Overview

Linked Eats has introduced a Marketing AI tool designed to revolutionize how restaurant groups manage their digital marketing strategies. This case study highlights the experience of Cody Hagberg, Digital Marketing Specialist at Virtual Dining Concepts (VDC), and how the implementation of Linked Eats’ Marketing AI transformed their marketing operations at their locations.

Challenges in Digital Marketing

VDC faced numerous challenges in managing marketing for its extensive network of brands. According to Cody, the most significant hurdles were:

1. Optimization Across Thousands of Locations: Managing campaigns for 4,000 locations was labor-intensive and prone to human error.

2. Competing in a Crowded Marketplace: Standing out against major brands like Chipotle and McDonald’s on platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats required innovative strategies.

3. Manual Processes: Previously, Cody’s team relied on spreadsheets and manual data analysis, which were time-consuming and lacked precision.

The Solution: Linked Eats Marketing AI

Linked Eats’ AI Marketing solution automated campaign management and provided actionable insights, enabling VDC to streamline its marketing efforts. Cody highlighted several key benefits:

1. Time Savings: By automating manual tasks, the AI freed up time for strategic planning. Tasks like reviewing daily reports, tracking ad spend, and setting up campaigns were consolidated into a single platform.
2. Error Reduction: The AI minimized human error by optimizing bids, budgets, and campaign setups, ensuring consistent performance across locations.
3. Improved Campaign Performance: The product’s ability to learn and adapt over time optimized campaigns to achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) such as increased sales and ROI.

Implementation and Onboarding

The onboarding process was quick and straightforward. Cody noted that linking their existing third-party platforms, such as Uber Eats and DoorDash, required only a few account permissions. Once connected, the system was ready to run campaigns across all locations, a stark contrast to the lengthy setups typical of other technologies.

Results: 60% Sales increase compared to control

Linked Eats’ Marketing AI delivered measurable improvements:

• Budget Optimization: The AI ensured even distribution of marketing budgets across locations, achieving desired sales targets without overspending.
• Streamlined Campaign Management: Campaigns were consolidated under one platform, eliminating the need to manage budgets and bids separately for each delivery service provider.
• Enhanced Competitive Edge: By automating promotion setups and leveraging data-driven insights, VDC could compete more effectively against larger brands.

Takeaways

“It’s an easy to use 3rd party management system that helps you optimize your promotions and ads automatically, taking out the human error so you can hit the KPIs that you’re looking for.” - Cody Hagberg, Digital Marketing Specialist 

Cody recommends that other restaurant groups adopt Marketing AI to stay competitive in the evolving digital marketplace. He highlighted the importance of innovation in adapting to customer demands and leveraging new technologies to improve efficiency and sales performance.

Cody envisions the AI’s capabilities growing over time, with improved seasonal and day-to-day optimization. As VDC’s virtual brands continue to expand, the Marketing AI will play a crucial role in fostering brand growth, building a loyal customer base, and enhancing restaurant partner opportunities through discounts and special offers.

Conclusion

Linked Eats’ Marketing AI has transformed VDC’s approach to digital marketing, making it a vital tool for managing campaigns across thousands of locations. By reducing manual tasks, optimizing budgets, and enhancing campaign performance, the AI has empowered VDC to focus on strategic growth and remain competitive in the fast-paced restaurant industry.