- Implement an online ordering system.
Online ordering systems are becoming more and more popular. Actually, they’re more than popular; they’re downright crucial. Almost everyone has a smartphone and many people would prefer touchless, seamless, and quick methods of getting their food. If you don’t have an online ordering system already, now is the time to implement one. This will make it easier for customers to order from you and will help increase your sales. In addition, online orders are more accurate (your staff won’t have to worry about missing something that was said on the phone or accidentally hitting the wrong button). They’re also faster; taking online orders means your staff can focus on making and serving the food, and in a perpetually-short staffed industry, that can be enormously helpful.
- Update your website.
Make sure your website is up-to-date with the latest information about your restaurant. This includes your menu, hours of operation, and contact information. Nothing is more frustrating to potential customers than finding a dish on your website that they want, driving in, and discovering that you stopped making that dish a year ago. They may stay and order something else, but they’ll be upset, and they may not come back. For obvious reasons, it’s also important to make sure they know when you’re open.
- Use social media to your advantage.
Social media is a great way to connect with potential and current customers. Use it to promote special offers, highlight positive customer reviews, and share photos of your food. You don’t need to be on every social media platform, but you do need to be on at least one. It is likely that your customers are going to write reviews and/or make social posts about your restaurant at some point regardless of whether you have an account made. Some posts will be positive, and some will be negative. People are more likely to leave positive comments on your page, and more likely to leave negative comments on a generic or non-branded page, so it’s in your best interest to have a social media presence. The more reviews and mentions you get, the more likely people will come eat at your restaurant!
- Automate your phone system.
Restaurant phone automation software like Reachify can help you deflect calls to online ordering, text messages, and more. This can free up your time so you can focus on other aspects of your business. It helps offload orders to online systems, which also increases accuracy and decreases human errors. It decreases the burden of time and labor on your staff, which not only allows them to get back to in-person guests and making food, but also helps you increase top-line revenue by reducing labor costs and increasing the number of orders your staff can handle.
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