Mobile Marketing Campaigns for Restaurants

It seems like every day a new French bistro or craft beer pub opens up. In today’s bustling marketplace, small factors can have a huge impact on your bottom line. Take smartphones, for example. Did you know that two thirds of Americans own a smartphone, and more than six billion texts are sent out daily? So, it comes as no surprise that having a strong mobile presence can be beneficial to your business.

Here is how mobile marketing campaigns for restaurants can help restauranteurs bring more diners through the door. 

Mobile Coupons

In the old days, restaurants relied on printed coupons to fill seats and increase revenue. In today’s digital age, mobile coupons are seeing a 1,000 percent higher buy rate than print coupons. Moreover, digital coupons cost a lot less than print ones. In order to entice buyers, you need to set up a snackable rotation of customer coupons that you can use with different kinds of diners. Here are a few ideas:

• Percentage off entire order
• Buy one, get one free
• Get a side item or drink free with purchase of an entrée
• Discounts on purchases over a dollar amount (for example, $5 off a $30 purchase)

In order to get diners to jump on these offers faster, only offer them for a short period of time via SMS messaging or text.

Loyalty Rewards

Reward your repeat patrons with tasty rewards and exclusive company announcements. Text message campaigns allow consumers to opt in to the service. Keep a list of all of the diners who are repeat customers and send them personalized loyalty offers – such as free dessert coupons on their birthdays.

Timing Is Everything

When it comes to reaching hungry mouths, timing is important. You can drastically improve response rates by sending your text messages at the right times. For example, send a message between the hours of 11am and 1pm when people are opting where to go for lunch. Entice them with a special lunchtime deal that is only good for a certain amount of time. If you own a bar/restaurant, send exclusive happy hour deals, such half-off drink or bar snack specials.

Seamless Mobility

In order for customers to reach your website, it should be built for mobile phones. If you send a text message directing them to a deal on your website and they cannot navigate your site on their mobile devices, you both will not be able to reap the benefits.

Hone in on Your Target Market

Recently, Dunkin’ Donuts ran a focused marketing campaign in the Boston area. The campaign was advertised on local radio stations and through mobile internet ads. This generated 7,500 customers opting in to receiving Dunkin’ Donuts mobile offers. 

Consider running targeted marketing campaigns for customers in a specific region, especially if you own more than one restaurant location.

In order to fill more seats and generate revenue, restauranteurs need to start taking advantage of mobile marketing.