SMS Marketing for Restaurants: A Guide for Marketing Success

SMS Marketing: It's Your Restaurant's Secret Weapon

Scroll to explore

Restaurant SMS Marketing

As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, savvy owners and operators are turning to SMS (short message service) marketing to connect with guests, drive sales, and build guest loyalty.

As a direct and immediate communication channel, SMS marketing provides restaurants with a powerful tool to engage their patrons.

With countless dining options available at their fingertips, guests are more selective than ever, making it essential for restaurants to find effective ways to capture attention quickly.

SMS marketing has emerged as a powerful tool for achieving these goals. Unlike traditional marketing which often gets lost in crowded inboxes or overlooked on social media feeds, SMS marketing cuts through the noise with direct, immediate, and personalized text communication.

 

guest receiving a restaurant SMS marketing message

 

The effectiveness of SMS marketing lies in its ability to reach guests where they are—on their mobile devices, which most people have within reach at all times.

The immediacy of texting ensures that messages are read almost instantly, making it an ideal channel for time-sensitive promotions, event reminders, or personalized offers.

Furthermore, SMS marketing is cost-effective, delivering an impressive return on investment (ROI) by driving immediate action and engagement.

Whether it’s prompting a quick lunch order or encouraging guests to return with a special offer, SMS campaigns have proven (see below) to generate significant revenue for restaurants.

Here, we will explore the numerous benefits of SMS marketing for restaurants, its value in enhancing guest engagement and satisfaction, and the potential ROI that restaurants can achieve through well-crafted SMS campaigns.

By understanding and leveraging the full potential of restaurant SMS marketing, restaurateurs can not only attract new guests but also turn occasional visitors into regulars, ultimately driving higher customer lifetime values, long-term growth, and success.

 

restaurant guests receiving SMS messages

The Monetary Value of SMS Marketing: Latest Statistics

SMS marketing not only engages guests but also drives measurable financial results. Here are some of the latest statistics highlighting its value:

  • High ROI: Businesses report an average ROI of $21 to $40 on SMS marketing campaigns. This far outpaces most traditional marketing methods.
  • Preferred Channel: A staggering 75% of guests say they prefer receiving promotional offers via SMS over email or social media. This preference underscores the effectiveness of SMS in reaching your audience where they are most responsive.
  • Exceptional Redemption Rates: SMS marketing drives action. A survey indicated that 25% of people redeem texted coupons within three days, and 60% redeem them within a week.
  • Immediate Impact: With 90% of messages read within three minutes, SMS is the go-to channel for time-sensitive promotions.

The numbers don’t lie. SMS marketing delivers exceptional value for restaurants looking to engage their guests and drive revenue. From sky-high open and redemption rates to an impressive ROI, the statistics demonstrate why this channel should become a cornerstone of your restaurant marketing.

By tapping into the immediacy and personalization that SMS offers, you can connect with your audience in a way that other channels simply can’t match.

The financial rewards make it not just a smart choice but an essential one for any restaurant aiming to excel in today’s competitive landscape.

 

woman receiving and reading a restaurant SMS marketing message

The Benefits of SMS Marketing for Restaurants

Restaurant SMS marketing offers a range of powerful benefits for restaurants, helping them connect with guests in meaningful and timely ways.

From increasing engagement to driving repeat visits, the strategic use of SMS can significantly enhance your restaurant marketing efforts. Here are the key benefits that make SMS marketing an essential tool for any restaurant looking to boost guest satisfaction, loyalty, and revenue:

  • High Open and Engagement Rates – SMS marketing boasts significantly higher open rates than email marketing. Research indicates that 98% of SMS messages are read, with 90% opened within the first three minutes of receipt. This immediacy makes SMS marketing a highly effective channel for time-sensitive promotions, such as daily specials, limited-time offers, or event invitations.
  • Personalized Guest Engagement – SMS marketing allows for highly personalized communication. By leveraging guest data—such as dining history, preferences, and visit frequency—restaurants can create marketing messaging to appeal more to specific guest segments. For example, a restaurant can send a personalized offer to a guest who hasn’t visited in a while or a birthday greeting with a special discount. Targeted messaging not only enhances the guest experience but also drives repeat visits and increases guest loyalty.
  • Cost-Effectiveness and High ROI – SMS marketing is a cost-effective strategy with a high ROI. Given its low cost per message and high conversion rates, SMS campaigns can create impressive returns, especially when used for personalized offers and time-sensitive promotions.
  • Boosting Guest Retention and Customer Lifetime Value – SMS marketing can play a crucial role in guest retention. By keeping your restaurant top of mind with guests, SMS campaigns help maintain engagement with past guests, encouraging them to return. Automated SMS campaigns, such as “We Miss You” messages sent to guests who have stopped visiting, can effectively reduce guest churn and increase lifetime value. Research shows that guests who receive personalized SMS messages are 50% more likely to return than those who do not.
  • Enhancing Multichannel Marketing Efforts – SMS marketing integrates seamlessly with other marketing channels, creating a cohesive and comprehensive marketing strategy. For instance, you can use SMS to drive traffic to your social media pages, promote app downloads, or complement your email marketing efforts. By aligning SMS with other marketing channels, restaurants can create a better omnichannel guest experience that fosters loyalty and increases engagement.

