Let’s dive into some proven marketing tips that can help your restaurant shine as a ChowNow merchant.

1. Optimize Your Online Menu to Attract More Customers

As a ChowNow merchant, your online menu is your storefront. To make a great first impression, ensure that your menu is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Here are some tips:

• High-Quality Images: Invest in professional photos of your top dishes. According to ChowNow, menus with high-quality images can see up to a 30% increase in sales.
• Clear Descriptions: Use detailed descriptions to highlight key ingredients, dietary options, and flavor profiles. This helps customers make informed choices and feel more confident in their orders.
• Update Regularly: Keep your menu fresh and exciting by updating it seasonally or introducing limited-time offers. This creates a sense of urgency and can lead to higher order volumes.

Learn more about creating an effective digital menu for your restaurant to increase online sales. Regularly analyze your sales data using ChowNow's analytics to see which dishes are popular and which ones aren’t. This helps you refine your menu to focus on what works best.

2. Utilize ChowNow's Automated Email Marketing

Email marketing is a powerful tool that can help you build a loyal customer base. As a ChowNow merchant, you have access to an automated email marketing system that can drive significant returns. Here's how to make the most of it:

• Send Personalized Offers: Use customer data to send targeted offers based on their past orders. Personalized emails have a higher open and conversion rate.
• Promote Special Events: Announce new menu items, seasonal specials, or holiday promotions through your emails. This keeps your customers engaged and looking forward to what's next.
• Re-Engage Inactive Customers: Set up automated campaigns to re-engage customers who haven’t ordered in a while. Offer them a discount or a free appetizer with their next order.

ChowNow reports that their email marketing system delivers a 26:1 return on investment for restaurant partners.

3. Leverage Social Media for Direct Orders

Social media is one of the most effective ways to engage with your customers and drive orders. Here’s how to maximize its potential as a ChowNow merchant:

• Enable Direct Ordering on Instagram: ChowNow allows you to integrate your menu directly into your Instagram profile, making it easy for followers to place orders without leaving the app.
• Post Regularly: Share enticing photos of your dishes, behind-the-scenes content, and customer testimonials. The more you post, the more you stay top-of-mind.
• Use Hashtags and Geotags: Include relevant hashtags and geotags to increase your visibility and attract new customers in your area.

For more social media tips, check out our guide on maximizing social media for restaurant marketing. If you’re unsure where to start, check out our guide on maximizing social media for restaurant marketing.

4. Implement a Loyalty Program to Boost Repeat Orders

As a ChowNow merchant, you have access to a customizable loyalty program that can turn one-time customers into regulars. Here’s how to get started:

• Offer Exclusive Rewards: Create tiered rewards like discounts, free sides, or exclusive menu items for your loyalty members. The more they order, the more they earn.
• Promote Your Program: Make sure your customers know about your loyalty program by promoting it on your menu, social media, and in your email marketing.
• Track and Adjust: Use ChowNow's analytics to track the effectiveness of your loyalty program and make adjustments as needed.

Did You Know? Loyal customers spend 18% more per order compared to new customers. A well-executed loyalty program is key to increasing your average order value and boosting overall sales.

5. Utilize ChowNow’s Marketing Tools and Analytics

As a ChowNow merchant, you have access to several tools designed to enhance your marketing efforts. Here’s how to leverage them:

• Branded Mobile Apps: ChowNow can create a custom mobile app for your restaurant. This makes it easier for your customers to order, increasing both convenience and loyalty.
• Automated Email Marketing: Use the automated system to send targeted promotions and updates to your customers. Email campaigns can significantly increase repeat orders.
• Centralized Reporting: Use ChowNow’s reporting tools to gain insights into your sales performance, customer behavior, and most popular items. Use this data to refine your marketing strategies and improve your bottom line.

6. Promote Your Online Ordering Link Everywhere

Your ChowNow ordering link is your direct gateway to increasing online sales. Make it as visible and accessible as possible:

• Website: Place your ordering link prominently on your homepage. Use a CTA button like “Order Now” to catch attention.
• Social Media Profiles: Add your ChowNow link to all your social media profiles, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• In-Store Marketing: Use QR codes on menus, table tents, and receipts that direct customers to your online ordering page.

For a streamlined solution to manage your online orders and integrate with multiple platforms, consider using UrbanPiper’s multi-channel integration services. 

7. Run Exclusive Promotions and Discounts

Offering exclusive promotions is a great way to attract more customers and boost your sales as a ChowNow merchant. Here are some ideas:

• First-Time Customer Discount: Encourage new customers to try your restaurant by offering a discount on their first order.
• Limited-Time Offers: Create urgency with time-sensitive deals, like 10% off for the next 24 hours. This can help you increase sales during slow periods.
• Bundle Deals: Offer meal bundles at a discounted rate. For example, a family meal deal that includes a main course, side, and dessert at a lower price.

Quick Tip: Make sure to promote these offers through your social media channels and email marketing to maximize reach.

8. Enhance Customer Experience with Streamlined Operations

Effective marketing doesn’t stop at bringing in customers—it’s also about keeping them happy. As a ChowNow merchant, you can streamline your operations to improve the customer experience:

• Integrated POS Systems: Use ChowNow’s integration capabilities to sync with your existing POS system. This reduces order errors and improves efficiency.
• Efficient Order Management: Make use of ChowNow’s centralized dashboard to manage all orders in one place, from your website, app, and even social media.

Integrate with UrbanPiper

• UrbanPiper allows you to manage orders from multiple platforms, including ChowNow, from a single dashboard. This makes it easier to track performance and streamline operations.
• Use UrbanPiper’s reporting features to get a comprehensive view of your sales and make informed decisions.

Refining your marketing strategy based on analytics and feedback can lead to a significant boost in customer satisfaction and orders.

9. Promote Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customer reviews can make or break your restaurant’s reputation. As a ChowNow merchant, encourage your customers to leave reviews and engage with their feedback:

• Encourage Positive Reviews: Ask happy customers to leave a review after their meal. You can do this through a follow-up email or by including a note in their delivery.
• Respond to Feedback: Whether it’s positive or negative, always respond to reviews. Thank customers for their support and address any complaints constructively.
• Use Reviews in Marketing: Highlight positive reviews on your social media and website to build trust with potential customers.

Quick Fact: Restaurants with higher ratings tend to attract more customers and have better retention rates. Read more about how to manage online reviews effectively.

Conclusion

Becoming a successful ChowNow merchant is about more than just signing up for the platform. By implementing these marketing strategies—optimizing your menu, leveraging email marketing, using social media, and more—you can significantly boost your restaurant’s online presence and drive more orders.

So, get listed on ChowNow and enjoy many opportunities to stumble upon the mix that works perfectly for you!

Ready to experience the difference? Reach out to us with any questions. If you're aiming to expand your restaurant delivery across multiple locations and brands, we're here to support you.