Did you know more than 90% of customers research restaurants online before visiting? If you're a restaurant owner, you'll want to do everything you can to impress customers at that moment to ensure they pick you over your competitors.
The easiest way to keep customers engaged and impressed is to invest in easy-to-use restaurant CRM software. In this article, we'll explore the benefits and features of restaurant CRM solutions for business owners. Here's everything you need to know:
Why You're Restaurant Needs a CRM
CRM is a database filled with your customer information. You can request customer information using QR codes at the dinner tables, setting online reservations, or running a social media campaign. Once you've built your database and started taking advantage of the built-in features, you can:
- Boost Customer Retention
- Increase Revenue and Increase Sales
- Improve Workplace efficiency and Productive
- Build Brand Awareness With Your Current Customers
- Read and Analyze Customer Data
- Offer Online Ordering and Reservations
- Create a Loyalty Program for Loyal Customers
A restaurant CRM is a must-have software for business owners who want to maintain a competitive edge in their community. Whether you own a restaurant in a small town or a bustling city, CRMs are invaluable.
7 CRM Features Restaurants Can Benefit From
Restaurants thrive on retaining and gaining new customers. To get a steady flow of customers through the doors seven days a week, restaurant owners must keep their audience engaged, offer deals, and continue to improve their online marketing and website offerings.
Every CRM has different tools and features. When exploring the solutions, here are features you'll want to look for:
1. Lead Tracking Tools
CRMs are an invaluable tool for lead tracking. As you collect customer's contact information, you'll slowly build a database filled with customers who love your business. This is a great way to better understand your audience and find innovative ways to build stronger connections. You can also keep this audience engaged by marketing online ordering, reservations, and special offers through paid advertising and email marketing.
2. Email Management
Email marketing is one of the most effective ways to market your deals, specials, and happy hours to your customers. With this digital marketing channel, you can get creative with your messaging and approach. This is a great way to keep your restaurant top of mind all year long. You can also use email management tools to request customer reviews, create loyalty programs, and highlight holiday offers.
3. Online Booking Software
If you don't have an online booking software for your team - you're missing out on valuable opportunities to book online reservations. Online booking software allows you to book, track, and schedule online reservations. This is a great way to maximize table turnover and ensure you have enough staff on the schedule to accommodate for the night. Online booking software can also improve the customer experience and provide your customer with greater flexibility.
Our online booking tool seamlessly integrates into your website, so customers can schedule reservations in advance. We'll also send them an automated email reminder closer to the date to reduce the risk of no-shows.
4. SMS Marketing
Are you tired of spamming people's inboxes with new happy hour specials or brunch deals? Searching for a different way to market deals or offers to your audience? With a CRM, you can test playing with SMS marketing. This is a great way to diversify your marketing communication strategy and to keep your leads engaged with your offerings. Many restaurant CRM solutions also have built-in SMS marketing templates that are easy to use and creative.
Townsquare Interactive has a suite of built-in SMS and email marketing automation tools and features. With our CRM features, you can plan, schedule, and send marketing campaigns. You can also automate your campaigns for birthdays, new customers, or holiday celebrations. You can also review the effectiveness of your campaigns and find ways to improve your marketing approach.
5. Data and Analytics
Most restaurant CRM solutions have a suite of data dashboards and reporting tools. You can use these reporting features to analyze customer count, reservations, and feedback. This insight into your customers can help you make meaningful changes to your website or customer experience.
6. Integrated Inboxes for Enhanced Customer Support
Many CRMs have an integrated inbox tool that makes it easier to read, access, and respond to customer emails quickly and efficiently. You can also get real-time notifications regarding customer complaints or problems you must resolve. This is a great way to maintain your brand's image and improve customer satisfaction.
With Townsquare Interactive's integrated inbox feature, all customer interactions are also stored in one place. So, if there are recurring customer issues, you can easily see and review the responses. Our platform also ensures all information is in one centralized location, so your entire team will always be on the same page.
7. Online Ordering Features
Restaurant CRMs can also be used to offer online ordering on your website. Online ordering services allow your customers to order what they want without having to come in and sit down to eat. With this feature, you can offer takeout, pick up, and delivery on your website.
Townsquare Interactive's platform also allows you to accept payment in real time. So when the customer arrives, they can grab their food and go. This will help improve workplace efficiency and keep your customers satisfied.
Explore Townsquare Interactive's Restaurant CRM Solutions Today
Townsquare Interactive's business management platform is designed with small business owners in mind. With our tools, your business can improve communication, book more reservations, and continue to engage with your current customers.
Whether you want to improve your email marketing or approach to online ordering, our restaurant CRM solution can take care of it all for you. We also offer affordable web design, SEO, and paid ad services.
Request a free demo today to get started.