Online food ordering systems for restaurants are an indispensable driver of success. Given that the average US restaurant profit margin is between 2-9%, tapping into every profit source is a must and relying on walk-in customers simply doesn’t cut it anymore.
There are also roughly 16 new US restaurants opened for every 100,000 people, and with 80% of restaurants failing within five years, an effective marketing and sales strategy is a given. Online ordering systems quietly revolutionized customer experiences and operational efficiency over the last few decades, propelling restaurants into the thriving digital dining era.
From streamlining workflows to fostering loyal patrons and empowering data-driven decisions, this technology has incredible potential to house your brand’s entire digital presence. How can you ensure your restaurant navigates consumer personalization trends and economic challenges? Keep reading to find out.
An online takeaway ordering system translates your in-person guest experience to the digital world. With a few intuitive taps, customers can personalize their order, pay securely online, and receive updates on their order fulfillment.
But how do online takeaway ordering systems work in practice? Here's a closer look at the customer journey:
Continuing the process, here’s what happens on your restaurant’s end:
While online ordering streamlines the process, the benefits don’t stop at operations. Ultimately, online ordering is about crafting a satisfying dining experience for your customers, driving engagement and fostering loyalty. Here's how:
By embracing these features, you elevate your online ordering system from purely a tech solution to a strategic growth asset. Remember, convenience is normally enough to attract a guest, but driving repeat visits requires crafting a memorable, one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Online restaurant ordering systems also let you build custom menus to showcase your latest creations, update descriptions, and adjust item availability. To make a winning custom menu, be sure to keep it fresh with seasonal ingredients, special events, and customer favorites based on zero-party (0P) and first-party (1P) data.
Next, develop and target audience segments with promotions and discounts, like online-only deals or loyalty program rewards that boost sales and create unique experiences. Review what's popular when new orders come in, and then use those insights to personalize customer engagement campaigns to make sure every dish is a hit.
By leveraging loyalty in combination with online ordering a large sandwich chain reported that 53% of new loyalty members came from online ordering.
A high-performing, first-party online ordering system showcases your offerings in the best light possible. Make your custom menu visually appealing with vibrant images that make customers want to order. Lastly, expand your menu beyond food with beverage pairings, desserts, and branded merchandise. These are your prime upsell and cross-sell opportunities.
In the world of online ordering, each click and order reveals valuable information that can be your guide to satisfied customers, streamlined operations, and new growth opportunities. Here are some practical ways to use restaurant data to your advantage:
Online ordering is already 40% the restaurant industry (MadMobile), and will one day be the norm. With the right system in place, you can unlock a world of possibilities — increased sales, happier customers, and valuable data to guide your success.
Take the next step and explore how the Paytronix cutting-edge online ordering system can transform your restaurant into a digital dining destination. Get a demo to discover the potential of online ordering for your business.