Fall 2020 - Release Notes

  • Updated

Wisely’s just launched a few new powerful features built to meet the ever-changing demands of both marketing and ops teams. 

 

We flipped a coin and marketing won, so we’ll kick-off with what’s new within Wisely’s Marketing Automation and then move into updates about Wisely’s Host App. Read on!
 
 

New: SMS Automations

While email outreach is proven to be a top driver of guest frequency and spend, today’s omnichannel marketing plans go well beyond the inbox. Cue SMS Automations. 

 

With high conversion rates and open rates of 98% on average, SMS marketing is one of the most effective channels for restaurants to stay connected with their guests. 

 

Now with Wisely, you can collect SMS marketing opt-ins and automatically engage those contacts based on their behavior. Here’s how:

 
  1. Collect Opt-Ins: SMS Opt-In language can now be automatically included on any Wisely-powered forms (e.g. Waitlist/Reservation, guest Wifi, etc.) 
  2. Create SMS Campaigns: Build your SMS marketing messages directly within Wisely under ‘Marketing’ > ‘SMS Templates’
  3. Setup Automation Flows: Create a series of triggers that automate SMS and Email campaigns—or a combination of both. This feature is found within Wisely under ‘Marketing’ > ‘Automations’ 
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To get started with SMS automations, check out our how-tos on the Wisely Resource Center and our campaign best practices on the Wise Up blog here.
       
Click to Learn More about SMS Automations
 
 
 

New: Cover Flow

Seamlessly manage your reservation book and availability each shift directly within Wisely’s Host App. New controls and flexibility available within the Cover Flow view include:

  • See your book & projected covers: block/add/edit inventory without switching views and each update is automatically reflected online (e.g. for guests viewing your reservation booking form)
  • View both reservation & waitlist parties for a full picture of your guest traffic - in 15 min increments (with two hours in view at all times) 
  • Manage how the book is stacked for each shift, avoid under/over booking, and always have an accurate view of how the restaurant was sat (e.g. reservation party arrived and sat early)
  • Book directly from the cover flow view (which also syncs with online availability)
  • Handle phone requests quickly: with details at-a-glance and guest name/phone entered in just a few taps (no manual entry of the reservation date/time, etc.)
  • Ditch printed reports of visit notes: flags next to each party indicate special requests/CRM details
  • Enable password protection so only managers can overbook blocked slots
Click to Learn More about Cover Flow
 
 

New: Sparkfly Integration Powers 1:1 Offers

Each and every brand running Wisely has a different strategy for handling LTOs, discounts, and coupons. It’s now easier than ever to include a unique offer in mass email campaigns as well as automated email and SMS messages through Wisely’s integration with Sparkfly. 
The benefits of using Sparkfly x Wisely Include:

  • Trigger an email or SMS message, automatically, that directly incentivizes guests to visit or order (e.g. $5 off your next lunch) 
  • Unique offer codes provide an added layer of security for your business 
  • Offers directly integrate with your POS—there’s no manual entry of a promo code by a server
  • As an added bonus, offer codes can also be generated for an offline campaign like direct mail
Click to Learn More about Sparkfly Integration
 
 

New: Multiple Reservation Types Displayed on Google

Wisely’s direct integration with Google is proven to drive more traffic to your business. Now, multiple reservation types are displayed directly within Google if you’ve set up various options for guests in your reservation availability within Wisely.

How is this feature best used?

  • Indoor/Outdoor: Offering the option to book the patio? Let guests choose.
  • Special Floorplans: Best seat in the house now in your parking lot? Offer guests that option. 
  • Activities: Are there games offered at your venues like bowling or shuffleboard? Eliminate the waiting on-site and capture bookings in advance.
Click to Learn More about Google Reservation Types