In the era we currently live, online ordering is not just an additional feature for restaurant business but an essential part of the business’s functioning. It is observed that online orders have proven to be a more effective source of income lately. The shift towards digital ordering has been happening swiftly in the past few years and thus there is no surprise to see restaurateurs trying to find different ways to increase online orders for revenue boosts. It is observed through recent studies on market research that ordering online benefits the restaurant outlets more than in-person ordering. From increased profitability to building strong relationships with the customers, the benefit it reaps is beyond the expectations one might possess. Let us take a look at novel ways to entice the dine-in customers and prompt them to order online to make them your repeat customers.
The primary step in achieving the goal of driving traffic to your online ordering is to have a digital space where your customers could find you. Your digital address plays a very crucial part here and there exists more than one way to establish it. Apart from the routine way of joining hands with an aggregator, having your own website and app is highly advisable for creating your brand identity. While having an app or a website, the first and easiest way to increase traffic to your online ordering platform is by having your ordering link in a highly visible area on your website. Smooth and seamless operations encourage the customers to use the platform again and AGAIN.
Now providing the customers with offers and loyalties that attracts them to stay as an online customer is the strategy in need. Incentivising them to order online directly through your sites or app over the aggregator apps saves a huge chunk of money that would be lost as the commission rate to those platforms. This strategy of exclusive online offers helps in promoting the online ordering to the dine-in customers. Most of the fast-food chains in India like Domino’s have adapted to this highly effective strategy. However, in-store marketing strategies apart from the routine marketing that’s done outside the business area shall be brought in the plan in order to achieve the goal of driving the dine-in customers to online orders.
The usual and highly utilised in-store marketing way is the Special Window/ curb side displays. They are commonly used and efficient in-store marketing methods where exclusive curb side displays and window displays featuring the directions are kept that lead the customers towards ordering online. Additionally, the display of QR codes as table tents or wall posters would also encourage the customers to embrace the easy digital mode for ordering their food. In the recent history of technology, QR menu is the big revolution in F&B industry waiting to happen and integrating them with online ordering would make the process easier for customers, not to mention the benefits restaurants would receive out of it. Having QRs for easy feedback and suggestions would enhance customer experience which we previously discussed in our other blog (hyperlink). Tools from Magilhub help in this digitization process of the menu providing the restaurants with QR and platform support.
Additionally, In-store merchandise is a highly effective tool of marketing that generates both hype/awareness and income. Coupons along with the merchandise that can be redeemed later in the restaurants would encourage customers to visit again. Promo cards, special coupons, offers and rewards for online ordering would help dine-in customers embrace digital ordering services. It is observed that take home marketing materials featuring these have proven to turn the tide in favour of the restaurants. Stickers and printed ads on the takeaways with vital information like offer code or QRs printed on them is also an innovative approach that seems to give us the desirable results. Apart from these strategies, adding some extra smart features like free Wi-Fi connectivity, interactive feedback element in shops, customer walls etc., would contribute well to both the image and the profit of the restaurants.
All these strategies coupled with additional support like push notifications, social media marketing and engagements etc., would make you achieve your target of climbing the ladder fast. But it requires high-tech assistance to match your aspirations and operation demands. Magilhub is known for aiding restaurants by providing such tools and expertise. From digital setup for your F&B business to in-store management and marketing, Magilhub offers one stop solution and helps in restaurants’ seamless growth.
We aim at offering absolute diner experience to our merchant and their customers and in order to know more, please visit us at: http://www.magilhub.com.
