It’s dinner time, and someone’s looking for a place to eat. They begin scrolling through their phone and tap on your restaurant’s name. Two possible scenarios happen next: they order, or they bounce. Why would they bounce? Maybe the menu takes too long to load (internet users are notoriously impatient). Or the website’s layout is clunky. Perhaps they can’t customize their order. Worst of all? They can’t tell if their order even went through. These are real things that happen to real restaurants.
But it doesn’t have to happen with yours.
A smooth, intuitive online ordering system is the backbone of modern restaurant operations. Diners expect fast, simple, and mobile-friendly ordering. Let’s break down what makes an online ordering system easy to use and how to make sure yours flows perfectly.
Restaurant Website Loading Speed Is Everything
Your ordering page needs to load fast, within seconds. Customers are often on mobile with limited patience and even less time. If your site drags, you’ll miss out on a customer.
How to fix it: Optimize images, limit pop-ups, and choose a reliable platform that doesn’t bog down under traffic.
Design Your Restaurant Website for Mobile First
More than half of online orders come from mobile devices. If your system isn’t mobile-optimized, you’re missing out on more than half of your potential orders.
That means big, tappable buttons, clear calls to action, and simple navigation.
How to fix it: Use a mobile-first platform or audit your current system on various screen sizes to spot friction points.
Make Online Restaurant Menus Clear
Don’t make customers guess what’s in their order, what comes with it, etc. Menus should be easy to scan, well-organized, and visually appetizing. If they can’t find the fries or see what’s in the taco, chances are, they’ll get frustrated and give up.
How to fix it: Use high-quality photos (consider investing in a professional photo shoot; it makes a huge difference), include short but enticing descriptions, and organize by categories like “Appetizers,” “Burgers,” and “Family Meals.”
Keep Checkout Simple
This is where a lot of restaurants lose people. Don’t bury the “Add to Cart” button. Don’t force your users to create an account. Don’t even make them sign up for your newsletter, but certainly add that as an option once the process is complete.
How to fix it: Let customers check out as guests, offer clear confirmation messages, and include easy ways to edit or review their cart before payment.
Integrate With Your Restaurant POS (and Your Kitchen)
A great system on the front end means nothing if it doesn’t connect with your team. Orders should flow directly to the kitchen, minimize errors, and update inventory as needed.
How to fix it: Choose a system that integrates smoothly with your existing POS, or consider an all-in-one platform to keep things seamless.
Promote It Like Crazy
Even the best ordering system won’t work if no one knows it exists. Add ordering links everywhere—your website, Instagram bio, and Google Business Profile. Post photos, limited-time offers, and customer faves.
How to fix it: Treat your online ordering system like its own product. Market it with intention.
If your online ordering experience isn’t smooth, fast, and mobile-friendly, you’re missing out on a lot of business. Test it yourself on your phone, computer, and tablet. Have friends and family do the same. Take their feedback seriously, and make changes one step at a time. A few smart tweaks can transform your system and your bottom line.
Our team loves the challenge of diving into restaurant websites for an audit and finding ways to make it better. Get in touch with us today to learn more!
