Five Email Ideas Restaurants Can Send This Month
Email marketing is one of the most effective ways to drive delivery orders. Here are five proven email ideas with templates you can use right now.
Five Email Ideas Restaurants Can Send This Month
Email marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways to drive delivery orders and build customer loyalty. But most restaurants don't know what to send or how to send it effectively. Here are five proven email ideas with templates you can use immediately.
Why Email Marketing Works for Restaurants
The Numbers Don't Lie
The Customer Relationship Advantage
Email marketing allows you to:
Email Idea #1: The "Welcome Back" Series
The Concept
A series of 3-5 emails for new customers who order through third-party platforms. The goal is to move them to your direct ordering system.
Email 1: Thank You (Sent immediately after first order)
Subject Line: "Thanks for your order! Here's a special treat for you"
Template: ``` Hi [Customer Name],
Thank you for trying [Restaurant Name]! We hope you enjoyed your [Order Items].
As a thank you, here's 15% off your next order when you order directly from us:
[Direct Ordering Link]
Why order directly from us? ✓ Lower prices (no third-party fees) ✓ Faster delivery ✓ Exclusive deals and rewards ✓ Better customer service
Use code: WELCOME15
[Restaurant Name] Team ```
Email 2: Follow-up (Sent 3 days later)
Subject Line: "How was your [Restaurant Name] experience?"
Template: ``` Hi [Customer Name],
We hope you enjoyed your recent order from [Restaurant Name]!
We'd love to hear about your experience. Could you take 30 seconds to rate your order?
[Feedback Link]
As a thank you for your feedback, here's another 10% off your next order:
Use code: FEEDBACK10
Plus, when you order directly from us, you'll get:
[Direct Ordering Link]
Thanks for choosing [Restaurant Name]!
[Restaurant Name] Team ```
Email 3: Incentive (Sent 7 days later)
Subject Line: "Your exclusive VIP offer is waiting"
Template: ``` Hi [Customer Name],
We've noticed you haven't ordered from us again yet. We'd love to have you back!
Here's your exclusive VIP offer:
🎉 20% OFF your next order 🎉 Free delivery on orders over $25 🎉 Free appetizer with any entrée
Use code: VIP20
[Direct Ordering Link]
This offer expires in 7 days, so don't wait!
[Restaurant Name] Team ```
Email Idea #2: The "Slow Day Special" Campaign
The Concept
Target customers on your slowest days with special offers to boost sales when you need it most.
Email Template
Subject Line: "Monday Madness: 25% off all delivery orders today!"
Template: ``` Hi [Customer Name],
Happy Monday! We know it can be a tough day, so we're making it a little easier with our Monday Madness special:
🔥 25% OFF all delivery orders today 🔥 Free delivery on orders over $20 🔥 No minimum order required
Use code: MONDAY25
Our most popular Monday orders:
[Order Now Link]
This offer is only valid today, so don't miss out!
[Restaurant Name] Team ```
Email Idea #3: The "New Menu Item" Announcement
The Concept
Announce new menu items to drive excitement and orders from existing customers.
Email Template
Subject Line: "New on our menu: [New Item Name] - Try it first!"
Template: ``` Hi [Customer Name],
We're excited to introduce our newest menu item: [New Item Name]!
🍽️ [New Item Name] - $[Price] [Description of the new item]
As one of our valued customers, you get to try it first with 15% off:
Use code: NEWITEM15
[Order Now Link]
What makes this special: ✓ [Feature 1] ✓ [Feature 2] ✓ [Feature 3]
Limited time offer - order today!
[Restaurant Name] Team ```
Email Idea #4: The "Birthday Special" Campaign
The Concept
Send personalized birthday offers to customers to show you care and drive orders.
Email Template
Subject Line: "Happy Birthday, [Customer Name]! Your gift is waiting"
Template: ``` Hi [Customer Name],
Happy Birthday! 🎉
We hope you have a fantastic day celebrating. To make it even better, here's your birthday gift from [Restaurant Name]:
🎁 FREE entrée of your choice 🎁 Free delivery on any order 🎁 20% off your entire order
Use code: BIRTHDAY
[Order Now Link]
Treat yourself to something delicious on your special day!
[Restaurant Name] Team ```
Email Idea #5: The "Re-engagement" Campaign
The Concept
Win back customers who haven't ordered in 30+ days with a compelling offer.
Email Template
Subject Line: "We miss you! Here's 30% off to come back"
Template: ``` Hi [Customer Name],
We noticed you haven't ordered from us in a while, and we miss you!
To welcome you back, here's a special offer:
🎉 30% OFF your next order 🎉 Free delivery 🎉 No minimum order required
Use code: WEMISSYOU30
[Order Now Link]
Plus, we've added some new menu items you might love:
This offer expires in 7 days, so don't wait!
[Restaurant Name] Team ```
Email Marketing Best Practices
1. Timing Matters
Best days to send:
Best times to send:
2. Subject Line Optimization
Use action words:
Create urgency:
3. Personalization
Use customer data:
4. Mobile Optimization
Design for mobile:
Technology Tools for Email Marketing
1. Email Service Providers
Popular options:
2. Automation Features
Set up automated campaigns:
3. Analytics and Tracking
Monitor key metrics:
Real-World Success Story
A pizza restaurant in Texas implemented email marketing:
Before:
After (6 months):
Monthly email revenue:
Implementation Checklist
Week 1: Setup
Week 2: Launch
Week 3: Optimize
Week 4: Scale
Common Email Mistakes to Avoid
1. Sending Too Often
Don't overwhelm customers. Start with 1-2 emails per week and adjust based on engagement.
2. Poor Subject Lines
Avoid spammy subject lines. Be clear, honest, and compelling.
3. No Clear Call-to-Action
Every email should have a clear, clickable call-to-action button.
4. Ignoring Analytics
Track your email performance and optimize based on data.
The Bottom Line
Email marketing is one of the most effective ways to drive delivery orders and build customer loyalty. The key is providing value to customers while promoting your business.
Start with one email type, measure the results, and gradually expand your email marketing program. Focus on building relationships and providing genuine value to your customers.
The investment in email marketing is minimal compared to the potential returns. Even a small email list can generate significant additional revenue for your restaurant.
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