Looking to ramp up your restaurant sales in 2024? You’ve come to the right place.

👋 This guide will show you how – no fluff, just effective strategies. We’ll cover everything from smart marketing techniques to improving your customers’ dining experience.

Expect practical advice to address your current challenges and yield real results to your bottom line.

So, let’s start by looking at ways to use technology, marketing, and trends to boost your restaurant sales this year.

10 ways to increase restaurant sales this year

No matter whether you’re a fine dining establishment, a fast-food counter, or a takeout place, there are ways other than trying to outdo your advertising spending from last year to increase your restaurant sales.

Beyond just managing your digital presence, it’s important to consider how every part of your restaurant business can impact your growth rate.

From fine-tuning your SEO game to diving deep into email marketing, or even revising your menu pricing, there are many organic strategies you can explore to boost sales.

We’re highlighting the following ten strategies for you to try:

1. Focus on local SEO

Local SEO is a powerful strategy for restaurants looking to attract nearby customers. A strong local online presence can be the difference between a full house and empty tables.

By optimizing your website and online content for local searches, you stand a much better chance of being the first choice for locals and visitors alike.

For instance, if you run a cafe in New York, using keywords like ‘best coffee downtown New York’ not only helps you appear in relevant searches but also connects you with customers who are nearby searching for what you offer.

Here’s how you can implement a local SEO strategy to boost restaurant sales:

• Use relevant keywords: Research and use relevant keywords to your local audience. Include these in your website content, blog posts, and even in your menu descriptions.
• Utilize Google My Business: Keep your Google My Business listing up-to-date with accurate information, including your address, hours, and menu. Regularly post updates and photos to enhance your profile.
• Local link building: Build links with other local businesses and participate in community events. This can improve your local SEO and also provide additional marketing opportunities.

Focus on optimizing your local SEO, and watch as it transforms your online presence and drives more customers to your door.

💡 Want to make local restaurant SEO a priority this year? Check out our SEO for restaurants guide.

2. Leverage online ordering and delivery services

The benefits of adopting an online ordering system are clear and measurable.

What is an online ordering system?

An online ordering system is a digital gateway that lets your customers order food from your restaurant through your website. Customers then either receive that food via local delivery or pickup/collection.

Not only that, but it allows you to add personalized recommendations and enhances your customer’s experience.

📈 Restaurants implementing these systems have reported up to a 30% rise in sales.

This increase is not just due to existing customers ordering more frequently, but also to attracting new customers who prefer the convenience of online ordering.

How to add an online ordering system to your restaurant website

If you want to see a difference in online sales this year, we highly recommend you add Orderable to your restaurant website. It will help you to streamline the online ordering process and offer a convenient option for customers.

Orderable is there to help you manage your online orders, boost your sales, and make your customer’s journey easy and straightforward. As a WordPress plugin, it’s the perfect solution to help you integrate online ordering into your restaurant’s existing website.

Aside from Orderable’s main features, here’s what it offers for boosting restaurant sales:

• Customize your menu options: With Orderable, you can easily customize and update your online menu/s, including special offers and add-ons, which can encourage larger order sizes. Frequent updates also keep your menu exciting and relevant.
• Easily add order bumps: Orderable makes adding order bumps or upgrades easy during online ordering. This can increase your average order value by inviting customers to add extra options that align with their orders.
• Offer complimentary items: Customers love a complete-course meal. Make it easy for them by offering product add-ons with Orderable. This is a flexible option to add topics, sides, or accessories.

Leveraging online ordering and delivery services is a strategic move that can increase sales, broaden market reach, and enhance customer satisfaction.

It positions your restaurant to meet the evolving expectations of the modern diner, setting you up for continued growth and success in the competitive restaurant industry.

3. Encourage online reviews

Online reviews can make or break a restaurant’s reputation. They are often the first thing potential customers check before deciding where to dine.

📈 A study found that a one-star increase on Yelp can boost revenues by 5-9%.

Offering a free appetizer for reviews could be a simple strategy to increase customer engagement.

Here are some ways to encourage your customers to leave reviews to keep a high net sentiment:

• Ask for reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews. This can be done at the end of their meal, through follow-up emails, or on receipts.
• Make it easy: Access review platforms easily through QR codes or links on your website and social media pages.
• Showcase positive reviews: Feature positive restaurant reviews on your website and social media with tools like WP Business Reviews to attract new customers. This not only highlights customer satisfaction but also encourages others to leave reviews.

