meet their friends, or take their grandmother to lunch, or meet a blind date . . . what have you. The fastest way to accomplish this is to create a good reputation. Note, earning a reputation is the plan, but until then – create one. People often look to word of mouth recommendations to decide about where to eat. The buzz is easy to grab through use of text message marketing. Connect with customers in the same way they communicate with each other. How do you think they decided where they would dine? They probably text messaged with each other regarding that decision.

Many restaurants take advantage of a rewards program; think about all of the punch cards you probably have in your wallet! There is some incentive to choose one place over another if you know you are closer to that free sandwich, right? This can be completely streamlined through use of text marketing. Diners can earn points, and receive notifications, and specials via text. Another direction with the same idea of rewarding repeat customers is creating a VIP club. People love to feel special, or included; therefore text marketing really works when it comes to this idea. Encourage customers to text-in to add themselves to your database, but make sure you give them something in return – like a discount off their bill. From here, these customers can get special notifications regarding specials, or wine pairings, or free dessert - reserved specifically for “insiders”. Text Marketing brings that extra push to your Restaurant marketing efforts.

Promote Via Text Message for Retail

Using Text Messages for Retail marketing is the number one method out there in order to effectively reach customers. Text messaging isn’t a new technology; however it is being reinvented as the new wave when it comes to marketing. People now more than ever can’t go anywhere without their cell phone, not to mention the capabilities of smartphones make them devices that we just can’t live without. Businesses are taking notice of certain technological trends in order to better connect with customers and clients. This works particularly well for the retail industry. Here is why text message for retail is successful:

The reach: The mobile phone is the most universal media on this planet. 70% of the world’s population owns a cell phone, and each and every one of those cell phones is capable of sending and receiving text messages.

Text is here to stay: There are many other forms of mobile media that are popular, like applications, instant messaging, and social media – such as Facebook. These are great, but they haven’t proven to have the staying power that text messaging does. Text messaging is simple, everyone knows how to do it, and it has been around long enough to be familiar.

SMS is an accepted marketing outlet: Mobile operators have been using this form of communication to send emergency alerts for a long time, so to transfer that usage over to marketing messages makes sense. The best part about it, is that the mobile subscriber must opt-in to receive these messages, they choose to receive them.

The message doesn’t go anywhere if no on is there to read it. Text messages are great, because they can happen at any time. They can be sent regardless of whether or not the user has their phone turned on, or if they are in an area that doesn’t get a great signal. When they are ready to read it, it will pop right up – and stays there until it is deleted. This is something completely unique to mobile marketing, over other forms of advertising.
Some of you are probably thinking, how can a technology limited to 160-characters be so great? Well, text messaging is much more versatile than one would expect. Coupons can be sent via text, or links can be included in those characters, to provide pictures or videos. Plus, a decent text message marketing service will assist in creating automatic replies to people, to encourage 2-way communication.

In the retail industry, using a text message to communicate buyers has a great success rate. Shoppers love to text, and if they were to be provided with the option of receiving a coupon for a discount or promotion via text over clipping it out of a newspaper – you can be certain they will be opting-in in no time.

Try Text Message Marketing for Your Next Big Event

If you are an Event Planner, Text Message Marketing is perfect for you. Text messages are everywhere, and they aren’t limited to teens anymore. All generations are familiar with text messaging, and all of them use it on a daily basis. Even Grandma! Text messaging isn’t a new technology, however people are choosing this form of communication more often than any other. People text more often than they email, or even dial a phone call. The convenience factor outweighs all others regarding connecting with family, friends and coworkers. Most people open and read a text message within five minutes of receiving it, and they can even do this in a location that may otherwise be deemed inappropriate to accept a phone call. Text messages are quick, discreet, and best of all – instant.

Businesses in all types of industries are discovering the versatility and effectiveness of text message marketing. This type of marketing is particularly successful for the use during, and planning of events. Let’s break it down a little, the most important thing about an event being a hit is the level of attendance. People love to interact with text messaging, therefore implementing this as part of the event itself proves to show some great results. Event planners can use text messaging in their advertisements, “Text CONCERT to 96000 for event information and updates!” Invitations can be sent via text, and the RSVP process can be streamlined. Event planners can always have an updated count of predicted attendees. Event planners can send out reminders about the event also, these can be automated for ease, therefore no one will forget when or where the event will be taking place.

If the event is a paid event, such as a concert or a show – an advance sale option can be applied.
Upon texting-in, the attendee can receive a text with a link leading them to landing page which not only will provide information about the event, but it can encourage them to purchase their tickets in advance, guaranteeing them a place on your list. Many events use advertising to aid in the promotion process, therefore link up a text campaign with one of these promoters will be a win-win situation for everyone! By sending mobile coupons for some of the products a promoter may sell will allow the attendee to have a welcome discount, the promoter to boost their business numbers, and the event will be an overall success.

During the event, text-to-win or text-to-vote campaigns are a great way to get people interacting while they are there. Engaging attendees will make sure they enjoy themselves, and look forward to the next event you put on. Not to mention, thanking everyone for coming after they leave via text message is an easy way to stay connected.

Text Message Marketing is great for Churches

One wouldn’t think that Text Message Marketing would apply to Churches, however this form of marketing is a surprisingly great fit for a house of worship. Text message marketing is becoming increasingly popular in all sorts of industries, everything from real estate to retail. The truth is, any business that wants to boost their connection with customers, clients, or patrons will truly benefit by using text marketing.

People love to text message, in fact, more people use text messaging to communicate over email or even dialing a phone call! It is a rather personal form of communication, and is predominately used between friends, family and coworkers. People really enjoy the convenience of text messaging, it is short, immediate, and effective. Most people will open and read a text message within five minutes of receiving it, and the best part is – they can do this discreetly, such as in the instance they are in a location that may be inappropriate to take a phone call.

Many people may not know this, but Churches are actually rather big businesses. Churches collect donations up to the millions, or even billions of dollars. Most of this money is put back into the community to support worthy causes, such as aiding in homelessness or help for the needy. Text message marketing can really come into play here, as the church can collect donations via text and spread awareness as well. It is not difficult to get people involved this way, churchgoers can text-in – or opt-in – to receive future messages from the church. Once the churchgoer is added to the congregation list, they can be sent messages regarding service times, guest speakers, or subject discussions. Becoming a positive and contributing member of a congregation is simple through use of text message marketing, because staying connected is what it is all about. Connected to each other, as well as connected to God.

Let congregation members know about special events also. It is a simple way to send out reminders, encourage them to bring something to donate perhaps, and obtain replies regarding attendance to plan accordingly. One of the greatest things about implementing text messaging into a church is that it gives churchgoers a voice of their own. Conduct a bulk survey, and find out how people feel about Bible topics or the prayer atmosphere. Take a poll to determine a great venue for the next church event, find out how your congregation feels about the services the church provides for the community. This is a great opportunity to make improvements or changes, which will ultimately lead in building a stronger community and congregation connection. Text message marketing is a great way for a church to only bring their members closer to God.