Online ordering isn't just about convenience—it's a powerful tool to increase revenue, especially for small businesses, food trucks, and fast food operations. With the right strategies, restaurants using iPad POS systems like Lazygrid can see 25-40% growth in total sales. Here's how to maximize your online ordering potential.
1. Optimize Your Menu for Higher Order Values
Strategic Item Placement
- Feature high-profit items prominently with appealing photos
- Use the "golden triangle" principle—place bestsellers in the upper-right area
- Limit choices to 5-7 items per category to avoid decision paralysis
Smart Upselling
- Suggest popular add-ons and combo deals during the ordering process
- Highlight "customer favorites" and "chef's recommendations"
- Use descriptive language that emphasizes value: "premium," "signature," "house-made"
iPad POS Advantage: Lazygrid's mobile interface makes it easy for food trucks and small businesses to update menu items and pricing in real-time, ensuring optimal profitability.
2. Implement Strategic Promotions and Deals
First-Time Customer Incentives
- Offer 10-15% off first orders to encourage trial
- Create "new customer welcome" bundles at attractive price points
- Use limited-time offers to create urgency
Loyalty-Building Promotions
- "Buy 10, get 1 free" punch card programs
- Exclusive deals for repeat customers
- Birthday and anniversary special offers
Timing-Based Specials
- Off-peak hour discounts to increase sales during slow periods
- Happy hour deals for food trucks to boost afternoon sales
- Weekly specials that encourage regular ordering habits
3. Leverage Social Proof and Reviews
Customer Testimonials
- Display positive reviews prominently on your ordering platform
- Showcase customer photos of their meals
- Highlight popular items with "most ordered" badges
Social Media Integration
- Share customer posts featuring your food
- Encourage customers to tag your business in their photos
- Use user-generated content to build trust with new customers
Fast Food Strategy: Quick service restaurants can use customer reviews to identify and promote their most popular items, streamlining operations while boosting sales.
4. Perfect Your Delivery and Pickup Experience
Accurate Timing
- Provide realistic preparation times and stick to them
- Send automated updates about order status
- Use Lazygrid's kitchen display integration to coordinate timing perfectly
Quality Packaging
- Invest in containers that keep food fresh and presentable
- Include branded packaging to reinforce your restaurant identity
- Add small touches like mints or napkins that show attention to detail
Communication Excellence
- Confirm orders immediately with detailed receipts
- Provide clear pickup or delivery instructions
- Follow up with customers to ensure satisfaction
5. Maximize Mobile Ordering Convenience
iPad POS Mobility
- Food trucks can take orders anywhere with Lazygrid's offline capability
- Process payments even without internet connection
- Sync data automatically when connectivity returns
User-Friendly Design
- Ensure your ordering platform works seamlessly on all devices
- Use large, touch-friendly buttons for easy mobile navigation
- Minimize steps required to complete an order
Quick Reordering
- Save customer favorites for one-click reordering
- Store payment information securely for faster checkout
- Offer "reorder last meal" shortcuts for regular customers
6. Use Data to Drive Decision Making
Track Performance Metrics
- Monitor which items sell best online vs. in-store
- Identify peak ordering times to optimize staffing
- Analyze customer ordering patterns to predict demand
A/B Testing
- Test different menu descriptions and pricing strategies
- Experiment with promotion timing and messaging
- Compare performance of different menu layouts
Small Business Intelligence
- Use Lazygrid's analytics to identify your most profitable customers
- Track average order values and work to increase them
- Monitor seasonal trends to plan inventory and staffing
7. Build a Multi-Channel Ordering Strategy
Website Integration
- Embed ordering directly into your restaurant website
- Ensure consistent branding across all platforms
- Make ordering accessible from your homepage
Social Media Ordering
- Enable ordering through Facebook and Instagram
- Use social media to promote daily specials and new items
- Share behind-the-scenes content that drives appetite appeal
Third-Party Balance
- Use platforms like DoorDash Drive for delivery while maintaining customer relationships
- Keep commission fees low by driving customers to your direct ordering channels
- Maintain consistent pricing across all platforms
Quick Implementation Tips
Week 1: Foundation
- Set up professional online ordering with Lazygrid POS
- Create appealing menu descriptions and add high-quality photos
- Establish basic promotion strategy
Week 2-3: Optimization
- Launch first-time customer promotions
- Begin collecting and displaying customer reviews
- Optimize mobile ordering experience
Month 2+: Growth
- Implement loyalty programs and repeat customer incentives
- Use data analytics to refine menu and pricing strategies
- Expand to additional online channels
The Bottom Line for Small Businesses
Online ordering levels the playing field for small businesses, food trucks, and fast food operations competing against larger chains. With an iPad POS system like Lazygrid, you get enterprise-level capabilities at small business prices.
The key is starting simple and building systematically. Focus on providing excellent food and service through your online channels, then use data and customer feedback to continuously improve.
Ready to grow your sales with online ordering? Every day without optimized online ordering means missing revenue opportunities that your competitors are capturing.
Discover how Lazygrid POS can help your restaurant, food truck, or small business implement these proven strategies to boost online ordering sales. Contact us today to see how the right technology can transform your revenue growth.