 

increase guest engagement with restaurant SMS marketing

The Value and ROI of SMS Marketing

The true value of SMS marketing lies in its ability to deliver measurable results, both in terms of guest engagement and financial return.

Here is how SMS marketing directly contributes to revenue growth, improves operational efficiency, and strengthens guest loyalty, making it a valuable asset for any restaurant’s marketing strategy.

  • Direct Revenue Generation – SMS marketing directly drives sales by promoting offers, discounts, and events that encourage immediate action. Restaurants can use SMS to notify guests of happy hour deals, special menu items, or holiday events, leading to increased foot traffic and higher sales.
  • Improved Operational Efficiency – SMS marketing can also improve operational efficiency by automating routine communications such as reservation confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups. This reduces the workload on staff, allowing them to focus on delivering excellent guest service. Automation of SMS campaigns not only saves time but also ensures consistent and timely communication, further enhancing guest engagement and satisfaction.
  • Enhanced Guest Feedback and Reputation Management – SMS marketing can be a valuable tool for gathering guest feedback. Restaurants can send automated SMS surveys to guests after their visit, capturing real-time feedback on their dining experience. This immediate feedback loop allows restaurants to address any issues promptly, enhancing overall guest satisfaction and improving their online reputation.
  • Building and Maintaining a Guest Database – SMS marketing helps restaurants build and maintain a robust guest database. By encouraging guests to opt-in for SMS updates, restaurants can collect valuable contact information and preferences, which they can use for future marketing efforts. This database becomes a critical asset for targeted marketing campaigns and personalized guest outreach.

Real-world examples demonstrate the effectiveness of SMS marketing for restaurants.

Taco Bell’s “Taco Lover’s Pass” SMS campaign, which offered customers a taco per day for 30 days for a fixed monthly fee, resulted in a 20% increase in app downloads and a 35% boost in subscriber lifetime value.

Starbucks, by sending personalized mobile offers and rewards to its SMS subscribers, saw a 50% increase in redemption rates compared to non-SMS offers.

Furthermore, a 2023 study by Statista found that 75% of restaurants plan to increase their SMS marketing budgets over the next 12 months, underscoring the growing importance of this channel.

A 2022 report by Gartner also revealed that SMS marketing campaigns have an average conversion rate of 32%, significantly higher than email (6%) and push notifications (7%).

By leveraging the power of SMS marketing, restaurants can connect with guests on a more personal level, drive sales, and build long-lasting loyalty – all while maximizing their marketing ROI.

 

restaurateur creating SMS marketing campaigns

The Strategic Advantage of SMS Marketing for Restaurants

The benefits of SMS marketing extend far beyond just its immediacy and high engagement rates. It offers unparalleled opportunities for personalization and guest retention.

Using a restaurant customer data platform and utilizing guest data such as dining preferences, visit frequency, and past purchase behavior, restaurants can craft highly targeted SMS campaigns that resonate on more of a personal level.

Whether it’s sending a birthday greeting with a special offer, a reminder about an upcoming event, or a personalized “We Miss You” message to a guest who has stopped visiting, SMS marketing helps create meaningful touch points that foster more loyalty and enhance guest satisfaction.

Moreover, by integrating SMS marketing with other channels, such as restaurant email marketing, restaurants can create a cohesive multichannel marketing strategy that maximizes reach and effectiveness.

In an era where guest preferences and behaviors are rapidly changing, restaurants must be agile in their marketing efforts to stay competitive. SMS marketing provides that agility, allowing for quick adaptations to campaigns based on guest feedback and market trends.

