Adapting your business model with the right strategies can lead to dramatic growth in online takeaway orders. Here are the top 5 strategies recommended for restaurants in the UK looking to succeed in the digital age:
Optimize Your Online Presence
Having a strong online presence is the foundation for generating takeaway orders through your own channels. Here are some effective tactics:
Invest in your website – Create an appetizing online menu with great images and clear descriptions. Ensure seamless online ordering capability and mobile responsiveness.
Focus on local SEO – Optimizing for local keywords related to your cuisine and location helps drive local customer orders.
Be visible on key sites – Maintain updated profiles on Just Eat, Deliveroo, Tripadvisor, Google Maps and other key sites popular with customers in your area.
Promote online – Run Google/social media ads targeted to local demographics likely to take order in takeaway ordering app.
Publish blogs – Content marketing attracts organic search traffic. Blog about your signature dishes, chef insights, or food trends.
Streamlining the Ordering Process
The easier you make it for customers to order, the higher your conversion rates will be. Consider these tips:
Implement online order tracking – Allow customers to monitor their order status in real-time.
Offer pre-ordering – Let customers place orders days in advance at set times. Great for office lunches or special events.
Accept multiple payment types – Provide payment options like Apple Pay and PayPal in addition to cards.
Set up quick reorder features – Enable easy re-ordering of favorite meals with one click.
Allow customization – Let customers tailor orders with cooking preferences, extra toppings, etc.
Marketing and Promotions
Running targeted promotions is key to maintaining awareness and incentivizing customer orders.
Email/SMS campaigns – Send newsletters or texts with daily/weekly specials to subscribers.
Social media contests – Encourage user-generated content and social sharing for discounts.
Loyalty programs – Offer points, tiered rewards, and discounts for repeat purchasers.
Geofencing campaigns – Trigger ads/offers to users near your restaurant location.
Celebrate occasions – Highlight meal packages for events like birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
Focus on Customer Experience
Positive customer experiences translate into repeat business with the help of epos ordering system . Here are some best practices:
Ensure order accuracy – Double check orders and include all requested sauces/extras.
Communicate order status – Send text notifications when orders are confirmed, out for delivery, etc.
Respond to feedback – Address negative reviews quickly and learn from them. Share positive feedback on social media.
Collect reviews – Satisfied customers should be encouraged to leave reviews on multiple platforms to build credibility.
Offer support – Provide contact information for any questions or issues before/during/after ordering.
Delivery and Packaging
A seamless delivery process ensures satisfied customers and secures repeat business.
Maintain temperature – Use insulated bags/packaging to keep food hot during transit.
Confirm delivery – Have customers digitally sign/confirm receipt to prevent disputes.
Partner with reliable drivers – Well-trained delivery personnel provide better customer service.
Expand delivery radius – Reach new customers by extending your delivery zone.
Offer contactless delivery – Customers increasingly prefer minimal contact with drivers. Provide this option.
The Digital Age Calls for Digital Strategies
As the online ordering takeaway market grows exponentially, restaurants must adapt and implement technology-driven strategies to get their slice of this revenue pie. Taking steps to establish a robust online presence, offer digital convenience, run effective promotions, provide exceptional customer experiences, and deliver orders seamlessly lays the groundwork for success.
Restaurants that ignore the dominance of online takeaway risk losing customers to competitors using these tactics or third-party delivery apps. By embracing an online-first approach, UK restaurants can thrive in the digital age and fully capitalize on the booming appetite for takeaway meals ordered online.