4 Ideas To Unlock Growth Using Personalized SMS Messaging
Staying connected with customers is a key to your success.
And one of the most effective ways to achieve this connection is by building relationships using SMS.
Today, let’s dive into how you can leverage SMS to boost customer engagement, improve retention, and grow your business.
1. The Power of Direct Communication
Most businesses are obsessed with likes, follows, and shares. But here's the real question: Why are your customers so happy?
The answer lies in how you communicate with them. Building an SMS relationship provides a direct line to your customers, cutting through the noise of crowded inboxes and social media feeds.
Immediate Engagement: SMS messages have a 98% open rate, and most are read within minutes. This immediacy can significantly enhance customer interaction.
Personal Touch: A personalized message feels more intimate than an email or a social media post. Use this to your advantage by addressing customers by their first name and tailoring messages to their preferences.
Easy Access: Don’t just blast customers. Let them engage with you in 1-1 communication. Letting customers text you with questions and comments is a surefire way to build deep relationships.
2. Crafting Compelling (And Fun!) SMS Order Reminders
To truly engage your customers, your SMS campaigns need to be both valuable and captivating. Here’s how to do it:
Exclusive Offers: Send exclusive discounts or early access to new meals. Make your customers feel special and valued.
Interactive Messages: Encourage feedback or ask for meal preferences. This not only engages your customers but also provides you with valuable insights.
Urgency and Scarcity: Use time-sensitive offers or limited availability to create a sense of urgency. For example, “Get 20% off your next order! Offer ends tonight!”
Make It Fun: Send a joke, show your personality, get the customer engaged. This goes a long way!
3. Building a Loyal Customer Base And Grow Your List
Why do your customers keep coming back? Because they feel connected and valued. SMS messaging can help reinforce this bond.
Regular Updates: Keep your customers informed about new menu items, special promotions, and events.
Loyalty Programs: Reward loyal customers with points or discounts. Send regular updates reminding them about your loyalty program or when a loyalty reward is earned.
Personalized Messages: Use data and software to send personalized messages based on past orders and preferences. “Hi [first_name], we’ve added a new dish we think you’ll love!”
4. Best Practices for SMS Marketing
Just like any marketing strategy, SMS marketing requires careful planning and execution. Here are some best practices to ensure success:
Compliance: Make sure you have explicit permission from customers before sending messages. Follow regulations like the TCPA in the US.
Timing: Avoid sending messages too early or too late. The best times are usually mid-morning or early afternoon. Tuesdays at 11am and Thursdays at 5pm are great times based on our data at Bottle.
Clarity: Keep messages concise and to the point. Include a clear call to action, such as “Order now” or “Claim your discount.”
Final Thoughts
Shifting your focus to SMS marketing can transform your meal delivery business. It’s not just about blasting messages to your customers; it’s about building relationships, understanding their needs, and making them happy. Remember, when your customers are happy, growth will follow naturally.
So, your action step for today is to start incorporating SMS into your marketing strategy. Reach out to your customers, understand their preferences, and tailor your messages to deliver maximum value.
Always happy to help with any tips or questions you have about marketing or running your meal delivery business, just reply back and we can chat.
Of Interest: Pricing and Economics of Meal Delivery
A recent cost analysis by CNET on meal delivery formats presents an intriguing look at the value proposition of meal kits versus pre-prepared meal deliveries. Meal kits like EveryPlate and Dinnerly pitch affordability with prices starting as low as $4.69 per serving, offering the thrill of cooking with less hassle. In contrast, prepared meal services such as Mosaic Foods, Fresh N Lean, and Daily Harvest, price their offerings between $6 to $9 per serving, prioritizing convenience by cutting down prep time altogether.
Local meal delivery services, however, can vary significantly, with servings priced anywhere from $6 to $20. This variance largely depends on several factors including the location, the quality of ingredients used, and the type of convenience offered. Article here.
Thanks for reading! We’ll see you next week.