Having your own ordering website is step one. Getting your regular customers to use it is step two. These are the things that work best for delivery restaurants.
1. Put a card in every bag
A small card with your QR code and one line: "Order direct next time and get free delivery." Every delivery-app order you send out becomes an advert for your own website.
2. Make direct ordering slightly better
Customers switch when there's a reason to. Free delivery, a free drink, or a slightly lower price on your own site all work. You can afford it: you're not paying commission on these orders.
3. Use your WhatsApp status and Instagram bio
Put your ordering link in your Instagram bio and post your menu link on WhatsApp status when you open each evening. Your launch kit has a ready-made story image and message.
4. Answer phone and WhatsApp orders with the link
When someone calls or messages to order, send them your link. They see photos and prices, pick their add-ons, and you get a clean order with the address, instead of writing it down.
5. Put the QR code where people wait
A poster at the counter and on the table for takeaway customers. Your admin creates a print-ready poster with your QR code.
6. Reply fast
Turn on order alerts so a new order rings straight away, and accept it quickly. A customer whose first direct order arrives on time will order direct again.
7. Keep the menu in sync
If your website shows a dish that's sold out, people go back to the app. Mark items sold out in one tap, and re-sync your menu when you change it on the app.
Start this week
You don't need all seven. Start with the card in the bag and the Instagram link, and watch your direct orders in the dashboard.