Positive reviews can significantly boost your restaurant’s credibility and appeal, while tactfully handling negative reviews shows that you value customer feedback and are committed to improving their dining experience.

💡 Want to make restaurant reviews a priority this year? Check out our restaurant reputation management guide.

4. Adapt to dietary trends

The demand for vegan, gluten-free, and other specialized dietary options reflects a significant shift in consumer preferences and lifestyle choices.

Offering options like vegan or gluten-free dishes can attract a wider audience. Customers who find that a restaurant caters to their specific dietary needs are more likely to become repeat customers.

Practical steps to implement this strategy:

• Menu innovation: Work with chefs to create delicious and diverse dishes that cater to these dietary preferences. Ensure these options are not just afterthoughts but stand-alone attractions in your menu.
• Staff training: Educate your staff about these dietary trends so they can answer customer queries and make recommendations knowledgeably.
• Marketing: Highlight these options in your marketing materials. Use your social media platforms to showcase these dishes and share customer testimonials.
• Make it obvious: Add labels to your print and online menu to make sure customers understand what menu items they can order. With Orderable, adding product labels is easy.
• Feedback loops: Regularly seek customer feedback about these options to continually improve and adapt your offerings.

Incorporating dietary trends into your menu is about embracing a shift in consumer behavior and preferences.

5. Analyze sales data

Using your POS system to analyze your recent months’ sales data can reveal patterns in customer preferences and help optimize your menu. It’s a goldmine of insights waiting to be explored.

Analyzing sales data is about understanding your customers’ preferences and behaviors.

For example, if certain dishes consistently outperform others, consider featuring them more prominently. Data analysis can lead to more informed decisions, directly helping your sales growth.

Here are some ways you can analyze your sales data:

• Identifying bestsellers and underperformers: This information is crucial for menu optimization. For instance, dishes that consistently sell well might be highlighted in a ‘Chef’s Recommendations’ section, while underperforming items could be reworked or removed.
• Pricing strategy: Understanding how to tackle price increases can help set prices that customers are willing to pay while maintaining a healthy profit margin.
• Inventory management: By knowing which items are in high demand, you can better manage your inventory, reducing waste and ensuring you’re stocked up on popular ingredients. This also will help you keep track of food costs.

In the fast-paced restaurant industry, staying data-informed is key to staying ahead and showing same-store sales growth.

6. Use email marketing

Email marketing is a powerful tool for keeping your customers engaged, even more so when you’re frequently promoting loyalty programs to keep them coming.

But it’s not just about sending emails; it’s about building a connection with your audience. Regular updates about new menu items, special events, and offers can keep your restaurant top of mind.

Here are some ways to use email marketing to increase restaurant sales:

• Engaging content: Include high-quality images of your dishes, behind-the-scenes glimpses, webinars with your chef, or recipes. This kind of content adds value to your emails, making them more than just promotional messages.
• Call to action: Each email should have a clear call to action, whether making a reservation, ordering online, or signing up for an in-house event.
• Mobile optimization: Ensure your emails are mobile-friendly. Most users check their email on mobile devices, so emails that display well on phones and tablets are more likely to be read and acted upon.

By leveraging the power of personalized, engaging, and strategic email campaigns, you can significantly increase customer engagement, brand loyalty, and ultimately, your restaurant’s sales.

💡 Want to make your restaurant’s email marketing a priority this year? Check out our email marketing for restaurants guide.

7. Invest in high-quality photography

High-quality images of your dishes can greatly enhance their appeal.

📈 Restaurants that have invested in professional photography often see an increase in menu item orders by as much as 30%.

Investing in a partnership with a photographer is necessary for restaurants looking to stand out and captivate their audience.

Here are some reasons why that is:

• Enhancing menu appeal: First impressions matter, and in many cases, the first encounter a potential customer has with your food is through photos. High-quality images can make your dishes look more appetizing, enticing customers to try them.
• Influencing customer decisions: Customers often decide what to eat with their eyes first. A menu with professional, appealing images can influence ordering decisions, encouraging customers to try new dishes they might not have considered otherwise.
• Supporting marketing campaigns: High-quality images can be used in various marketing materials, from your website and social media to flyers and billboards.

