Why Restaurants Must Rethink Their Marketing Channels

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Why isn’t my online marketing getting enough attention?

If you’re pouring effort into Facebook ads, Instagram posts, or email campaigns but not seeing the results you want, you’re definitely not alone. The digital space is packed — your customers scroll past thousands of posts, ads, emails, and notifications every day. Studies show the average human attention span has dropped to just 8.25 seconds, shorter than a goldfish’s!

This constant flood of content causes “digital fatigue.” Even your best customers are overwhelmed, tuning out most online marketing because it feels repetitive or intrusive. For single-site venues like restaurants, cafes, or bars, this means your online efforts might get buried — fewer clicks, less engagement, and ultimately fewer sales.

What can you do about it?

  • Diversify your marketing channels: Don’t put all your eggs in one digital basket. Add SMS and direct mail, which customers actually notice. SMS messages boast a 98% open rate and are typically read within 3 minutes.

  • Personalize your messages: When your offers feel relevant and timely, customers are way more likely to engage. Use your data to target the right people.

  • Create urgency: Flash sales and limited-time deals encourage quick action.

  • Leverage data smartly: Use insights from your ordering system or loyalty program to send offers based on actual customer behavior.

Next steps:
Take a look at your current marketing mix. Are your customers ignoring your emails or social posts? Try launching a simple SMS campaign with a time-sensitive offer, or send direct mail flyers with bounce-back discounts for takeaway customers. HungryHungry’s platform can help automate SMS campaigns and track what’s working.

What is digital fatigue and why should restaurants care?

Digital fatigue happens when customers get so overloaded by online content that they start ignoring or blocking out marketing messages. It’s the marketing version of being “too full” — there’s just no room left for more digital noise.

For restaurants, digital fatigue means:

  • Lower engagement on social media and email

  • Declining click-through rates on ads

  • Decreased impact of online promos and discounts

This makes it harder to keep your venue top of mind and drive repeat visits — especially if you rely solely on digital channels.

How do these channels benefit my restaurant or cafe?

  • Higher engagement: SMS open rates hover around 98%, and direct mail sees 80-90% open rates—numbers that digital ads can only dream of.

  • Better personalization: You can craft tailored messages based on customer preferences and purchase history, making your marketing feel more relevant.

  • Stronger customer relationships: Direct mail creates a lasting impression that encourages repeat visits and loyalty.

These channels don’t just get seen—they get action.

How can I build a multi-channel marketing strategy that works?

  1. Integrate SMS campaigns: Use SMS for flash sales, event reminders, or exclusive offers that customers can’t miss.

  2. Send personalized direct mail: Add flyers or postcards to takeaway orders or deliver letterbox drops with special discounts.

  3. Keep your digital presence alive: Don’t abandon social media or email; instead, combine them with SMS and direct mail to maximize reach.

  4. Track and optimize: Monitor which channels drive the most engagement and adjust accordingly.

What role does HungryHungry play in this?

HungryHungry’s platform is designed to make multi-channel marketing easy and effective. From automating SMS messages to managing delivery and takeaway orders with space for flyers, we help you:


    • Reach customers when and where it matters

    • Personalize offers based on order history and preferences

    • Track campaign performance with clear reporting

    • Save time so you can focus on what you do best—serving great food and drinks

Wrapping up: What’s the takeaway for busy hospitality pros?

Digital fatigue is a real challenge, but it’s not unbeatable. The key is not to rely only on crowded online channels but to bring back trusted tools like SMS and direct mail that customers still pay attention to.

Start small: test SMS campaigns or add flyers to your takeaway bags. Use your customer data to make each message count. With the right multi-channel mix, you’ll boost engagement, increase repeat orders, and grow your venue’s revenue without burning out your marketing budget.

HungryHungry is here to help you cut through the noise and make every customer interaction count.