In today's highly competitive restaurant industry, effective marketing strategies are critical when it comes to differentiation and staying ahead of the competition. One method that has gained significant traction and proven results is text message marketing.
With its direct and personalized approach, text messages provide the convenience of reaching customers directly at their fingertips. In fact, most Americans, 97% of them to be precise, own a cell phone, while 85% use a smartphone. And when it comes to modes of communication, consumers reported that they preferred texting for friends (48%), family members (44%), and brands (30%). Wondering exactly how text message marketing can help your business? We’ve broken it down to a few simple points:
1. Instant and Direct Communication- Text messaging provides restaurant owners with a powerful channel for immediate and direct communication with customers. With open rates exceeding 97%, most texts are viewed within 3 minutes. Offering unparalleled reach in comparison to other marketing methods, the power of text messaging lies in its ability to deliver time-sensitive promotions, special offers, and event updates. Unlike email or social media, where messages can easily get lost in crowded inboxes or news feeds, texting enables restaurants to make a real-time impact. And by tapping into the immediacy of SMS, restaurants can effectively influence customers' decision-making process, leading to increased reservations and orders.
2. Increased Engagement- SMS marketing enables businesses to engage with their patrons on a more personal level. By crafting customized and relevant messages, restaurants can connect with customers to boost engagement. And the industry is catching on: a large KFC franchisee created a text-based campaign spanning 28 states. Consumers were encouraged to sign up and get updates via SMS with the goal of driving traffic. The results? The pilot produced “strong financial results” along with a 30% month-over-month increase in subscription rates.
3. Targeting & Segmentation- Companies can create highly targeted campaigns based on consumer preferences, behaviors, and demographics. By segmenting their database, restaurants can send personalized texts to specific groups. From birthday promotions to anniversary specials, tailored menus, trigger campaigns, and more - the sky is the limit when it comes to creating personalized. Moreover, customization increases the effectiveness of marketing efforts and helps restaurants show they care about customers.
4. A Cost-Effective Solution- Compared to traditional advertising, text message marketing offers a cost-effective solution for any business owner. Creating and sending text messages is relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to the return on investment, as 45% of mobile marketing campaigns generate a successful ROI. When taking into consideration its affordability and effectiveness, text message marketing is a no-brainer when it comes to selecting a budget-friendly option for restaurants looking to maximize their marketing efforts.
At Appfront, we know that in order to maximize the impact of your marketing efforts, it is crucial to create multi-channel campaigns with ease. From auto-pilot to auto-triggered campaigns, our unmatched functionality will make marketing a breeze, no matter the channel. Get in touch with us today to get started.
Ready to make this holiday season your most successful yet? Let Appfront’s powerful AI, marketing, and analytics tools help bring your holiday campaigns to life.
As online ordering becomes increasingly vital for restaurants, Appfront is pushing the boundaries with its latest offering: Ordering Premium.
It is expected that global revenue from online food ordering will reach 1.22 trillion this year. Therefore, a restaurant's online presence is as important as the physical ambiance, service, and food quality.