Investing in high-quality photography is an investment in your restaurant’s future. In a competitive market, eye-catching images can be the deciding factor over other restaurants.

💡 Want to make your restaurant’s photography a priority this year? Check out our restaurant food photography guide.

8. Implement table management software

Effective table management can improve customer satisfaction and turnover rates for your front-of-house.

By using software to manage seating arrangements, restaurant owners can reduce wait times, especially during peak hours.

Implementing table management software is a strategic move that can significantly enhance both your operations and customer experience.

Here are some benefits to it:

• Reduced wait times: One of the most immediate benefits of using table management software is reducing customer wait times. By optimizing seating arrangements and turnover, you can serve more customers, especially during peak hours.
• Enhanced customer experience: Effective table management leads to a smoother dining experience. This positive experience often translates into higher customer retention and better reviews.
• Data-driven insights: Many table management systems offer data collection and analysis tools, allowing you to track peak times, average dining duration, and seating preferences.

In today’s fast-paced dining environment, such a tool is essential for staying competitive and ensuring your guests leave satisfied.

9. Create an engaging website

An engaging, easy-to-navigate website with a clear menu, photos, and reservation system can significantly enhance the customer experience.

It’s the digital front door to your restaurant and can play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining customers.

Here’s why you should prioritize having an engaging website:

• First impressions count: Your website is often the first point of contact with potential customers. A well-designed site with a clear menu, appealing photos, and easy navigation make a strong first impression, encouraging visitors to explore further and make reservations.
• Simplifying the customer journey: Features like easy-to-find menus, online reservation systems, and straightforward ordering processes remove barriers, making it more likely that a site visit turns into a dining experience.
• Marketing and promotions: A website is ideal for promoting special events, offers, and new menu items. It’s an easily accessible place for customers to find the latest information about your restaurant.

How to create an engaging restaurant website

If you want to ensure your website is engaging, informative, and easy to navigate, with a clear view of the menu, photos, and reservation system, then you need the WordPress plugin Orderable.

With Orderable, you can have:

• Ready-made layouts: Create a beautiful, and intuitively laid-out menu without needing any coding skills to master.
• Floating cart widget: This enhances the customer’s user experience because it’s interactive and gives them a quick look into what they’re ordering.
• One-page ordering: Don’t lose your customers on their ordering journey. Make it easy for them to know exactly what they are ordering and how much it costs, with a nice and clean modern look.

Integrating tools like Orderable simplifies the booking and ordering process, potentially increasing online reservations and orders.

10. Integrated online and in-house upselling

Developing a comprehensive upselling strategy that includes both your online platforms and in-house dining can significantly increase average order value.

Integrating upselling strategies both in your online platforms and in-house dining experience is key to maximizing revenue opportunities.

📈 For instance, suggesting add-ons or premium items at the point of sale, both online and in-house, can increase revenue by up to 20%.

With Orderable, you can easily incorporate add-ons to any one of your dishes, making it easy for your customers to select them and for you to boost your sales.

Here are some ways to implement this strategy:

• Identify upselling opportunities: Look at your menu and identify items that can be easily paired or upgraded. This could be anything from suggesting a premium drink option to offering a special dessert.
• Use data to personalize suggestions: Analyze sales data to understand customer preferences and personalize upselling suggestions. Personalization can significantly increase the effectiveness of your upselling efforts.
• Online integration: Using Orderable, suggest add-ons or upgrades as part of the ordering process. Make these suggestions relevant and timely.

By effectively suggesting relevant add-ons and premium items, you can boost your sales and provide a more fulfilling dining experience for your customers.

Watch your restaurant sales grow this year

Increasing your restaurant’s sales in 2024 is about smart, strategic actions and staying in tune with the evolving needs of your customers.

From leveraging the power of local SEO to connect with nearby diners to embracing online ordering systems like Orderable for streamlined online ordering, each strategy we’ve discussed plays a crucial role in boosting your restaurant’s appeal and revenue.

Integrating Orderable into your restaurant’s operations can simplify the booking and ordering process, making it more efficient and convenient for your customers. It’s about harnessing the power of technology to enhance your service and, ultimately, your sales.

As we enter 2024, it’s time to embrace these strategies and watch your restaurant sales grow.