- Why Creating a Custom Delivery Site is Important
- Top 5 Features to Look For When Choosing a Custom Ordering App for Your Restaurant
Though it seems that people are returning to dining out, delivery is still going strong.
According to recent stats from Mintel, restaurant food is delivered to 56% of customers so they won’t have to leave their homes.
More people got accustomed to being “homebodies” and delivery rates are expected to continue to rise. If your restaurant doesn’t currently offer delivery, you may be wondering how to get started.
The first step is creating a custom ordering website and using the right ordering app.
There are a lot of different apps on the market, so it’s important to choose one that will work well for your business.
Read on to find out what features to look for when choosing a custom ordering app for your restaurant.
Why Creating a Custom Delivery Site is Important
If you’re planning to kickstart online delivery, then it’s time to lay out the basics.
Firstly, do you have a custom ordering website?
Having a custom-ordering website will give you more control over how customers order from your restaurant.
You can include things like your menu, photos, and delivery information all in one place.
Plus, customers will be able to order directly from your website without having to download an app.
Other benefits of having an online ordering site:
1. You can use it to upsell customers by featuring special deals and promotions.
Upselling is a great way to increase your average order value and boost your revenue. It involves selling a higher-priced item to customers who are already interested in what you’re offering.
For example, if someone is ordering a burger, you could upsell them by adding a side of fries or a drink.
You can also use your website to cross-sell other items on your menu.
Cross-selling is similar to upselling, but it involves selling complementary items. For example, if someone is ordering a pizza, you could cross-sell them by offering a salad or breadsticks.
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2. It’s a great way to increase customer loyalty.
Around 88% of US adults spend their time on apps. Customers who feel they can connect with you in just a few clicks are more likely to keep coming back.
Customers can leave reviews and feedback directly on your site. This can be helpful for you to improve your food and service offerings.
Bonus Tip: Partner with a local artist/graphic designer to create merch that you can sell on your website.
This is a great way to support other businesses while also promoting your own brand. You can create an online store on your website and sell things like t-shirts, hats, mugs, and more.
3. You can collect data to better understand your target market.
This data can be used to improve your marketing efforts and make your restaurant more successful.
For example, if you see that most of your online orders are coming from a certain age group, you can target your marketing to that demographic.
Also, having a growth hacking mindset will help you scale your business quickly. You’ll be able to stand out from the competition by offering a unique and convenient ordering experience in your area.
Now that you know the importance of an online ordering site, let’s take a look at the features to look for when choosing a custom ordering app.
Top 5 Features to Look For When Choosing a Custom Ordering App for Your Restaurant
Transitioning to an online business can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
There are a lot of options available to help you get started, and the right ordering app can make a big difference.
When choosing an app for your restaurant, look for one that offers the following features:
1. A Customizable Interface
You want an app that’s going to be easy for your customers to use. That means having a customizable interface that you can brand with your own logo and colors.
Your customers should be able to easily find what they’re looking for, whether it’s your menu or delivery information.
2. Simple Online Forms for Customer Orders
As a rule of thumb, you should avoid a custom online order form that’s too complicated.
The last thing a hungry customer wants is to fill pages and pages of information just to place an order. That’s why online order forms should be simple and straightforward.
The best apps should also offer the ability to save common orders for even faster ordering in the future.
3. Real-Time Tracking
Customers want to know where their food is, and they want to be updated if there are any delays.
That’s why it’s important to choose an app that offers real-time tracking. The ordering process should be quick and easy, without any unnecessary steps.
The best apps will offer real-time tracking so customers can see exactly where their food is and when it will arrive.
4. Easy Ordering and Fast Online Payments
The app should process transactions and collect payments quickly and easily. Customers should be able to complete their purchase in just a few seconds, without any hassle.
Your customers should be able to add items to their cart and check out smoothly.
The best apps will offer multiple payment options like a credit card, PayPal, and Apple Pay.
Important: Ensure the payment system has multiple security options in place to protect your customers’ information.
5. Customer Support
If there’s one thing that can ruin a good customer experience, it’s bad customer service. That’s why it’s important to choose an app that offers excellent customer support.
Let’s say a customer has a question about their order. They should be able to easily get in touch with someone who can help them. Or their order was delayed and they need to know what’s going on.
The best apps will have a team of customer service representatives available 24/7 to help with any issues that may arise.
Get Started with an Online Ordering App Today
A custom online ordering system is a great way to improve the customer experience and boost sales.
When choosing an app for your restaurant, make sure to look for one that offers a customizable interface, simple order forms, real-time tracking, multiple ordering options, and easy payment. And most importantly, excellent customer support.
With the right app, you can take your restaurant to the next level!
