Growing Your Customer Base with Keywords

Mobile keywords are specific words or short phrases that businesses use in SMS (text message) marketing to engage customers and encourage them to opt-in for promotions, discounts, or other offers. When a customer sends a keyword to a short code number, they can sign up to receive relevant information, special deals, or updates from a business. These keywords are typically promoted through various channels like websites, social media, print ads, or in-store signage.

• Gather Contact Information: Promote engaging text keywords like “VIP” or “Foodie” across social media and ads to make it easy for customers to opt-in for exclusive offers and updates. Descriptive keywords help set expectations, encouraging sign-ups.
• Keep Opt-Outs Low: Once customers join, the chances of opting out remain low (around 3.7%).
• Use Multiple Keywords: Offer different opt-in options like “DEALS” for special offers and “PIE” for dessert discounts. Segmenting your audience this way lets you deliver more tailored promotions.
• Track Results: With tools like iZigg, you can monitor the performance of each keyword, assess customer engagement, and adjust your campaigns based on past results.
• Boost Brand Awareness: By reaching people through their mobile phones, you can expand your restaurant’s reach, raise awareness, and promote your services.

Reduce No-Shows with Table Reservations

When a customer doesn’t show up for a reservation, the restaurant misses out on potential sales for food and beverages. This is especially costly during peak times or special events when tables are in high demand, and that reservation could have been filled by other paying customers.

• Alert Customers About Slow Periods: Texting promotions during off-peak hours helps fill empty seats and maximize profits.
• Enable Reservations through SMS: Allow customers to text for wait times and reservations, receiving real-time updates about their table. This reduces no-shows and enhances the customer experience.
• Optimize Staff Scheduling: By knowing when customers will arrive, you can adjust your staffing levels and avoid wasting resources.

Promoting Your Restaurant Effectively

Special promotions, such as grand openings, seasonal menu launches, or exclusive events, create excitement around the restaurant. This buzz can help generate word-of-mouth marketing and spread awareness, leading to more customers and higher profits.

• Opening Promotions: Invite customers to your grand opening through SMS and offer exclusive discounts or mobile coupons.
• Special Menu Items: Announce limited-time dishes with texts like “Try our special truffle dish this week only!”
• Targeted Offers by Zip Code: Collect customer zip codes to send hyper-localized promotions, building a stronger connection with nearby patrons.
• Special Event Reminders: Use SMS to inform customers about upcoming events like holidays or game-day promotions, offering simple text codes (e.g., “TGIF” or “SUPERBOWL”) to drive attendance.
• Maximize Redemption with Digital Coupons: Compared to paper coupons, mobile coupons have a much higher redemption rate. Implementing them will not only increase sales but also provide valuable insights into what promotions work best.

Use MMS for Engaging Visuals

MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) messaging is an extension of SMS (Short Message Service) that allows users to send multimedia content such as images, videos, audio, and other media along with text in a message. Unlike SMS, which is limited to just text, MMS messages can include images, videos, audio clips, or rich text.

• Attractive Event Reminders: Send visually appealing messages with images to promote events or limited-time offers.
• Custom Coupons with Pictures: Send personalized coupons featuring dishes your customers love, increasing redemption rates.
• Menu Updates: Share images of new dishes with your customers to keep them excited about your menu.

Improve Customer Service with Two-Way Texting

An integrated SMS service, such as iZigg, can help you reach more customers across multiple communication platforms, including MMS, email, voice broadcasts, and social media.

• Quick Customer Responses: Use two-way text messaging to quickly answer customer inquiries, fostering a sense of connection and improving customer retention.
• SMS Ordering: Allow customers to text in orders, reducing wait times and improving kitchen efficiency.
• Personalized Engagement: Use text messaging to send birthday wishes, special dish updates, or personalized offers, strengthening your relationship with customers.

Feedback, Polls, and Loyalty Programs

When customers are satisfied with their experience, they are more likely to tell their friends and family about the restaurant. Feedback polls and loyalty programs generate word-of-mouth marketing that can lead to new customers and enhance the restaurant’s reputation.

• Collect Feedback via Text Surveys: SMS surveys boast a response rate far higher than email surveys, with 31% of customers responding within five minutes. Use these surveys to collect valuable insights on food, service, and the overall dining experience. Similarly, ask staff for feedback on operational efficiency.
• Establish Loyalty with SMS Programs: SMS loyalty programs are highly effective for customer retention. By offering tailored rewards based on customer preferences, you can build a loyal base that engages with your restaurant regularly. Around 90% of customers enrolled in text-based loyalty programs actively participate.

Improve Communication with Automated Texts

Manual marketing scheduling is time-consuming and prone to errors. Automated messaging software allows managers to set recurring messages and answer common customer service questions without logging in.

• Automated Greetings: Send customers personalized birthday messages or special offers automatically, making them feel valued.
• Event Reminders: Set automated text reminders for future reservations, such as for holidays or anniversaries, helping to ensure bookings.
• Efficient Staff Scheduling: Use automated text reminders to schedule shifts or confirm availability with staff.
• Meeting Reminders: Reduce no-shows for important staff meetings by sending automated reminders.
• Deadline Alerts: Ensure employees meet deadlines by sending automated reminders for key tasks.

Still Have Questions?

iZigg provides tailored SMS services and dedicated support to ensure your restaurant’s marketing campaigns are successful. Their team offers everything from strategic consultation to technical support, ensuring you get the most out of your SMS marketing efforts.

If you’re looking to enhance your restaurant’s marketing strategy and improve customer engagement, iZigg is ready to help you connect with more patrons and drive sales effectively through SMS. Check out our other articles for more advice on specific industries and use cases.