SMS Marketing for Restaurants
Here are the reasons you should text:
texts are popular
texts are a guaranteed read
texts are instant
texts are intimate
texts are mobile and don’t get lost
texts are affordable
Here’s a list of key features of SMS marketing campaigns:
Keywords - This is a word or phrase customers can text to your number to sign up for messages.
Campaigns - A campaign is a text sent to a group of people. This could be a small group, such as the customers in your loyalty program, or a larger group like your entire customer base.
MMS - MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service. This feature is included with many SMS marketing plans and allows you to include photos and videos in your messages.
Autoresponders - This is a message that automatically goes out after a set period of time when your customers join your list. You can set the delay to minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even months.
Segments - A segment is a group of subscribers that have something in common. You can use the data from your customer database to create segments within your list and send relevant and targeted messages to each one.
Disclaimers - Your disclaimer would read “message and data rates may apply”. Also include a notice of frequency.
Here are the various campaign types you could implement:
mobile coupons
limited-time offers
weekly specials
events
sweepstakes
polls
Here are the steps to get started.
First, reserve your keyword. A keyword is your exclusive code that people will use to opt in to receive your messages. Your customers will opt in by texting your keyword to a short code or existing 10-digit number. Your keyword should be easy to remember and should represent your restaurant and your brand. So keep it short and sweet.
Next, import existing contacts. You can import contacts if you have a database of customer contacts. You can upload them into your account. Contacts that you import must have given express consent to be contacted. Texting any numbers that you have not collected organically is against anti-spam policy.
Next, incentivise customers to sign up. You should give your customers some reason to opt in to your texts. Some of your guests will opt in simply because they love your restaurant and want to hear from you. Some guests will be hesitant to share their phone numbers - for these guests, incentives go a long way. Such as:
on-the-spot discounts
free gifts
sweepstakes and giveaways
Next, advertise your next text loyalty program. No matter how enticing your incentive is, no one will subscribe to your text campaign if they don’t know about it. Which brings us to an essential point: you have to advertise your text campaign. Get the word out!
Advertise your keyword and short code in as many places as possible. Add your keyword and short code to:
menus
receipts
table tents
placemats
window signs
cash register
website
For more ways to opt in, use the personal touch of your service staff, and collect business cards and numbers in a fishbowl by your register.
Here are the DO’s and DON’Ts to keep in mind.
DO
say who you are
include an opt-out option
test and check spelling
include a call-to-action
DON'T
overload your message
send without permission
use slang
use the same offer
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Digibites is a digital agency for Bars, Cafes, and Restaurants. We specialise in digital marketing and creative solutions that will get new customers to your door and keep customers coming back.
Our services include: consulting, online marketing, website design, branding & graphic design. We also provide an online course.