Mukesh Kumar / Jun 11, 2025 / Marketing

Text Marketing for Food Trucks: Simple Tactics for Big Results

Learn simple but powerful SMS marketing tactics for food trucks, from flash deals to loyalty programs. Plus, how AI can automate and optimize your efforts.

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In the current market, flavor-packed world of food trucks, standing out and staying connected with customers is everything. With tight competition, changing locations, and daily menu updates, food truck owners need a fast, affordable, and direct way to reach their hungry customers. That’s where SMS marketing comes in.

Text marketing isn’t just for big businesses. It’s an incredibly effective, low-cost way for food trucks to build loyalty, promote daily specials, and boost foot traffic. In this blog, we’ll break down five simple yet powerful SMS strategies—and how you can use AI tools to make them even more impactful.

Why Text Marketing Works for Food Trucks

Let’s start with the numbers:

• 98% of text messages are opened, usually within three minutes.
• Texts have a response rate 8x higher than email.
• People check their phones 96 times a day on average.

For food trucks, this means you can:

• Send out your location in real-time
• Promote limited-time menu items or flash deals
• Build a loyal following that returns again and again

All without needing a big marketing budget or a full-time marketer.

1. Build Your SMS Subscriber List (Legally and Quickly)

Before you send your first message, you need subscribers. But this isn’t just about grabbing numbers—it’s about earning permission to text people.

How to Grow Your List:

• At the window: Add a sign that says “Text TACO to 70700 for today’s specials!”
• On social media: Post about your SMS club with a CTA like “Want VIP access to secret menu items? Text BURGER to 44444.”
• With QR codes: Use QR codes on your truck, receipts, and flyers that link directly to your sign-up form.

Tip: To encourage sign-ups, offer an incentive, like a free drink or a discount on their next meal.

2. Send Daily Locations and Menu Updates

If you move around often, texting your location is a game-changer. Let customers know where you’ll be and what they can expect.

Example Text:

“Hey foodies! We’re parked at 5th & Main till 3 PM today. Try our new smoky chipotle chicken tacos. First 10 customers get a free drink!”

You can schedule texts in the morning or use geo-targeting tools to send updates based on the subscriber’s location.

3. Promote Limited-Time Offers and Flash Sales

Scarcity sells. Use text messages to create urgency with flash discounts, daily specials, or one-time promotions.

Example Text:

“FLASH DEAL: Show this text before 2 PM & get 20% off our loaded chili cheese fries!”

This tactic drives fast foot traffic and helps move inventory before the day ends.

4. Run Loyalty Programs That Keep People Coming Back

Forget punch cards. Run a digital loyalty program over SMS that keeps customers engaged and incentivized.

Example:

“You’ve had 4 of our burgers this month—1 more and your next one’s FREE! Reply BURGER5 to claim.”

You can track purchases using customer replies or integrate with your POS system to automate rewards.

5. Ask for Feedback and Reviews

Customer feedback helps improve your business and boost your online presence. After someone eats, follow up:

Example Text:

“Thanks for stopping by Grillzilla today! How’d we do? Reply 1–5 or leave a review: [ https://demandloft.com/thank-you/]”

Happy customers leave great reviews. Unhappy ones give you private feedback.

Bonus: Seasonal Campaigns & Events

Use SMS to promote:

• Holiday-themed menu items (Pumpkin spice empanadas, anyone?)
• Special pop-up events or collabs
• Contests or giveaways

Example Text:

“Spooky good eats! This Friday only: FREE Halloween churros if you show up in costume. 6–9 PM, downtown lot.”

These texts help you stay top-of-mind and build a community vibe around your brand.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Short, Sweet, and Smart

SMS marketing for food trucks doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right strategy and a little help from automation and AI, you can:

• Stay connected with your best customers
• Drive traffic during slow hours
• Build a loyal fanbase that follows you anywhere

Want help building an AI-powered SMS strategy that drives revenue? Demandloft can help you turn simple text messages into big results.