Text message marketing is a simple and inexpensive way for restaurants to increase customer loyalty and revenue. There are several reasons why any restaurant should consider SMS marketing:

• Texts are popular:
  Nearly 75% of North Americans send and receive text messages regularly. In the 18-24 age group, that number rises to 96%!
• Texts are read:
  97% of texts are read vs. 10% of marketing emails. There is no other form of marketing with a higher open rate.
• Texts are instant:
  90% of texts are read within 3 minutes. Obviously, this is much quicker than both e-mail and traditional snail mail. This means that customers can be reached instantly.
  This can be vital during slow periods of the day.
• Texts are inexpensive:
  Text marketing campaigns run just a few cents per text. That means with Textafied, 1,000 customers can be reached for as little as $33.00 !

What types of things would a restaurant text to customers?

• Discounts: Short-term deals can be relayed to customers instantly. “Free drinks with any pizza purchase.”
• Coupons: Coupons are a great way to get existing customers to come back or to entice new customers.
• Weekly Specials: The chef is whipping up something special this week?
• Events: Special events such as musical guests can be relayed to your customer base.