How to Drive customers to use your own online ordering system

Guide to Drive Online Ordering Traffic for Independent Restaurants

Drive Online Ordering Traffic—a priority for independent restaurants looking to keep revenue high and expenses low. With so many third-party delivery apps on the market, it’s easy for customers to default to using them, even though they come with higher costs for restaurants. By leveraging an in-house online ordering system, your restaurant can maximize profits and foster a stronger customer relationship. Here, we’ll explore how to direct more patrons to your own online ordering system and explain how Takeout Button®’s solutions, including its Order with Google integration, can support these efforts.

Why Encourage Direct Orders?

While third-party apps make online ordering simple for patrons, the costs for restaurants can be high. Most third-party platforms charge significant commissions, which means you earn less per order. They often also control customer data, which limits your ability to communicate directly with your customers and build loyalty. By driving traffic to your own online ordering system, you can:

  • Increase Profit Margins: Keep more revenue by avoiding high third-party fees.
  • Control Customer Experience: Personalize the order experience to reflect your brand.
  • Retain Customer Data: Build direct relationships through promotions, loyalty programs, and personalized offers.

These benefits ultimately make it worth the investment to steer more patrons toward your own ordering system.

1. Optimize Your Website with Integrated Ordering

Your website should be the central hub for online orders. Having an integrated online ordering system that matches your brand design keeps customers engaged on your site. A sleek, responsive design with clear “Order Now” buttons can guide users directly to your menu and improve the ordering experience. With Takeout Button®’s online ordering system, you can offer a fully branded, streamlined ordering experience directly on your website. Takeout Button® helps your restaurant maintain the look and feel of your brand while keeping the process smooth and efficient.

2. Leverage Order with Google Integration

An increasingly effective way to direct patrons to your online ordering system is to utilize Order with Google. Takeout Button® offers this powerful integration, which allows potential customers to find your menu directly on Google and place an order without needing to visit third-party apps. When customers search for your restaurant, they’ll see a prominent blue “Order Online” button right within the Google search results, simplifying the ordering process. This integration also helps increase visibility and directing customers to your site. By utilizing Order with Google integration, you can capture the attention of customers searching for your restaurant or similar cuisines in your area.

3. Promote Exclusive Deals for Direct Orders

Encourage customers to order directly by offering special promotions and deals exclusive to your website. Highlight these offers through your social media, email newsletters, and website banners. Since third-party apps often charge higher commissions to feature promotions, you’ll be able to offer better prices and incentives when customers order directly from you. Takeout Button® supports your promotional efforts with a user-friendly interface, allowing you to adjust offers and provide discounts, making it easier to showcase exclusive deals.

4. Run Targeted Marketing Campaigns

Effective marketing is key to making customers aware of your direct online ordering options. Use social media platforms, email campaigns, and in-store signage to remind patrons about the benefits of ordering directly from your website. Takeout Button®’s Mailchimp integration allows restaurants with a Mailchimp account to send tailored email campaigns to subscribers who have opted in, promoting direct ordering options and exclusive deals. Additionally, Takeout Button®’s marketing services can assist with crafting branded campaigns that align with your restaurant’s goals, helping you consistently engage customers and drive online orders.

5. Highlight the Benefits of Direct Orders

When customers understand the advantages of ordering directly from your restaurant, they’re more likely to choose this option. Emphasize benefits like supporting local business, enjoying better prices, and accessing exclusive offers. Make these messages clear on your website and through marketing materials to reinforce the value of ordering directly. With Takeout Button®, you can easily add messaging throughout the ordering process to educate customers on how their direct orders benefit your restaurant.

By implementing these strategies, you can drive more traffic to your in-house online ordering system, reduce reliance on third-party apps, and keep more of your hard-earned revenue. Takeout Button® offers the tools and integrations you need to make this transition seamless.

Ready to See Takeout Button® in Action?

    Takeout Button® offers live demos where you can experience the platform’s features. Test a live demo here, or schedule a free consultation to discuss your restaurant’s needs. To see how other restaurants are benefiting from Takeout Button®, view our clients.

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