If you’re considering establishing a mobile presence for your restaurant, you’re on the right track. A total of 25% of all smartphone users have at least one restaurant app on their phone. This number is set to grow as restaurant services become increasingly available on a smartphone.
Restaurant apps serve a number of purposes.
They allow potential customers to access your restaurant more easily.
They allow business owners to track their success and engagement.
Most importantly, restaurant apps help drive foot traffic and increase business.
Here’s everything you need to make a great restaurant app.
The Functionality of Your Restaurant App is Everything
The most successful restaurant apps for Android and iOS are the easiest to use.
Take a look at the Taco Bell app, which is actually the main medium through which customers order food.
The app only has a few pages and an options menu which is crystal clear and easy to navigate.
A slow or convoluted restaurant app will deter customers from visiting your restaurant, so always keep UX in mind.
Customers Should Be Able to Place Orders and Make Reservations
While the food menu is the most important part of the restaurant app, actual interactive features are necessary.
More than half of restaurant app users use their smartphone to order food and make reservations.
Restaurant order apps are killing it because they dispense of the awkward need to actually speak to a server. Some people actually prefer not to do this.
Using a popular plug-in like Open Table is an easy way to allow customers to conveniently book a reservation via the app.
They’ll be grateful for the added convenience of not having to call up.
The App Should Serve as a Marketing Tool
The best restaurant apps are an extension of the brand.
Rather than just serving as a mobile-friendly version of your website, it should be an immersive experience.
Your app should reward loyalty with unique discounts and freebies.
It should also be used to send promotions to users that other people don’t have access to.
An app also allows for better-localized marketing.
If you use a geo-fencing feature, nearby users will be prompted with offers and notifications whenever they are close to your restaurant.
Just make sure to not go crazy with the push notifications, as this can really turn people off.
You Should Use It to Measure Performance
An apps restaurant owner has the opportunity to get invaluable insights into the needs and behaviors of customers.
A dedicated app will allow you to see which food items are most popular and when users are most likely to open your app.
You’ll even be able to learn more about the demographics of your customers and adjust your products and marketing appropriately.
These kinds of insights allow businesses to thrive, so make sure your app has a solid data collection feature.
Learn More
Stop relying on 3rd party food apps such as GrubHub, UberEats, or DoorDash to drive foot traffic and online orders for delivery.
You can learn more about how apps can improve your business, make sure to visit our blog to learn all of the latest app trends and innovations that are empowering small businesses.
Do you have an amazing app idea for your restaurant or small business that you’d like to discuss? Contact us to get started today!