Text Marketing Tips for the Holidays: Keeping Customers Informed and Engaged

person using cell phone

December is a prime time for restaurants to increase revenue, but it also presents unique challenges. With the holiday season in full swing, competition for customers is fierce. Many people are busy with holiday shopping, parties, and family gatherings, leaving less time for dining out.  Plus, the weather can be wonky. Sometimes it’s freezing, and sometimes it’s pouring. These challenges make it essential for restaurants to have a well-crafted marketing strategy to stand out and attract customers.

This is where text marketing comes in.

Text marketing allows you to reach customers instantly with offers, events, and reminders at the perfect moment. It’s also easy to set up—many POS systems already have built-in text marketing features. At Olive + Leo, we love helping our clients think through creative ways to use these tools to build customer loyalty and boost foot traffic during the holidays.

Best Practices for Restaurant Text Marketing During the Holidays

To make the most of your holiday text campaigns, here are some best practices and strategies for restaurants:

1. Don’t be a Grinch and spam your customers. 

Timing is everything in the holiday hustle and bustle! Keep your text messages intentional and spaced out to avoid overwhelming them. Instead of sending daily updates, try targeting key moments—like weekends, paydays, or the day before a big event.

The holidays are all about spending time with family, friends, and coworkers. Send a message like, “🎄Planning a group gathering? Get 10% off a pitcher of drinks when you book a table for 6+ people this weekend!” Group deals encourage people to visit with larger parties, which means more sales for you.

2. Unwrap a Little Bit of Fun with a Countdown Series

Create some buzz by sending a countdown series of text messages in the days leading up to the holiday. Each message can reveal a different offer, event, or festive menu item. For example, “🎁 5 days until Christmas! Enjoy 10% off all desserts today only.” A countdown creates a sense of anticipation and gives customers a reason to keep your restaurant top of mind as the holiday approaches.

3. Be a Holiday Hero for Last-Minute Planners

Not everyone plans their holiday meals in advance. Appeal to last-minute planners by sending a same-day deal. Try something like, “🎄 No plans yet? Swing by today for a holiday special—20% off any entrée after 6 PM!” This strategy can fill seats that might otherwise remain empty, especially during slower periods on the holiday itself.

4. Deck the Texts with Tasty Pics

Showcase your limited-time holiday menu items to entice customers to visit. Send text updates like, “🍽️ Warm up with our spiced eggnog latte—only available this December!” Highlighting unique or seasonal offerings makes customers feel like they’ll miss out if they don’t come in soon, helping to drive both excitement and foot traffic.

5. Keep it Merry, Bright, and Brief

During the busy holiday season, customers appreciate concise messages that get to the point. Keep texts under 160 characters to ensure clarity, especially since longer messages may get split into multiple texts. Aim for direct language like, “🎄Holiday happy hour 4–6 PM today! Show this message for 10% off.”

6. Make Gift Cards the Star of the Season

Gift cards are always popular around the holidays. Use text marketing to promote special gift card offers with messages like, “🎁 Buy a $50 gift card, get $10 free—only until Dec 24th!” Not only do gift card sales boost your cash flow, but they also bring customers back after the holidays.

7. Send a Warm Thank-You Hug (via Text)

The holidays are a perfect time to show appreciation for your loyal customers. After the busy season ends, send a thank-you message like, “💖 Thank you for your support this holiday season! As a token of appreciation, enjoy 10% off your next visit.” A thoughtful message like this reinforces customer loyalty and encourages people to return during the quieter post-holiday period.

Let Olive + Leo Help You Make the Holidays Count

Our team at Olive + Leo can help you take the guesswork out of text marketing this holiday season. We specialize in helping local restaurants, coffee shops, and retailers leverage digital marketing tools to build customer loyalty. From crafting the perfect text messages to creating seasonal marketing campaigns, we’re here to support your success.

Learn more about our services or contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Black Friday and Small Business Saturday: Digital Marketing Tips for Restaurants

holiday shoppers in a mall

The holiday season is a time for giving, gathering, and, of course, eating. For local restaurants and coffee shops, this means a surge in business and revenue. In 2023, 59% of US consumers who were aware of Small Business Saturday shopped or ate at a small, independently-owned restaurant or retailer. With Black Friday and Small Business Saturday just around the corner, it’s the perfect opportunity to stand out, attract new customers, and cultivate deeper loyalty with patrons. 

