5 tips on how to write better restaurant marketing email subject lines

Writing a subject line for any kind of business is challenging. It needs to be exciting and encouraging enough for readers to open the mailer but at the same time short, precise and informative.

It is even harder for restaurant marketing emails as most restaurants run special promotions at the same time of the year. It is therefore even more important to create the perfect subject line to ensure your message gets heard. It will make the difference between one campaign bringing in the desired orders or being left behind.

Here are therefore 5 top tips for writing subject line for your restaurant email marketing campaigns:

1. Tell them what benefits you have in store for them. Keep your subject line as simple as possible and provide all the details in the newsletter.

Here are some ideas that I have used with clients of mine:

Tingle your taste buds this lunch time at ...
Have you tried our Tandoori Rabbit Loin yet?
Take a look at our new menu. Summer has never tasted better.
Hop to it. Great Easter menu!
Dance, Eat, Drink! Spanish Night at the...

2. KISS - Keep it Short and Simple.
This is one of my top tips that I like to repeat as much as possible. Try to keep your subject lines to a maximum of 50 characters, excluding spaces. It will make your email marketing campaign stand out as words won't be cut off due to the length of your chosen subject line.

3. Choose your words wisely
There are certain words and phrases that should not be used in the subject line as it might send your mailer straight into the spam folder. On top of that, readers have become very educated in regards to dodgy subject lines and delete email marketing campaigns that use words such as free, help, reminder, sale or percent. If those words are also written in capital letters, most people will avoid these mailers at all cost.

4. Including recipient name is not vital any more
There used to be a time when email marketeers would insist of including the recipient’s name as it would guarantee a better delivery rate. Those times have not only gone but this method can actually harm the success of your campaign more than it does good.

5. Always change subject lines
The last point is one of the most important tips. If you only take one thing away from this post, please let it be this one: Always change the subject line for every email marketing campaign that you send. It will keep readers interested and ensures a much better open rate. Take inspiration from your newsletter content if you struggle to find a good subject line. Include menu changes, recipes, opening times or seasonal events and I guarantee people will read your mailer.

If you like to me to take a look at your restaurant email marketing subject lines, please feel free to contact me.