4 smart strategies to increase your restaurant’s online ordering sales without paying sky-high third-party fees.
Third-party food delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub are convenient, but they come at a steep cost. These platforms can take up to 30% of every order, eating into your profits and driving up prices for your customers. Fortunately, there’s a better option.
With Table Needs’ built-in, commission-free online ordering system, restaurants can skip the middlemen and keep more money in their pockets.
But simply having a direct online ordering platform isn’t enough… You have to let people know about it!
Whether you run a quick-service restaurant, cafe, or coffee shop, these 4 proven marketing tips will help you increase your restaurant’s online ordering sales without the need for an expensive third-party app.
1. Make Your Online Ordering Platform Easy to Find
If you want your customers to order directly from your online ordering system (instead of a third-party app), they certainly have to know about it. But first, your customers need to be able to easily access it online.
Start by making your online ordering platform impossible to miss across your various digital headquarters.
- Add “Order Now” buttons prominently on your restaurant website design, especially on your home page, menu page, and contact page.
- Use pop-ups and banners to highlight specials and then send customers directly to your online ordering page.
- Include a direct ordering link on your Google Business Page, Yelp, as well as Facebook and Instagram bios.
In-store signage is just as critical as online placements.
- Add table tents, window decals, a sign at your register promoting your online ordering platform.
- Include a sticker or insert inside to-go bags featuring a link or QR code to your online ordering platform that says “Skip the fees! Order next time at [yourwebsite.com].”
2. Create Customer Incentives to Increase Restaurant Online Ordering Sales
People need a reason to change their habits. If they’ve been using a third-party app like DoorDash to place orders, a small reward can go a long way to direct their attention toward your direct online ordering platform and increase customer loyalty.
Try these incentives to increase your restaurant online ordering sales:
- Run limited-time promos exclusively available when ordering through your site.
- Offer a first-time discount like, “$5 off your first online order.”
- Create a loyalty program, for example, “Order directly from us 5 times, get a free drink.”
- Promote faster pickup through your direct platform.
Promote these perks with in-store signage and website pop-ups as well as social media, email, and anywhere else your customers engage with you.
3. Highlight Online Ordering on Social Media and Email to Increase Sales
There are few tools as powerful as social media marketing for restaurants. It’s the perfect channel to reach new customers, engage with existing ones, and stay top of mind with locals.
Here’s how to use social media to increase restaurant online ordering sales:
- Post weekly reminders about online ordering.
- Use short videos or Reels showing how easy it is to order through your site (like the one below!).
- Share customer reviews or testimonials that highlight fast service and better pricing.
- Run polls or quizzes to engage your followers and spark conversation around delivery app fees.
Your email list is another great way to use digital marketing to increase restaurant online ordering sales. Send periodic emails promoting your online ordering platform with links, current offers, and menu highlights. Just make sure that your call to action is clear and direct.
4. Educate Customers about Online Ordering Options (and Fees!)
Believe it or not, most customers don’t realize how much third-party apps cost restaurants. Many assume they’re helping your business by placing an order, when in reality you may be losing money on every sale.
Losing money to DoorDash? Check out our free DoorDash Menu Pricing Calculator.
Here’s a few ways to help your customer better support you by placing direct online orders.
- Train your team to gently steer customers to your direct platform.
- Add a short note on receipts or to-go bags: Support local. Order direct next time at [yourwebsite.com]!
- Use social media to educate your followers about how much delivery apps take in commissions. A simple graphic or stat can make a big impression.
When guests understand that ordering directly helps your restaurant stay open, support staff wages, and keep prices fair, they’ll be more likely to make the switch.
*Bonus Tip* Ensure a Flawless Online Ordering Experience
You’ve worked hard to bring people to your online ordering site. Now make sure the process is smooth as butter.
With Table Needs’ commission-free online food ordering system, you’re in control of:
- Accurate pricing with no surprise fees
- Menu item availability
- Pickup/delivery times
- Customer communication
Make sure when you build a restaurant website that it’s mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and clearly displays hours, and online ordering options. A seamless experience will turn first-time users into loyal direct-order fans.
Ready to Increase Your Restaurant’s Online Ordering Sales?
Marketing your direct online ordering platform isn’t about reinventing the wheel, it’s about clear, consistent messaging and giving people a reason to choose your website over third-party apps.
By promoting your direct platform in-store and online, offering incentives, educating your guests, and delivering a smooth experience, you’ll build a loyal base of customers who are happy to skip the middleman.
Ready to take control of your online orders?
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