Staying connected with guests after a tour experience is crucial for turning one-time visitors into loyal customers. But with inboxes overflowing and phone notifications constantly buzzing, what’s the best way to reach them—email or SMS?
Good news: With Wherewolf, you don’t have to choose. Now, you can leverage both email and SMS to engage with guests effectively. By using both channels strategically, you can maximize engagement, encourage repeat bookings, and boost reviews.
Let’s break down the numbers and show why a combined approach is the smartest move for tour operators.
Email vs. SMS: Which gets more clicks?
Email: The reliable go-to
Email is great for delivering rich content—think tour highlights, thank-you messages, and special offers. But with so many emails competing for attention, standing out takes the right timing and compelling content.
- Open Rate: 28%
- Click-Through Rate (CTR): 3-5% (varies by industry)
- Conversion Rate: 15%
SMS: The Instant Attention-Grabber
SMS is quick, direct, and hard to ignore. It’s perfect for immediate follow-ups, review requests, and limited-time promotions. The key? Keep it short, clear, and engaging.
- Open Rate: A massive 91%, with most messages read within minutes
- Click-Through Rate (CTR): Around 10%
- Conversion Rate: Up to 35%
Why a Two-Step Approach Works Best
A single follow-up can be easy to miss, so reinforcing your message through multiple channels increases engagement.
Send an SMS right after the tour. A quick thank-you text keeps your business top-of-mind.
Example: “Thanks for joining us! We'd love your feedback—leave a review here: [link].”
Follow up with an email the next day. Include highlights, photos, or an exclusive discount for their next booking.
Example: “Relive your adventure! Check out these highlights and enjoy 15% off your next tour: [link].”
This way, SMS grabs their attention immediately, while email nurtures the relationship with richer content.
The Payoff: More Bookings, More Reviews, More Engagement
Being clear about risks builds trust. Wherewolf’s digital waivers make safety information easy to understand and hard to miss Interactive features like multiple-choice questions ensure guests engage with the content, so everyone starts the experience informed and aligned with safety and savings.
By combining SMS and email, you can:
- Drive repeat bookings with personalized offers and discounts
- Encourage more reviews while the experience is still fresh
- Keep your brand top-of-mind with thouthful, well-timed messages
Stay Connected, Drive Results
Relying on just one communication channel for guest follow-ups can mean missed opportunities. While email keeps guests engaged with rich, informative content, SMS delivers instant impact and results. Together, they form a seamless strategy that encourages repeat bookings, boosts reviews, and keeps your business top-of-mind.
That's where Wherewolf Plus comes in – our new automated SMS tool that keeps you connected with guests long after their visit.
With Wherewolf, you can combine the power of email and SMS to deliver strategic, high-impact communications that drive reviews, encourage repeat bookings, and maintain lasting connections with your guests. Find out more about Wherewolf Plus
Our Product Specialists are ready to show you how Wherewolf Plus can work for your business.