Email and SMS remain some of the highest-return marketing channels for restaurants — if you use the data you already have.
Start with the data you’re collecting. Every online order captures a name, phone number and email — the foundation of a marketing list you already own, no extra cost to build.
Segment your list. New customers, regulars, and lapsed customers (no order in 30+ days) each need a different message — a lapsed customer needs a stronger incentive to come back than a regular does.
Time messages around behaviour. A “we miss you” offer 3-4 weeks after someone’s last order performs far better than a generic monthly blast to everyone.
Keep SMS short and offer-led. SMS works best for time-sensitive, simple offers — a discount code or a “today only” promotion, sent sparingly so it doesn’t feel like spam.
Use email for richer content. New menu launches, seasonal items, or a story about your business work better in email, where there’s room for photos and detail.
Measure what brings people back. Track which messages actually convert to orders, not just opens — this tells you what’s worth repeating.
CholoEAT includes built-in SMS and email marketing tools, using the customer data from your own ordering system. Learn more.