But how do you ensure your restaurant is one of the lucky few that benefits from this seasonal boost? With so many businesses vying for attention, it’s essential to have a solid digital marketing strategy in place to drive foot traffic and increase sales on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.

Creative Ways to Stand Out on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday

Here are a few marketing strategies using email, text messages, and social media to help your restaurant stand out during the holiday season:

1. Offer a “Refuel Station” Discount

Encourage holiday shoppers to stop by for a pick-me-up by promoting a special “refuel” discount—like half-price coffee or small bites with proof of shopping receipts. Send a playful text: “Black Friday shoppers, recharge with us! 🛍️ Show your receipt for 50% off any latte ☕.” This promotion positions your coffee shop or restaurant as the perfect rest stop between shopping runs.

2. Run a Flash Sale or Happy Hour Promotion

Customers are looking for deals on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. How can you surprise your customers with a flash sale or extended happy hour? Send out a quick text message like, “Flash sale alert! 🍕Get 20% off from 2-5 PM today. Don’t miss out!” These limited-time offers can create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to drop by on a whim.

3. Host a Social Media Contest

Want to get your customers even more excited about the holiday season? Host a fun contest on social media! Ask your followers to share photos of their favorite moments at your restaurant using a specific hashtag. The winner gets a sweet prize, like a free meal or gift card. Announcing the winner on Small Business Saturday can create even more buzz and encourage people to come in and celebrate.

4. Offer a Gift Card Promotion

Promoting gift cards during the holidays is a common tactic. Why not add a twist by offering an extra bonus for purchasing them during the weekend? For example, “Buy a $50 gift card, get a $10 bonus gift card free—this weekend only!” Email and text campaigns can remind your customers that gift cards are an easy way to finish their holiday shopping while supporting local businesses.

5. Send Personalized Text Messages to Loyal Customers

 Your loyal customers are the heart and soul of your business. Show them some love by sending them a personalized text message. Thank them for their support and invite them to come in for a special treat. A simple message like, “Hey [Customer Name], thanks for being the best! Enjoy 10% off this weekend as our way of saying thanks.” can go a long way in strengthening your relationship with your customers and encouraging them to visit.

Finding Your Spark: Questions to Inspire the Perfect Campaign

To come up with your own unique campaign, consider these questions:

  1. What sets your restaurant apart? What makes your food, atmosphere, or service unique?
  2. What are your customers’ favorite things about your restaurant? What can you offer that will excite and delight them?
  3. What holiday traditions or themes can you incorporate into your campaign? How can you make your restaurant feel festive and inviting?
  4. How can you reward your most loyal customers during this busy shopping weekend? What unique promotions or contests would resonate most with your audience?

Ready to Make Your Digital Marketing Count?

With so many opportunities to stand out this holiday season, the key is crafting a digital marketing strategy that feels authentic and drives results. Whether you want to launch a flash sale, offer a seasonal menu item, or engage your community through social media, Olive + Leo can help you eliminate the guesswork.

Learn more about our services or connect with our team to discuss your specific marketing needs. Together, let’s make this holiday season your most successful weekend yet!

How to Promote Your Restaurant’s Seasonal Menu Online

bowl of restaurant soup

Fall is in the air, and so are new seasonal menu items. For restaurants, this is an exciting time to experiment with new flavors and ingredients and to entice customers to come back and try something new. Whether it’s a cozy pumpkin-spiced latte, a hearty fall-inspired entrée, or a new cocktail featuring fresh autumn fruits, these limited-time offerings provide unique opportunities to attract and delight your patrons.

But promoting your new menu items is just as important as the thoughtfulness you put into crafting each dish. As every restaurant knows, “If you cook it, they will come” isn’t exactly a strategy you can rely on. Most establishments post once or twice on social media and cross their fingers that customers will notice. 

At Olive + Leo, we believe in a more strategic, multi-channel approach. We love helping our clients develop creative, targeted digital and text marketing plans that really showcase those seasonal items. Here are a few strategies to make sure your new dishes get the attention they deserve—and keep your guests coming back for more.

