Online ordering continues to grow in popularity. This trend has become even more heightened due to the impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Many restaurants have been ordered to shut down indoor operations. That makes takeout and online delivery more important than ever before. Restaurants have been forced to overhaul their online and delivery strategies. With that being said, here is a look at several ways to increase restaurant business using online ordering.
1. CHANGE YOUR PRICES
To increase restaurant revenue, you will have to modify your prices. Consider using a third-party platform to handle online orders. You should be able to recoup the commission fee. However, you should still give your customers the option to order their food directly from the restaurant. Get creative with your pricing strategy. Ask your customers to provide a generous tip if they can. Third-party platforms are considered more beneficial than direct platforms because they allow you to market your products more effectively.
Choosing a direct method does allow you to possibly reduce costs. You will have more control over how things work. Whichever option you decide, it should be compatible with your POS. That will decrease the chances of a mistake occurring. It’s essential to give your customers flexibility as they figure out how to place an online order.
2. USE APPEALING PHOTOS
When you are initially setting up your online page, take appealing photographs of all of your menu items. If necessary, try to consult with a local photographer. If that isn’t an option, you can use your phone to take appealing photos. Try to take close up shots of your menu items and rely on the natural light from the sun and your windows. Place the dishes on a plate before taking the photo.
3. LOOK AT IN-DEMAND SEARCH TERMS
Use Search Engine Optimization to help increase restaurant revenue. Today’s common restaurant consumers often rely on search engines to research food based on different types of cuisine. Search engines are also an asset if you are using a third-party site to assist with orders. You want to make sure that your restaurant shows up at the top of the search engine results. An easy way to improve your search engine rankings is by adding popular keywords to your dishes. That will make it easier for customers to find your items online.
4. BE DESCRIPTIVE
Try to be as detailed as possible when describing the items on your menu. Menu items that have thorough descriptions are more appealing to customers. It’s also important to add some fun as well. Make sure that the description has a lighthearted tone. Try to use words that will make your customers hungry while reading about the dish. List all of the key ingredients in the dish.
5. UPSELL
One of the ways to increase restaurant business is to upsell. There are multiple ways that you can use this strategy to increase revenue. Before your customers finish their order, suggest some add on items, such as beverages or sides. You can also give your customers the option to customize their items with exclusive toppings. Combos are also extremely popular, as many customers look to simulate the dining experience at home.
6. BE VERSATILE
Make sure that you have items on your menu that appeal to people who have allergies or are adhering to dietary restrictions. You want all of your customers to feel comfortable ordering food off of your menu. You should use marketing keywords such as vegetarian and gluten-free to describe some of your menu items.
7. RELY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Due to the popularity of social media, you can use it to enhance your online ordering marketing strategy. Post appealing photos and other information about your restaurant all over your social media channels.
8. USE YOUR GOOGLE MY BUSINESS LISTING
Lots of traffic on Google goes towards restaurants. Use your Google My Business listing to find the platform that helps you achieve the highest level of revenue. You can set up the link that you want for online ordering.
Online ordering will remain a focal point for at least the next few months due to the ongoing pandemic. However, there are still several ways in which you can use the current circumstances to your advantage and maintain or improve your revenue.
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