7 Ways to Increase Online Orders for Your Restaurant

Optimize Your Online Menu for Conversions

Your online menu isn't just a list of items — it's a sales page. Small changes can significantly impact how many customers complete their order:

• Put your best sellers at the top. Customers are most likely to order items they see first.
• Use descriptive names. "House-Smoked BBQ Brisket Sandwich with Coleslaw and Pickles" converts better than "Brisket Sandwich."
• Price strategically. If most items are $10–$14, one item at $18 makes the $14 items feel like a better deal.
• Highlight combos and deals. If you offer a lunch combo, make it prominent — combos increase average order value.
• Remove underperforming items. A shorter, focused menu reduces decision fatigue and speeds up ordering.

Add High-Quality Photos to Every Item

Items with photos get ordered up to 30% more than items without. This is one of the highest-impact changes you can make:

• Use natural lighting. Photograph food near a window or outside. Avoid harsh overhead lights.
• Shoot from above at 45 degrees. This is the most appetizing angle for most dishes.
• Keep backgrounds simple. A clean plate on a plain surface lets the food be the star.
• Show portion size. Include a fork, napkin, or hand for scale so customers know what they're getting.
• Update photos seasonally. If your menu changes, update the photos to match.

You don't need a professional photographer — a modern smartphone with good lighting produces excellent results.

Offer a First-Order Discount

Getting a customer to place their first online order is the hardest part. A small incentive removes the friction:

• 10–15% off the first order is the sweet spot — enough to motivate, not enough to devalue your food.
• Promote it everywhere: website banner, social media, in-store signage, receipts.
• Make it automatic. If possible, apply the discount automatically for first-time online customers rather than requiring a promo code.

The goal isn't the discount — it's getting the customer into your ordering system so they come back at full price.

Make Your Ordering Page Mobile-Friendly

Over 70% of online food orders are placed on mobile devices. If your ordering page isn't optimized for phones, you're losing the majority of potential orders:

• Fast load time. Your ordering page should load in under 3 seconds on mobile.
• Easy navigation. Large tap targets, clear categories, no pinch-to-zoom required.
• Simple checkout. Minimize form fields. Support Apple Pay and Google Pay for one-tap checkout.
• Test on real phones. Don't just check on your desktop — order from your own phone to experience what customers see.

Use Google Business Profile to Drive Traffic

Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most powerful free marketing tools for restaurants:

• Add your online ordering link. Google shows an "Order" button directly in search results and Google Maps. Make sure it points to your website, not a third-party app.
• Keep your hours updated. Incorrect hours are the top reason customers leave negative reviews.
• Post regularly. Google Business allows you to post updates, specials, and events — and these appear in search results.
• Encourage reviews. Ask satisfied customers to leave a Google review. Higher ratings = more clicks = more orders.
• Add photos. Businesses with photos get 35% more clicks than those without.

Launch a Loyalty Program for Online Orders

Repeat customers spend 67% more than first-time customers. A loyalty program gives them a reason to keep coming back:

• Keep it simple. "Earn 1 point per dollar, redeem 100 points for $10 off" is easy to understand.
• Make it automatic. Points should be earned and tracked automatically through your POS — no punch cards or separate apps.
• Reward online orders specifically. Offer bonus points for ordering through your website to steer customers away from third-party apps.
• Communicate rewards. Send an email or text when customers are close to a reward: "You're 15 points away from a free appetizer!"

Send SMS and Email Reminders

Stay top of mind with customers who have ordered before:

• Weekly specials email. Send a short email highlighting your specials for the week, with a direct link to order.
• SMS for time-sensitive offers. "Lunch special today only: 20% off all wraps. Order now → [link]"
• Re-engagement messages. If a customer hasn't ordered in 30 days, send them a gentle nudge: "We miss you! Here's 10% off your next order."
• Order-ready notifications. Text customers when their order is ready for pickup. This improves the experience and builds trust.

Keep your messaging frequency reasonable — once or twice a week maximum. Nobody wants daily restaurant spam.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of restaurant orders are online? In 2026, approximately 30–40% of restaurant orders are placed online (pickup and delivery combined). This percentage is higher for fast-casual and quick-service restaurants.

How do I get more visibility for my online menu? Optimize your Google Business Profile, post on social media with direct links, ensure your website is SEO-friendly, and encourage customer reviews. Paid search ads for "[your cuisine] near me" can also drive targeted traffic.

What's a good conversion rate for online ordering? A healthy conversion rate for restaurant online ordering pages is 5–10%. If yours is lower, focus on mobile optimization, adding photos, simplifying checkout, and reducing your menu to top sellers.