The holiday season is when people eagerly want to enjoy festive meals and make special memories—and your restaurant can be a part of that! But with so many dining options out there, how do you ensure your holiday specials don’t get overlooked? The answer lies in your email marketing. With well-crafted emails, you can grab attention, spark excitement, and make it easy for customers to choose you.
In this guide, we’ll dive into effective strategies for using email to promote your holiday specials while optimising for the keywords “online food ordering system,” “restaurant ordering system,” and “Restaurant award.” Let’s get your emails working as hard as you do this holiday season!
Grab Attention with a Compelling Subject Line
Your subject line is your first chance to stand out. Think about it: people are getting countless holiday emails, so make yours something they can’t resist clicking. Try something festive but straight to the point, like “Get Ready for Holiday Feasts at Curry Palace” or “Festive Specials Await – Order Now!” Test a few different ones to see which works best, and remember—keep it short and catchy!
Tailor Your Emails to Different Customers
Not all your customers are the same, so segmentation is key. Think of it this way: someone who’s ordered from you before will appreciate a “welcome back” vibe, while new subscribers might need a tempting discount to get them to try your holiday menu. Use your restaurant ordering system to sort customers by different types:
- Regulars: Offer them something special for the holidays as a thank-you.
- New Subscribers: Give a little nudge with a “first holiday with us” discount.
- Last Year’s Holiday Orders: Remind them of the great time they had last year and invite them back!
Personalising your emails like this makes each message feel like it’s been crafted just for them—and that means more engagement.
Show Off Your Holiday Specials
The holidays are all about indulging, so make sure your customers know what you’ve got cooking! Highlight your special holiday menu, describing those mouth-watering dishes in a way that’ll have them practically tasting it through the screen. Use pictures, too—people are visual, especially regarding food.
Make ordering easy by linking directly to your online food ordering system. If customers see something they like, they’re more likely to order on the spot if they don’t have to go searching for it.
Create Some Urgency
Nobody likes missing out, so use a bit of urgency to encourage quick action. Phrases like “only available until…” or “limited holiday quantities” can push people to place an order sooner rather than later. If they think your holiday specials could run out, they’re more likely to act fast!
Offer Exclusive Discounts for Your Email List
Your email subscribers are your loyal fans, so show them some love with an exclusive discount just for them. It could be free delivery, a holiday discount, or even a bonus item with their order. Give them a special code to use at checkout so they feel like VIPs. This can help convert those email readers into actual customers ordering through your online food ordering system.
Highlight Any Restaurant Awards You’ve Won
If you’ve received a Restaurant award or recognition, now’s the time to mention it! People trust award-winning businesses, especially when it comes to food. If your restaurant has been recognised, share that as a badge of quality in your emails. Even a small “Best Local Eats” award can make a big difference. Let customers know they’re ordering from a place that’s respected in the industry.
Include Real Customer Testimonials
Social proof is powerful. Share feedback from happy customers or testimonials from previous holiday seasons. If someone posted a glowing review or a picture of your holiday menu on social media, ask if you can use it in your email. Knowing others have enjoyed their experience will encourage new customers to give you a try.
Use Automated Emails to Stay on Their Radar
Automated emails are like your holiday helpers—they keep things moving without you having to do all the work. For example:
- Abandoned Cart Reminders: If someone starts an order but doesn’t finish, send a gentle reminder with a note like, “Still hungry for our holiday specials?”
- Thank You Emails: After someone orders, follow up with a thank-you message. It’s a nice touch and might encourage them to return soon.
- Holiday Countdown: Build excitement with a few countdown emails leading up to key dates, like New Year’s Eve, so customers feel the buzz and start planning their orders.
Emphasise How Easy It Is to Order
The holiday season is hectic, and customers appreciate convenience. Make sure your emails highlight how easy it is to order through your online food ordering system. Include direct links to your menu and emphasise the simplicity of your process. The easier it is, the more likely customers are to click, order, and enjoy!
Encourage Early Bookings
The holiday season is busy, and people know it. Send a reminder email encouraging customers to book early to avoid missing out. You could even throw in a little bonus for those who reserve or order early, like a small discount or complimentary dessert. This creates a win-win—they’re assured a spot, and you get early orders locked in.
Track What Works and What Doesn’t
Once the season’s over, review how your holiday emails performed. Look at metrics like open rates and conversions to see what went well and what didn’t. Many restaurant ordering systems can provide data on who clicked what and when, helping you optimise your approach for the next big holiday season.
Encourage Referrals with a Festive Twist
Want to expand your customer base? Encourage your regulars to refer a friend by offering them a holiday bonus. They may get a little discount for referring someone who places an order through your online food ordering system. People are more likely to try a new place when it’s recommended, so this approach could help you reach a whole new audience during the holiday rush.
Wrapping Up
Email marketing can bring a steady stream of customers to your door during the holidays. You can turn a casual reader into a loyal customer by crafting engaging emails, offering exclusive perks, and keeping things convenient. Use these strategies to make your holiday specials shine, and remember—people love a bit of festive cheer, especially when it comes with delicious food. With a few simple tweaks, your emails can stand out and keep your restaurant top-of-mind this holiday season.
