In the competitive landscape of the restaurant industry, choosing the most effective communication channel is crucial. This blog compares SMS, email, and flyers to determine which channel offers the best return on investment (ROI) and customer engagement in 2025.

SMS: The Immediate Impact
- High Engagement: SMS messages boast a 98% open rate, with 90% read within three minutes. optimonk.com
- Strong Response: With a 45% response rate, SMS outperforms other channels in eliciting customer action.
- Cost-Effective: Low cost per message makes SMS a budget-friendly option for time-sensitive promotions.
Best Use Case: Flash promotions, limited-time offers, and urgent updates.
Email: Detailed and Informative
- Broad Reach: Email remains a staple, with 4.5 billion users worldwide. Forbes
- High ROI: Email marketing delivers an average ROI of $42 for every $1 spent. Resimpli
- Lower Engagement: Open and response rates are lower compared to SMS, making it less effective for immediate actions.
Best Use Case: Newsletters, detailed updates, and non-urgent communications.
Flyers: Tangible and Localized
- High Visibility: Flyers have an open rate of 80–90%, especially when handed directly to customers or included with orders. Uprinting
- Moderate Response: With a 4.4% response rate, flyers are effective for local promotions. persuasion-nation.com
- Higher Cost: Printing and distribution costs make flyers a more significant investment.
Best Use Case: Local promotions, in-store events, and reaching customers without digital access.
Conclusion
Each channel offers unique advantages:
- SMS: Best for immediate, high-engagement communications.
- Email: Ideal for detailed, informative content with a broad reach.
- Flyers: Effective for tangible, localized marketing efforts.
For optimal results, restaurants should consider a multi-channel approach, leveraging the strengths of each medium to engage customers effectively.