How to Promote Your Seasonal Menu

Here are some creative ideas to promote new dishes and drinks through social media, email, and text marketing: 

1. Social Media

Social media is one of the best ways to showcase your new seasonal menu items and build excitement around them. With so many potential creative angles, it’s important to be intentional about how you promote these dishes. 

Here are a few ideas to help your social media posts stand out online:

 

    • Behind-the-Scenes with Chefs — Give your followers a sneak peek into the kitchen by sharing behind-the-scenes content of your chefs preparing the new menu items. Let them see the process, the fresh ingredients, and the passion that goes into each dish. Posts like this can generate excitement and help create a deeper connection between your restaurant and your audience.

    • Customer Testimonials — Nothing speaks louder than satisfied customers. Encourage your guests to share their experiences with your new menu items on social media. You can even offer an incentive, such as a discount on their next visit, for sharing a photo or review.

    • Ingredient Highlights — Seasonal dishes often feature fresh, local ingredients that are only available at certain times of the year. Highlighting these ingredients on your social channels can pique interest and educate customers about what makes these dishes special.

2. Text Marketing 

Text marketing offers a direct line of communication to your most loyal customers. It’s fast, effective, and often yields higher engagement rates than email or social media. 

Here are a few text marketing strategies to help you promote your seasonal menu:

 

    • “Try It First” Text — Send an exclusive text message to your loyalty program members, inviting them to try your new seasonal items before they’re available to the public. This makes your regulars feel special and valued while creating buzz.

    • Exclusive Offers: Think about a fun offer or promotion that might entice loyal customers to try new menu items. You could offer a special mid-week discount or a limited-time BOGO offer on the new seasonal items.

3. Email Marketing

Email marketing is another powerful tool for promoting your seasonal menu. While social media can generate buzz, email allows you to reach customers directly in their inboxes with more detailed information about what’s new. 

Here are a few ways you can use email to drive interest and foot traffic:

 

    • Seasonal Promotions — Create email campaigns that focus on the seasonal themes of your new menu items. For example, if your fall menu features pumpkin spice everything, you could send out an email campaign with a pumpkin-themed subject line and graphics.

    • VIP Invitations for Seasonal Menu Tastings — Host a special preview night for your most loyal customers and invite them via email. This creates an exclusive experience that encourages brand loyalty and generates word-of-mouth marketing.

    • Personalized Seasonal Pairing — Segment your email list based on customer history—whether they love wine, beer, or cocktails—and recommend pairings that go perfectly with your new seasonal dishes. For example, suggest a cozy red wine to complement a hearty fall entrée or a seasonal craft beer that pairs perfectly with your new appetizer.

Eliminate the Guesswork with Olive + Leo

Promoting seasonal menu items is one of the most effective ways to keep your restaurant fresh and exciting for customers. However, crafting a comprehensive marketing plan to make sure your seasonal dishes get the attention they deserve can feel overwhelming. That’s where Olive + Leo comes in.

Our team specializes in helping restaurants and hospitality businesses cultivate customer loyalty through thoughtful, affordable digital marketing strategies. From email campaigns and text marketing to social media promotions, we’re here to help you attract more customers and build stronger bonds with your patrons.

Want to learn more about how we can help? Reach out to us today and let’s start creating something delicious!

Maximizing Gift Card Sales During the Holiday Season

a present being held in front of a christmas tree

The holiday season is just around the corner, and for local restaurants and coffee shops, it’s one of the best opportunities to boost revenue—especially when it comes to selling gift cards. Think about it: gift cards are an easy win for your most loyal customers who want to share their favorite spots with friends and family. They’re also popular! Studies from last year’s holiday spending show that 55% of holiday shoppers said they would like to receive gift cards, and nearly 30% of consumers said they planned to buy themselves a gift card.

So there’s no doubt consumers will be buying gift cards this holiday season, but the question is, will they be purchasing one from you? Here are a few creative online marketing campaign ideas to help you capture their attention and make sure your gift cards are at the top of their holiday shopping lists.

