By Restaurant365 Team
Adjusting how you get your menu items in front of customers could help curb the drop in your sales numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As many restaurant operators transition from dine-in service to delivery and takeout service only, there are many operational decisions to make. The first decision, especially for restaurants in states and localities where dining in is currently banned, is whether or not to make the transition to a takeout/delivery only model or temporarily shutting the doors until the pandemic is over.
There are many financial and operational factors that you must consider before making these business-altering decisions. However, if you determine that pivoting to a takeout/delivery only model is the best business move for your restaurant business, these 12 tips could help ease your transition.
Update your website’s home page
When your customers want to know if they can still get your delicious menu items through takeout and delivery service even if they can no longer dine in, the first place they’ll check is your website. Make sure your takeout and/or delivery service is prominently displayed on your home page. Also display your takeout and delivery hours, especially if they’re different from your normal dine-in hours.
Promote your delivery service through digital channels
Promote your delivery service through your mobile app and email lists, especially if your restaurant is not known for delivery and takeout. Use social media to post photos and videos of your meals and successful takeout/delivery operation. If your current budget allows it, promote your delivery and takeout service online through social media ads and remarketing ads. Remarketing, which you can execute on Facebook, Instagram or Google Display Network, is a way to connect with people who interact with your website or mobile app. Before you use remarketing ads, you must first have your web provider place a small, unobtrusive piece of code on your website (referred to as a pixel). The pixel is unnoticeable to your site visitors and won’t affect your site’s performance.
Additionally, tailor your ad messaging for these uncertain times so that your customers know these are fresh ads reflecting your current operating model, e.g., “We know Taco Tuesday is a family staple, but even though you can’t dine in, make it an event at home.”