Transforming Casual Diners into Repeat Customers: Strategies for Restaurant Expansion
In today's digital age, the dining industry is no exception to the importance of a robust online presence. The Halal Guys, a renowned restaurant, found success in the digital dining industry by utilising a Commerce Platform provided by DoorDash. This platform aids restaurants in building the right digital infrastructure.
The digital landscape for dining businesses emphasises the need for seamless online ordering, payment, and return processes. By streamlining these aspects, restaurants can capture demand more efficiently and convert one-time guests into loyal regulars.
Automation of re-engagement strategies can also be a game-changer. Implementing automated email or SMS campaigns based on ordering history or time since last visit can help reactivate dormant customers with minimal effort. This approach can boost sales significantly, as customers who enroll in an omni-channel loyalty program order 1.3 times more frequently online.
A loyalty program that spans across a restaurant's app, website, and in-store checkout builds consistency and makes rewards more accessible. For instance, El Jefe's Taqueria enrolled over 22,000 loyalty members in the first month after launching an omni-channel loyalty program with DoorDash.
Branded mobile apps can drive high-frequency ordering for restaurants with a loyal customer base. Customers who order through a branded app are 30% more likely to reorder, making branded apps a valuable investment for restaurants.
Moreover, growing direct sales doesn't have to mean more work. Features like one-tap checkout, order history, and push notifications can keep a brand top of mind and readily available for customers. These features can also boost online revenue by making the website more discoverable and removing third-party links, thereby streamlining the path to checkout.
In conclusion, the right digital infrastructure can revolutionise the way dining businesses operate. By leveraging platforms like DoorDash's Commerce Platform, restaurants can capture demand more efficiently, re-engage customers automatically, and build a loyal customer base. Investing in a modern, branded website with clear calls-to-action can further drive online sales and reinforce the connection between digital and physical brand experiences.