Creative Campaign Ideas to Maximize Holiday Gift Card Sales

1. Gift Card Bundle Promotions

Create a sense of value and festivity by offering themed gift card bundles. Pair a gift card with a popular menu item or a holiday treat, such as a seasonal drink and a pastry. This type of promotion adds extra appeal for customers looking to gift an experience rather than just a card. You can promote these bundles through eye-catching social media posts and email campaigns that highlight the added value. 

For example, you might offer something like this: “Buy a $50 gift card and get a free peppermint latte and gingerbread cookie with your purchase.” This not only incentivizes the purchase but also encourages the recipient to visit your cafe or restaurant.

2. User-Generated Content Campaign

Leverage the power of your loyal customers by encouraging them to share their favorite moments at your restaurant or coffee shop. Create a holiday-themed hashtag like #GiftOfFlavor and ask your followers to post photos or stories of their best experiences with your food or drinks. Incentivize participation by offering a chance to win a gift card.

This type of user-generated content not only promotes your gift cards but also strengthens your brand by showcasing real customer stories. You can feature the best entries on your social media channels and email newsletters, giving participants the added bonus of being highlighted by their favorite local spot.

3. Countdown to the Holidays

Create excitement and urgency with a countdown campaign leading up to the holidays. Each day, offer a different promotion tied to your gift cards. For example:

  • Day 1: Buy a $50 gift card, get a $10 bonus
  • Day 2: Buy two $25 gift cards, get a free dessert
  • Day 3: Share our post and tag a friend for a chance to win a $25 gift card

This type of campaign can be promoted through email, social media, or text message marketing, encouraging your audience to check back daily for new offers. The sense of urgency and novelty each day drives engagement and can lead to increased gift card purchases.

4. Gift Card Giveaways

Who doesn’t love a good social media contest contest? Host a series of giveaways on your social media platforms where followers can enter to win a gift card by liking, sharing, or tagging friends in your posts. This can increase engagement while expanding your reach to potential new customers.

Consider hosting a themed series of giveaways—such as “12 Days of Giveaways”—where you give out gift cards or bundles each day leading up to the holidays. Giveaways can keep your audience engaged throughout the holiday season and build excitement around your brand.

For more insights, be sure to check out our resource on running a successful restaurant social media contest or campaign. 

5. Personalized Email Campaigns

Use your customer data to send personalized email campaigns that recommend gift cards based on previous purchases. For instance, if a customer frequently orders a specific dish or drink, send them a targeted email suggesting they gift that experience to someone special.

An example email might say, “Treat someone to your favorite meal this holiday season! Buy a gift card and let your loved ones experience the best [insert dish or drink] in town.” Personalization makes your marketing feel more genuine and can lead to higher conversion rates.

Best Practices for Promoting Gift Cards Online

When promoting gift cards through digital channels like social media, email, and text messaging, it’s essential to keep a few best practices in mind to ensure your campaigns are effective:

  • Use eye-catching visuals: Whether it’s a festive graphic or a well-designed email, make sure your visuals are engaging and convey the holiday spirit.
  • Incentivize early purchases: Offer early-bird deals or bonus incentives for those who purchase gift cards before a certain date.
  • Create a sense of urgency: Use countdowns or limited-time offers to encourage quick purchases.
  • Leverage storytelling: Share stories of customers who have given or received gift cards, making your promotions feel more personal and relatable.
  • Segment your audience: Tailor your email or text message promotions based on customer behaviors and preferences to make the message more relevant.
  • Optimize for mobile: Ensure that your emails, social media posts, and landing pages are mobile-friendly, as many holiday shoppers will be browsing and purchasing from their phones.

Make the Most of Your Holiday Marketing

At the end of the day, making the most of the holiday season isn’t just about offering gift cards—it’s about creating an experience that makes people want to share your restaurant with others. With the right marketing plan in place, you can turn gift cards into more than just a sale; you can use them as a tool to bring new customers through the door and keep regulars coming back for more.

We’d love to help you take things to the next level. Whether it’s coming up with engaging social media campaigns or making sure your promotions reach the right people, Olive + Leo is here to make sure your restaurant or coffee shop shines this holiday season. Let’s chat and see how we can work together! And for more timely holiday marketing tips for your restaurant or hospitality business, be sure to follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn!

