So, you’ve got your restaurant’s online ordering system up and running, but you’re not seeing as many orders as you’d like? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. The key to boosting your online sales isn’t just having a system in place; it’s about getting people to use it. In this post, we’ll explore some easy and effective ways to drive more traffic to your online ordering portal, so you can fill those virtual tables with hungry customers.
1. Get Your Website to Show Up in Google Searches
When someone is hungry and looking to order food online, where do they turn? Google. That’s why optimising your website for search engines (also known as SEO) is one of the most important steps to drive traffic to your online food ordering system.
a. Use Local Keywords to Get Found
If you’re a local restaurant, you need to make sure your site pops up when people search for things like “best takeaway near me” or “award-winning restaurant in London.” Focus on adding these location-specific keywords throughout your website. This will help you show up in local search results and bring in nearby customers who are looking to order from a restaurant just like yours.
b. Make Sure Your Site is SEO-friendly
Every part of your website, from the headings to the little descriptions under your page titles, should include keywords like “restaurant ordering system” and “online food ordering system.” Don’t just throw them in randomly though—make sure they make sense and sound natural. You can also use longer phrases like “easy-to-use online ordering for restaurants” to capture more specific searches. Search engines love websites that are relevant, so keep your content helpful and on point.
2. Use Social Media to Drive Orders
Everyone’s on social media these days, and it’s one of the easiest ways to direct people to your online ordering portal. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok are great for promoting your restaurant and getting your followers excited to place an order.
a. Promote Special Offers to Encourage Online Orders
Got a new menu item or a special deal? Let your social media followers know! Something like “Order online today and get 10% off your first order” works wonders. Not only does this attract attention, but it also encourages people to click on your online ordering link and make a purchase right then and there.
b. Create Fun and Interactive Content
Make your social media pages more engaging by running polls or posting fun questions for your audience. For example, you could ask, “What’s your go-to dish for a cosy night in—spicy curry or creamy korma?” Then follow up with a post promoting those dishes with a direct link to your online ordering system. It’s a subtle but effective way to drive traffic to your website while keeping your followers entertained.
3. Add Online Ordering Info to Everything
If you want people to order online, they must know that’s an option! One of the easiest ways to get the word out is to add information about your online food ordering system to all your marketing materials.
a. Flyers, Menus, and More
Whenever you print new menus or hand out flyers, make sure to mention your online ordering portal. Something like “Skip the wait—order online at ChefOnline!” works perfectly. It’s a quick and easy way to let your customers know they can order from the comfort of their own home.
b. Email Your Customers
If you’ve got an email list, use it! Send regular updates about what’s new at your restaurant—maybe it’s a seasonal menu item or a special event. And don’t forget to include a direct link to your online ordering system in every email. You could even offer email-only deals like free delivery or a discount for first-time online orders to encourage more people to click through.
4. Team Up with Local Influencers
Influencers aren’t just for big brands—small, local restaurants can benefit from working with them too. By partnering with local food bloggers or social media personalities, you can tap into their audience and direct more people to your restaurant’s online ordering portal.
a. Ask for Reviews
Find a few local influencers and ask if they’d like to review your restaurant. When they post about their experience, they can highlight how easy and convenient it is to order online from your restaurant. People trust recommendations from influencers, and this could be just the push they need to try your online ordering system for the first time.
b. Run a Giveaway
You could even host a giveaway with a local influencer to drive traffic to your online ordering platform. For example, anyone who places an order through your site could be entered to win a free meal or a discount on their next order. It’s a fun way to get people talking about your restaurant and using your online ordering system.
5. Brag About Your Awards
If your restaurant has won any awards—whether it’s a local recognition or something big like the “Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards“—shout about it! Awards help build credibility and make your restaurant stand out.
a. Show Off Your Awards on Your Website
Put any awards or achievements front and centre on your website, especially on the homepage and ordering portal. When potential customers see that your restaurant is award-winning, it gives them more confidence to order from you. And don’t forget to include a link to your online ordering system right next to those accolades!
b. Share on Social Media and Emails
Whenever you win an award or get some positive recognition, share the news with your followers! Whether it’s a quick post on Instagram or a mention in your email newsletter, these moments are great opportunities to remind people about your restaurant’s quality—and drive them to your online ordering portal at the same time.
6. Make Online Ordering as Simple as Possible
If your online food ordering system is confusing or takes too long to use, people might give up before they place an order. So, keep things simple and easy to use!
a. Streamline the Ordering Process
Make sure your restaurant ordering system is quick and easy to navigate. Don’t make customers click through endless pages just to order a meal. Keep the steps simple, and ensure your menu is easy to browse, so customers can find what they’re looking for without any hassle.
b. Optimise for Mobile
Many people will be ordering from their phones, so make sure your online ordering portal is mobile-friendly. If your site takes too long to load or isn’t easy to use on a small screen, customers might abandon their order. A fast, mobile-optimised site is key to driving more online sales.
7. Use Google Ads to Attract More Traffic
If you’re looking for a way to boost traffic to your online ordering system quickly, Google Ads can help. By setting up targeted ad campaigns, you can make sure your restaurant appears at the top of search results when people are searching for places to order food.
a. Target Local Customers
Use local keywords like “order food online in London” or “takeaway near me.” These types of searches are common, and having your restaurant appear at the top will get you more clicks and, ultimately, more orders.
b. Don’t Forget Retargeting
Retargeting ads are a great way to bring back visitors who may have checked out your site but didn’t place an order. You can remind them about your restaurant with ads that offer a special deal or promote one of your popular dishes. These ads will follow them as they browse the web, keeping your restaurant top of mind.
Final Thoughts
Driving traffic to your restaurant’s online ordering portal isn’t rocket science—it’s about making your site easy to find, promoting your services across different channels, and offering a seamless experience that encourages repeat orders. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to increasing your online sales and growing your customer base.
