For all types of restaurants, from fast casual to fine dining, online ordering is no longer just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. According to the Paytronix Online Ordering Report, 25–30% of all restaurant orders were online orders in 2022—up significantly from the less than 10% reported in 2019.
This step-by-step guide will equip you with information you need to know to launch your platform seamlessly and skyrocket your sales.
First, let’s review a few of the many benefits you’ll enjoy using a restaurant online ordering platform:
Restaurant online ordering platforms offer different features and advantages, so your first step is to research which one best fits your business. It’s important to research and compare platforms based on your needs and budget, and then request demos to see the systems in action.
Here are some key questions to ask:
Next, to ensure a smooth transition, choose a restaurant online ordering platform that seamlessly works with your existing POS system. With smooth POS integration, you create a unified platform that streamlines operations for your staff and enhances customer satisfaction.
In more practical terms, POS integration empowers your restaurant with:
Tip: Paytronix integrates with dozens of popular POS systems. Check out the list to see if yours is available.
Once you’ve chosen your platform, you’re ready to upload your current menu and start editing! Your online menu is your restaurant's digital ambassador, so make it user-friendly and visually captivating.
Start with high-quality photos to make your menu appeal to customers. Consider hiring a professional photographer to get the job done.
Then, write menu descriptions that compliment your brand. Highlight the fresh, seasonal flavors and unique cooking techniques your pour into each dish. Make your customers crave what they're reading.
Next, cater to all dietary needs and preferences by offering filters for dietary restrictions, allowing customization for picky eaters, and feature seasonal specials to keep things fresh and exciting.
Finally, think mobile-first! Ensure your online menu is easy to navigate and read on smartphones, where most online orders happen. Don't leave your tech-savvy customers frustrated with a clunky interface.
Follow these steps, and watch your online menu transform from static document to dynamic sales tool. Remember, in the digital dining world, presentation is everything!
When it comes to delivery, third-party platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash can help get your delivery service up and running quickly, especially if you’re short on in-house resources. Third-party marketplaces can also expand your reach to new customers through their apps. But the convenience comes at a cost. Third-party delivery platforms typically charge 15–30% in commissions per order, and you’ll have less control over how your brand is perceived by your customers.
If you opt for an in-house option, there are a number of logistical and financial factors to consider but you’ll gain full control over the ordering experience and maximize your revenue in the long run.
Additional alternatives to third-party delivery include exploring local partnerships and, if operational bandwidth is low, instituting a pick-up only policy.
Weigh the pros and cons of each option to determine the best fit for your restaurant, taking these factors into consideration before making a decision:
In the world of online ordering, personalizing the guest experience is key to driving engagement and building loyal customers. In the process, you’ll also gain valuable insight into your customers’ preferences and behaviors.
Here are some of the ways you can improve your guest experience:
Congratulations — if you’ve followed these steps, you’re on your way to launching your restaurant online ordering platform! So, what do you do after you have it set up?
First, make sure existing and potential customers know your online ordering system is open for business. If you want to reach your ideal customers online, a targeted restaurant marketing strategy that will help you attract them to your website and encourage them to place an order.
Follow these steps to promote success:
Now that your digital orders are coming in, you can tap into restaurant reporting to help maximize your online ordering success. The data from your restaurant online ordering platform provides valuable insight on order trends, customer preferences, peak times, and more. To drive continuous improvement, schedule regular reports and share key insights with your team.
Here are just a few ways you can use restaurant reporting:
Now is the time to unlock the online ordering goldmine. It’s the key to increased revenue, improved operations, and happy customers.
To get started, simply choose your restaurant online ordering platform, decide on a delivery model, build your menu, personalize the experience, and start marketing your delicious food! With the right approach, you’ll be serving up digital ordering success in no time.
To learn how Paytronix can help you unlock the potential of restaurant online ordering, schedule a demo today.