Let’s not sugar-coat it. Running a restaurant is hard work. You’re juggling suppliers, staff, food costs, complaints, and now, on top of everything else, you’re expected to understand digital marketing too?
It’s exhausting. But here’s the thing: your customers are online. If you’re not, you’re invisible.
That doesn’t mean you need to be dancing on TikTok or spending a fortune on ads. What it does mean is this: if you’ve got an online food ordering system (and you probably do), but orders are trickling in, not flowing, you’re missing a trick.
This isn’t about fancy tech. It’s about helping real people find your food when they’re hungry.
You’ve Got the Tech. But Do People Know It’s There?
Let’s say you’ve got your restaurant ordering system set up. Looks good, works well, nice photos, smooth checkout. But barely anyone’s using it.
Sound familiar?
Here’s the truth: if people don’t know you’ve got it, they won’t use it. And even if they do know, if it’s hard to find or slow to load, they’ll go elsewhere, probably to that big chain that always pops up on Google first.
Digital marketing isn’t some extra thing. It’s how you turn your ordering system from a button on your website into actual money in the till.
Most People Search. So You Need to Show Up.
It’s 6:45pm. Someone nearby is tired, hungry, and googling:
“Pizza near me”
“Order Thai takeaway”
“Indian food online Ilford”
If you’re not showing up in those search results, someone else is getting that order.
To fix that, start small:
- Make sure your Google Business Profile is up to date (address, opening times, link to your online ordering).
- Mention your location and food type naturally on your website. No jargon, just stuff like:
“You can now order our full menu online, freshly made here in London.”
That’s not “optimised content.” That’s just speaking plainly and helping people find you.
Social Media Doesn’t Have to Be Loud to Work
You don’t need 10,000 followers. You don’t need a social media manager. You just need to remind people you exist.
One photo. A couple of words. “Butter chicken’s back. Order online.” That’s it.
You can post once a week, just be real. Snap a dish fresh from the kitchen. Share a quick video of naan puffing up. Celebrate your staff. Show your delivery orders ready to go.
People don’t need polish. They need to know you’re still here, and the food’s still good.
Email Sounds Boring. It Works Anyway.
No one loves getting emails from restaurants. But they do work.
Someone orders from you online? Great. Now you’ve got their email. So next week, send them a quick note:
“Hi Sam,
We’ve added two new starters. Fancy a midweek treat? Here’s 10% off.”
It’s not marketing, it’s just keeping in touch, like a regular who pops in every Friday, but online.
And if your restaurant ordering system lets you automate this? Even better. One less thing to worry about.
Reviews Matter. Even the Awkward Ones.
Let’s talk about reviews. We all know they’re a headache. But like it or not, they matter. People read them before deciding where to order from.
Here’s how to stay on top:
- If someone has a great experience, ask them to leave a review. Just ask. Most will say yes.
- If someone complains, respond kindly. Not because you have to, but because new customers are watching.
- Make it easy: add a short message to your order confirmation or delivery slip:
“Enjoy your food? We’d love a quick review. It really helps small businesses like ours.”
This stuff builds trust. And trust leads to more orders.
You Don’t Need to Track Everything. But Know What’s Working.
You don’t have to spend your life on spreadsheets. But keep an eye on the basics:
- Are people using your online ordering system?
- Where are they finding you, Google, Facebook, Instagram?
- What’s being ordered most?
This isn’t about marketing strategies. It’s simply about noticing what works and doing more of it.
If your online ordering system has reports, review them periodically. You might spot something simple, like the fact that your curry deal on Tuesdays is always a winner. Maybe post about it more.
You’re Already Doing the Hard Part
Here’s the truth: digital marketing isn’t harder than running a kitchen on a Saturday night.
You’re already doing the hard part, making great food, running a team, keeping customers happy. Marketing is just how you tell people you’re here. That they can order online. That they’ll get good food, made by people who care.
So don’t overthink it. Start small. Keep it honest. Let your food speak for itself, and make sure it’s easy to find.
Quick FAQ for Restaurant Owners
- I’m not good with tech. Can I still do this?
Absolutely. Start with simple things, such as updating your Google profile and sharing a photo occasionally. No fancy software. Just small steps.
2. I don’t have time for all this. What’s the one thing I should do?
Focus on making it easy for people to order from you. Link your ordering system wherever you can: Google, Instagram bio, Facebook page, even on your menu or delivery bags.
