Ever wanted to snag a table at that trendy new restaurant everyone’s talking about? Or maybe you’re tired of missing out on last-minute openings at your favorite spot.
Good news – you can now sign up for restaurant notifications to stay in the loop!
alt=’A smartphone with a notification bell icon next to a restaurant logo, and a hand tapping the “sign up” button on the screen’>
Setting up alerts for restaurant availability is easy and can be done through popular apps like OpenTable and Resy. These apps let you pick your desired restaurant, date, and time.
If a table opens up, you’ll get a notification right away.
It’s like having a personal restaurant concierge in your pocket!
This handy feature is a game-changer for food lovers.
No more constantly refreshing reservation pages or settling for less-than-ideal time slots.
With notifications, you can grab those hard-to-get tables as soon as they become available.
It’s perfect for special occasions or just satisfying that craving for your go-to eatery.
Key Takeaways
- Restaurant notifications help diners secure tables at popular spots
- Apps like OpenTable and Resy offer easy-to-use alert features
- Signing up for alerts increases chances of getting desired reservations
Getting Started with Restaurant Notifications
Restaurant notifications can boost customer engagement and improve operations.
They help keep diners informed and excited about your restaurant.
Let’s look at how to get started with this useful tool.
Choosing the Right Platform
Picking the right platform is key for successful restaurant notifications.
Many SMS marketing options are available, with costs ranging from $0.024 to $0.049 per message.
Some popular choices include:
• OpenTable for reservation reminders
• Restaurant-specific mobile apps for iOS and Android
• POS systems with built-in notification features
Each platform has its pros and cons.
OpenTable is great for managing bookings, while custom apps offer more flexibility.
POS-integrated systems can streamline operations.
Consider your budget and goals when choosing.
Think about what features you need most.
Do you want to send promos or just reminders? How often will you send messages? Answer these questions to find the best fit.
Setting Up Your Profile
Once you’ve picked a platform, it’s time to set up your profile.
This step is crucial for effective push notifications.
Start by adding your restaurant’s basic info.
This includes your name and logo, address, and contact details, as well as a brief description of your cuisine.
Next, customize your notification settings.
Decide on the types of messages you’ll send.
These might include:
- Special offers and promotions
- Menu updates
- Event announcements
- Reservation confirmations
Set up templates for common messages to save time.
Make sure your tone matches your brand.
Keep messages short and sweet – nobody likes to read long texts!
Remember to follow data protection rules.
Get clear consent from customers before sending notifications.
Give them easy options to opt out if they want to.
Optimizing Your Notification Strategy
A smart notification plan can really boost your restaurant’s success.
It’s all about sending the right messages at the right time to keep customers coming back.
Crafting Engaging Alerts
The key to great notifications is keeping them short and sweet.
Aim for about 40 characters to get your point across quickly.
People like messages that are clear and to the point.
Try to make your alerts fun and eye-catching.
Use emojis or catchy phrases to stand out.
But don’t go overboard – keep it tasteful.
Timing is everything.
Send lunch specials in the late morning, and dinner promos in the afternoon. Test different times to see what works best for your crowd.
Mix up your content.
Share new menu items, daily specials, and upcoming events.
Keep things fresh so folks don’t get bored.
Utilizing Geolocation for Targeted Messages
Geolocation is a game-changer for restaurant marketing.
It lets you send alerts to people near your place.
Set up a “geo-fence” around your restaurant.
When customers enter this area, they get a friendly reminder about your spot.
Try sending different messages based on location.
Folks right outside might get a “Come in for a quick bite!” while those a bit farther get “Join us for dinner tonight!”
Walt Disney World uses this trick well.
They send ride wait times to guests in the park.
You can do the same with your wait times or daily specials.
Managing Your Waitlist Efficiently
A good waitlist system can turn waiting customers into happy diners.
Use notifications to keep folks in the loop.
Send updates on wait times so people know what to expect.
A message like “Your table will be ready in 10 minutes” helps a lot.
Give customers freedom to manage their spot in line.
Let them pause their wait if they need more time.
Use notifications to offer alternatives.
If the wait is long, suggest grabbing a drink at the bar first.
Remember to ask for feedback after their visit.
A quick “How was your meal?” can show you care and help you improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting started with restaurant notifications can be tricky.
Here are some common questions people have about setting up alerts for their favorite eateries across different platforms.
How do I get started with restaurant notifications on my iPhone?
To get restaurant notifications on your iPhone, download apps like OpenTable or Resy.
Open the app and go to settings.
Look for a “Notifications” option.
Turn on push notifications for reservations, special offers, and updates from restaurants you follow.
What are the steps to set up Google Alerts for restaurant news?
Go to Google Alerts at google.com/alerts.
Type in keywords like “new restaurants” or a specific restaurant name.
Choose how often you want alerts.
Pick the sources you prefer.
Enter your email address.
Click “Create Alert” to start getting updates.
Can I enable alerts for specific restaurants on OpenTable?
Yes, you can get alerts for specific restaurants on OpenTable.
Find the restaurant’s page in the app.
Tap the heart icon to save it as a favorite. OpenTable will send push notifications about that restaurant’s availability and special events.
What should I do if my Resy notifications aren’t working?
Check your phone’s settings to make sure Resy has permission to send notifications.
Then, open the Resy app and go to your account settings.
Confirm that notifications are turned on.
If issues persist, try deleting and reinstalling the app.
How can I enable Resy push notifications on my phone?
To enable Resy push notifications on your phone, open the Resy app.
Then, go to your account settings and look for a “Notifications” or “Push Notifications” option.
Toggle the switch to turn them on.
You can choose which types of alerts you want, like reservation reminders or new availability.
Where can I manage my Google Alerts settings for the best dining updates?
Go to google.com/alerts.
Sign in to your Google account.
You’ll see a list of your current alerts.
Click on an alert to edit its settings.
Adjust the frequency, sources, and delivery options.
Add or remove keywords to refine your dining updates.