How Your Restaurant Can Feast on Delivery App Traffic and Home-Cooked Direct Orders?

See the Best of Both Worlds

Alright, grab a seat and let me spill the beans on how you can turn your restaurant into a money-making machine. And no, I'm not talking about installing a giant penny press in your kitchen!

Picture this: It's a lazy Sunday afternoon, and you're sprawled on your couch, craving your favorite pad thai.

But the thought of putting on pants and braving the outside world feels like scaling Mount Everest.What do you do? You whip out your phone, of course! And boom – within a few taps, your dinner is on its way.

That, my friend, is the power of delivery apps and online ordering systems. But here's the kicker – what if I told you that by playing your cards right, you could make these apps work for you instead of the other way around? Intrigued? Let's dive in!

The Delivery App Dilemma

First things first, let's address the elephant in the room – delivery apps. They're like that friend who always shows up at your parties uninvited but somehow manages to charm everyone. Love 'em or hate 'em, they're here to stay.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But those apps charge insane commission fees!" And you're right. It's like they're asking for your firstborn child and a slice of New York cheesecake on top.

But here's the thing – they also bring a boatload of customers to your digital doorstep. It's a classic catch-22 situation.

So, what's a savvy restaurateur to do? The answer, my caffeine-fueled friend, lies in finding the perfect blend – like that ideal coffee-to-milk ratio in your morning latte.

The Secret Sauce: Blending Delivery Apps with Your Own Online Ordering System

Imagine your restaurant as a bustling highway. Delivery apps are like the fast lane – they'll get you where you need to go quickly, but at a premium.

Your own online ordering system? That's the scenic route – it might take a bit more effort to get there, but the journey is all yours.

The key is to use both lanes strategically:

● Use delivery apps to cast a wide net and reel in new customers

● Once you've got them hooked with your mouth-watering dishes, guide them towards your own online ordering system for future orders

But how, you ask? Well, buckle up, because I'm about to drop some knowledge bombs that'll make your mind explode faster than a microwave burrito!

Step 1: Embrace the Apps (But Don't Marry Them)

First things first, get yourself on those popular delivery apps. Yes, all of them. It's like dating – you've got to play the field before you find "the one." This exposure will help you reach customers who might never have found you otherwise.

But here's the catch – treat these apps like a first date:

● Put your best foot forward, but don't give away all your secrets

● Offer a limited menu, focusing on your star dishes that travel well

Think of it as your restaurant's "greatest hits" album

Step 2: Create Your Own Online Ordering System

Now, this is where the magic happens. Your own online ordering system is like your restaurant's secret underground lair. It's where the real action happens.

Key points:

● Invest in a user-friendly, mobile-responsive website with an integrated ordering system

● Make it so easy to use that even your technophobe uncle could order easily

Remember, your website is your digital storefront. Would you let your physical restaurant look like a dump? No? Then don't let your website look like it was designed by a toddler with a crayon

Step 3: The Art of Seduction (Customer Edition)

Alright, you've got customers ordering through the apps. Now what? Time to woo them over to your side, of course!

Seduction tactics:

● Include inserts in every delivery order promoting your website and the perks of ordering directly

● Offer a discount on their first direct order

● Get creative! How about a loyalty program that's so good, it makes airline miles look like pocket change?

Consider exclusive menu items only available through your website

Step 4: Data, Data, Data (No, Not the Star Trek Character)

Here's where things get a bit nerdy, but stick with me. The data you collect from your online

ordering system is like striking oil in your backyard. It's liquid gold, baby!

Use this data to:

● Understand your customers better

● Personalize your marketing

● Refine your menu

● Create targeted promotions

It's like being a mind reader, but without the creepy factor.

Step 5: Social Media Savvy

In today's world, if you're not on social media, do you even exist? (Philosophical questions for another time, perhaps over a stronger drink.)

Social media strategy:

● Use your channels to promote your online ordering system

● Share mouthwatering photos

● Run contests

● Engage with your followers

● Make your restaurant's social media presence irresistible

Pro tip: Leverage user-generated content. Encourage customers to share photos of their meals. It's like free advertising, but better because it comes with a side of social proof!

Step 6: The Personal Touch

Here's where you can really shine compared to the big, impersonal delivery apps. Use your online ordering system to add personal touches that'll make your customers feel special.

Personal touch ideas:

● Remember their previous orders and suggest them again

● Wish them happy birthday with a special discount

● Send a "we miss you" message if they haven't ordered in a while

It's these little things that turn customers into raving fans.

The Million Dollar Question

Now, I can almost hear you asking,

"But will all this actually make me more money?"

Well, let me put it this way. By blending delivery apps with your own online ordering system, you're:

● Opening up multiple revenue streams

● Creating a customer experience that's smoother than a

well-aged whiskey

● Reducing your reliance on high-commission delivery apps while still benefiting from their reach

● Collecting valuable customer data

● Building direct relationships with your customers

In my humble opinion, this approach is not just about making more money (although that's a pretty sweet side effect). It's about taking control of your restaurant's destiny in the digital age.

But don't just take my word for it. Try it out! Start small, experiment, see what works for your unique situation. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your digital empire be.

Actionable Steps to Get You Started

1. Research and sign up for major delivery apps in your area

2. Invest in a robust, user-friendly website with an integrated online ordering system

3. Create a marketing strategy to promote your direct ordering channel

4. Develop a loyalty program that incentivizes direct orders

5. Train your staff on the importance of promoting direct orders

6. Regularly analyze your data and adjust your strategy accordingly

7. Engage actively on social media platforms

8. Continuously gather customer feedback and make improvements

Remember, the goal here isn't to ditch delivery apps entirely. It's about using them as a tool in your arsenal rather than letting them run the show.

So, what do you think? Ready to turn your restaurant into a lean, mean, profit-generating machine? Trust me, once you get this system humming, you'll be rolling in dough – and I don't just mean the pizza kind!

Now, if you'll excuse me, all this talk of food has made me hungry. I think I'll order some lunch... through my favorite restaurant's online ordering system, of course!