Every restaurant owner wants more online orders.
But here’s the real question:
How many of those orders are actually making you money?
Third-party delivery platforms like Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo have undoubtedly changed the way customers order food. They can be an excellent way to attract new customers, but the commission fees associated with these platforms can quickly eat into your profits.
The good news is that increasing your direct online orders doesn’t necessarily require a bigger marketing budget. In fact, many of the most effective strategies focus on making it easier for existing customers to order directly from you.
Here are ten practical ways to increase direct online orders while keeping more of every sale.
1. Make Your Website the Easiest Place to Order
Your website should be the first place customers think of when they’re hungry.
If visitors have to search for your ordering page or struggle to find the “Order Now” button, many will simply head to a delivery app instead.
Make sure your online ordering button is:
- Clearly visible on every page
- Mobile-friendly
- Fast to load
- Simple to use
The fewer clicks it takes to place an order, the higher your conversion rate will be.
2. Offer Exclusive Rewards for Direct Orders
Customers love a reason to order direct.
Instead of competing on price, offer something they can’t get through a delivery app.
For example:
- Free soft drink
- Complimentary side dish
- Dessert with orders over a certain value
- Loyalty rewards
- Exclusive meal deals
These small incentives often cost far less than paying ongoing commission fees.
3. Use QR Codes to Encourage Repeat Orders
Every customer who visits your restaurant is a potential future online customer.
Place QR codes on:
- Menus
- Tables
- Receipts
- Takeaway bags
- Window stickers
A simple scan should take customers directly to your online ordering page, making it easy for them to order again from home.
4. Build Your Own Customer Database
One of the biggest advantages of direct online ordering is that you own the customer relationship.
Unlike third-party marketplaces, your own ordering platform allows you to build a valuable customer database.
With permission, you can send:
- New menu announcements
- Special offers
- Seasonal promotions
- Birthday rewards
- Loyalty incentives
Keeping in touch with existing customers is often far more cost-effective than constantly finding new ones.
5. Optimise for Mobile
The majority of restaurant orders are now placed on mobile devices.
Ask yourself:
- Is your ordering page easy to use on a phone?
- Are buttons large enough to tap?
- Is checkout quick and intuitive?
- Does the site load quickly?
A poor mobile experience can cost you orders before customers even reach the checkout.
6. Simplify the Checkout Process
Every additional step gives customers another opportunity to abandon their order.
Aim for a checkout that is:
- Fast
- Secure
- Easy to understand
- Free from unnecessary forms
Offering popular payment options and guest checkout can also improve conversion rates.
7. Promote Your Ordering Link Everywhere
Many restaurants underestimate how many opportunities they have to promote direct ordering.
Include your ordering link on:
- Google Business Profile
- Email signatures
- Printed menus
- Flyers
- Receipts
The easier it is to find, the more likely customers are to use it.
8. Reward Repeat Customers
It’s much cheaper to encourage repeat business than to acquire new customers.
A simple loyalty programme can encourage customers to return again and again.
Ideas include:
- Every 10th order rewarded
- Exclusive VIP offers
- Birthday discounts
- Early access to new menu items
Building customer loyalty creates predictable, repeat revenue.
9. Integrate Your Online Ordering With Your POS
Running separate systems often creates unnecessary work for your team.
An integrated online ordering solution allows orders to flow directly into your POS, helping you:
- Reduce manual order entry
- Minimise mistakes
- Improve kitchen efficiency
- Speed up service
- Gain better reporting and insights
It also creates a smoother experience for both staff and customers.
10. Focus on Long-Term Profit, Not Just More Orders
Getting more orders is important—but keeping more of the money from each order is even more important.
Third-party delivery platforms can play an important role in helping restaurants reach new customers.
However, the most successful restaurants increasingly focus on building their own direct ordering channel alongside these platforms.
Every direct order helps you:
- Keep more profit
- Strengthen customer relationships
- Build your own customer database
- Reduce reliance on third-party platforms
- Create a more sustainable business
The Bottom Line
Increasing direct online orders isn’t about abandoning delivery marketplaces altogether.
It’s about creating the right balance.
Use third-party platforms to introduce new customers to your restaurant, then encourage those customers to order directly next time. Over time, this strategy can significantly reduce commission costs while improving customer loyalty and long-term profitability.
At Amplifyr, we help restaurants and takeaways do exactly that with integrated POS systems and commission-free online ordering solutions designed to make running your business easier—and more profitable.
Ready to Keep More of Every Sale?
If you’d like to discover how your restaurant could increase direct orders and reduce commission costs, we’d love to help.
Book your FREE Restaurant Technology Review and we’ll show you how the right technology can streamline operations, improve the customer experience and help you keep more of every sale.