Ease of communication with a business is key to building relationships and creating repeat customers. Utilizing Text Messaging (SMS) as part of your business model is an effective way of reaching new customers, growing sales, providing a seamless club experience and building your brand’s reputation. Winery SMS services allow you to provide a curated experience that turns first time visitors into lifelong members.
Here are 5 reasons to use texting (SMS) at a winery:
Consumers today expect ease when getting in contact with a business. Texts have a higher open rate than emails- sometimes as high as 98% vs approximately 20% for email. Simply put, this gives your business a considerably higher chance of conversion. This makes it perfect for promotions, special announcements, last-minute event reminders and special offers.
With the addition of direct SMS customer support, customers will know they can rely on you to reply in a timely manner. Don’t forget that every time you can connect with a customer you are in a position to make a sale.
Special events don’t just get people in the door- they’re a major reason that clubs draw new members. Text invitations make it easy for people to both know an event is happening and to RSVP, allowing ease of planning for both guests and staff. Reminders for pickup parties, concerts, or tasting events reduce no-shows and provide recipients with a touch point to adjust their orders and ask questions.
After the event, send follow up messages to thank people for attending and let them know about related promotions.
An informative and pleasant tasting room experience is key to converting new members. Let visitors join your mailing list via QR code at their table, allowing you to provide personalized service from day one. Once they’ve joined your list, provide guests with an option to view tasting notes as they enjoy their flight, or join your wine club to unlock great benefits.
Once this information is captured, your staff can easily follow-up following a visit. An example: “Thanks for visiting today! Remember that Mourvèdre you liked? Here’s a link to join our club so that you can purchase some for your next dinner party.”
Your business is more than a physical space, and consumers are always looking for simple ways to purchase the products they enjoy. Text messages make it easy to introduce customers to your e-commerce experience. Send targeted promotions with a link to new and curated products that the customer will want to purchase.
Did the customer just make their first visit? Let them know that they can buy more of that Cab they liked. Is the customer going to have their order shipped? Provide tracking information via text so they are kept in the loop every step of the way. Is a longtime member looking to find the perfect pairings for a celebration meal? Send them a link to your pairing guides.
Club retention is a priority for wineries, and seamless communication is key to limiting member attrition. Texts feel personal and conversational, making them great for sending non promotional material to members. When members are only be sold to, they will feel less engaged with your business.
Birthday messages, exclusive access invites, and harvest updates are examples of content that make members feel like insiders. With segmentation, you can ensure that each level of membership receives personalized content. When members feel that they are a priority, their trust in your business grows. Let’s not forget that members are our best advertisers.
In short, texting helps wineries make personal, immediate, and effective connections with customers, turning casual tasters into long-term members and brand ambassadors. To learn more about texting can grow your business, visit OrderPort.com to learn about our SMS integration partners.