Turn Likes into Lines: A Guide to Running Restaurant Contests on Social Media 

taking photo of bakery display with phone

In the bustling and competitive world of restaurant marketing, standing out from the crowd can feel like a never-ending challenge. But what if you could turn the buzz of social media into a steady stream of customers walking through your doors? Social media contests and promotions have the power to do just that. 

In fact, studies show that more than half of consumers have visited a restaurant because of an online contest, and 63% of consumers are more likely to visit a restaurant if they receive exclusive offers on social media. But here’s the catch: while these contests can be incredibly affordable and effective for driving foot traffic, it’s important to think strategically to ensure they foster long-term loyalty, not just short-term spikes.

You don’t want to rely on constant promotions to keep your tables filled—that’s a quick way to exhaust your resources and potentially devalue your brand. Instead, by running contests that align with your brand and engage your audience meaningfully, you can build lasting relationships that keep customers coming back, even when there’s no prize on the line.

A Guide to Running Restaurant Contests on Social Media

At Olive + Leo, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-executed social media contest can transform a restaurant’s visibility and enhance customer loyalty. Here’s our guide to running contests that turn social media “likes” into lines out the door.

1. Define Clear Objectives and Align with Your Brand

Before launching any contest, start by asking yourself: What do I want to achieve? Whether it’s increasing foot traffic on slow nights, boosting your social media following, or promoting a new menu item, having clear objectives will shape your entire contest strategy. Make sure the contest aligns with your brand’s personality and values. 

For instance, if you’re known for your farm-to-table dishes, consider a contest that highlights your fresh ingredients or asks customers to share their family’s tried and true recipes. This not only attracts participants but also reinforces your brand identity.

2. Create a Contest that Engages and Excites

To drive social media engagement, your contest should be simple, fun, and rewarding. Think about what your audience loves—maybe it’s a chance to name a new dish, share their favorite dining memory at your restaurant, or post a creative photo featuring your food. 

User-generated content (UGC) is a fantastic way to get your customers involved while spreading the word about your brand. For example, ask participants to post a photo on Instagram with a unique hashtag you’ve created for the contest. The more participants share, the more buzz you create, turning their excitement into real-world visits.

3. Leverage Cross-Promotional Channels

While social media is the star of the show, don’t forget about the supporting cast. To maximize the reach and impact of your contest, promote it across all your channels—text messages, email newsletters, in-store signage, and even on your website. 

Cross-promotion increases participation while reinforcing your message across multiple touchpoints, making it hard for your audience to miss. For example, send a text blast to your loyal customers with a link to your contest post or include a call-to-action in an email newsletter encouraging subscribers to participate. 

4. Keep It Fresh: Adapt and Innovate

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and what worked for your last contest might not hit the mark today. Stay ahead of the curve by regularly reviewing and updating your contest strategies. Look at what’s trending in the industry, experiment with different contest formats, and listen to your audience’s feedback. 

Maybe your audience is more active on Instagram than on Facebook now, or perhaps video content is driving more engagement than static images. By staying flexible and creative, you’ll keep your contests exciting and relevant, ensuring they continue to drive results.

5. Measure Success and Build on It

Once your contest has wrapped up, the work isn’t over. Take the time to analyze the results—did you meet your objectives? Which aspects of the contest performed best? Use metrics like engagement rates, new followers, and in-store visits and sales to gauge the success of your contest. 

Measuring the effectiveness of your mobile marketing efforts is essential for planning future promotions and understanding what resonates with your audience. Don’t just look at the numbers; consider the long-term impact on customer loyalty. If a contest participant becomes a regular customer, that’s a win worth celebrating!

From Contests to Customer Loyalty: We’re Here to Help

Running a successful social media contest is more than just a quick way to boost your likes—it’s an opportunity to build meaningful connections with your patrons that translate into long-term customer loyalty and sustained business growth. By following these best practices, you can create contests that excite your audience, reinforce your brand, and keep your restaurant top of mind.

If you’re ready to take your digital marketing efforts to the next level or need help crafting the perfect social media strategy, Olive + Leo is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s turn those likes into lines at your door.

