It’s time to capitalize on text messaging services

Sponsored by Pizza Cloud

Alex Damani, owner of Rosati’s Pizza in Florida, faced significant challenges in customer acquisition and retention. Despite offering authentic Chicago-style pizza and a menu full of fan favorites, the business struggled with communication efforts that didn’t fully resonate with the local clientele.

“Earlier, we were using mailers like EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail), but these are getting more expensive while the results are dropping,” says Damani. “For example, when we send out 1,500 menus a week, we only get about ten responses. That’s almost $40 per customer, which is quite expensive.”

The rising cost of outdated strategies has made it increasingly difficult to maintain customer engagement. Damani is now working with PizzaCloud to strengthen customer relationships and increase loyalty.

PizzaCloud offers a comprehensive communication solution specifically tailored to quick service restaurants of all types. Designed to improve customer engagement and streamline operations, its mobile messaging service allows pizzeria owners to send automated text messages for order confirmations, promotions and loyalty rewards.

Additional features include on-demand text messaging and targeted messaging that enhance the customer experience. The platform integrates with POS systems, allowing pizzerias to optimize marketing efforts, reduce lost calls and ensure customers stay informed in real time.

“We’ve been using PizzaCloud for about a month now,” says Damani. “Almost everyone is checking their text messages, so the first month’s results look very promising.” Regular customers who were already in Rosati’s POS system are automatically uploaded to PizzaCloud’s database, ensuring that text messages reach the appropriate audience.

For example, in the morning, Damani sends out text messages around 10 a.m. promoting lunch specials like a slice and juice. Weekend deals are also a huge hit when communicating via text. “On Friday and Saturday, we’re offering 10 percent off wings on any order over $20,” says Damani. “It’s basic stuff, but I get much better results. I also noticed new customers coming in, saying things like, “My neighbor showed me Rosati’s text.” It’s surprising, but we get new customers through word of mouth.”

Rosati’s sends 500-600 messages over a six-day period by splitting the database. For their lunch special — a jumbo slice and soda for $6 — they saw their weekly sales jump from 100 slices one week to more than 175 slices during the week they sent the message. “Last week we sent out 5,500 texts promoting a 20% back-to-school discount on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and we got about 62 responses from customers who called with the code,” says Damani. “The results were solid.”

PizzaCloud is a great tool for customer re-engagement. “We have a list of 60- and 90-day inactive customers in our database,” says Damani. “We can use these lists and send strong offers to bring these customers back to the restaurant. There are many different tools and creative strategies you can use with this texting platform.”

Targeted messaging tools like PizzaCloud offer pizzerias an opportunity to increase communication and customer satisfaction and loyalty. This cost-effective strategy allows owners to maintain strong customer relationships while driving steady business growth.

To learn more about PizzaCloud, visit the website pizzacloud.net

By Abby Winterburn