Why bars and venues should be capitalising on email and SMS marketing

Why bars and venues should be capitalising on email and SMS marketing

In today’s world, digital marketing has become a crucial aspect of any business, and bars and venues are no exception. With the rise of social media and other digital platforms, many businesses have started to overlook the importance of email and SMS marketing. However, these traditional marketing channels remain effective in reaching customers and driving sales. In this blog post, we will explore why bars and venues should be capitalising on email and SMS marketing.

Email Marketing: The Power of Personalisation

Email marketing is a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes. In fact, it is one of the most effective ways to reach customers and build relationships. One of the primary benefits of email marketing is the ability to personalise your messages. Personalization allows you to create targeted and relevant messages that resonate with your customers.

When it comes to bars and venues, personalisation can be achieved by segmenting your email list based on various factors such as age, gender, location, and interests. For example, if you are promoting a special event, you can segment your list based on customers who have attended similar events in the past or those who have shown an interest in that type of event.

By personalising your emails, you increase the likelihood of your customers opening and engaging with your content. In fact, personalised emails have been shown to have a 29% higher open rate and a 41% higher click-through rate compared to generic emails.

Another benefit of email marketing is the ability to track and measure your results. With email marketing software, you can track metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. This allows you to see what is working and what isn’t, and make data-driven decisions to improve your campaigns.

SMS Marketing: The Power of Timeliness

SMS marketing is another powerful tool that can help bars and venues reach customers and drive sales. SMS messages have an incredibly high open rate, with 98% of text messages being opened within the first three minutes of being received. This makes SMS marketing a great way to reach customers with time-sensitive information such as special deals or promotions.

One of the primary benefits of SMS marketing is the ability to reach customers wherever they are. Unlike email, which may not be checked regularly, most people keep their phones with them at all times. This means that SMS messages have a higher likelihood of being read and acted upon.

SMS marketing is also a great way to drive customer engagement. By sending personalised messages to customers, you can encourage them to take action, such as attending an event or making a reservation. Additionally, SMS marketing can be used to solicit feedback from customers, which can be invaluable for improving your business.

Combining Email and SMS Marketing: The Power of Integration

While email and SMS marketing are powerful tools on their own, they are even more effective when used together. By integrating your email and SMS marketing efforts, you can create a seamless customer experience and drive even more engagement.

For example, you can use email marketing to promote a special event and encourage customers to RSVP. Then, you can follow up with an SMS message a few days before the event to remind customers of the date and time. This can help ensure that customers actually attend the event and can even help drive additional sales.

Another way to integrate your email and SMS marketing efforts is by using SMS to drive email signups. By offering exclusive deals or promotions to customers who sign up for your email list, you can encourage them to provide their contact information and start receiving your emails.

Tips for Effective Email and SMS Marketing

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of email and SMS marketing, let’s take a look at some tips for making these marketing channels as effective as possible.

First, it’s important to focus on providing value to your customers. Whether it’s through exclusive deals, personalised recommendations, or helpful tips, your emails and SMS messages should be designed to provide something of value to your customers. This will help build trust and loyalty, and encourage customers to continue engaging with your business.

Second, make sure your messages are visually appealing and easy to read. Use eye-catching images and graphics to grab your customers’ attention, and make sure your messages are formatted in a way that is easy to scan and understand.

Third, be mindful of the timing and frequency of your messages. While SMS messages may have a high open rate, bombarding your customers with too many messages can be overwhelming and lead to unsubscribes. Similarly, sending too many emails can lead to your messages being ignored or marked as spam. Be strategic in your messaging and aim to provide value without overwhelming your customers.

Finally, make sure you are using the right tools to manage your email and SMS marketing efforts. There are a variety of email and SMS marketing platforms available, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Do your research and choose a platform that fits your needs and budget.

Conclusion

In conclusion, email and SMS marketing remain effective tools for bars and venues to reach customers and drive sales. By personalising your messages, leveraging the timeliness of SMS, and integrating your email and SMS marketing efforts, you can create a seamless customer experience and drive even more engagement. By focusing on providing value, creating visually appealing messages, being mindful of timing and frequency, and using the right tools, you can make the most of these powerful marketing channels and grow your business.

To explore the ways in which email and SMS marketing can benefit your bar or venue by attracting new and returning customers, contact us now to schedule a complimentary demonstration and begin the process of optimising your customer data for your establishment.