Perfect Timing: When to Hit Send
Timing your newsletter is crucial for maximum impact. Through years of data and testing, we’ve found that Thursday mornings between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM hit the sweet spot. Why? Because this is when people are settling into their workday and starting to think about their weekend plans. They’re in a decision-making mindset but haven’t yet committed to weekend activities. This timing gives you the perfect opportunity to influence their dining choices.
Subject Lines That Get Opened
Your subject line is the gateway to your newsletter’s success. No matter how amazing your content is, it won’t matter if no one opens the email. The key is to create subject lines that spark interest while clearly communicating value. Keep them concise (40-50 characters) and make sure they stand out in a crowded inbox.
Here are some proven performers that consistently drive high open rates:
“Weekend Special: [Signature Dish] Returns! “
“Your Table Awaits: This Weekend’s Chef Features”
“[Restaurant Name]: See What’s Cooking This Week”
“Fresh from Our Kitchen: This Week’s Highlights”
It’s Gotta Look Good
The visual elements of your newsletter are crucial for engagement. Professional, high-quality images create an immediate emotional connection with your readers. Maintain a consistent brand presence by using your restaurant’s color scheme and ensuring your logo is prominently displayed.
Keep your images at 600×400 pixels – this size works well across all devices while maintaining quality and reasonable load times. Remember that many of your subscribers will be reading on mobile devices, so your design needs to be responsive and easy to navigate on smaller screens.
Icons and emojis can add personality to your emails but use them strategically and professionally. They should enhance your message, not distract from it.
Winning Structure
Your newsletter needs to be flexible enough to accommodate different types of content while maintaining a consistent structure. When featuring weekly specials, consider rotating between new offerings, seasonal items, and customer favorites to keep the content fresh and engaging.
Your promotional strategy should align with your business goals. Early bird specials can help fill slower time slots, while weekend family deals can attract a different demographic. The key is to make sure each promotion adds value for both your customers and your business.
Measuring Success
Understanding your emails’s performance doesn’t require a degree in data analytics. Focus on your open rate – the restaurant industry average is 20%. This single metric can tell you a lot about how well your communication strategy is working.
If you’re exceeding this benchmark, you’re on the right track. If not, don’t worry – small adjustments can make a big difference. Try testing different subject lines, adjusting your send time, or updating your content strategy. Sometimes a simple change can lead to significant improvements in engagement.
Pro Tips
Success in email marketing comes down to a few fundamental principles:
- Keep your content concise and easy to scan – your readers are busy people who need to quickly grasp your message.
- Ensure all your calls-to-action are clear and your links work properly.
- Test your emails on both desktop and mobile devices before sending.
- Consistency builds trust and anticipation. When your enewsletter provides reliable value, subscribers will look forward to receiving it. They’ll know that opening your email means finding out about exciting new offerings or special promotions they won’t want to miss.
- The most successful restaurant enewsletters aren’t necessarily the most elaborate – they’re the ones that consistently deliver relevant, valuable information to their audience.
Take this template, customize it to reflect your unique restaurant voice, and watch as it becomes one of your most effective marketing tools.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to send another email – it’s to create a meaningful connection with your customers that keeps them coming back to your restaurant week after week.
Customize this template to make it your own to showcase your restaurants personality.
[Restaurant Logo Placeholder]
Hey [First Name]!
This Week at [Restaurant Name] Example: “Hey Sarah! Here’s what’s cooking this week at Joe’s Grill…”
[Featured Food Image – Example: Signature dish or weekly special photo]
WEEKLY SPECIAL (Writing Style: Casual, mouth-watering, creates urgency)
Example 1: “Beat the Monday Blues! All burgers are $5 off today. Yes, even our famous Stuffed Mushroom Swiss!”
Example 2: “Taco lovers, this one’s for you! Every Tuesday, grab 3 street tacos for just $10. Our homemade salsa bar is calling your name! “
FRESH FROM OUR KITCHEN (Writing Style: Exciting, descriptive, personal)
Example 1: “Our chef Mike got creative this week! Try his new Grilled Peach Salad with honey-glazed walnuts and local goat cheese. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!”
Example 2: “Have you met our new pasta dish? The Creamy Truffle Fettuccine is already making waves – hand-made pasta tossed in our secret truffle sauce. Pure comfort in every bite!”
MARK YOUR CALENDAR (Writing Style: Fun, inviting, creates FOMO)
Example 1: “Saturday Night Alert! Live music + half-price appetizers = Your perfect weekend plans. Join us from 7-10 PM for local favorite band ‘The Tasty Tunes’!”
Example 2: “Family Sunday is back! Kids eat free with every adult entrĂ©e, plus face painting and balloon animals from 12-3 PM. Because Sunday funday is a real thing! “
[Second Food Image – Example: Event photo or featured dish]
READY TO JOIN US? (Writing Style: Clear call-to-action, friendly reminder)
Example 1: “Hungry yet? Click below to check out our full menu!”
Example 2: “Your table is waiting! Hit the button below to see what else is cooking.” [Website Link Button]
LET’S STAY CONNECTED! (Writing Style: Casual, engaging)
Example: “Love food pics? So do we! Follow us for daily deliciousness and behind-the-scenes fun.” [Social Media Icons and Links]
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Footer: [Restaurant Name] [Address] [Phone Number]
If you’re looking to up your game and get more new customers and get your existing customers to comeback more often for FREE. Tap the button on the top of this page that reads – MEMBER LOGIN and grab yourself a FREE membership and score all the marketing you need for FREE to increase your sales and profit now!
Did I mention its FREE?
Michael Thibault
Known as “The Done For You Marketing Guy for Restaurants.” International Speaker on Restaurant Marketing. Published contributing author of 4 Marketing Books. Industry expert on Google Searches and Review Sites. Recovering Independent Restaurant Owner and Caterer of over 21 years. And, all-around good guy.
