How to Get More Online Orders for Your Restaurant?

Quick Answer

Getting customers to order online instead of calling or visiting requires strategy. Here are proven tactics that successful restaurants use to drive online order growth.

Strategy 1: Optimize Your Online Menu

Your digital menu is your virtual storefront. Make it sell:

• • Add high-quality photos of your best dishes

• • Write descriptions that make people hungry (not just ingredients)

• • Put your best-sellers at the top

• • Offer combo meals and upsells

• • Use strategic pricing psychology ($14.95 vs $15.00)

• • Limit options to reduce decision paralysis

Strategy 2: Remove Friction from Ordering

Every extra click loses customers. Make ordering as easy as possible:

• • Guest checkout option (don't require accounts)

• • Save payment methods for returning customers

• • One-tap reordering of past favorites

• • Mobile-optimized ordering (60%+ orders are mobile)

• • Clear pickup/delivery time estimates

• • Multiple payment options (cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay)

Strategy 3: Offer First-Order Incentives

Getting that first online order is the hardest. Remove the barrier:

• • First-order discount (10-20% off)

• • Free item with first order (appetizer, dessert)

• • Free delivery on first order

• • Double loyalty points on first order

• • Promote heavily on social media and in-store

Strategy 4: Implement a Loyalty Program

Loyal customers order 3x more than new customers. Reward them:

• • Points-based rewards (1 point per dollar)

• • Visit-based rewards (10th order free)

• • Tiered VIP levels with increasing perks

• • Birthday rewards that bring people back

• • Exclusive offers for loyalty members

Strategy 5: Leverage Email & SMS Marketing

Stay top of mind with your customer list:

• • Weekly or bi-weekly specials emails

• • SMS alerts for flash sales and new items

• • Cart abandonment reminders

• • Order-ready notifications

• • Birthday and anniversary offers

• • Re-engagement campaigns for lapsed customers

Strategy 6: Dominate Local Social Media

Social media drives awareness and cravings:

• • Post daily food photos on Instagram

• • Share behind-the-scenes kitchen content

• • Run targeted local ads ($50-100/week effective)

• • Encourage and share customer photos

• • Announce specials and limited items

• • Always include link to order

Strategy 7: Collect and Manage Reviews

Reviews build trust and influence ordering decisions:

• • Ask happy customers to leave reviews

• • Respond to all reviews (good and bad)

• • Include review request in order confirmation

• • Maintain 4.5+ rating on Google and Yelp

• • Display reviews on your ordering page

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