4 Ways to Save on Guest SMS
1. Eliminate Unnecessary Spending
The small things add up. For example, take a look at the phone numbers in your PMS. Some are non-working numbers. Others are landlines. Even more are generated by OTAs and connect you to an OTA-run call center, rather than your guests. Sending SMS to these phone numbers is throwing money away. Yet so many standard providers simply message all of the phone numbers in your PMS, without checking.
At Ameniti, we keep our clients’ monthly bills down through a simple AI verification of all phone numbers in the PMS. We only send messages to working, personal cell phone numbers.
Another detail is carrier selection. You may not realize that different carriers charge different rates to send messages, depending on time of day. Those costs add up when you’re sending a large quantity of messages. Through an algorithm, we automatically select the least expensive carrier in real time before sending each SMS.
2. Provide Other Options
SMS remains the most efficient method for connecting with your guests and resolving issues. However, not all guests have a preference for SMS. Giving guests the option to use other channels can provide big savings.
For every guest that switches to browser-based chat or social messaging, you’ve gained a completely free conversation. Giving the option for guests to switch to fee-free communication channels is a zero-effort way to save money, while honoring guests’ preferences. Saving money for all parties and providing a customizable experience is a win-win solution.
3. Make Every SMS Count
The higher the quality of your messages, the fewer you will have to send. So if your SMS strategy is efficient and effective, you’ll pay less in the long run. You need a solution that anticipates your guests’ needs before they arise, and that is tailored to the guest journey you provide.
Automated messaging is the ideal way to ensure effective SMS. Use conversational SMS that actually “understands” what your guests are saying. AI-automated answers mean an instant response to every inquiry, and no double text messages from guests.
4. An Advanced Move: SMS that Generates Revenue
Optimize your SMS with AI to provide the best responses to revenue-generating inquiries. When linked with your PMS, you’ll be able to make money automatically using SMS, allowing SMS service to pay for itself and beyond.
Here are a few examples of tasks that can be carried out automatically using SMS:
Convert OTA reservations to direct bookings
Early check-in
Room upgrades
Late checkout