The restaurant business is competitive. Most patrons are looking for the perfect combination of price, atmosphere, quality of food, service, and experience.
Let’s face it, most restaurants are hitting all those points, so how do you separate your restaurant from the pack?
You could consider using SMS & Voice messaging. Statistics show that the preferred method of communication is SMS, 98% of persons are more likely to respond to a text than an email or phone call.
Incorporating SMS & Voice Messaging into your existing service could be the answer to separate yourself from the pack.
The benefits of SMS & Voice messaging:
Drive traffic
This traffic can be online or foot. Most people check out menus online before ordering or visiting a restaurant. They want to know upfront what to expect. Imagine, a patron ordering food and being updated on the process from preparation to delivery. If any delays are expected, the client can be updated in real-time. This will encourage patrons to order from you again.
Updates on when the table is ready
SMS would serve very useful in keeping patrons updated on when their tables are ready. There are some restaurants that have long wait times. Imagine saving the client the awkward wait outside the restaurant but instead letting them know in 15-minute intervals when their table will be ready. This will increase loyalty and will create a repeat customer.
Ability to book an online reservation
SMS provides the ability to have the control to make a reservation with a single click. Rather than a phone call and long wait times, a patron can simply use SMS to communicate options in real-time.
Promotions/Coupons
Once a patron opts-in to receive SMS messages, a restaurant can keep a patron engaged with their weekly or monthly promotions.
Loyalty Programs
Use SMS messaging to keep track of the number of times a patron has eaten at your restaurant. Have a loyalty program that offers discounts based on several visits or a points system that will have a reward for being a loyal patron.
Feedback
SMS can be used for providing feedback to a restaurant. Upon completion of a dine-in, delivery, or curbside pickup, send out a survey that allows the patron to communicate in real-time their experience. This invaluable information can assist in keeping service inline with patrons’ expectations.
Conclusion
SMS technology is the ability to send a concise message (160 characters) to effectively communicate with a patron. It does not require an internet connection; a patron just needs to have a device. A patron is more likely to opt-in to SMS communication than any other form of communication.
SMS technology provides the ability to know in real-time how many messages are delivered and how many are read. This information can assist a restaurant to better understand its target audience based on responses.
SMS is already widely being used with much success and once managed properly, is a great way to enter the competitive arena.