Any small business can gain from text message marketing, but tiny, family-run restaurants should give it a shot if they want to grow their clientele on a budget. In the section below, I show how to use bulk SMS marketing for restaurants and discuss why it’s still a wise choice today, even though other types of advertising seem to be dominating the market.
Top SMS Marketing Techniques for the Restaurant Industry
1. Use it only when you have an important message to convey.
Even though it might be tempting, bombarding your customers with texts will turn them off. Nobody wants to hear from a brand more often than they want to hear from their friends.
Use email for messages that are longer or less time-sensitive and reserve bulk SMS for things that are more “urgent” like a “get it while it’s hot” deal.
2. Before texting clients, get their consent.
I cannot emphasise this enough: do not send promotional communications to customers unless they have consented to receive them. Additionally, be especially careful when selecting the language for the communications they will receive.
Say, for example, that you’ll promise to notify them when there are discounts. If this is the case, you will be required to send only that kind of message; you will not be permitted to send other types, like news or menu announcements.
3. Keep your texts to the point.
Don’t send a promotional text message that is longer than the allotted 160 characters. Even though newer phones may be able to send longer messages, customers do not anticipate having to read the entirety of a story when they receive a Bulk SMS from a company. Be succinct and to the point.
4. Make your messages unique.
Even if you use bulk SMS marketing, a little personalization can go a long way in helping a customer feel unique. Even using their first names would be acceptable.
5. Give users the chance to opt-out
Wherever you place your opt-in CTA, it must be accompanied by a prominent opt-out option. When people receive their first text message from you after opting in, include a link to unsubscribe.
Benefits of SMS Marketing for Restaurants
1. Easily Accessible
If your restaurant has just opened or you manage a family business where you can’t afford to spend a lot of money on marketing, bulk SMS is perfect for you. Restaurant SMS marketing is less expensive than the majority of marketing tactics, like printed flyers or advertisements.
2. Larger Audience
If you limit yourself to, say, email marketing, you won’t be able to reach as many people as you could with an effective text message marketing approach. This is because email marketing requires several prerequisites, including internet access, modern technology, a data plan on a mobile phone, etc.
For people to receive Bulk SMS, all they need is a phone—not even a smartphone, and certainly not one with an internet connection. You can now expand the scope of your marketing initiatives with ease.
3. Results are Quick
Did you know that 90% of text message marketing texts are read within the first three minutes of being sent? Think about including a 20% off coupon code with an offer that directs customers to your online menu so they can place orders. Someone may open it and place an order in less than ten minutes.
4. Increased Customer Loyalty
Frequently sending Bulk SMS data transmission of special offers will help you create engaging communications. Customers will be encouraged to come back to your restaurant to take advantage of the deals. It’s that simple!
5. Adaptable
One of the main selling points of text message marketing is its adaptability. When creating a Bulk SMS marketing strategy, consider carefully what you want to communicate, whether it’s a special menu item, a deal, a coupon code, or even details about your company.
3 Effective SMS Marketing Strategies for Restaurants
Now let’s look at some SMS marketing tactics that work well for restaurants.
1. Distribute Discount Vouchers
The best way to grab someone’s attention is with a quick text message that includes a discount code. If the restaurant texting system you’re using allows it, add their initials to the code to give it a fun surprise element that they’ll love.
2. Send happy birthday wishes and thoughtful gifts.
If you are aware of your customers’ birthdays, send them a special text message on their special day. A happy birthday greeting and a present, such as a free dessert, a meal discount, or a bottle of champagne, are appropriate.
3. Reactivate customers who haven’t ordered in a while.
It’s challenging to foster customer loyalty. You may have noticed that some of your loyal clients have started to leave. It will be less expensive for you to locate them and make an effort to win them back than it will be to try to acquire new customers. Send them a specific Bulk SMS offer as soon as you notice that they are beginning to stray.
Send out automated SMS messages to customers who place orders with you online. Activate a campaign from our library, unwind, and let Autopilot handle the rest.
So, what are you waiting for? Come and talk to our experts at Guni and we’ll help you make the best of your Bulk SMS Strategy!
