In this world where people might forget emails or scroll past your social media, a text message will be noticed. You might think that text messages are outdated, but that’s not the case. SMS gets noticed instantly, and people even remember it. SMS-marketing has become the most important strategy for restaurants to maintain relationships with their customers.
SMS messages are opened more than any other type of message, and most people read them in minutes. Now you might be wondering how it benefits you. Well, through SMS marketing, your message — whether it’s a deal or a newly launched dish will reach your customers effectively.
If you also run a restaurant and wish to reach a wider audience, you must read this blog to learn about various restaurant marketing campaign ideas.
What is SMS Marketing?
SMS marketing is when you own a business and send SMS related to business updates, reminders, and more to your customers. And you can’t send messages to anyone. That person must have opted for your services or must have shown interest.
Why is SMS Marketing Essential for Restaurants?
Well, more than 80% of people search for restaurants on mobile devices rather than on computers or laptops. So there’s no way they can avoid messages. Here’s why you must leverage SMS marketing for your restaurant.
Cost-Effective Strategy
If you are looking for a marketing strategy that’s effective and under budget, then SMS marketing is for you. This cost-effective marketing strategy helps you reach a wider audience than any other platform. You don’t have to spend that much money on ads and SEO. You can get your work done more quickly and achieve greater benefits within a budget.
Improved Customer Loyalty
Personalized messages help your customers feel valued, and can connect you with them more effectively. SMS can help increase customer loyalty by making your customers feel special, appreciated and wanted.
Everyone craves attention and wants to feel valued, so when you show attention towards your customers, they will turn into regular, loyal customers. So you must text your customers as per their needs and preferences to gain more benefits.
Better Visibility
SMS marketing campaigns are more effective than ever and have better visibility than ever. Even the average open rate of the text campaigns is more than 95%. It shows that more people open and read text messages. Even if a few people don’t open text messages, they will read them from the notifications and will get the idea of what you are telling them.
Immediate Wide Reach
When you send text messages, you’ll immediately reach a wider audience that’s likely to reach you. The majority of people will see your text messages and will open them. They will get to know about your offer and will even remember your restaurant.
SMS marketing is an effective strategy to reach a wider audience, enhance brand value and turn your leads or interested ones into loyal customers. Make your customers feel valued, and they will remember you.
Also Read: How to Bypass GCash SMS Verification without a Mobile Phone Number
5 Restaurant Marketing Campaign Ideas You Can Try Today
Irresistible Deals and Limited Time Offers
One of the most effective ways to grab people’s attention is to send them a message with an irresistible deal. Everyone loves discounts and offers, and when it comes to informing them through text messages, you make them feel valued and special.
Now you might be wondering how to send these messages to people. Here’s what to do and what not to:
- You don’t have to write lengthy messages; these are not emails.
- Just send a short, catchy message that clearly defines the offer and specifies that it is valid for a limited time.
- Creating urgency is important. You should make your customers feel that they should grab this offer now.
This sort of SMS creates FOMO among customers, and they start feeling that they should grab the offer, or otherwise they will miss it.
Birthday and Anniversary Surprises
Remembering your customers on their birthdays and anniversaries makes them feel connected to you. Who doesn’t love a little treat on their special day? You can just treat them to something to make them feel loved. Sending these personalized messages makes them feel appreciated and your restaurant at the top of mind. Here’s how to do it:
Collect their data, such as birthdays, when they sign up for your loyalty program or newsletter, reserve a table, or just visit your website.
Then automate the personalized texts for your customers to make them feel loved.
Example:
Happy Birthday, Sam! Celebrate your special day with a free dessert at Bella’s Kitchen. Valid this week, just show this message when you visit!
These messages show customers that your restaurant cares about them beyond just transactions. Small gestures like these can turn one-time visitors into loyal fans. These sorts of messages will create an emotional connection with your customers and even drive loyalty. A sweet message with a thoughtful offer can make someone feel like part of your restaurant’s family.
Loyalty Programs and Rewards
Do you offer a loyalty program for your customers? If so, then SMS is the perfect way to keep your customers engaged and excited about it. They will often check their mobile phone for SMS and even emails. Here’s how you can send texts related to loyalty programs and rewards:
- Use SMS to notify customers about points earned, reward unlocks, or special “members-only” promotions.
- Make them catchy, short, and with a sense of urgency.
Example:
You’ve earned 50 points, Maria! That’s enough for a free pizza slice at Slice & Dice. Redeem it this weekend!
Or you could announce double-point days:
Double Points Friday! Earn 2x the rewards on every order at ABC restaurant today!
Everyone loves rewards and feels engaged and special when they receive them. They feel as if they have accomplished something. This will help you retain them.
Event Invitations and Menu Launches
Whether you are hosting a live music night, a weekend brunch, or launching a new seasonal menu, you can let your loyal customers know first! SMS is a great way to send quick invites that make customers feel like VIPs. Take care of the following when sending an SMS:
- Keep the message short but exciting
- Include a way to RSVP or learn more
- Keep it humble with personalization, too.
- Pair the SMS with a social post for maximum reach.
- Send the message to loyal customers first.
Example:
You’re invited! Join us this Friday for the launch of our new winter menu at Urban Bistro. Reserve your table: urbanbistro.ca/wintermenu
Feedback and Review Request
Your customers’ opinions matter a lot, so you should ask for feedback via SMS to show that you value their experience. It’s also a smart way to boost online reviews and improve your restaurant’s reputation. You can ask them to leave a review through a text message. Here’s how to do it:
- After a visit or online order, send a friendly message asking for feedback or a quick review.
- You can even offer a small incentive of 10% off or something like that if they leave a review.
Also Read: Calendly – Simplifying AI-Powered Scheduling for Everyone
In a Nutshell!
SMS marketing isn’t just about sending messages; it is about starting conversations and maintaining relations with your customers. Want to position your restaurant at the top and wish to turn it into a brand? You should get in touch with a restaurant marketing agency that will help you with SMS marketing for your restaurant.
