[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]When opening and running a restaurant, you’ll have to make a lot of important decisions. Here are 5 tools that will help make things easier for you.
- A good PoS system to help you manage your customers.
A good PoS system is one of the most important technologies you’ll get. This is the system that helps you take orders and receive payments. It’s the front-facing software your customers will interact with as well as the back-of-house software your staff will deal with, so it’s important to make sure it’s functional and has little downtime.
If you ever want to offer loyalty programs, keep track of orders so your customers can order “the usual,” or just save order information so it’s easier for customers to place online orders, you’re going to need a customer management system, most commonly in the form of your point-of-sale system. This will make everything easier for record-keeping, bookkeeping, ordering and more.
In choosing a PoS system (as well as others below), it’s important to consider how these systems are charging you for their use. Some use a per-order percentage, while some have a flat fee. In addition, you’ll want to check on uptime in the service – a company that has regular service interruptions may be detrimental to your business.
- Online ordering software to help you take orders online.
Assuming it’s not directly a part of your PoS system, you’re going to need to make sure you have online ordering available. It’s a mobile-first world, and following the pandemic, many customers want a touch-free way to order food. Using their phone or computer to place orders, whether for delivery or dine-in, can make it easier than ever to get food. Online ordering is absolutely essential for a restaurant or fast-casual today. It also helps with order accuracy and speed.
- Text messaging software to help you communicate with customers.
As mentioned previously, it’s a mobile-first world. The vast majority of American adults have a smartphone, and use it regularly for everything from email, calling, and texting to banking, games, and more. Texting is the quickest and easiest way to reach most people, and it’s also the most convenient, for both you and them. Reachify offers phone automation that sends automatic text messages to callers, which saves you time and gets your customers where they want to be faster.
- Social media tools to help you reach more customers.
Being on social media is crucial. Your customers – current and future – are on social media, and that’s often where they’re looking for places to eat. Comments, reviews, posts, and especially pictures are great tools for spreading the word about your restaurant.
- Marketing tools to help you promote your restaurant.
Sometimes posting on social media isn’t enough. You also want to make sure your restaurant is being promoted in other ways. Offering specials, sending out email marketing, putting ads online or in traditional media like TV and billboards is always a great way to get attention for your business. In addition, you want your restaurant to have a Google Business page. This will increase your odds of showing up in local search results, too.
Phone automation can help with staffing shortages, save labor costs, and increase top-line revenue. If you want help with your phone automation, Reachify is here for you. Contact us to set up a demo.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
