SMS text messaging is a great tool to yield as a business. It can allow you to reach wide swaths of your customer base. However, not every business in every industry that could really benefit from text messages actually utilizes them to improve the effectiveness of their services. With that in mind, below are seven businesses that should use text messaging services.
Airlines
Flying these days feels like a hassle for most people. The truth is that most airlines could try harder to provide more convenience to their customers. Text messaging can certainly provide that. One of the most frustrating aspects of flying is the cumbersome check-in process.
However, what if you could check in via text message? Also, what if customers could be alerted of flight delays immediately via text message? These and other alerts provided through text messaging services could be very useful for consumers.
Shipping Companies
Many people send and receive packages from shipping companies like the USPS, UPS and FedEx over the course of the year. The service provided by these and other shipping companies could be greatly improved via text messaging services.
For example, if you could be automatically updated on the progress of a package on the way to you. Instead of having to type in a long tracking number on your phone, you could simply be sent the shipping updates in an automated fashion.
Hotels
Hotels, motels and resorts are designed to be relaxing and restful for patrons. When you have a text messaging service for business, it can help improve this important aspect. For one, it can be used to replace the check-in and check-out procedure. This can save a lot of time and money. Second, it can be used for communication between the guest and the front desk or for other services a hotel provides. Room service, for example, can be ordered over a text message.
Gyms
After spending so much time inside during the pandemic, many people are finally trying to get back into the gym to get in shape again. What gym owners should be aware of is that text messaging services could greatly improve their business model. One of the biggest problems with gym memberships is the retention rate. About 50% of new members simply quit showing up after six months. However, reminders sent via text message can certainly help remind people to keep using their gym membership and to renew it when the time comes.
Restaurants
Restaurants can also make great use of text messaging services. SMS can be used for things like ordering take-out and making reservations. When take-out is ordered, a follow up text could be sent to tell the patron to pick up their food.
Similarly, a request for a reservation can be followed up with a confirmation text and even an estimate of the exact wait time you’ll experience. Promotions, coupons and more can also be sent out to customers via text message. Since text messages are checked more thoroughly than e-mail, this can increase the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
Valets and Parking
The process of leaving your car off with a valet or trying to find a parking spot can also be improved by SMS. Reserving a parking spot via text message can ensure that you are actually able to find a space where and when you need it. Communicating to a valet via text message about where you want your car dropped off can also be more convenient than doing it in person or by voice message.
Banks
Lastly, the banking industry should try to take better advantage of the benefits provided by text messaging services. This should include the ability to check account information and deposit information via the exchange of text messages. Automating this process can save a lot of time versus having it performed by human beings over the phone. Activity alerts can also be sent immediately in this fashion. For example, you could be alerted of your account being overdrawn automatically.
Of course, there are also many other industries and business types that could greatly benefit from text messaging services. Text messaging can increase user engagement, slash overhead expenses and improve customer outcomes. It’s something that should be taken advantage of.