 

 

Examples of SMS Marketing Using CDP Data and Segmentation

A restaurant CDP like Bloom Intelligence consolidates guest data from various sources—like point-of-sale (POS) systems, online ordering platforms, and reservation tools—into detailed guest profiles.

This rich dataset allows for precise audience segmentation, which in turn enables highly targeted and effective SMS campaigns.

Key Features of SMS Marketing Using Bloom Intelligence
  • Seamless Integration with Guest Profiles
    The SMS marketing tool integrates seamlessly with Bloom’s Customer Data Platform (CDP), and a guest’s identity. This ensures that every message is tailored to the recipient’s preferences, behaviors, and demographics, creating personalized experiences that guests will appreciate.
  • Automated Campaigns
    Save time and streamline operations with automated SMS campaigns. For example, send a “We Miss You” message to guests who haven’t visited recently, or notify your most loyal diners about an exclusive event or limited-time offer.
  • Actionable Analytics
    Track the performance of your SMS campaigns in real time. Insights like open rates, click-through rates, and redemptions are all tied back to individual guest profiles, helping you refine strategies and improve ROI.
  • Compliance and Ease of Use
    The feature is fully compliant with SMS marketing regulations, ensuring you can engage guests confidently. Plus, an intuitive interface means creating and scheduling campaigns is a breeze.

Here are some SMS marketing examples:

1. Welcome Offers for First-Time Guests

Use Case: Attract repeat visits by welcoming new guests with an exclusive discount.

  • Segment: First-time guests identified by the CDP through WiFi, online ordering, POS, or reservation data.
  • Message Example: “Thanks for dining with us, [Guest Name]! Here’s 20% off your next visit. Show this text when you return—we can’t wait to serve you again!”

2. Re-engagement Campaigns for At-Risk Guests

Use Case: Win back guests who haven’t visited in a while by offering a compelling incentive.

  • Segment: At-risk guests flagged by CDP analysis of past visit frequency.
  • Message Example: “Hi [Name], it’s been a while! We’d love to see you again—enjoy a free appetizer on us when you visit this week.”

3. Personalized Event Invitations

Use Case: Delight regulars by inviting them to exclusive events based on their preferences.

  • Segment: High-value guests with upcoming milestones like birthdays or anniversaries.
  • Message Example: “Celebrate your birthday in style, [Name]! Book a table for your special day and enjoy a complimentary dessert with us.”

4. Limited-Time Lunch Promotions

Use Case: Drive traffic during slow periods by targeting nearby guests with time-sensitive deals.

  • Segment: Guests within a specific radius identified via postal code.
  • Message Example: “Lunch break? Stop by for our $10 lunch combo today! Available from 11 AM to 2 PM.”

5. Loyalty Rewards Updates

Use Case: Encourage repeat visits by updating loyalty members about their rewards.

  • Segment: Guests enrolled in the restaurant’s loyalty program.
  • Message Example: “Hey [Name], you’ve earned 250 points! Redeem them for a free dessert or rack up more points this weekend.”

These are only a few examples of how SMS marketing, powered by a customer data platform, can elevate your restaurant’s guest engagement.

The real magic lies in the endless possibilities for personalization and segmentation. Whether you’re targeting new visitors, re-engaging lapsed guests, or surprising and delighting loyal regulars with exclusive offers, SMS marketing enables you to deliver timely, relevant messages that resonate.

By leveraging guest data to tailor your campaigns, you not only drive measurable results but also foster stronger relationships with your guests—turning one-time diners into lifelong advocates for your brand.

 

Keys to Success in SMS Marketing

Launching an SMS marketing campaign is one thing; ensuring its success is another. To truly maximize your results, you need to go beyond just sending texts.

From perfect timing to personalization and compliance, these key strategies will help you craft SMS campaigns that engage guests, drive loyalty, and boost your bottom line.

  • Obtain Explicit Consent: Always ensure guests opt-in to receive SMS communications. Compliance with regulations like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is non-negotiable.
  • Perfect Your Timing: Send messages at optimal times to maximize engagement. For example, mid-morning texts work well for lunch promotions, while early-evening texts are better for dinner specials.
  • Personalize and Segment: Use data from your CDP to craft messages that speak directly to your guests’ preferences and behaviors. Avoid generic mass texts that feel impersonal.
  • Test and Iterate: Conduct A/B testing on your campaigns to identify what works best. Experiment with different offers, message lengths, and tones.
  • Integrate Across Channels: Combine SMS with email marketing, social media, and push notifications for a cohesive multi-channel strategy that amplifies results.

