Today’s blog is important, especially now with all of the post-pandemic scenarios all over the world.
By now you may have an idea that the biggest weapon you have in your restaurant’s -apart from great food- is your website.
Online ordering is now a highly sought after by customers, and becoming more of a standard requirement for most customers than ever before.
It’s all about having options, because sometimes customers will want to walk through your doors and have a couple of hours to relax (if your state has admitted that option), but sometimes they don’t, or cannot (so it exists the pick-up option).
Having an online ordering option is a major priority when looking to increase sales.
Pick-up vs home delivery?
This can be a tricky one. Online ordering has many conveniences to it, but offering delivery as well as pick-up can certainly entice more orders. Its acts as a further incentive for people to patron your establishment rather than your competition, who may not offer such accessibility.
And free delivery? A further bonus.
To app or not to app? Having an App is really important? It definitely depends really on what you’re trying to do. For example, if you aim to have more of a majority -say 90%- online ordering, or if you are a large restaurant chain then yes, it is probably worth seriously undertaking an expert to create an App. For those who can do without it, the main way to stay best friends with technology and all its users, is to maintain your site and ensure it is smartphone and tablet friendly.
But no is my answer..., okay well let me tell you that someone else is stroking a white cat and twirling their moustache willing and waiting in the wings to get your business. It’s that simple, sorry.
The main thing to keep in mind, in the beginning and through your marketing plan, is to have a great initial launch and then keep talking about what you offer. Making your potential clients aware of your online ordering capabilities is where your involvement with social media can come into its own.
Updating and maintenance is so important and it makes perfect sense, because if you want to increase sales, it needs to be current, clear and continuously updated. This is especially true when it comes to the food service industry.
Can you imagine a customer after taking the time and effort to order, only to receive a phone call advising ‘sorry, that item is no longer offered’. I can hear the doors slamming now.
Payment options… Again, options are really important (I told you!).
If you only accept cash for orders you may be excluding a number of not only hungry customers, but those who don’t carry cash on a regular basis -that’s me! Especially now with all of this covid19 situation-.
Orders online can come from anywhere. You just need to be ready.
Ease of use is essential for your potential and continued patronage. The more you can facilitate convenience and ease, the more your competition will fade from your immediate view.
Sure, it takes some thought and planning but as a restaurant owner you would be used to that.
It’s all worth it in the long run!
Here’s the link to get a free demo with DiningEdge. Let us help you get the best of your business in one app.
See you in the next EdgeBlog!
