Text Marketing for Restaurants
Did you know that text marketing boasts a 98% open rate? And that 64% of consumers want more communication from businesses via text? 75% of millennials prefer SMS communications for deliveries and promotions. And 83% of them open text messages within 90 seconds of receipt. We could go on and on as these are not isolated stats. But what it boils down to is that not using text marketing as a sales tool in 2021 is a missed opportunity.
In the crowded Food & Beverage space, every marketing effort counts. And text marketing is one of the most effective and low-cost methods available to restaurant owners to reach and engage their audiences. Text marketing offers the opportunity to lure in new customers. But also, and more importantly, keep loyal patrons around in the long run. Need more convincing to get on the text marketing train? Check out our top benefits of text marketing for restaurant owners and practical examples to get you started today:
Direct Connection
The reach and efficiency of text marketing make it an excellent option for restaurants seeking to create a direct bond with their target audience. The combination of opt-ins, the personal nature of texts, and the potential for customization make text marketing a particularly potent sales tool. There are many different ways you can use text marketing to improve customer engagement with your brand. You can choose to send standardized bulk messages to groups of consumers. Or segment your messaging list and send individualized messages to a core group of repeat customers.
Give your customers the option to opt-in by advertising a code they can text to a specific number. Once they do that, they will become a part of your subscriber list and can receive access to exclusive offers and discount coupons. Remember that obtaining permission to market doesn't mean you should spam customers with offers and deals daily. Refrain from overselling your business. Text marketing software gives you the option to schedule your communication. Use this feature to focus your marketing efforts on the most responsive group of customers or the ones that are new to your brand. And limit promotions to customers or demographics that have shown a low return on investment.
Example: Direct Connection
Hi Dave. Long time no see! Hope we haven't lost you. Just cuz we love you so much-enjoy this 40% off coupon on your next order with us. Can't wait to serve you again!
“75% of consumers are comfortable receiving SMS messages from brands as long as they opt-in to messaging.”
Customer Feedback
Text marketing, much like any other marketing strategy, must be balanced in its approach. It's critical to avoid spamming your customers with promotions and offers multiple times a day. However, sending a message for feedback after service is an effective way to round out communication for a transaction.
A single message that asks customers to rate your service is just the perfect amount of interaction that will help you build customer loyalty. Use peer-to-peer messaging to develop a stronger bond; for example, a message from the person who served your customers directly or delivered their food is an excellent way for a personalized touch.
Examples: Customer Feedback
Hi, Pete! Hope you enjoyed your spicy Thai takeout. Please rate your current order on a scale of 1-5. We also have a customer contest for new menu items. The first 7 people who respond to our online form will receive a free dessert with their next order.
Hey Valerie! It was great fun to serve your group tonight. We hope you enjoyed the special desserts our chef whipped up for your party. We always love hearing back from our best customers. Let us know if we can do anything to improve your experience in the future.
Increase engagement and attract new customers
Like we said earlier, text marketing has a strong opening rate. A recent report found that the opening rate for text marketing far exceeds that for email marketing. 98% opening rate for texts vs. 20% for emails are the exact figures. Text marketing also comes out on top regarding engagement rates, click-through rates, and response time.
Most consumers use their smartphones to discover new spots and place orders on the go. Restaurants not currently on customers' radar can use this knowledge to promote their services through a targeted text marketing campaign. Using text marketing in a time-optimized way, new restaurants can attract customers and grab eyeballs away from more established players in the market.
Example: Engagement + New Customers
A hungry office worker needs to place a quick lunch order. He only has 30 minutes to spare and can't waste time searching for deals. Just as he takes out his phone to contact his usual delivery joint, he receives a ping. It's your text marketing software that has scheduled messages around lunchtime. There is a super attractive offer for first-time customers included too. Chances are, you've just lured in a brand-new patron.
IMPORTANT: When drafting text messages, remember to keep them short, snappy, and with a defined call to action. And like we illustrated above, timely scheduling makes all the difference with customer conversions. Keep in mind that text marketing doesn't just help with lead generation. It's also a great strategy for letting your existing patrons know that you care.
No More Paper Coupons
Use text marketing to promote exclusive offers, monthly contests, coupons, meal deals, and loyalty programs for long-term customers. You can also use text marketing to reward your best customers with special perks like a free meal on birthdays or a big discount during the holiday season. A good text marketing software will help you segment your subscriber list so that your marketing efforts reach the right audience at the right time. Send more personalized messages to a select group. And save time by sending standardized texts to the general population.
Examples: Promo Offers
Hi Natalie! It's Women's History Month. Get 20% off on all takeout orders here at Mark's Grill or dine-in and get a free drink and appetizer with each meal. You're the best!
Happy birthday Ben! As a special gift from us, enjoy a free dessert and 50% off your next order from Wacky Wok. Hope you have a great day!
Promote Special Events
All restaurants, however successful, go through lean periods. Use text marketing to lure in customers with special events or offers during slower weeks. Also, use messaging to build a Unique Selling Point - Got a Top Chef or Masterchef winner on your team? Whether it's a permanent or short-term stay, get your customers pumped up for the occasion.
Example: Special Event
Hey Paul, we've got Top Chef winner Mark Wilder cooking for us all month. Want a meet and greet with this barbecue ninja and sample his famous southern fried chicken? Reserve your table at goodgrub.com. Hurry, spots are filling up!
GET STARTED
With all the benefits of text marketing software, there is a complex part - list management, campaign development, content development, and time.
It's a struggle for restaurant owners to independently keep track of messages and contacts, making their marketing outreach ineffective and untimely - this is where we can help. Our Text Marketing and List Management service will save you the time and hassle of creating and managing a marketing campaign yourself while growing your text list... and bringing you more customers.
Contact us today to learn more about our text marketing services and watch your conversion rates soar.