From Opens to Orders: Measuring What Matters in Restaurant Mobile Marketing

restaurant cook reading order tickets

In today’s fast-paced digital world, restaurant owners and general managers understand the importance of mobile marketing. With smartphones in nearly every pocket, it’s a powerful way to reach your customers. But with so many options—social media, email, text marketing—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. How do you know what’s working? How can you be sure your efforts are translating into more customers, more orders, and more revenue?

At Olive + Leo, we love helping local restaurants and retailers not only develop effective mobile marketing strategies but also measure and analyze their results so they can continuously optimize and increase profits.

Key Metrics to Help You Measure What Matters

Instead of the “throw it on the wall and see what sticks” approach, we recommend focusing on a few key metrics to measure your mobile marketing effectiveness. Let’s dive into those metrics that can help you turn your opens into orders.

1. Text Marketing Campaign Effectiveness

Text marketing is one of the most direct ways to reach your customers, but how do you know if it’s hitting the mark? Start by keeping an eye on open rates and click-through rates (CTR). These tell you how many people are engaging with your texts. But don’t stop there—dig into the redemption rates of any offers or discounts you include. Are your buy-one-get-one-free deals bringing people through the door, or are your half-off appetizers the real crowd-pleaser? 

By regularly evaluating your restaurant’s text marketing efforts, you can tweak your campaigns to focus on the offers that truly get results.

2. Social Media Content Engagement

Social media isn’t just about posting mouthwatering photos of your dishes, although that’s important, too! It’s about creating content that gets people talking and, more importantly, walking through your doors. Pay attention to what types of posts get the most likes, comments, shares, and saves. Is your audience more into your behind-the-scenes kitchen videos, or do they love hearing about your daily specials? Also, check how much traffic your social media channels are driving to your website or reservation system. 

If people are engaging but not taking action, it might be time to mix things up and evolve your social media strategy.

3. Digital Advertising Performance

Running ads on Google, Facebook, or Instagram? Great! But how do you know which platform is giving you the best bang for your buck? Start by tracking metrics like click-through rates, cost per click, and conversion rates for each platform. Then, dig a little deeper. Are your ads reaching the right audience? If your dinner specials are showing up for early birds, your targeting might need a little tweak. 

By keeping a close eye on these metrics, you can make sure you’re spending your ad dollars where they’ll have the most impact.

4. Customer Loyalty Growth

Building a loyal customer base is like having a solid foundation for your restaurant. So, how’s your customer loyalty program growing? Track the number of new sign-ups and see how often these customers are coming back. Are they taking advantage of your loyalty offers? Are they spending more over time? 

This data can help you shape your loyalty program to keep your regulars coming back—and maybe even bringing their friends along.

Practical Advice for Restaurant Managers

Tracking these metrics is just the beginning—knowing how to blend them into a winning strategy is where the magic happens. Here are some best practices we recommend for crafting a mobile marketing recipe that truly delivers:

1. Establish a Regular Measurement System

Consistency is your best friend when it comes to measuring the success of your mobile marketing. Set up a regular schedule—whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—to review your metrics. This way, you can spot trends, make adjustments, and keep your strategy on track.

2. Give Things Time to Work

We know it’s tempting to want immediate results, but digital marketing is more like a slow-cooked meal than fast food. Give your campaigns time to simmer before making any big changes. This will give you a clearer picture of what’s working and what might need to be changed.

3. Keep Evolving and Learning

The digital world doesn’t stand still, and neither should you. Stay on top of the latest trends and tools in mobile marketing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new platforms or strategies. The more you learn and adapt, the more successful your marketing efforts will be.

4. Recognize Other Factors That Impact Customer Loyalty

While mobile marketing is crucial, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Remember, customer loyalty is also shaped by the experience you offer: great customer service, a welcoming atmosphere, and delicious food. Your marketing can bring customers in, but it’s the experience that will bring them back.

From Strategy to Success—We’re Here to Help

At Olive + Leo, we’re passionate about helping local restaurants and retailers enhance customer loyalty through effective mobile marketing strategies. By focusing on the right metrics and continuously refining your approach, you can turn opens into orders and drive long-term success for your business.

Ready to take your mobile marketing to the next level? Connect with our team today, and let’s create a strategy that works for you.