How to Boost Your UK Restaurant Sales with an Online Ordering System?

I. Introduction

Picture this: you're a peckish Brit with hankering for a curry takeaway, and you don't want to budge from your comfy spot on the sofa. So, what do you do? You whip out your smartphone, tap a few buttons, and hey presto! You've got dinner on the way. Sounds like a piece of cake, doesn't it? Well, it's not just a tasty treat for consumers—restaurants across the UK are cashing in on the booming online food delivery market, and there's never been a better time for you to hop on the bandwagon. In this article, we'll take you on a whistle-stop tour of how an online ordering system can boost your restaurant sales and keep your customers coming back for seconds.

II. Choosing the right online ordering system

Not all online ordering systems are created equal, so it's essential to separate the wheat from the chaff. With so many platforms to choose from, how do you find the perfect match for your restaurant? Fear not, dear reader—we've got you covered with a few key features to look for:

User-friendly interface: You want your customers to have a doddle of a time placing orders, so opt for a system that's as easy as pie to navigate. No one likes a fiddly website or app, especially when they're hungry!

Customizability: Just like how every chef has their secret ingredient, your restaurant is unique. Choose a system that allows you to tailor the interface to match your brand's colours, logos, and general vibe.

Integration with existing systems: If you've got a till system, a booking system, or even a fancy pants loyalty scheme, you'll want an online ordering system that plays nice with your current setup. Seamless integration means less hassle for you and a smooth experience for your customers.

Analytics and reporting: Knowledge is power, and having access to data is like having the culinary world at your fingertips. Opt for a system that provides detailed analytics and reports so you can make informed decisions about your menu, promotions, and more.

Mobile app compatibility: Let's face it, we're a nation glued to our smartphones, and having an app for your restaurant is like having your very own digital maitre d'. Make sure your chosen system offers a mobile app, and you'll be in your customers' good books (and pockets).

Now that you know what to look for, it's time to compare popular online ordering platforms available in the UK. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, so take your time, do your research, and weigh up the costs and potential return on investment.

III. Integrating an online ordering system with your restaurant

Congratulations! You've chosen your online ordering system, and you're ready to dive into the digital deep end. But hold your horses—there's still work to be done before you can start swimming in a sea of online orders:

A. Training staff on the new system: You wouldn't throw someone into the kitchen without teaching them how to chop an onion, would you? The same goes for your online ordering system. Make sure your staff are clued up and comfortable using the platform, so they can focus on serving up scrumptious grub.

B. Updating menu and pricing information: There's no use having an online ordering system if your customers can't find their favourite dishes or if the prices are more out of date than a prawn cocktail. Keep your menu and pricing info up-to-date to avoid any awkward surprises when the bill arrives.

C. Ensuring a smooth customer experience: The proof of the pudding is in the eating, so give your online ordering system a thorough test run before going live. Work out any kinks and make sure the process is smoother than a well-made béchamel sauce.

D. Managing delivery logistics and partnerships: Delivering food isn't just about getting from A to B—it's about keeping dishes hot, fresh, and looking as pretty as a picture. Work out the logistics of your delivery service, and consider partnering with local delivery companies if you don't fancy doing it yourself.

IV. Marketing your online ordering system

You've got your online ordering system up and running, but what good is it if no one knows about it? It's time to put your marketing hat on and spread the word like butter on toast:

A. Utilising social media and online advertising: Social media is like the village gossip of the digital age—everyone's on it, and news spreads like wildfire. Make sure your restaurant has a presence on popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and consider investing in targeted online advertising to reach potential customers.

B. Offering exclusive deals and promotions: There's nothing that gets Brits more excited than a bargain, so why not reel them in with some exclusive online-only deals? Whether it's a free side, a percentage off, or a BOGOF offer, your customers will be chuffed to bits with the savings.

C. Partnering with local influencers and food bloggers: The pen is mightier than the sword, and in the world of food, the keyboard is king. Reach out to local food bloggers and influencers to help spread the word about your online ordering system. A glowing review can go a long way!

D. Optimising your website for search engine visibility: The internet is a big place, and sometimes it's hard to find what you're looking for. Make sure your website is search engine optimised so that potential customers can find you as easily as chips find vinegar.

V. Tracking and analysing data to drive sales

Gone are the days of blindly throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping it sticks. With an online ordering system, you've got access to a treasure trove of data that can help you make informed decisions and drive sales. Here's what to keep an eye on:

A. Importance of monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs): KPIs are like the vital signs of your restaurant, and keeping an eye on them can help you spot potential problems before they escalate. Keep track of metrics like average order value, customer retention rate, and conversion rate to ensure your online ordering system is in tip-top shape.

B. Identifying areas of improvement: You can't fix a problem if you don't know it exists, so use your data to pinpoint areas where your restaurant could improve. Maybe your delivery times are slower than a snail on holiday, or perhaps certain dishes aren't selling as well as you'd hoped. Whatever the issue, data can help you get to the root of it.

C. Leveraging customer feedback and reviews: There's no better way to find out what your customers think than by asking them directly. Encourage feedback and reviews on your online ordering platform, and take their comments on board. After all, the customer is always right (most of the time)!

D. Adapting your menu and offerings based on customer preferences: The world of food is ever-evolving, and your menu should be too. Use your data to keep an eye on which dishes are flying out of the kitchen and which ones are gathering dust. Don't be afraid to mix things up and keep your customers on their toes.

VI. Expanding your restaurant's reach with an online ordering system

With an online ordering system, the sky's the limit when it comes to reaching new customers and growing your business. Here are a few ideas:

A. Targeting new customer segments: The beauty of an online ordering system is that it opens up a whole new world of potential customers. Perhaps you've got a reputation as a romantic date-night spot, but what about catering to families, students, or busy professionals? Use your online presence to appeal to a wider audience and watch your sales soar higher than a perfectly puffed-up Yorkshire pudding.

B. Exploring opportunities for catering and events: With an online ordering system in place, you're well-equipped to branch out into the world of catering and events. From office lunches and birthday bashes to weddings and corporate shindigs, there's a whole host of opportunities waiting to be snapped up. Plus, who wouldn't want to share your mouth-watering menu with their nearest and dearest?

C. Offering additional services such as meal kits or pre-prepared meals: There's no denying that we're a nation of foodies, and sometimes our love of cooking extends beyond ordering a cheeky takeaway. Why not capitalise on this culinary passion by offering meal kits or pre-prepared meals for customers to cook at home? Not only will it give them a new-found appreciation for your chef's skills, but it's also a great way to expand your offering and boost sales.

VII. Conclusion

A. Recap of the benefits of an online ordering system for UK restaurants: As we reach the end of our culinary adventure into the world of online ordering systems, let's take a moment to savour the main takeaways. By implementing an online ordering system, your restaurant can enjoy increased convenience for customers, streamlined operations, and access to valuable data to drive sales. It's a winning recipe for success in the highly competitive UK restaurant scene.

B. Emphasizing the potential for increased sales and growth: There's no denying that the potential for growth and increased sales is as tempting as a Sunday roast with all the trimmings. By expanding your reach, targeting new customer segments, and offering additional services, an online ordering system can help your restaurant flourish, even in uncertain times. Plus, with the added bonus of data-driven decision-making, you'll be equipped to tackle any challenges that come your way.

C. Encouraging restaurant owners to embrace the digital transformation: The world is changing, and the restaurant industry is no exception. Embracing digital transformation and adopting an online ordering system isn't just a smart move—it's essential for future-proofing your business. Don't be left behind like a forgotten chip at the bottom of the bag; instead, seize the opportunity to adapt and thrive in this digital age.