Whether you’re a corporate marketing or operations person, the franchise owner, or the regional manager, you are responsible for ensuring that everything runs smoothly at all times. Your normal job means there’s a lot on your plate. But one crucial aspect of running any successful franchise is keeping your customers and staff informed about open and closing times, emergency events, and changes to staff schedules.
Enter operational emails! These non-promotional, regular communications are your chance to let your customers know what’s happening inside your franchise, without hitting them with a call to action. But let’s be honest, no one wants to read a boring email full of drab business jargon. Here are some dos and don’ts to make your operational emails not only informative but also entertaining. You are part of a much bigger whole, so let’s remember to use the tone and design elements approved by corporate marketing.
DO: Keep your emails short and sweet. No one has the time (or the patience) to read an essay. Stick to the key information and use a friendly tone of voice.
DON’T: Be too formal. Dry, boring emails are a surefire way to make your customers hit the delete button (or worse, unsubscribe). Bring some personality to the table and keep things light-hearted.
DO: Use humor! It’s a great way to connect with your customers and spark their interest. Make a joke, share a funny story, or include a silly picture.
DON’T: Go overboard with humor. Remember, you are still a business owner, not a comedian. Keep your jokes appropriate and tasteful.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are some specific tips for crafting operational emails that are sure to impress:
Open and Closing Times:
DO: Remind your customers of your opening and closing times, including any early or late hours. Make sure they know when they can visit your franchise, and don’t forget to mention special holiday hours.
DON’T: Assume that your customers already know your operating hours. It’s always better to over communicate than to leave your customers guessing.
Emergency Events:
DO: Keep your customers updated on any unexpected events that may impact your franchise. These could include weather-related closures, power outages, or even unexpected maintenance. Let them know how you are handling the situation and when you expect to reopen.
DON’T: Panic your customers with alarmist language. Keep a level-headed tone and reassure them that you are doing everything in your power to minimize any disruption.
Changes to Regional Menus:
DO: Highlight any new menu items, promotions, or discounts that your franchise is offering. Give your customers a taste of what’s new and exciting and encourage them to come in and try it out.
DON’T: Confuse your customers with too many changes at once. Introduce new menu items gradually and explain the reasoning behind any price increases or changes in ingredients.
In conclusion, operational emails are crucial for keeping your customers informed and engaged. But they don’t have to be boring. Injecting humor, personality, and creativity into your emails can make a difference. So, get writing, and don’t be afraid to show your customers the fun side of your franchise.
Schedule some time to discuss how Sageflo can help you.
