How to Turn One-Time Visitors into Loyal Customers with Email Marketing

In the competitive world of restaurants and takeaways, gaining new customers is great, but turning them into loyal, repeat customers is even better. One of the most effective (and often underutilized) tools to achieve this is email marketing.

When done right, email marketing helps create a connection with your customers, reminding them why they love your food and encouraging them to return. Let’s dive into how you can build a customer loyalty strategy using emails and increase your repeat orders.

1. Welcome Emails That Make a Lasting First Impression

First impressions matter! When a customer orders from your restaurant for the first time, a warm and personalized welcome email can set the stage for a long-term relationship.

A well-crafted welcome email should:

• Thank them for choosing your restaurant

• Offer a discount on their next order to encourage a second purchase

• Introduce them to your loyalty program or app (if you have one)

• Share your social media links to keep them engaged

💡 Example: “Thanks for your first order! We loved serving you. As a small thank you, here’s 15% off your next one. We can’t wait to welcome you back!”

2.“We Miss You” Emails to Win Back Lost Customers

Many customers try a restaurant once and never return—not because they had a bad experience, but because they simply forget. A re-engagement email is a powerful way to bring them back.

How to craft a winning re-engagement email:

• Use personalized subject lines like “John, it’s been a while – here’s a treat!”

• Offer an incentive, like a free side dish or discount

• Remind them what makes your food unique and why they loved it

• Include a one-click reorder button to make it effortless

🔎 Stat: Restaurants that send re-engagement emails see a 40% increase in repeat orders!

3. Exclusive Loyalty Perks via Email

Customers love feeling special, and exclusive email-only offers can make them feel valued. Instead of blasting discounts to everyone, segment your email list and reward your most loyal customers with VIP-only deals.

Loyalty-driven email campaigns can include:

• Birthday Emails: Send a free treat or discount for their special day

• Milestone Rewards: “You've placed 5 orders – here’s something on us!”

• Early Access: Let them be the first to try new menu items

• Points-Based Rewards: “Earn 10% back in points for every order”

By making them feel like VIPs, customers will choose you over competitors and order more frequently.

4. Meal Planning & Weekly Specials Emails

People plan their meals ahead of time, and you can influence their decisions by sending timely emails.

Here’s how:

• Send weekly specials every Monday to get them thinking about their orders

• Offer meal bundles for busy customers looking for convenience

• Highlight customer favorites or bestsellers to drive sales

• Add a clear call-to-action button to order instantly

📢 Example: “Tired of cooking this week? Try our Family Meal Deal for just £XX! Fresh, hot, and ready for you.”

5. Feedback & Review Request Emails

Customers trust real reviews more than ads. Encourage them to share their experience and leave reviews on Google, Facebook, or your website.

Make it easy for customers to leave feedback:

• Send a review request a few hours after delivery

• Offer a small incentive (future discount, free drink, etc.)

• Keep it simple – a one-click review link works best

• Thank them personally for their feedback

💡 Fact: Restaurants with high ratings on Google attract 22% more orders than those with low ratings.

Start Growing Your Restaurant with Smart Email Marketing

Email marketing is not just about promotions – it’s about building relationships. When done correctly, it helps you increase customer retention, boost revenue, and create a community of loyal diners.

If you want to start using email marketing but don’t have the time to manage it, Quarx Digital can help. We specialize in helping restaurants and takeaways grow through smart digital strategies.

📩 Schedule a free strategy call today and let’s turn your customers into lifelong fans! 👉 quarx.digital