Local business owners wear many hats. Running a business and managing employees is no easy task. When it comes to interacting with your customers, that can be a whole new beast! There are so many expectations from customers that it can be hard to keep up and make sure you are doing what is most efficient and effective.

One thing we know for sure is that consumers prefer messaging as their main form of communication with businesses. Every business owner wants their customers to be happy, but sometimes implementing the processes to meet their needs can be a bit more difficult.

Luckily, we can help you get started with 3 ways to use text messaging to help your local business communicate with its customers:

• Follow-up Messages

One of the easiest ways to reach your customers through text is in the form of a follow-up message after completing a service. At this point, your customer just worked with you and your business is fresh on their mind. This is a great time to reach your customer with a quick text message thanking them for choosing your business. Be sure to remind them to reach out to you if they have any questions or concerns come up. And of course, use this opportunity to ask for an online review from your happy customer! Automating this process will make your business run smoother and make your life easier, so you don’t have to remember and write up a text following each service. 

• Reminder Texts

We have all received reminder texts about upcoming dental appointments or online grocery pick-up orders. Service appointments are no exception when it comes to the convenience this type of text message offers. You are busy, and so are your customers. Everyone is better off when customers remember that they have an appointment scheduled with your business. Sending out a quick text reminder making sure customers remember that your team will be headed their way and the date and time of the appointment ensures that the customer will be home and ready for you. Nothing is more frustrating than showing up at someone’s house for an appointment, only to find they forgot and aren’t there. This service is helpful to your customers and makes their experience with your business a pleasant one, while also making sure your bases are covered so no time is wasted during your busy days. 

• Interaction for Stronger Customer Relationships

80% of consumers say they are more likely to do business with a company that personalizes interactions with them. The best way to create a strong personalized customer experience is to create a relationship with them. Texting customers with information that is important to them and applicable to their needs from your business helps to build that relationship that will create loyal customers for your business. Examples of text interactions that would be worthwhile to your customers are: product and service updates or changes, changes in hours or availability, information about a current special or sale you have on your services, facts about something that is relevant to your industry, etc.

Customer interactions are an integral part of your overall success as a business. Local businesses have the advantage of creating very personalized experiences for each of their customers, and taking advantage of that is important. Using text messages as big piece of your marketing puzzle will benefit your business in today’s technology-driven world.

For more insights on marketing strategy that actually works for small business, connect with Jay Bean, Founder of FreshLime and Small Business Marketing Expert on LinkedIn and Twitter. If any of these tips have helped you or if you have anything to add, please comment below. We’d love to hear from you!