DoorDash
In today’s digital-first dining landscape, success hinges not only on what’s on the plate, but also how effortlessly guests can order, pay, and return. Every digital touchpoint, from website to app, can be the difference between a one-time visitor and a loyal customer. Now diners expect restaurants to recognize them, reward them, and make it easy to order wherever they are.
Fortunately, the path to smarter digital conversion, deeper guest engagement, and omnichannel loyalty is not elusive, but it’s accessible with the Commerce Platform. Whether you build in-house or partner with a platform, these four strategies can help you grow sustainably.
1. Transform Your Website into a Revenue Engine
Some restaurant websites are static and poorly optimized for conversion. Investing in a modern, branded site with clear calls-to-action, like an “Order Now” button, can have a meaningful impact on sales. By providing a frictionless online ordering experience, restaurants have seen a significant increase in online revenue simply by removing third-party links, streamlining the path to checkout, and making their site more discoverable. If building or revamping your own website seems daunting, there’s also the option to have one built for you in our platform.
2. Use Branded Mobile Apps to Drive High-Frequency Ordering
Mobile apps aren’t just for chains or big brands anymore. For restaurants with a loyal base, branded apps can significantly boost order frequency by making reordering faster and more intuitive. When customers order through a branded app, they’re 30% more likely to reorder. Features like one-tap checkout, order history, and push notifications keep your brand top of mind, and in your customer’s pocket.
3. Automate Re-Engagement Without Lifting a Finger
Retention can be more complex than acquisition, and automation makes it easier. Restaurants that implement “set-it-and-forget-it” email or SMS campaigns based on ordering history, or time since last visit, can bring back dormant customers with minimal effort. A reminder email showcasing a customer’s favorite dish or offering a timely incentive can nudge them to reorder and rebuild habits.
4. Reward Loyalty Across Every Channel
Customers don’t think in channels. They just want a seamless experience. A loyalty program that spans your app, website, and in-store checkout, builds consistency and makes rewards more accessible. This cross-channel cohesion pays off.
El Jefe’s Taqueria partnered with DoorDash to set up its omni-channel loyalty program and enrolled more than 22,000 loyalty members in just the first month after launch, with those customers ordering 1.3x more frequently online. Even better, the program drives foot traffic by offering in-store-exclusive rewards, further reinforcing the connection between digital and physical brand experiences.
Final takeaway: Growing direct sales doesn’t have to mean more work. With the right digital infrastructure—whether built in-house or through a trusted partner—restaurants can capture demand more efficiently, re-engage customers automatically, and convert one-time guests into loyal regulars.
By Casey North, Vice President DoorDash Commerce Platform
This post is sponsored by DoorDash
