In today's competitive restaurant industry, building and maintaining a loyal customer base is critical to the success of any restaurant.

One effective way to do this is by building a customer list of people who want to hear from the restaurant via text and email.

By doing so, restaurants can keep their customers engaged, informed, and coming back for more.

In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of building a customer list and how restaurants can use a software to help them gain subscribers and send AI-generated messages to their subscribers.

Benefits of Building a Customer List

1. Increased Customer Engagement

When customers opt-in to receive text or email messages from a restaurant, they are indicating a willingness to engage with the restaurant on a deeper level. By sending regular updates about menu changes, special events, and promotions, restaurants can keep their customers informed and interested in what's happening at the restaurant. Additionally, restaurants can solicit feedback from their customers, which can help them improve their offerings and service.

2. Higher Customer Retention

Building a customer list can also lead to higher customer retention. When customers receive regular updates from a restaurant, they are more likely to remember the restaurant and keep it top-of-mind when making dining decisions. This can result in repeat visits and increased customer loyalty.

3. More Effective Marketing

Having a customer list allows restaurants to target their marketing efforts more effectively. By sending messages to customers who have already indicated an interest in the restaurant, restaurants can expect a higher response rate and a better return on investment for their marketing dollars.

How to Build a Customer List

Building a customer list takes time and effort, but the benefits make it well worth the investment. There are several ways that restaurants can build their customer list:

1. In-Person Signups

Restaurants can ask customers to sign up for their text or email list in person. This can be done by placing a signup sheet at the hostess stand or at each table. Restaurants can incentivize signups by offering a discount or free item with the first purchase.

2. Online Signups

Restaurants can also offer online signup forms on their website or social media pages. This makes it easy for customers to sign up from the comfort of their own homes or on-the-go.

3. Text-to-Join

Restaurants can also offer a text-to-join option. Customers can simply text a keyword to a designated phone number to opt-in to the restaurant's text list. This is a convenient option for customers who prefer to communicate via text.

Using Software to Build and Engage with a Customer List

While there are several ways to build a customer list, using a software can make the process more efficient and effective. One such software is MainDine.com, which helps restaurants gain subscribers and send AI-generated messages to their subscribers. Here's how it works:

1. Gain Subscribers

MainDine allows restaurants to easily gain subscribers via online signups, in-person signups, and text-to-join options. The software automates the process, making it easy for customers to sign up and for restaurants to manage their customer list.

2. Send AI-Generated Messages

MainDine also allows restaurants to send AI-generated messages to their subscribers. These messages can be customized to fit the restaurant's brand and voice and can include updates on menu changes, special events, and promotions. Additionally, the software can automatically send personalized messages to customers on their birthdays or anniversaries, helping to strengthen the restaurant's relationship with its customers.

3. Analyze Results

MainDine provides detailed analytics on the performance of the restaurant's messages. This allows restaurants to measure the effectiveness of their marketing efforts and make data-driven decisions to improve their messaging and customer engagement.

Conclusion

Building a customer list is an effective way for restaurants to increase regulars and new customers flowing in regularly.

Book a demo today at demo.maindaine.com to learn more about how MainDine can help achieve your goals!