Skip to content

Why Less Is More: Smarter Push Notification Strategies for Restaurants

Push notifications can be a powerful tool for restaurant owners and marketers, when used strategically. But if you’re pinging your customers too often without a clear reason or reward, you could be doing more harm than good.

Here’s what we’re seeing: some restaurant brands are sending push notifications multiple times a week, often without a compelling offer or call to action. While the intention is to stay connected, the result is usually the opposite, customers disengage, mute notifications, or even uninstall your app.

The Problem: Notification Fatigue

Think about your own phone, how quickly do you swipe away notifications that don’t immediately offer value?

When your messages don’t answer “What’s in it for me?” customers stop paying attention. Worse, they may opt out of future messages entirely.

That’s why it’s important to approach push messaging with a strategy that balances frequency, relevance, and value.

 

📊 Industry Benchmarks: How Often Should You Be

Sending?

In the restaurant and hospitality space, the data is clear:

  • ✅ 1–2 push notifications per week is the optimal frequency

  • 🚫 More than 3 per week can lead to higher opt-out rates

  • 🔁 Click-through rates of 5–15% are typical when messages include a strong incentive

  • 🔓 Conversion rates improve dramatically when offers are timely and exclusive

 

✅ Best Practices for High-Performing Push

Notifications

If you want your messages to drive foot traffic or app orders, not just get ignored, follow these proven tips:

1. Send Less, But Make It Count

Focus on quality over quantity. One great offer beats three generic ones.

2. Include a Clear Call to Action

Push messages should always lead somewhere, whether it’s to an online order, a reservation, or an in-store promo.

Example:
“Order now and get a free starter with any order over €10, today only!”

3. Make It Timely and Relevant

Tie your messages to things your customers care about right now, weather, time of day, events, or seasonal cravings.

Example:
“Rainy day? Warm up with 20% off soups until 4PM.”

4. Use Exclusivity to Drive Urgency

Customers love feeling like insiders. Limited-time and app-only offers get higher engagement.

Example:
“Just for app users: 10% off your next order. Ends tonight at 8PM!”

 

Final Thought: Be Strategic, Not Just Active

Push notifications are a direct line to your most loyal customers, but only if they keep listening. By cutting back on quantity and focusing on value, you can turn each notification into a moment that drives real business.

Need help crafting effective push messages for your restaurant? Our team is here with templates, strategy tips, and insights to help you get better results with less noise.

Related Post