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Shift Your Sales Strategy to Online

April 15, 2020

Original content c/o: National Restaurant Association

Social distancing has increased the adoption of online ordering as people spend more time at home. Having an ecommerce presence has never been more important to close the distance between you and customers.

Many small businesses are still not using the Internet to conduct business. In fact, the Small Business Administration reports that 36% of U.S. small businesses don’t have a company website, according to an article in Small Business Trends. Restaurants simply can’t afford to be a part of that statistic.

Now is the time to get online, and to refresh your ecommerce presence if you already have one. Nearly 77% of customers check out a restaurant’s website before deciding to order from it.

Remind consumers they can still shop with you, even from a distance

A website is a must-have for any business right now. Consumers spending more time at home still need to shop. And you need to be able to accept payments for purchases online.

Break down physical walls

Whether connecting via a mobile-friendly website or a mobile-ordering app, consumers are increasingly engaging with businesses from their sofa. A website with online ecommerce options makes your business accessible to any potential customers with an Internet connection. 

Create another marketing channel

A website is an online billboard. It gives you another chance to introduce people to your offerings and another way to find you. Existing customers can refer you to their friends and relatives using only your web address.

Interact with customers in the way they choose

According to the National Restaurant Association, 56% of adults order directly from a website or mobile app because of the customer experience it provides.

Customers can:

  • pre-order meals from their favorite restaurant on a mobile device and pull up to a parking spot for curbside pick up
  • pre-order a meal for quick pick up from a takeout counter or window
  • order food delivered and avoid all interactions

Stay in contact with customers

A website provides two-way communication with potential customers. Encourage your customers to leave feedback on your products and service. Your customers may be on self-quarantine, but that doesn't mean you can't stay connected and continue to provide excellent service.

An online presence can keep your business going when people are practicing social distancing and cities are issuing stay-at-home ordinances. When fears pass, your website will continue to be a valuable asset that can change and improve your business in the future.

The National Restaurant Association and Heartland have teamed up to offer payments, payroll, point of sale, customer engagement and funding solutions to help manage and grow your restaurant. Learn More