Are you a restaurant owner looking to attract more customers? One way to do this is by hosting a Happy Hour, which is a period during the day when you offer discounted foods and drinks.
It is a popular way to draw in customers during slower times and attract social media influencers. But it's not enough to host a happy hour.
You need to promote it, and what better way to do that than with text messages?
What does it exactly mean by the term “Happy Hour”?
Happy hour is a time of day when restaurants and bars offer discounted drinks and appetizers to customers. It's typically held during a slower time of day, like late afternoon or early evening, which benefits both business and customers.
For Businesses, Happy hour is a great way to:
Attract customers who might not otherwise visit the restaurant during regular hours.
Increase revenue and profits during off-peak times.
Build a loyal customer base, and drive social media influencers to your restaurants.
Differentiating your Business from your competitors.
For Customers, Happy hour is a great way to:
Enjoy discounted Food and Drinks.
Socialize with friends and Co-Workers.
Unwind after a long day at work.
A recent survey found that 79% of consumers are more likely to visit a restaurant during happy hour. So why don't you utilize SMS marketing to get the most out of it?
Why restaurants need to send happy hour text messages?
As the owner or manager of a restaurant, you know how important it is to get customers in the door.
However, simply hosting a happy hour isn't enough, it won’t be effective if nobody knows about it. To truly capitalize on this opportunity, you need to promote it to potential customers, and one of the most effective ways to do this is through text message marketing.
5 reasons why SMS texting to promote happy hours
SMS are immediate, personal, and can be easily customized to your audience. Making customers feel valued and appreciated.
SMS has an open rate of over 98%, which is more likely to be opened and read.
SMS is a powerful tool for immediate communication as most people always have their phone with them.
SMS is an affordable, cost-effective marketing tool, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes.
SMS can easily encourage customers to visit your restaurant during Happy Hours.
Here are some other benefits of SMS marketing.
10 Happy Hour Text Marketing Templates
Let’s dive into the art of writing engaging happy hour text messages, providing you with 10+ expertly crafted templates to maximize your outreach and boost engagement in your restaurant.
01. Happy hour text messages with specifying the time frame
It's crucial to convey the immediacy and allure of the event by using keywords such as "happy hour," "text message," and "join us today".
Specify the time frame and mention appealing deals to create a sense of urgency and entice recipients to visit your establishment and take advantage of the offers.
02. SMS templates that offer value to customers
To maximize your happy hour promotions, it's essential to offer value to your audience.
Also, choose the time slots where you expect low customers entering to your restaurant, and offer happy hour during this time.
03. Attention grabbing text messages
To grab attention, be personal and friendly. Start with a warm greeting and ask them to drop a “text message" to spark curiosity. Making it interactive and encouraging direct engagement. By doing this, you boost involvement, create a special feeling, and connect with customers on a personal level.
04. Happy hour SMS messages for Fridays
Everyone loves Fridays, so why not leverage that excitement in your text message invitations? Use the keywords like "TGIF" and "start your weekend" to create anticipation.
You can tap into the collective desire for relaxation and enjoyment of customers. This motivates recipients to visit your restaurant and indulge in the delightful offerings.
05. Happy hour invitation text messages for Mondays
Monday blues are a universal experience, making them a perfect target for your text message invitations.
Use negative emotions associated with Mondays and offer a solution through your happy hour message, connect with recipients on an emotional level and leave their Monday worries behind.
06. Happy hour SMS for Wine lovers
If your restaurant has a noteworthy wine or drinks selection, highlight them in your invitations. Give customers a sneak peek of the happy hour menu, with descriptions of the dishes and drinks that are available.
07. Happy hour invitations for weekdays
Weekdays are the perfect opportunity to attract the after-work crowd. Mentioning exclusivity through a VIP invite, creates a sense of privilege, encouraging recipients to engage with your restaurant.
08. Lunchtime happy hour text messages
Expanding your Happy Hour beyond traditional evening hours can be a unique selling point. By highlighting the convenience and enjoyment of a midday Happy Hour, you tap into a different customer segment and differentiate your restaurant with other competitors.
09. Weekend happy hour messages
Weekend Happy Hours are a great way to attract customers looking to celebrate and unwind. Adding a special surprise, you can increase their curiosity and engagement.
10. Happy hour SMS templates for unique occasions
Creating themed happy hours adds an extra layer of excitement and draws in customers seeking a unique experience. By offering an island-inspired cocktail on the house, you provide an enticing incentive that sets your Happy Hour apart.
Encouraging customers to text for the complimentary cocktail further engages them and encourages their participation.
Tips to Send Your Happy Hour SMS Campaign
Announce Theme nights: Announce trivia nights, ladies' nights, or live music with exciting emojis and catchy taglines. "Live karaoke! Unleash your inner rockstar & get a free shot with any drink. Show us your pipes tonight!"
Send Flash deals and surprise discounts: Who doesn't love a secret happy hour? Send " Psst! 20% off cocktails for the next hour! Text SHHH to redeem." Create a sense of urgency and exclusivity that drives foot traffic.
Get interactive with your audience: Play mini-games in your texts, offer rewards for referrals, or run contests for free drinks. Remember, engagement is key!
Happy Hour SMS Marketing Best Practices
Frequency matters: Don't bombard inboxes. A weekly or bi-weekly reminder is enough to keep your brand top-of-mind without becoming annoying.
Opt-in is essential: Clearly communicate how customers can sign up and unsubscribe. Building trust is crucial for long-term engagement.
Track and measure: Use analytics to see what's working and what's not. A/B test different offers, track click-through rates, and see where your thirsty audience leads you.
So, raise a glass to the power of SMS marketing! With a dash of creativity, a squeeze of personalization, and a generous tip of respect, you can turn your happy hour into a customer magnet. Just remember, keep it snappy, keep it tempting, and always keep the good times flowing. Now go forth, text, and conquer the happy hour hustle!
Cheers to buzzing bars and clinking glasses!