How to Market Your Online Ordering Website for Restaurants

So, you've launched your restaurant website—congratulations! But in the vast digital landscape, how do you ensure potential customers find you amidst the competition? This guide equips you with proven strategies to market your online ordering website, specifically tailored for restaurants. It's your roadmap to transforming your website into a click magnet, attracting new customers and boosting your online orders. 

Optimize your restaurant website

Emphasize SEO

In order to enhance your restaurant's online visibility, it's crucial to prioritize search engine optimization (SEO). Strategically incorporate relevant keywords like "restaurant near me" and "order [dish name] online" throughout your page titles, meta descriptions, and website content. Additionally, optimizing image alt text with descriptive keywords and building backlinks from reputable local websites can significantly boost your website's search ranking. To get best results, you may wish to hire an SEO consultant to do the research for you.

Prioritize mobile-friendly design

No one wants to look at tiny print on their mobile phones, so, given the increasing prevalence of mobile users, a mobile-friendly design is essential for your restaurant website. Additionally, Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in search results, so ensuring seamless displays across all devices will not only improve your SEO but also provide a smooth browsing experience for potential customers.

Integrate loyalty programs for repeat customers

Additionally, loyalty programs can incentivize repeat business and provide valuable customer data. Optimize your program for easy enrollment and reward redemption through the website.

include an interactive menu on your website

High-quality photos and videos will allow customers to visualize your offerings better. However, enhancing user experience on your website involves more than just visual appeal. Consider allowing customization and ingredient filtering, providing options for customers to tailor their orders based on preferences.

Offer real-time availability information to manage customer expectations effectively. Providing a dynamic and interactive menu, perhaps with features like "Build Your Own" options for restaurants, can further engage customers and make their online experience more interactive and enjoyable.

Develop a restaurant app

Developing a dedicated restaurant app takes the online ordering experience to the next level. To boost visibility and drive downloads for your restaurant app, strategically place prominent download links on your official website and social media pages. Incentivize users by offering exclusive promotions within the app and encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on app stores, enhancing credibility and attracting potential clients.

To get the most value from your restaurant app, you’ll also want to:

• Optimize the app for easy navigation and a smooth ordering process for mobile users
• Offer exclusive deals and promotions through the app to incentivize user engagement
• Leverage push notifications to keep customers informed about special offers and promotions
• Integrate loyalty programs seamlessly within the app for increased customer engagement

Case study: HuHot Mongolian Grill increased total visits by 30 percent by using a Grill Pass promotion that allowed customers to prepurchase up to 25 entrees. Guests who bought the Grill Pass spent 80 percent more than its cost during the redemption period, with 90 percent of the passes purchased by HuHot rewards program members. Read the entire case study here.

integrate with the best marketplace delivery apps

Integrating with popular delivery apps such as DoorDash and Uber Eats is a crucial step to expanding your reach and attracting a broader customer base. Partnering with these apps increases visibility and allows you to reach new customers who prefer ordering through such platforms. This way you’ll benefit from these company’s own marketing efforts.

Offering exclusive deals and promotions on delivery platforms can further incentivize customers to order through these channels. Also ensure that your listings on these apps are optimized with high-quality photos and detailed descriptions of your offerings.

promote via restaurant social media pages

Social media should play a pivotal role in promoting your restaurant. Engage your audience by sharing mouthwatering food photos and videos on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Leverage social media advertising to run targeted ads, reaching specific demographics and effectively targeting your ideal customer base.

Also try these proven social media marketing techniques:

• Host engaging contests and giveaways to boost social media engagement and create excitement around your brand
• Encourage customers to leave reviews and share their experiences on social media, building a positive online reputation
• Consider collaborating with local influencers to expand your reach within the community (a local influencer shoutout can work wonders)

run locally targeted ads and claim your business profiles

Local engagement is crucial for the success of your restaurant. By tailoring your targeted advertising efforts to the local community, you can build a loyal customer base and strengthen your presence in the neighborhood.

Start by running targeted ads on platforms like social media and search engines allows you to specifically target your local audience. Also, you’ll want to build community relationships by partnering with local media outlets like newspapers, magazines, and TV stations and participating in community events.

Be sure to claim and regularly update your business profiles on platforms like Google My Business and Yelp for Business for increased local visibility. These can be powerful tools for potential customers searching the mapping apps on their mobile devices. You’ll also want to consider paying for these platforms’ marketing and targeted ad packages. It can be money well spent.

marketing brings in the customers

Effectively marketing an online ordering website requires dedication and data-driven optimization. By implementing the strategies outlined above, you can transform your restaurant store website into a click magnet, attracting new customers and boosting your online orders.

Key takeaways:

• Optimize your website for both desktop and mobile users
• Offer a user-friendly menu and seamless checkout process
• Integrate loyalty programs to reward repeat customers
• Leverage the power of social media marketing and targeted advertising
• Partner with popular delivery apps and offer exclusive deals
• Run locally targeted ads and claim your local business profiles

ready to attract more customers and orders?

Paytronix offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to help you optimize your online ordering website and marketing efforts. Explore our solutions or download our free resources to learn more about:

• Developing a user-friendly online ordering platform
• Crafting targeted marketing campaigns
• Integrating with popular delivery apps
• Leveraging customer data for actionable insights

By partnering with Paytronix, you can unlock the full potential of your online ordering website and turn clicks into loyal customers.