The holiday season’s just around the corner, so people are gearing up to order their favourite festive meals. As a restaurant owner, this is your chance to boost holiday orders, show off special dishes, and remind customers why they love coming back to you. A well-thought-out email marketing strategy can help get more customers excited about your holiday offerings and drive traffic to your online food ordering system. Let’s break down some straightforward tips for crafting the perfect holiday email campaign.
1. Why Email Marketing is a Holiday Must-Have for Restaurants
Email marketing isn’t just another digital tactic; it’s a direct line to your customers, especially during the holidays when everyone’s looking to make plans and indulge a little. With a few well-timed emails, you can announce limited-time holiday menus, special offers, and unique events—all designed to bring customers back. Plus, sending emails is an easy way to stay in their minds during this busy season.
2. Kick Things Off by Knowing Who You’re Targeting
To run a successful holiday campaign, you must know your customers and what they want. Start by dividing your email list based on ordering habits, loyalty, or even preferences if you have that info from your restaurant ordering system. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Loyal Regulars: Send them early access to holiday specials, exclusive discounts, or reward points.
- New Customers or One-Time Visitors: Hook them with holiday-only items and tell them why ordering from you will improve their holiday celebration.
With a tailored approach, you’re not just promoting but creating something special for each group, making them feel valued.
3. Make Your Emails Festive and Irresistible
No one wants to open a boring email, especially during the holidays. Make your content festive and engaging to grab attention:
- Fun, Holiday-Themed Subject Lines: Use lines like “Get Festive with Our Holiday Specials” or “Ready for a Holiday Feast?”
- Bright, Festive Photos: Showcase your holiday dishes, décor, and anything else that sets the mood.
- Show Off Your Awards: Let your customers know if you’ve won a Restaurant award this year. Adding a bit of bragging rights never hurts, especially when people want reliable and standout places to order from.
4. Timing is Everything – When to Send Holiday Emails
Send too early, and they’ll forget about it. Too late, and they’ve already made other plans. Here’s a simple timeline to keep in mind:
- Early Teasers: Start with an email in mid-November to give customers a taste of what’s coming. This could be a simple “Save the Date” type of email.
- Midway Reminder: Send another email a few weeks before peak holiday times. Include details on pre-order deadlines, popular menu items, and links to your online food ordering system.
- Last-Minute Nudge: A final reminder for those last-minute planners, reminding them there’s still time to order.
5. Clear and Simple Calls-to-Action (CTAs)
Make it easy for people to place orders with clear CTAs. Buttons like “Order Your Holiday Meal Now” or “Reserve Your Festive Feast” guide readers to where they need to go. Use buttons that stand out, and link directly to your online food ordering system or restaurant ordering system to avoid extra clicks.
6. Promote Your Holiday Deals and Special Menus
Your emails should highlight all the unique things you’re offering for the season, like holiday bundles, family-sized meals, or seasonal treats. Adding a bit of urgency with phrases like “Only Available for the Holidays” or “Limited-Time Festive Menu” can encourage quicker action.
- Early Bird Discounts: Offer early bird deals for people who place their orders well before the holiday.
- Festive Bundle Specials: Design group deals that make it easier for families or office groups planning parties.
7. Ask for Feedback to Improve Future Campaigns
After the holiday season, follow up with a quick email asking for feedback on their experience. This will help you understand what went well and what you can improve next year. If you get rave reviews, share them in your next campaign to build even more trust with new customers.
8. Make Sure Your Emails Look Great on Mobile
People are constantly checking emails on their phones, especially when they’re busy around the holidays. Make your emails mobile-friendly so customers can easily browse and order:
- Keep it Simple: Use a single-column layout that’s easy to read.
- Clickable Buttons: Ensure buttons like “Order Now” are big enough to click on a small screen.
9. Track What’s Working and Fine-Tune for Next Year
Once the holiday campaign wraps up, dive into the data. Check open rates, clicks, and conversion rates using tools within your restaurant ordering system or analytics platform. This info helps you understand what customers loved and where you could adjust for an even stronger campaign next year.
Wrapping it Up
With a few smart email marketing strategies, you can make the holiday season a win-win: more customers enjoy your holiday specials, and you get the business boost that comes with it. By focusing on personalisation, clear calls-to-action, and easy ordering through your online food ordering system, you can keep your restaurant top of mind for all those festive meals.
