How restaurants can use SMS marketing to boost sales
Lindsay Rosasco • July 24, 2025
Text message marketing delivers a 98% open rate—far higher than email or social media. Here’s how to use it without annoying customers.
Best practices:
Build a permission-based list
Use in-store signage, table tents, or your website to collect opt-ins.
Keep it short and timely
Think: “$5 off lunch today only” or “2-for-1 margaritas, 5–7 PM.”
Offer exclusives
Make subscribers feel special with VIP-only deals.
Send event reminders
Alert customers to live music nights, new menu launches, or seasonal specials.
Integrate loyalty programs
Give points or rewards for opting in and engaging.
Personalize when possible
Use first names or tailor offers based on dining history.
Start small, measure your ROI, and refine your SMS strategy to drive both short-term sales and long-term loyalty.
Imagine this: A hungry couple is walking downtown, smartphones in hand, searching for the perfect spot to spend their Friday night. They scroll past endless social posts, pull up search results, tap restaurant websites, and choose the one that’s easy to view, quick to book, and lets them peek at the menu—all in seconds, right from their phone. Did they just pick you, or your competitor? A mobile-friendly, modern website is no longer optional, and by 2025, it will be the very first impression your restaurant makes. In our fast-paced, mobile-powered world, your online presence is your new front door. Let’s break down why a responsive website is the cornerstone of restaurant success and how you can make sure you’re standing out for the right reasons.
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