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Once upon a time, we picked up the phone, dialed a series of numbers, and were connected to a live person to converse with. One day, we learned how to text and we lived happily ever after. The end!
It really is that simple! Texting has become a convenience that we can’t live without. In fact, 97% of American adults spend time sending texts each week. 78% of these people wish they had the ability to text with businesses, so it’s time you bring your business up to speed and get texting! Here’s five ways you can eliminate phone calls and take advantage of text messages:
1. Ease Your Takeout Process
In the COVID-19 era, takeout is all the rage. Unfortunately, there is room for human error when taking orders over the phone. If you misinterpret a customer’s order, this could result in a damaging online review or a loss of business, and no one can afford that during these difficult times. Allowing customers to place their orders over text can eliminate the possibility of error, and reducing the number of phone calls you receive will also save you time on a busy night!
You can take this a step further by having your customers text you when they arrive to your restaurant so you can bring their meal right out to their car.
2. Step Up Your Sales
One of the boutiques I shop at often sends me a text anytime they’re having a sale. They even send me some photos of popular items they’ll be offering at a reduced price, and I can text with them to reserve items I like. Additionally, I can text their number and tell them exactly what I’m looking for, and they’ll reply with helpful photos of what they have in stock. This is an AMAZING way to increase your sales or get the word out about current promotions! Whenever I see an email from a store, I typically delete it without even opening it. However, a text is almost certain to be seen immediately once it is delivered, leaving your customers more likely to make a purchase.
3. Send a Reminder
Save yourself the time and hassle of having to call your clients to confirm appointments by texting them! Seeing the date and time in writing leaves people more likely to remember the appointment, and they can easily reply to confirm, rather than having to give you a call back if they missed your initial call.
4. Ensure Safety with a Virtual Waitlist
With COVID-19 still out there, you don’t want your customers hanging around in your shop waiting for their appointments. Create a virtual waitlist by having clients text you upon their arrival, and you can easily respond when you are ready to welcome them inside. This reduces the number of people in your establishment and keeps everyone as safe as possible.
5. Keep Track of Special Events
You can set up a system to send your customers a text on special occasions like their birthday or anniversary. People love to celebrate these events, and they’ll be flattered that you thought of them! It’s also a great way to bring them into your business by offering a celebratory promotion just for them.
Some people really hate talking on the phone. I know this because I’m one of them. I would so much rather send a text than pick up the phone (the horror!). Your customers will be pleased to know that they can easily reach you without having to give you a call.
Making use of text messages grants you an additional way to reach your customers and increase engagement. It also makes your life so much easier! As a member of Gen Z, I’m always being told to put down my phone, but I’m encouraging you to pick up yours and get texting! You won’t regret it.
