How to Get More Online Orders for Your Restaurant: Proven Strategies for Success

In today's fast-paced, digital-first world, restaurants must embrace online ordering to stay competitive. Whether you're a small local café or a large multi-location chain, the ability to capture online orders is essential to your business growth. However, simply setting up an online ordering system isn’t enough. You need a strategic approach that boosts visibility, attracts customers, and increases conversions. Below, we explore proven strategies to help your restaurant secure more online orders and drive sustained success.

Understanding the Importance of Online Orders

Before diving into strategies, it’s important to understand why online ordering is critical for modern restaurants. Not only does it provide convenience for customers, but it also helps streamline your operations, reduce wait times, and improve order accuracy. Moreover, with the increase in delivery services and third-party apps, having an optimized online ordering platform is now essential to capturing a larger share of the market.

Benefits of Online Ordering

• Increased Sales: With the ability to accept orders 24/7, online ordering allows your restaurant to reach customers outside of regular dining hours, potentially boosting sales.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Customers can place orders at their convenience, improving their overall experience.
• Improved Efficiency: With automated order-taking, your staff can focus on providing excellent service rather than manually entering orders.
• Data Insights: An online ordering system gives you access to valuable customer data that can help personalize promotions and offerings.
  
  

Optimize Your Restaurant's Website for Online Orders

A well-designed, user-friendly website is the cornerstone of your online ordering success. A seamless experience for customers can be the difference between gaining a loyal customer and losing a sale. Here are the steps to optimize your website for maximum order conversion:

User Experience (UX) and Mobile Optimization

• Responsive Design: Your website must be mobile-friendly. Since many customers place orders via smartphones, ensure that your website is fully optimized for mobile browsing.
• Intuitive Navigation: Simplify the ordering process. Make it easy for customers to browse the menu, customize orders, and check out without unnecessary distractions or steps.
• Fast Load Times: Speed is critical. A slow website can frustrate potential customers and lead to cart abandonment. Test your site regularly to ensure it loads quickly.

Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

• Order Now Button: Make sure the "Order Now" or "Get Started" button is prominent on every page of your website, especially on your homepage and menu pages.
• Easy Checkout Process: Reduce friction in the checkout process by offering guest checkout, multiple payment options, and the ability to save customer preferences for future orders.

High-Quality Visuals and Menu Descriptions

• Appealing Menu Photos: Include high-quality images of your menu items to entice customers. Studies show that photos of food can significantly increase conversion rates.
• Detailed Descriptions: Write clear, concise descriptions of each dish. Highlight key ingredients, flavors, and any dietary information to help customers make informed choices.
  
  

Leverage Social Media to Drive Online Orders

Social media platforms offer an excellent opportunity to engage with potential customers and drive online orders. With the right approach, you can turn your followers into loyal patrons.

Consistent, Engaging Content

• Share Special Offers: Regularly promote limited-time offers, discounts, or exclusive deals on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• User-Generated Content: Encourage customers to share photos of their meals on social media. Repost their content on your own platforms to build community and trust.
• Behind-the-Scenes Content: Give your followers a sneak peek into your kitchen, showcasing your culinary process or featuring the staff. This helps humanize your brand and builds a connection with your audience.
  
  

Social Media Advertising

Targeted Ads: Use Facebook and Instagram ads to target local customers based on their preferences and behaviors. Promote special deals and new menu items directly to users who are most likely to make a purchase.
Geo-Targeting: Utilize geo-targeting to promote online ordering within a specific radius of your restaurant, encouraging nearby customers to place an order.

Partner with Delivery Platforms

Third-party delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub can help you reach a broader audience. While these services charge a commission, they offer increased visibility and access to a larger pool of potential customers.

Maximize Your Presence on Delivery Apps

Complete Your Profile: Make sure your profile on third-party platforms is fully filled out, including high-quality photos, an accurate menu, and correct operating hours.
Encourage Reviews: Positive reviews can significantly boost your visibility on delivery apps. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and respond to feedback to improve your online reputation.
Evaluate Commission Rates and Fees
Balance Cost with Reach: While third-party delivery services can increase your orders, be mindful of commission rates. Consider using these platforms as an additional revenue stream while exploring ways to reduce reliance on them, such as building your own delivery system.

Implement a Loyalty Program

A loyalty program incentivizes repeat customers, encouraging them to choose your restaurant over others. Rewards can include discounts, free items, or exclusive offers.

Benefits of a Loyalty Program

Customer Retention: Rewarding repeat customers keeps them coming back, ensuring that your restaurant remains their go-to choice for online orders.
Increased Order Frequency: Offering incentives for multiple orders increases the frequency of customer purchases, boosting overall sales.

Types of Rewards

Points-Based System: For every dollar spent, customers earn points that can be redeemed for discounts or free menu items.
Referral Bonuses: Encourage customers to refer friends by offering rewards for successful referrals.

Streamline the Ordering Process with Online Ordering Software

Choosing the right online ordering software is crucial for creating a smooth and efficient process for both customers and staff. Consider a solution that integrates seamlessly with your POS system and offers features like customer profiles, real-time order tracking, and delivery management.

Key Features to Look for in Online Ordering Software

Customization Options: Look for software that allows you to customize the user experience, from menu design to checkout preferences.
Payment Integration: Ensure that your software supports a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and gift cards.
Analytics and Reporting: Access detailed reports on customer behavior, popular menu items, and sales trends to make data-driven decisions.

Utilize Email Marketing to Drive Repeat Orders

Email marketing is a powerful tool for driving repeat business and increasing online orders. By building an email list of customers who have previously ordered, you can send targeted promotions and updates.

Strategies for Effective Email Campaigns

Personalized Offers: Send personalized discount codes or meal suggestions based on customers' previous orders to encourage them to place another order.
Order Reminders: Use automated emails to remind customers of your restaurant's offerings, especially during peak times like weekends or holidays.

Bringing It All Together

Getting more online orders is not a one-size-fits-all approach. By implementing the strategies outlined above, you can create a customer-centric online ordering experience that drives sales, improves customer retention, and increases your restaurant's bottom line. From optimizing your website and social media presence to partnering with delivery platforms and offering loyalty programs, each strategy plays a crucial role in maximizing your online order volume. Focus on continuous improvement, and your restaurant will reap the rewards of a thriving online ordering system.

Ready to reduce your delivery fees and keep more profit in your pocket?

At FetchPlate, we help Space Coast restaurants reduce their commission fees by up to 50% while still enjoying the full benefits of meal delivery apps like DoorDash, Grubhub, and UberEats. We also offer seamless integration with your POS system for direct-to-restaurant delivery through your website or phone. If you're ready to increase your profit on every order and boost your delivery service, contact us today to see how we can help your restaurant grow.

Learn more about how FetchPlate can boost your business!