How FOSA Helps Restaurants Use SMS for Marketing and Food Ordering

• Promoting Special Offers and Discounts
  With FOSA’s SMS marketing feature, you can send targeted promotions directly to your customers’ phones. For example, you might send a message like, “Craving something delicious? Get 10% off your order today only! Text ‘ORDER’ to get started.” These time- sensitive offers encourage customers to act quickly, increasing the chances of immediate orders. FOSA allows you to customize messages and automate campaigns, ensuring your promotions reach the right customers at the right time.
• Announcing New Menu Items or Seasonal Specials
  If you’ve added a new item to your menu or are running a seasonal special, SMS is a quick way to let your customers know. A simple text like, “New on the menu! Try our spicy buffalo wings. Order now and get a free drink with your meal!” can grab customers’ attention and drive orders for specific items. FOSA’s SMS system makes it easy to update customers about new offerings, creating excitement and driving traffic to your restaurant.
• Automated Reminders for Loyalty Rewards
  With FOSA, you can automate SMS reminders for customers who are close to earning a loyalty reward or who haven’t ordered in a while. For example, a message like, “You’re just one order away from a free dessert! Don’t miss out!” can nudge customers to place another order. Automated loyalty reminders keep your restaurant top-of-mind and encourage repeat visits, helping you build a loyal customer base with minimal effort.

• Initiating the Order: A customer can start an order by texting a keyword (like “ORDER”) to your restaurant’s designated SMS number. This could be triggered by a promotional message, a QR code on your menu, or a link on your website.
• Interactive Menu and Item Selection: FOSA’s automated system replies with a message, guiding the customer through the menu. Customers can browse items by category, view descriptions, and choose the items they want, all within a text conversation.
• Order Customization and Special Requests: Customers can customize their orders by specifying their preferences or adding special requests. FOSA captures these details accurately, ensuring the order meets the customer’s exact specifications.
• Automated Payment and Confirmation: Once the order is complete, FOSA sends a secure payment link via SMS. Customers can click the link to pay directly, creating a seamless transaction experience without having to leave their text message. After payment, FOSA confirms the order and provides an estimated delivery or pickup time.
• Real-Time Updates on Order Status: FOSA keeps customers informed about their order status, sending updates as the order progresses. Customers receive a final confirmation when their order is ready for pickup or out for delivery, keeping them informed and enhancing their experience.

Benefits of Fully Automated SMS Ordering
Automated SMS ordering makes life easier for both customers and staff. Customers appreciate the simplicity of ordering through text, while your staff can focus on preparing and serving food rather than managing orders manually. FOSA handles the entire process from start to finish, making SMS ordering as convenient as it is effective.

• Efficient Automation Saves Time and Resources
  FOSA automates both marketing and ordering through SMS, saving your team time and minimizing the chance of human error. Instead of manually responding to each order or sending promotional messages individually, FOSA manages it all automatically. This frees up your staff to focus on delivering excellent service and food quality.
• Enhanced Customer Experience
  FOSA’s SMS system is designed to provide a smooth, enjoyable experience for customers. They can easily place orders, customize their meals, and pay directly through text, making the process feel effortless. By providing a straightforward way to interact with your restaurant, FOSA helps create a positive customer experience that drives loyalty.
• Targeted and Personalized Marketing
  With FOSA, you can segment your SMS list based on customer preferences, past orders, and engagement levels. This means you can send targeted promotions that are relevant to each customer, increasing the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. Personalized messages make customers feel valued and are more likely to result in orders, driving up your return on investment.
• Data Insights for Smarter Decisions
  FOSA provides valuable data insights into customer behavior, order trends, and engagement metrics. This data can help you make informed decisions about which promotions to run, which items to feature, and how often to reach out to your customers. By understanding your audience better, you can continuously improve your SMS marketing strategy to get the best results.
• Cost-Effective Marketing Channel
  SMS is a relatively low-cost marketing channel with high returns, especially compared to traditional advertising or third-party delivery apps. By using FOSA’s SMS marketing and ordering tools, you’re maximizing engagement without high expenses. This makes SMS a smart choice for restaurants looking to reach their customers affordably and efficiently.