Using SMS to reconnect with customers

By : Lindi Zakwe

For many non-essential businesses, the global lockdown has meant that they’ve had to shut their doors and hope for the best. But as the restrictions start to ease up, and business owners breathe a sigh of relief, reconnecting with customers is a top priority and SMS is the perfect tool for it.

Here are a few ways SMS can help businesses reconnect and engage with their customers again.

1. Discounts and special offers

Get feet through your doors, or checkouts on your website, by offering your loyal customers special discounts via SMS. Whether it’s a simple 10% off using a special code, or even a coupon sent as an SMS attachment, SMS makes it easy for you to remind your customers that you’re back in business.

3. COVID-19 precautions

Use SMS to let your customers know that you’re taking every step to ensure their safety when they come into your store. Send a downloadable PDF or infographic as an SMS attachment detailing what protocols your store follows to make sure your customers

stay COVID-free when visiting.

4. Important notifications

As restrictions lift, many countries still have curfews in place. Make sure your customers know your operating hours by sending them a quick SMS message. You could also encourage your customers to use online services when your doors are closed.

5. Well-wishes and thank you’s

Your customers are the heartbeat of your company, and need to know they are valued and appreciated. Send a message to all of your customers thanking them for their continued support and wishing them well for the year to come. You’ll be surprised at how far “going that extra” mile can take you.

Need some more ideas? Here are some templates we’ve created just for you:

Industry	Template
Gyms & Fitness Studios	NEWSFLASH: We’re re-opening on [DATE]! To celebrate, all socially distant classes during our first week will be free. Book your spot now: [URL]
​Beauty & Hair Salons	​Hi [NAME], our doors are opening on Friday and we’d love to get you looking fabulous for the weekend. Book your appointment now and get 10% off your treatment.
​Tourism / Accommodation	​We’re so excited to let you know that our guesthouse will be available for bookings from [DATE]. Only 6 couples are allowed to visit at a time, so save your spot now!
​Tourism / Airlines	​We think it’s about time you spend some time in the air! We are thrilled to be operating again and are ready to take you where you want to go. Get your ticket today and save 10% off your next flight.
​Restaurants	Home cooked food tasting a little bland? We’ve got you covered! We’re back in business and can’t wait to host you again. Come give our new menu options a go tonight and get 15% off your total bill when you use this code [CODE].
​Restaurants	​Got dinner plans? We do, and you’re invited! We’re officially opening our doors at 6pm tonight and we’ve reserved a spot just for you. Reply “yes”, if you’re keen to celebrate with us!
​Sports Clubs	​We know your swing is probably feeling a little rusty after all this time off. But it’s time to get back to it! We’ve officially opened and the first 9 holes are on us if you come any time this week! Reply “yes” to book your spot.
​Sports Clubs	​Alex, it’s time to dust off those rackets and get back onto the court! What do you say to a round of doubles tomorrow evening to celebrate our reopening? Post-game drinks are on us!
​Childcare Facilities	​Returning to the office? Our daycare is back in business and we can’t wait to see your little ones again. Official reopening is 11 March! Reply to this SMS to find out more.
​Childcare Facilities	​We’ve got great news! We’re ready and waiting to get back into the swing of things for 2021. We’ve upgraded our facilities to meet all new COVID-19 regulations and we’re accepting new applicants as of today. Click on the link to find out more [URL].

SMS is versatile and available on all mobile phones, making it the perfect tool for your business to reconnect with your customers. Sign up today, get creative, and start sending! Article provided by BulkSMS