allow you to send bulk text messages to your customer lists. Tourism operators can use SMS campaigns to instantly share special offers or important updates, driving bookings and strengthening customer relationships.
Accessing this feature
[This section cannot be completed as the feature is not available in the app]
How to use it
Start a New Campaign:
On the SMS Campaigns page, you'll see a prominent button, usually in the top right corner, that says + New SMS Campaign. Click that button.
Give Your Campaign a Name:
The first thing you'll need to do is give your campaign a name. This name is just for your own reference, so you can easily identify it later (e.g., "August Whale Watching Promo" or "Spring Retreat Last Minute Deal").
Type your chosen name into the Campaign Name field.
Choose Your Audience:
Decide who will receive your message. You'll see options to select your guest lists. You can choose to send to all your guests, or you might want to target specific groups – perhaps only those who have booked a particular tour before, or those who live in a certain area.
Tick the boxes next to the customer segments you want to reach. This helps make your messages relevant!
Craft Your Message:
Now, write your text! Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Be concise: Standard SMS messages are quite short, usually around 160 characters. The platform will often show you a character counter so you know how much room you have left.
Be clear: Get straight to the point. What's the offer? What's the update?
Include a clear call to action: Tell guests what you want them to do next (e.g., "Book now!", "Visit our website!", "Call us!").
Personalisation: You may see options to include things like [Guest Name] in your message. This automatically inserts the recipient's name, making the message feel personalised.
Schedule or Send Now:
Once your message is perfect, you have two choices:
Send Now: If you want your message to go out immediately, select this option.
Schedule for Later: If you'd prefer it to go out at a specific time (e.g., tomorrow morning at 9 AM), choose the "Schedule" option and pick your preferred date and time. This is useful for planning ahead.
Review and Confirm:
Before anything goes out, you'll get a chance to review everything – your message, your audience, and the send time.
Ensure everything is correct.
Click Send (or Schedule)! If everything looks good, click the Send Campaign or Schedule Campaign button. Your message is on its way or scheduled.
Tips
Keep it Valuable: Always ask yourself, "Is this message valuable to my guest?" Offer something genuinely useful, exciting, or helpful. Guests appreciate messages that save them money or time.
Timing is Everything: Think about when your guests are most likely to be receptive. A last-minute dinner offer might be great in the late afternoon, while a tour promotion could work well in the morning. Avoid sending messages late at night or early in the morning.
Clear Call to Action: What do you want guests to do after reading your message? "Book now!", "Visit our site!", "Call us for details!" – make it clear and easy for them to take the next step.
Be Concise: SMS messages are short, so be concise. Use simple language and avoid jargon. Every character counts!
Personalise When Possible: Using a guest's first name (if available) can make a difference. It makes the message feel personalised.
Don't Overdo It: Sending too many SMS messages can annoy guests. A few well-timed, valuable messages are better than a constant stream.
Clearly identify the sender. Include "From [Your Business Name]" at the end to help guests recognise you.
Test It Out: If unsure, send a test message to yourself to see how it looks. This helps you catch mistakes before sending it to your guests.
Review Your Results: After sending a campaign, take a look at the reports (if available). Did many guests click the link? Did you see an increase in bookings? This helps you learn what works best and optimise future campaigns.
Need help?
For further assistance, contact us at [email protected]