Sponsored by PizzaCloud
In February 2024 Rene Posadas took over ownership of Villa Renata Italian Restaurant. Business was slow, and to get customers through the door he knew he would have to find an effective way to reach them.
Posadas found traditional marketing methods such as mailers and emails difficult to track, and often unsuccessful. “One of our major challenges was ensuring that we could reach our customers effectively,” says Posadas.“With traditional methods, like mailing physical menus or conducting email campaigns, we never know if the messages are received. This uncertainty made it difficult to gauge the impact of our outreach efforts.”
Posadas found success in PizzaCloud’s texting service to market holiday promotions, coupons, and other information directly to customers. By switching to a text messaging service Posadas experienced a 15 percent increase in sales within a week. PizzaCloud offered immediate, trackable, and personal communication, significantly boosting engagement and revenue.
“Using text messages is different because we can send specific keywords and receive immediate feedback, which allows us to see if people are engaging with the content,” Posadas says. “This method has proven to be quicker and seemingly more effective than others we’ve tried.”
Email is one of the most popular forms of marketing. With everyone constantly on their phones checking inboxes and notifications, it is one of the quickest ways to reach customers. However, text messaging offers the same reach with a much higher open rate. By keeping the message short and using the restaurant’s phone number, the results prove to be more effective.
Unlike other automated text messaging services, PizzaCloud’s text messages don’t come from an unrecognizable four-digit number. “Our customers can save our number in their phones under ‘Villa Renata,’ so when they receive a text they know it is coming from us,” Posadas says. The customer can then click the phone number and call the restaurant directly. This makes calling in an order or booking a reservation quick and convenient.
Timing can dramatically enhance the effectiveness of promotional strategies. Customers will be tempted with a text just in time for dinner. They also immediately know when there are promotions or new menu items. “The first message I sent announced the sale of the business and introduced its new name and website. I offered a $5 discount on any order. It was astonishing how this simple message transformed our business.”
Posadas is impressed with the level of support and training provided by PizzaCloud. “Their customer service is always responsive,” Posadas says. “After the initial setup, they offered training and showed me all the features available through the phone system, including recording messages and setting up on-hold greetings. Support is just an email away, and they quickly make any changes requested.”
PizzaCloud’s text messaging services have proven to be a game changer for restaurants looking to boost their business rapidly. By leveraging the power of timely and targeted communication, restaurants can engage with their customers more effectively, leading to increased orders and enhanced customer loyalty.
To learn more about PizzaCloud’s text messaging services visit pizzacloud.net
By Abby Winterburn
