When done well, newsletters offer an excellent way to keep your growing customer base engaged and informed about every big event and promotion. They provide a direct feed to advertise, sticking more effectively in people’s minds than a fleeting update on Facebook or Twitter. Receiving and reading an email sent directly to YOU feels personal and intriguing. If you haven’t implemented a newsletter strategy yet, it’s something to consider for your food truck business. Here’s how to get started and key considerations to keep in mind.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

As a food truck owner, you’ve already got a lot on your plate: booking catering gigs, talking to vendors, prepping, cleaning, customer service and the list goes on. So why would you want to add a newsletter to the to-do list?

  • Boosts Sales: When you tell people about your specials directly, they’re more likely to come by and buy something.
  • Builds Loyalty: Regular updates and special deals keep customers happy and loyal, so they keep coming back.
  • Saves Money: It’s a low-cost way to reach a lot of potential customers, saving you money on advertising.

Spending a bit of time writing a newsletter can help bring in more customers, keep them coming back, and save you money on marketing. It’s a simple and effective way to grow your business.

Choosing Your Service

Sending mass emails manually is not advisable. Fortunately, there are many programs and services available that simplify this process. Once set up and linked to the page where customers input their emails, subscriptions become automatic.

Imagine MailChimp as your friendly assistant, offering a user-friendly interface and a free plan for smaller lists. Picture AWeber as the reliable partner known for its customer support and extensive features. ConvertKit as the creative designer providing beautiful email templates and advanced analytics.

food truck newsletter

Food truck newsletter.

Getting Subscribers

Building your subscriber list is like inviting friends to a party. You need to make it easy for them to join and give them compelling reasons to attend. Start by ensuring your sign-up link is visible on every social media platform you use. Share the subscription link on all your profiles, post reminder links on Twitter every 1-2 weeks, and mention your newsletter on your truck alongside your social media handles. Additionally, have a sign-up sheet at your service window. Engage with customers about your newsletter during slower times.

Offering incentives can significantly boost your subscription numbers. Imagine telling your customers, “Sign up for our newsletter and get exclusive deals you won’t find anywhere else!” or “Be the first to know about our new menu items and special events.” Offering a small discount or a free item upon signing up can sweeten the deal even further.

Writing the Newsletter

Creating engaging content is like crafting a delicious meal. You need to balance the main ingredients with delightful extras. Inform subscribers about upcoming events, menu changes, or special promotions. For example, you could announce, “Join us at the Food Truck Festival this Saturday! New menu item: Spicy BBQ Tacos!”

Sharing exclusive deals is like offering a secret recipe. Include promotions such as, “Newsletter Subscriber Exclusive: Show this email at our truck for 10% off your next order!” Providing a schedule of your truck’s locations for the week can be a roadmap to tasty adventures, such as, “Find us this week at these locations: Monday – Downtown Park, Tuesday – Main Street Market…”

In addition to these updates, consider adding behind-the-scenes stories about your team, recipe development, or truck maintenance. Imagine sharing, “Meet our chef, Maria! Learn how she creates our signature dishes.” Featuring loyal customers and their favorite menu items can also create a sense of community, like, “Customer of the Month: John loves our Vegan Burritos. Find out why!” Adjusting content based on seasons or holidays can keep your newsletter timely and engaging, such as, “Celebrate summer with our new refreshing lemonade flavors!”

Welcome Letter

The welcome letter is the subscriber’s first impression of your newsletter. Make it personal and engaging. Picture yourself greeting a new friend. Show genuine thought, interest, and gratitude in a personal message. For example, you could write, “Welcome to our Food Truck Family! We’re thrilled to have you. As a thank you, enjoy a free drink on your next visit!” Including a special offer in this initial email can also encourage immediate engagement, like, “Get 15% off your first order with the code WELCOME15.”

What Else Can You Write About? 

Highlight Upcoming Events

Let your customers know where you’re going to be and when. Share your weekly stops, special events, and festivals you’re attending.

Example: “Catch us at the Downtown Food Fest this Saturday! We’ll be serving up our famous Spicy BBQ Tacos.”

newsletter topic ideas

Newsletter topic ideas.

Feature New Menu Items

Got something new on the menu? Shout about it in your newsletter. Include a tasty photo and a description to get their mouths watering.

Example: “Introducing our new Summer Salad! Made with fresh, local ingredients. Try it this week!”

Share Exclusive Deals

Give your newsletter subscribers something special. Offer them discounts and promotions that only they can get.

Example: “Newsletter Exclusive: Get 10% off your next order by showing this email at our truck!”

Behind-the-Scenes Stories

People love a good story. Share what goes on behind the scenes—how you prepare your food, your daily grind, or the inspiration behind your recipes.

Example: “Meet our chef, Maria, and learn how she came up with our signature Vegan Burritos.”

Formatting and Consistency

Consistency in format and style is like setting a beautiful table. It helps subscribers know what to expect. After creating a few drafts, decide on a style and stick with it. Using a consistent layout makes it easier for readers to navigate and find important information. Consider a template with a header featuring your logo, sections for updates, deals, and locations, and a footer with social media links.

Sending Frequency

The frequency of your newsletters depends on your content and capacity. However, avoid sending them less than once a month. Monthly schedules with other updates are a minimum. Some businesses send newsletters every two weeks, weekly, or even more frequently, depending on their focus. Ensure you have the time to maintain whatever schedule you choose. Set aside time each month to ensure your newsletter is done and sent out. You’ll thank yourself later for the consistent communication with your audience.

Additional Resources

For further reading, check out these resources:

Implementing a newsletter strategy can significantly benefit your food truck business by keeping your customers informed and engaged. Through thoughtful planning, engaging content, and consistent communication, you can create a newsletter that your customers look forward to receiving. Imagine the excitement of your customers as they open each newsletter, eager to see what’s new and what delicious surprises await.