How Make Can Improve Offers in Restaurants with Automation

Discover How to Make Can Be Used to Improve Offers in Restaurants

Introduction to Make

The restaurant industry is becoming increasingly competitive, and businesses must find innovative ways to stand out. Traditional marketing strategies such as printed flyers and manual promotions are no longer sufficient to engage modern customers who expect seamless, personalized, and digital-first experiences. This is where automation platforms like Make (formerly Integromat) come in.

Make is a no-code automation tool that allows businesses to integrate multiple apps and services, creating automated workflows known as "scenarios." Restaurants can connect their POS systems, CRM software, email marketing platforms, social media accounts, food delivery apps, and loyalty programs to optimize operations and create highly effective, data-driven marketing campaigns.

By leveraging automation, restaurants can significantly improve their promotional strategies, reduce manual work, and ensure that offers are delivered to customers at the right time. This leads to higher engagement, increased sales, and a better overall customer experience.

How to Make Can Be Used to Improve Offers in Restaurants

With the right automation strategies, restaurants can move away from generic, one-size-fits-all promotions and embrace a personalized, data-driven approach that maximizes revenue.

Below are some real-world applications of Make in restaurant promotions, including detailed examples of how each automation process works.

Personalized Discounts Based on Customer Data

Personalized promotions are among the most effective ways to drive customer engagement. Customers are more likely to respond positively to offers that align with their interests, past behaviors, and dining preferences.

Example 1: Birthday Discounts

• A restaurant integrates Make with a CRM system (like HubSpot or Zoho) to store customer information, including birthdays.

  
  

• A week before a customer’s birthday, Make triggers an automated email or SMS via Mailchimp or Twilio, offering a free dessert or a special discount for their celebration.

  
  

• If the customer doesn’t redeem the offer within 48 hours, Make automatically sends a follow-up reminder encouraging them to visit the restaurant.

  
  

Example 2: Customized Offers Based on Order History

• A restaurant connects its POS system (like Square or Toast) to Make to track customer purchase history.

  
  

• If a customer frequently orders vegetarian dishes, Make can automatically generate and send an exclusive discount for plant-based menu items via email or SMS.

  
  

• The restaurant can also use loyalty program data to offer personalized rewards, such as a free appetizer after five vegetarian meals purchased.

Dynamic Pricing and Flash Deals

Dynamic pricing enables restaurants to adjust prices and promotions based on demand, inventory, and customer traffic. Make helps automate real-time pricing strategies, ensuring that restaurants maximize sales while minimizing waste.

Example 1: Surplus Ingredient Promotions

• A restaurant tracks its inventory levels by integrating Make and a POS system like Lightspeed.

  
  

• If an ingredient (such as avocados) is in excess stock, Make triggers an automatic “Avocado Happy Hour” promotion and posts the deal on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

  
  

• The promotion expires once the inventory reaches a stable level.

  
  

Example 2: Real-Time Happy Hour Discounts

• Make connects to Google Sheets and the POS system to track peak and off-peak hours.

  
  

• If the restaurant has a low volume of orders during a specific time (e.g., 3 PM - 5 PM), Make can automatically create and promote a limited-time discount .

  
  

• This offer can be shared via push notifications, SMS, and social media ads to attract more customers.

  
  

AI-Powered Loyalty Program Promotions

Loyalty programs are essential for retaining customers and encouraging repeat visits. Make an automate rewards tracking, milestone-based discounts, and engagement campaigns.

Example 1: Automated Rewards for Frequent Customers

• A restaurant integrates its loyalty program software (like Paytronix or Square Loyalty) with Make.

  
  

• When a customer reaches five visits, Make automatically generates a reward (such as a 10% discount or a free drink) and notifies the customer via email or SMS.

  
  

Example 2: Re-Engagement Campaigns for Inactive Customers

• If a customer hasn’t visited the restaurant in over a month, Make triggers an automated “We Miss You” campaign, offering an incentive to return.
  

• The system tracks customer response, and if they don’t redeem the offer, schedule a follow-up email with a more attractive promotion.
  

Targeted Offers Based on Weather and Location

Weather can influence customer behavior, and restaurants can use weather-based promotions to drive more sales.

Example 1: Cold Weather Promotions

• Make connects with the Google Weather API and detects when the temperature drops below 50°F.

  
  

• The system triggers an automatic promotion offering discounts on hot beverages (like coffee or tea) and sends the offer via push notifications and social media ads.

  
  

Example 2: Hot Weather Promotions

• When the temperature rises above 85°F, Make automatically promotes iced drinks, salads, or cold desserts to encourage sales.

  
  

• This promotion is sent via email, SMS, and digital advertising platforms like Facebook Ads.

  
  

Automated Discounts for First-Time Customers

Attracting new customers is crucial for restaurant growth. Make allows restaurants to automatically detect first-time visitors and send them special incentives.

Example: Welcome Offer for New Customers

• A customer places their first online order through Uber Eats or the restaurant’s website.

  
  

• Make detects this first-time transaction and triggers an email with a special discount for their second order.

  
  

• If the customer does not use the discount within a week, Make schedules a reminder email to encourage redemption.

  
  

Referral-Based Discounts for Word-of-Mouth Growth

Referral programs are a cost-effective way to acquire new customers while rewarding loyal ones.

Example: Automated Friend Referral Program

• Make integrates with a referral marketing tool like ReferralCandy or Google Forms.

  
  

• A customer receives a unique referral link to share with friends.

  
  

• When a new customer places an order using the referral link, Make automatically rewards both the new and existing customer with a discount or free item.

Benefits of Using Make for Restaurant Offers

Using Make to automate restaurant promotions provides several advantages:

• Time Efficiency: Eliminates manual work, allowing staff to focus on customer service.

  
  

• Revenue Growth: Data-driven promotions lead to higher sales and increased order values.

  
  

• Enhanced Customer Experience: Customers receive relevant, personalized promotions that improve their dining experience.

  
  

• Inventory Management: Helps reduce food waste by promoting excess stock.

  
  

• Customer Retention: AI-powered loyalty programs keep customers engaged and returning.

Automation is the future of restaurant marketing. Make allows restaurants to implement innovative, data-driven promotional strategies that increase engagement and revenue. By integrating Make with POS systems, CRMs, social media, and food delivery apps, restaurants can ensure that the right promotions reach customers at the right time.