If you’re a restaurant owner, then you know that running your business can be challenging. There are so many things to think about – from food preparations to managing staff – that it’s easy to overlook one crucial aspect: online ordering.
In today’s digital age, online ordering is a must for any restaurant that wants to stay competitive. Online ordering websites allow customers to place their orders directly with the restaurant without going through a third-party delivery service. This saves the customer time and keeps the restaurant money on delivery fees.
For example, let’s say you own a pizza restaurant. You’ve been in business for a few years, and things are going well. You have a loyal customer base and a steady stream of new customers coming in. However, you’re noticing that more and more of your competitors are offering online ordering. You don’t want to lose any ground, so you decide to offer online ordering as well.
There are a few things you need to do to get started. First, you need to sign up for an online ordering service. This can be done through a third-party provider or directly through your restaurant’s website. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll need to create your menu and set up your payment information.
After your menu is created, you’ll need to promote your online ordering system to your customers. You can do this by placing signs in your restaurant, sending out emails, or creating a video. Whatever marketing method you choose, make sure your customers know that they can now order their favorite meals from the comfort of their own homes.
Online food ordering is a great way to increase sales and grow your business. With a few simple steps, you can start offering online ordering tools and providing your customers with a convenient way to order their favorite meals. Here are 7 essential reasons why your restaurant needs to start delivering online ordering:
1. Increased revenue
It will help you reach new customers and bring in more sales.
This is the most obvious benefit of having an ordering website, but it’s worth repeating. By offering online ordering, you’ll be able to increase your revenue by reaching new customers and selling more food.
As a result, your restaurant will be more profitable, and you’ll be able to reinvest in your business. The most successful restaurants are always looking for ways to increase their sales, and an ordering website is a good way to do that.
Aside from the increased revenue coming from more orders, one of the main causes of increased revenue should be the removal of commission fees that third-party providers charge.
These can be up to 30% of the order total which means it’s a new source of revenue for your business. This is a great way to increase your profits and reinvest in your restaurant.
By offering online ordering on your restaurant’s website, you’ll be able to keep more of the profits from each sale.
2. Convenience for your customers
They can place orders from anywhere at any time.
For your customers, convenience is vital. By delivering online ordering, you’ll make it easier for them to order their favorite meals, which will lead to more sales for your business. The best part is that they can order from anywhere, whether at home or work.
This convenience will keep your customers coming back, good for your bottom line. Don’t forget that happy customers are loyal customers. If you make it easy for them to order from your restaurant, they’re more likely to continue doing business with you.
When you offer online ordering, you give your customers a convenient way to order their favorite meals. In return, they’ll keep spending their hard-earned money. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
3. Better customer service
You can easily track orders and keep customers updated on their order status with an ordering website.
If you’re using a third-party provider, they’ll typically have a customer service team that can help you with any questions or concerns. However, if you’re running your ordering website on your own, you’ll need to be able to track orders and keep customer data updated on their order status.
This is important because it allows you to provide an excellent customer experience. If a customer has a question about their order, you’ll be able to quickly lookup the information and get them the answer they need.
Additionally, if there’s a problem with an order, you can quickly contact the customer and resolve the issue. You can provide better customer service by offering online ordering and keeping your customers happy.
If you don’t offer online ordering, you’re at a disadvantage compared to your competitors. So be aware of it!
4. Increased brand awareness
An ordering website will help promote your restaurant’s brand online.
An ordering website is a great way to promote your restaurant’s brand online. Before deciding to order, customers will most likely surf your website to learn more about your restaurant through photos, descriptions, and reviews.
This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your menu, highlight your specialties, and tell customers what makes your restaurant unique: the more information you can provide, the better.
When customers visit your website, they’ll see your logo, menu, and other information about your business.
It will help increase your visibility to potential diners, leading to more sales. Additionally, if you have a strong branding presence online, you’ll be able to attract new customers who may not have otherwise heard of your restaurant.
By providing online ordering services, you can help increase your restaurant’s brand awareness and reach new customers. Your brand is one of your most valuable assets, and an ordering website is a great way to promote it. Whenever you have the chance to increase your brand’s visibility, you should take it.
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5. Enhanced marketing capabilities
An ordering website provides an excellent opportunity for marketing your restaurant with special offers, discounts, and menus.
When you have an ordering website, you can use it for marketing your restaurant with special offers, discounts, and menus. This is a great way to attract new customers and keep your existing ones coming back.
Additionally, you can use your ordering website to upsell customers on higher-priced items. For example, if someone orders a hamburger, you can offer them the option to add fries for a discounted price.
You can surely enhance your marketing capabilities and attract more customers by providing online ordering as efficiently targeted marketing campaigns are a key to success for any restaurant.
6. Improved efficiency and organization
An ordering website will help you manage your orders more efficiently and reduce mistakes made by employees.
If you’re running your restaurant without an ordering website, you’re likely relying on paper menus and orders. This can lead to a lot of mistakes and wasted time.
For example, if an employee misreads an order, it can lead to the wrong food being prepared. Or, if an order gets lost, it can result in the customer being angry and leaving without their food.
An ordering website can help you avoid these problems by allowing you to manage your online orders more efficiently. You’ll be able to track all of your orders in one place, which will make it easier to spot mistakes. Additionally, an ordering website can automate some of the ordering processes, further improving efficiency.
As a result, you’ll be able to run your restaurant more smoothly and reduce the chances of mistakes being made. Just remember that online ordering systems are more efficient and organized than paper menus and orders.
7. Increased visibility
It will give your restaurant a wider reach and help you stand out from the competition.
In the past, potential customers would have to hear about your restaurant from word-of-mouth or see it while driving by. But now, with the internet, potential customers can find you from anywhere in the world.
By having an ordering website, you’ll be able to reach a wider audience and stand out from the competition. Customers will be able to find you easily online, and they’ll know that you’re a restaurant that offers online ordering.
This increased visibility can lead to more customers and sales for your business. That means an ordering website is a good investment, but it’s also a necessity if you want your restaurant to be successful.
If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to create an online ordering website for your restaurant, hopefully, this post has helped sway you in the right direction. There are so many benefits of having an online presence that neglecting this valuable marketing tool would be unreasonable.
With Orders.co you will be provided with everything you need to get started, including a professionally-designed website, an online ordering system, and all the marketing tools you need to succeed.
Not only will your customers appreciate the convenience of being able to order food from their computer or phone, but you’ll also see a boost in sales and a reduction in costs associated with traditional takeout orders.
