Did you know that 64% of readers decide whether or not to open an email based on its subject line? Or that 69% of email recipients will report an email as spam based on the subject line?

Often, restaurants and F&B operators don’t give their subject line much attention. But restaurant email subject lines are the first thing your guests see.

Why is email marketing important for your restaurant?

Email marketing is affordable

Especially if you’re using restaurant CRM software like Servme.

Email marketing increases loyalty and retention

Data shows that a 5% increase in loyal customers means 25% to 95% more revenues.

Easy to set up and automate

Using SerVme’s restaurant marketing automation features, you can automate your entire email marketing strategy.

Lots of opportunities for personalization

Combine auto-tagging and guest profiles to create hyper-personalized experiences.

You can build and own your email list

You own your email list and can use it in many ways to increase engagement and revenues.

Why subject lines matter

Research by HubSpot found that “the most effective email subject lines engage curiosity, include promotional offers, and are personalized.”

  • 33% of readers open emails because of “catchy subject lines”
  • 47% open emails based on the subject line
  • Adding numbers means readers are 17% more likely to open
  • Adding emojis increases open rates by 13.65%
  • Adding urgency increases open rate by 22%
  • Personalized subject lines are 26% more likely to be opened

Email subject lines: Best practices

  • Subject line shouldn’t exceed 70 characters
  • Mobile subject lines shouldn’t exceed 30 characters
  • Subject lines with 6 to 10 words have the highest open rate of 21%

Types of emails you can send as a restaurant

  • General monthly newsletter
  • Monthly events newsletter
  • Special events
  • Special announcements
  • Birthday email campaigns
  • Guest surveys and review emails
  • Sales email campaigns
  • Confirmed/canceled reservation emails

Examples of clickable restaurant email subject lines

For upcoming events

  • Have you booked your table for [event name]?
  • Don’t miss out on [event name] book your table now!
  • Limited-time [Valentine’s Day] offer just for you

For birthdays

  • Happy birthday [guest name]! Grab your special birthday offer
  • It’s your birthday! Dessert is on us

For special offers

  • Get 15% off your next visit!
  • Get 50% off all beverages on weekdays!

For guest surveys

  • Your opinion matters! Tell us about your last experience
  • Answer our 3-minute survey & get a free drink

Re-engagement subject lines

  • We’ve missed you! Drinks on us on our next visit
  • 15% off your next check at [restaurant name]!

Conclusion

We recommend creating at least 3 to 5 email subject lines before choosing one. A/B test your subject lines to see which get better results.

Create your first email campaign with SerVme.