 

The integration of SMS marketing with a CDP takes personalization to the next level. By centralizing data from diverse touchpoints, a CDP allows restaurants to understand their guests deeply and craft highly targeted SMS campaigns.

In a competitive industry, SMS marketing offers restaurants a powerful way to engage with guests, drive revenue, and build loyalty.

When powered by a CDP like Bloom Intelligence, the potential of SMS marketing expands even further, enabling restaurants to deliver experiences that feel personal, relevant, and timely.

This combination not only fills seats but also strengthens the bonds between restaurants and their guests, ensuring long-term success.

 

Discover Bloom Intelligence

Bloom Intelligence is an AI-powered restaurant marketing platform that includes a powerful customer data platform, automated data collection, marketing automation through email and SMS, and advanced reputation management tools.

Guest data is collected from multiple sources and aggregated into one single platform, making it simple and easy to analyze and segment your restaurant’s guests.

Bloom makes guest data collection, segmentation, and messaging effortless, allowing you to quickly execute the strategies listed above, saving you time, increasing customer lifetime values, attracting new guests, improving your reputation, and boosting your bottom line.

To see more of what Bloom can do for your restaurant, schedule a free demo today, or call us at 727-877-8181.

 

SAVE TIME, INCREASE CUSTOMER LIFETIME VALUES, CREATE NEW CUSTOMERS

What our happy customers
are saying

“SaaS that covered so many bases for us instead of having to use multiple software products. Bloom Intelligence has simplified our responses to reviews, customer feedback, and more. I highly recommend Bloom Intelligence.”

Robert Sanderson

“Bloom Intelligence really is a step ahead in terms of marketing software and metrics. Their product is reliable, fast and innovative and has helped the company I work for really grow.”

John Marchetti

“Working with Bloom Intelligence has been amazing. They assist you every step of the way and work with you hand in hand to make sure you are optimizing your advertising potential. We are excited to use this tool to help learn more about our customers so that we can personally engage with them and understand our strengths/weaknesses.”

Ariel Ramirez

“In these challenging times, it has been a pleasure working with Bloom Intelligence to help facilitate our service offering to our clients. They were extremely responsive and provided support to mitigate risk and minimize revenue loss. Great partner!”

Stefan Kim

“We’re extremely pleased with the wealth of customer data that we’re able to gather, at a very attractive price.  In addition, we’re able to communicate our new product promotions by using  the landing page as a digital billboard.  A “no-brainer” for anyone working with limited Marketing $$.”

Bob Cross, Vice President of Operations

Restaurant Marketing FAQs

What is the best marketing strategy for restaurants?

Of all the restaurant marketing strategies, perhaps the most effective strategy is using a WiFi marketing and analytics platform. It allows you to collect customer contact information, segment your customer list, create targeted, personalized messaging, and remarket to them for maximum results.

What is restaurant remarketing?

Restaurant remarketing is a powerful way to connect with visitors to your website or customers who have logged into your WiFi. It allows you to send targeted advertising, and behavior-driven promotions to those people through online advertising or email marketing. It’s a key marketing concept that should be a primary focus of restaurant owners and marketers.

What is restaurant marketing segmentation?

Restaurant customer segmentation refers to the process of subdividing a customer base into specific groups based on similar demographics, psychographics, and/or various behavior data points. This information can guide restaurant marketing professionals when developing new marketing campaigns for each group or optimizing existing ones to personalize the customer experience online or at their physical locations.

How do you use smart coupons to market a restaurant?

The best and easiest way to implement and maintain a digital smart coupon program is to use a WiFi marketing and analytics platform like Bloom Intelligence. The platform allows you to easily create and send customers a unique, one-time-use code that they can redeem on their next visit. The coupon is stored on their mobile device.

The Power of Restaurant SMS Marketing with Bloom

Optimize restaurant marketing in 2021

Optimize restaurant &
business operations

Track restaurant marketing in 2021

Trigger marketing
campaigns based on guest behavior

wifi marketing for new customers

Track attribution of
customer campaigns

how wifi marketing helps

Measure the health
of corporate & franchisee
locations with surveys

wifi marketing for coffee shops

Grow generate revenue on demand

Are you ready to grow
your restaurant business?

If so, find out how Bloom’s restaurant marketing platform measures offline guest
behavior and builds guest loyalty.

It’s time to start leveraging your guest data to gain
a competitive edge. Then watch your profits grow.

Get a Free Demo