Running a restaurant is no easy task; getting more online orders can feel like a constant battle. But here’s the good news: discounts and promotions can help tip the scales in your favour. When used right, they not only get customers clicking that “Order Now” button but also build loyalty and spread the word about your restaurant.
And with the right tools—like an online food ordering system—you can manage your promotions easily, track what’s working, and keep things running smoothly without the headache. So, let’s dive into how discounts can help increase your online orders and why they’re more than just short-term gimmicks.
Why Discounts Get Customers Ordering
Everyone loves a good deal. Whether it’s a cheeky “20% off” or free delivery, discounts remove the little doubts that might stop someone from placing an order. Think about it—if customers have two similar options, they’ll always go for the one with a discount, right?
Adding promotions to your online food ordering system makes it easier for people to spot those deals and place an order on the spot. Plus, if your restaurant has earned a Restaurant award or some recognition (like at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards), you can use that win to give your offers an extra push. Imagine how appealing “Celebrate with us – 15% off this weekend!” sounds!
Types of Promotions That Work
Not all promotions are created equal. Some deals are great for pulling in new customers, while others work better to keep your regulars coming back. Here are a few ideas to try:
1. Percentage Discounts
Offering 10% or 20% off orders is a no-brainer. It makes customers feel like they’re getting a bargain, even if it’s just a small discount. Use your restaurant ordering system to offer these deals during quiet hours to drive more sales when things slow down.
2. Free Delivery
Let’s face it—delivery fees can be a dealbreaker. Offering free delivery, even for a limited time, can convince hesitant customers to order. You could set it up for weekends or large orders, giving people another reason to choose you over the competition.
3. Loyalty Deals
Your regulars deserve some love! Try running a loyalty programme through your online food ordering system, where customers earn points or discounts after a certain number of orders. Knowing they’re working towards a reward makes them more likely to keep ordering.
4. Flash Sales
Flash sales create urgency, which is great for nudging customers to act fast. A “50% off for the next two hours” kind of deal makes it hard for people to resist placing an order. Your online system can highlight these promotions quickly, encouraging quick decisions.
How an Online Food Ordering System Makes Promotions Easier
Running promotions can be stressful if you’re doing it manually, but the right online food ordering system makes it a breeze. It automates everything—tracking discounts, applying promo codes, and even sending reminders to customers about flash sales.
Your system can also promote deals across social media and email, ensuring customers know about your offers wherever they are. And the best part? You can quickly change up the deals if something isn’t working.
For example, if your restaurant wins a Restaurant award, it’s the perfect chance to launch a celebratory campaign. A message like “Award-Winning Flavours – 20% off all weekend!” will grab attention and get people ordering.
Avoiding Promotion Pitfalls
Promotions are great, but they can backfire if not used wisely. Here’s how to avoid some common mistakes:
1. Overdoing Discounts
If you run discounts too often, customers might expect them all the time—and that can hurt your profits. Instead, use discounts sparingly and focus on special occasions or off-peak hours to keep things exciting.
2. Ignoring Your Numbers
It’s easy to get carried away with discounts, but not every promotion will bring in profits. Use your restaurant ordering system to track which deals are working and which aren’t. Pay attention to metrics like order size and repeat customers to fine-tune your strategy.
3. Forgetting Expiry Dates
Leaving deals active for too long can confuse customers and mess with your cash flow. Your online system can handle this for you by automatically turning off promotions when they expire, keeping things under control.
Use Awards to Add Buzz to Your Promotions
If your restaurant has been recognised with a food industry award or even a mention at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, don’t let that achievement go unnoticed. Promotions tied to awards can boost your reputation and attract new customers.
Try running a campaign like, “To celebrate our recent award, enjoy 15% off all takeaway orders!” This kind of promotion gives customers a reason to celebrate with you, making them feel more connected to your brand. And when customers trust your food, they’re more likely to order again—even when there’s no discount.
Best Practices to Keep Promotions Effective
Here are a few tips to make sure your promotions don’t just bring in one-off orders but contribute to long-term growth:
1. Push Exclusive Deals on Your Website
Delivery apps are great for visibility, but the commission can affect your profits. Offering exclusive discounts through your online food ordering system encourages customers to order directly from you, keeping more of the profits in your pocket.
2. Track What Works
Not every promotion will hit the mark, and that’s okay. The key is to keep an eye on your data. Your restaurant ordering system will show which deals boost sales and which ones don’t, helping you focus on the ones that really work.
3. Get Your Customers Involved
People love sharing their experiences online. Encourage your customers to post photos or reviews in exchange for a discount. If your restaurant has won an award, tie this into the campaign with hashtags like #AwardWinningRestaurant—this boosts visibility and gets people talking about your food.
Final Thoughts: Make Promotions Work for You
Discounts and promotions aren’t just gimmicks—they’re essential tools for growing your business and keeping customers coming back. Whether it’s free delivery, a flash sale, or celebrating a Restaurant award, the right offer at the right time can work wonders for your online orders.
With an online food ordering system in place, you can easily manage these promotions, track their success, and adjust your strategy as needed. Just remember: it’s all about balance. The goal is to boost orders and build a loyal customer base, not just chase short-term sales.
So, experiment with different offers, celebrate your wins, and keep your customers excited about what’s next. With the right promotions, you’ll not only see more orders, but you’ll also build a brand people love to order from again and again.
