The restaurant industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with online ordering and delivery growing at an unprecedented rate. In fact, according to a recent report by the National Restaurant Association, online ordering has grown by a staggering 300% faster than dine-in traffic since 2014. With the pandemic further accelerating this trend, it’s more important than ever for restaurants to leverage the power of online ordering to increase sales and customer satisfaction.
But where do you start? In this blog article, we’ll share four practical and effective ways to boost direct online orders for your restaurant. Whether you’re a small independent business or a large chain, these tips will help you optimize your online ordering process, increase revenue, and enhance the overall customer experience. So get ready to take your restaurant to the next level and capitalize on the exciting opportunities presented by online ordering!
1. The Power of an Easy-to-Use Website
In today’s digital age, having an easy-to-use website is essential for driving direct online orders to your restaurant. In fact, according to a survey by Preoday, 70% of customers say that the ability to order online directly from a restaurant’s website is a crucial factor in their decision to order from that restaurant. This highlights the critical importance of having a user-friendly website that makes the online ordering process as smooth and straightforward as possible.
For instance, when the popular fast-food chain, McDonald’s, revamped its website and mobile app to enhance the user experience, they reported a 20% increase in online orders. By streamlining the ordering process, optimizing the menu, and offering various payment options, they made it easy for customers to place an order and pay for it in just a few clicks.
To optimize your website and ensure that customers have a seamless online ordering experience, keep these few things in mind:
- Optimize your menu: Use clear and concise language, organize your items logically, and ensure your menu is easy to read and navigate.
- Streamline the ordering process: Use a prominent “Order Now” button, minimize the number of clicks required to place an order, and simplify the checkout process as much as possible. Offer online payment options: Accept a variety of payment methods to make it easy for customers to pay for their orders online, including credit cards, PayPal, and other popular payment systems.
- Ensure mobile compatibility: Given that more than half of online orders come from mobile devices, make sure your website is optimized for mobile use, with a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes.
By following these tips and creating an easy-to-use website, you’ll not only increase the likelihood of customers ordering directly from you but also enhance their overall experience with your brand. So start optimizing your website today and watch your direct online orders soar!
2. Irresistible Incentives and Discounts to Boost Your Restaurant’s Online Orders
According to a Lightspeed survey, 60% of customers are motivated to order online by exclusive discounts and promotions. Here are four creative ways to encourage direct online orders and boost your restaurant’s revenue:
- Limited-time offers: Time-bound offers are an excellent way to incentivize customers to order online. For example, offer a discount on online orders during off-peak hours to encourage customers to order when the restaurant is less busy.
- Loyalty programs: Implement a loyalty program that rewards customers for ordering directly from your website. Como offers the ultimate loyalty program solution, providing unparalleled benefits and rewards to ensure your customers remain loyal and engaged.
- Bundle deals: Offer bundle deals that include multiple items at a discounted price. This will not only increase the average order value but also encourage customers to order more items.
Moreover, Lightspeed’s survey reveals that restaurants with loyalty programs see a 20% increase in revenue while offering bundle deals can boost revenue by up to 15%. Take the example of TGI Fridays, which implemented a mobile loyalty program that allowed customers to earn and redeem rewards for online orders. As a result, the company saw a 22% increase in online sales.
By implementing creative incentives and discounts, your restaurant can increase customer loyalty, drive more traffic to your website, and ultimately boost revenue. So start exploring these ideas today to bring more success to your restaurant.
3. Effective Strategies to Promote Your Online Ordering System
Promoting your online ordering system is not only a key part of increasing sales but also an essential aspect of enhancing customer experience. Consider these data-driven strategies to effectively promote your online ordering system:
- According to research by Toast, restaurants with prominent online ordering buttons on their website receive 30% more online orders. So make sure your online ordering system is easily accessible and visible on your website and mobile app.
- Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your online ordering system. In fact, a survey by Oracle Hospitality found that 41% of consumers use social media to choose a restaurant. So be sure to advertise your online ordering system on social media platforms and offer exclusive deals to incentivize customers to use it.
- Don’t underestimate the impact of in-store signage. A study by NCR Corporation found that 68% of customers prefer to order through a self-service kiosk, which could include a prominently displayed online ordering option. Place visible signage throughout your restaurant to remind customers to order online.
- Email marketing is a great way to reach your customer directly and encourage them to use your online ordering system. According to a survey by Upserve, restaurants that send regular promotional emails see a 200% increase in online orders. Keep your customers engaged with your brand by sending emails that feature your online ordering system, any current promotions or deals, and personalized recommendations;
By promoting your online ordering system across various channels, you can increase customer engagement, drive more orders to your restaurant, and ultimately boost your revenue!
4. A ‘Search Engine-Optimized’ website
Optimizing your website for search engines is critical for increasing visibility and driving traffic to your restaurant’s website. Here are some key steps to optimize your website for search engines: Did you know that 93% of online experiences start with a search engine, and 75% of users never scroll past the first page of search results?
To ensure your restaurant appears at the top of search results, follow these key steps:
- Conduct thorough keyword research to identify relevant keywords and include them in your website’s content, meta tags, and URLs. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush to find the most searched keywords in your industry.
- Optimize your website for mobile devices, as mobile searches account for more than 50% of all web traffic. Ensure your website is responsive and fast-loading to provide a smooth user experience.
- Optimize your website for local search by including location-specific keywords, listing your restaurant on online directories, and creating a Google My Business profile. This will help potential customers find your restaurant when searching for nearby dining options.
- Create high-quality, relevant content that includes keywords and provides value to your audience. Blog about topics related to your restaurants, such as food trends, recipes, or local events, to drive traffic to your website and establish your restaurant as an authority in your industry. By optimizing your website for search engines, you can increase your visibility, attract more customers, and ultimately drive more revenue for your restaurant.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, increasing direct online orders for your restaurant requires a multi-faceted approach. By creating an easy-to-use website, offering incentives and special discounts, promoting your online ordering system, and optimizing your website for search engines, you can maximize your restaurant’s online potential and increase revenue.
Looking to take your restaurant’s online ordering game to the next level? Say hello to Como and revolutionize your restaurant’s online ordering system! Our user-friendly and customizable platform offers everything you need to create a seamless online ordering experience for your customers. Plus, with our expert team by your side, you can rest easy knowing you have support every step of the way.
Ready to see the results? Sign up with Como today and watch your direct online orders soar to new heights!
