Digital Hospitality

Rising Tides Live: Creating A Great Email


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In this special episode of Rising Tides Live, Shawn Walchef is joined by Matt Plapp, Chief Energy Officer of America’s Best Restaurants, for a deep dive into the power of email marketing and its vital role in building customer relationships. Matt shares his expertise on leveraging email to attract, engage, and retain customers, highlighting actionable strategies for restaurant owners and marketers alike. The conversation underscores the importance of using technology to collect and segment customer data, enabling personalized and meaningful communication. Matt also discusses the art of timing and storytelling in email campaigns, offering practical tips to maximize engagement and drive results. For any business owner looking to improve their digital marketing game, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.

Interview Takeaways:

  • Leverage Email as a Core Marketing Tool – Matt Plapp emphasized the enduring value of email marketing for restaurants, despite misconceptions. He shared, “Money follows attention,” encouraging businesses to focus on personalized and consistent email campaigns to attract and retain customers.
  • Use Technology for Data and Personalization – Tools like Toast, Zapier, and Driver enable restaurants to collect customer data, automate engagement, and tailor messages based on behavior. As Matt explained, “Messaging matters. Your communication should reflect whether someone is a first-time visitor, a loyal customer, or a lapsed diner.”
  • Engagement Builds Relationships – Authentic, meaningful communication is vital for building customer loyalty. Whether it’s sending targeted birthday offers, leveraging automation for email follow-ups, or sparking conversations on social media, engaging with customers strengthens connections and boosts business impact.


  • Episode Links:
    • Be A Guest On Rising Tides Live: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/
    • America's Best Restaurants Online: https://americasbestrestaurants.com/


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      Digital HospitalityBy Shawn P. Walchef

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