How to Drive More Online Orders To Your Restaurant

Recent times have overseen a massive shift in the restaurant industry, most significantly in the increased dependency on delivery services and takeouts. With the continued threat of the pandemic persisting for the foreseeable future, it seems like the demand is bound to increase further as of now. There are, however, quite a few strategies that will help you profit from this scheme. Keep reading for the top ways to increase online orders and strengthen customer relationships through the virtual space.

Revise Your Marketing Plan

Revising your existing restaurant marketing plan should be the starting point to drive more online orders. It is important that the new plan specifies how you plan to advertise your online ordering service to your guests and how you can entice them to order repeatedly through the platform. With a marketing plan that is aimed at improving the online ordering process, you ensure that your business can stay afloat during these turbulent times.

Update Your Google My Business Account

Now cooped up at home with repetitive routines, there is a good chance your guests – or potential guests – are already bored with cooking. The first place they would go on to look for suggestions is Google. 

Some of the questions they will need answering is if you offer both pick-up or delivery? How can they get to contact you? And, how to place the order? Claiming your restaurant on Google My Business allows you to post updated information, link your websites, and answer any queries that your consumers may have.

Add Online Ordering To The Frontpage

Your website should include plenty of information on the restaurant’s ambiance. Namely an updated menu (with a menu design updated for websites) as well as photos and descriptions of your dishes. Currently, though, you must add your online ordering service to the forefront so that your guests can quickly get to the order process. During the order process, make sure to add plenty of images that will help you upsell and provide context to each dish. Strong food descriptions are important more than ever right now especially during the pandemic because online ordering has increased in frequency.

Use Social Media 

Social media usage has increased massively since the pandemic began. As a restaurant, you can take advantage of the immediacy and intimacy offered by social media channels to advertise your offerings and the pre-established online ordering platforms. 

Don’t be afraid to constantly update your channels with specials, promotions, messages of solidarity, and updates of appreciation. Moreover, social media advertising allows you to make it even easier for customers to order: Facebook goes as far as offering a “Shop Now” button on your profile that gives you the option of instantly ordering food. 

With restaurants around the world struggling in the face of the pandemic and most consumers spending time online, a well-implemented online ordering system can help you bring in much-needed revenue.

There is also plenty of evidence pointing towards the fact that once the pandemic has swept over, guests may continue to rely on online ordering and other virtual transaction methods. Due to that, a strong online ordering process will help you future-proof your business.