Taking Your Takeaway to New Heights: A Guide to Online Ordering Expansion

Picture this: it's Friday night, you're in your pyjamas, and the telly's blaring out the latest episode of 'Bake Off' – all you're missing is a mouth-watering takeaway to make the evening perfect. As the owner of a takeaway business, you know your customers are out there, waiting to be served. But how do you reach them and expand your business using online ordering? Well, grab a cuppa and a biscuit, and let's dive into the world of online ordering and how it can take your takeaway business to new heights, like a steaming plate of fish and chips soaring high above the white cliffs of Dover.

1. Make your website your new best mate

First things first, your website should be as welcoming as your nan's kitchen and as easy to navigate as a queue for the loo at a football match. A well-designed and user-friendly website is the cornerstone of your online ordering expansion. You want to make sure it showcases your mouth-watering menu, enticing photos, and all the necessary information about your business – such as opening hours, contact information, and delivery areas.
To create a website that will have your customers drooling like a St. Bernard at the sight of a sausage, consider investing in a professional web designer. They'll help ensure your site is responsive, mobile-friendly, and optimised for search engines, so your takeaway pops up like a meerkat in the Serengeti when potential customers are searching online.

2. Embrace the world of online food-ordering platforms

It's a jungle out there in the world of online food ordering, but partnering with platforms like Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats can help your takeaway business if you do not mind the hefty commission that comes with it, or create your own branded online order website. Establishing an online ordering system offers a streamlined way for customers to browse, order, and pay for their food, all without leaving the comfort of their home (or the sofa, let's be honest).

3. Get social with your customers

If you're not on social media, you're about as relevant as a VHS tape in a Netflix world. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are the perfect places to engage with your customers and showcase the tantalising treats your takeaway has to offer. Post drool-worthy photos of your dishes, promote special offers, and share customer reviews to create a buzz around your business that's louder than a vuvuzela at the World Cup.

Don't be afraid to get creative with your content – humour is your secret weapon here. Create funny memes, run quirky competitions, and let your personality shine through to make your takeaway stand out from the crowd like a neon pink flamingo at a garden party.

4. Reward customer loyalty with a cherry on top

Customers are like magpies – they love shiny things. Offering a loyalty scheme, discounts, or special promotions can keep them coming back for more and help spread the word about your amazing takeaway. Why not offer a free side dish after a certain number of orders or a cheeky discount on their first online order?
Make sure to advertise these incentives on your website, social media, and through email marketing to keep your customers engaged and their taste buds tingling with anticipation. Just remember to keep it simple, like a game of noughts and crosses – the easier it is to understand, the more likely customers are to participate and come back for seconds.

5. Stay in touch like a clingy ex (but not too clingy)

Email marketing is a fantastic way to keep your customers in the loop about your latest dishes, special offers, and any exciting news. It's like sending a love letter to hundreds or thousands of people at once (and without the creepy undertones).
Sign up with an email marketing platform like Mailchimp or Constant Contact to create professional-looking newsletters and email campaigns. Make sure your content is engaging, informative, and sprinkled with humour – think less Shakespearean sonnet and more witty banter.
Don't forget to add an email signup form to your website and social media pages to keep those subscribers rolling in like doughnuts on a conveyor belt. But remember, nobody likes a stage five clinger, so don't bombard your customers with daily emails – a well-timed, relevant message is much more effective.

6. Keep an eye on the competition like Sherlock Holmes

Your takeaway might be the bee's knees, but there's always room for improvement. Regularly check out your competitor's websites, social media, and online ordering platforms to see what they're up to and how you can up your game.
Look for gaps in the market – maybe there's a dish that nobody else is offering or a delivery area that's not being catered to. Embrace your inner detective and use this information to expand your business and leave your competition in the dust, like a Formula 1 car zooming past a milk float.

7. Make sure your customer service is top-notch

In the world of online ordering, it's not just about the food – customer service is a key ingredient in your recipe for success. Make sure your staff are trained to handle any queries, complaints, or issues that might arise like a well-oiled machine.
This includes having a system in place for dealing with late or incorrect orders, making sure delivery drivers are friendly and professional, and always going the extra mile to keep your customers satisfied (perhaps a complimentary side dish wouldn't go amiss in case of a hiccup).
When it comes to customer service, think of yourself as the Mary Poppins of the takeaway world – practically perfect in every way.

Conclusion

Expanding your takeaway business through online ordering is like assembling the perfect cheeseboard – it takes time, effort, and a careful selection of ingredients. By following these seven steps, you can create a seamless online ordering experience for your customers, reach new audiences, and watch your takeaway business soar higher than a pigeon with a jetpack. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to take the leap and embrace the wonderful world of online ordering.