How to Utilize Email Marketing for Restaurants

 

 

Every September, I get the same email from Red Lobster, “Endless Shrimp is Back!” And every year I go to Red Lobster and sit down for their endless shrimp fest. Would I have gone to Red Lobster without this email? Probably not. That’s the beauty of restaurant marketing strategies ; it gets people in booths eating shrimp and whatever other food their heart desires. The tips outlined in this article will help you make the most your email marketing, too.

Create an Email List

Have guests sign up for email lists with the promise of a free appetizer or dessert. As soon as they’re signed up, they’ll receive all the emails you send out. Otherwise, restaurant owners can get a BuzzyBooth photo booth. On top of being a lot of fun and enticing guests into the restaurant, this photo booth collects the data of everyone who uses it. If they added an email, the photo booth will have access to it. Restaurant owners can send emails to these guests, too.

Email about Specials

Create specials as a reward for people on the email list. Send out coupons every once in a while. This will not only get them in the restaurant… it will subconsciously tell them to open every email they receive from the restaurant.

Send out Big Change Emails

What’s the point of having email marketing for restaurants if you don’t send out emails about major changes? If the menu changes, send an email. If there’s a big promotion (like endless shrimp) send an email. Add a new dessert to your menu? Send out an email! Every change warrants an email!

Ask for Reviews and Referrals

Use the email list to ask for reviews and referrals. If they’re on the email list, they’ve likely already visited the restaurant. This means they can speak to how good it is. If they refer a friend, throw them a 10% discount or something that will get them back in the restaurant. All of this can be done with email.

Email marketing is so, so easy! In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to market a restaurant. People don’t mind being bombarded with emails because it usually goes to their promotions folder. Send as many things as possible! Eventually, something will stick and guests will return for some good, old-fashioned dinner at a worthwhile restaurant.