Uber Eats is more than an American innovation; it actually has a presence in 45 countries. As it has become popular, it has seen an increase in orders - especially since lockdown. It's not alone, either; Grubhub and others have similarly seen an increase in traffic. Accordingly, more and more restaurants are beginning to involve themselves with such companies.
So how do you stay competitive if you're running a restaurant in this environment? Following we'll explore the best tips to improve Uber Eats performance.
1. Design a Specific QR Code
Get a QR code you can use in varying applications. We'll cover a few distinct options here, but in a nutshell, QR codes are basically the next step up from UPC, and then some. You'll want to put them wherever you can; more on that shortly.
Use dynamic QR codes so you can change destinations without reprinting. This lets you A/B test landing pages, promote limited-time offers, or update menus in real-time.
A strong QR code strategy helps you get more orders on Uber Eats and gather valuable insights into user behavior.
2. Get Sponsorship for Your Listings
Sponsored listings increase visibility in an almost exponential way. You get your audience, and to a degree, that of your sponsor. The more sponsored listings you have through different sponsorship, the better engagement will be overall. Work with multiple sponsors.
According to Uber Eats data, sponsored listings can boost visibility by up to 30% and improve conversion rates.
This tactic is especially useful if you're trying to promote restaurant on Uber Eats amid high competition.
3. Keep Hours of Operation Updated
The world has been in a strange flux for the last five years or so, and that just becomes more turbulent as time goes on. Especially with the unpleasantness of 2020 and 2021, you should expect the unexpected in 2022. While for many restaurants, options like Uber Eats have been good for business, things are always changing. Be sure you're always up-to-date on hours of operation.
Inconsistent hours are a top reason why restaurant is not showing on Uber Eats during peak times. Platforms penalize reliability issues.
Update your availability on all delivery channels regularly, especially around holidays or seasonal changes.
4. Make The Process as Easy as Possible
It shouldn't take as long to make an online order as it does to physically go to your restaurant. Work to simplify the order process for your restaurant as much as possible.
The easier it is, the more likely you are to get more orders on Uber Eats. Simplicity drives conversions.
Invest in mobile-optimized menus, one-click reordering, and item personalization without friction.
5. Make Your Packaging Digitally Optimized
You can put QR codes on the packaging for the dishes you send out via Uber Eats. This is one of many ways QR optimization is key to increasing your Uber Eats ranking. Via UPC, customers can learn about dishes, specials, and more; fostering increased engagement.
Digitally smart packaging creates post-purchase engagement opportunities. Link to surveys, loyalty rewards, or social media contests.
6. Improved Online Reviews and Star Ratings
To improve your online reviews and ratings, provide excellent service, give discounts where possible (we'll cover that next), and make food that demands a positive review. You can also solicit reviews as a means of distributing coupons.
Over 70% of customers say a 4-star minimum is a deciding factor when trying a new place on delivery apps.
Good reviews directly impact your visibility and how often you're shown to potential customers – that’s how Uber Eats ranking works.
7. Special Offers, Discounts, and Other Promotions
The kind of customers that commonly use QR codes are also more likely to do an online review or give you a rating. Find any way you can, short of being obnoxious, to invite ratings and reviews. A great tactic is giving a discount or other promotion with a verified review.
Use promotions during slower hours to fill downtime and increase delivery volume. It’s a smart play to grow delivery orders online.
8. Use QR Codes to Help Stimulate Customer Feedback
Dovetailing from point 7, beyond simple information. QR codes are a fine vehicle to invite all sorts of customer feedback; whether of the complaint variety, or as regards a review. Without feedback, you don't know where you can improve. Get it wherever you can.
Without feedback, you don't know where you can improve. Get it wherever you can.Make it easier to respond by embedding pre-filled Google review links or instant messaging forms.
9. Allow Order Customization to Engage More Clientele
The more customization you allow, the better - within reason. If customization makes ordering through the app too complicated, it will work against you. You're looking for a balance that conveniently engages clientele.
Custom orders also increase ticket size and loyalty. Big delivery marketplaces reward high-performing restaurants with better rankings.
It's a feature especially valuable in Uber Eats for small restaurants competing with chains.
10. Deliver Dishes Faster and Decrease Time in Preparation
The faster you prepare your dishes, the better. Find ways of decreasing prep time. Look to traditional fast food outlets if you're not in that area of food delivery; see what works for them, and what you can appropriate without diminishing food quality.
Speed and reliability influence your visibility. These metrics are factored into how Uber Eats ranking works.
Adopt kitchen display systems (KDS) and POS integrations to sync online orders instantly.
11. Make it Possible for Customers to Place Advanced Orders
Advanced orders are smart, because sometimes customers love your food, but don't have time to make an order for one reason or another. If they can make it in advance, they'll have their food when they want it, and you can prioritize delivery better, resulting in a more positive customer experience overall. It's a win-win.
Offer bulk pre-orders for events or office meals, this is a powerful way to grow delivery orders online and improve lunchtime volume.
12. Print QR Codes on Any Physical Media Your Restaurant Produces
Beyond externalized QR placement on delivered foods, throughout your restaurant, on any flyers or disposable menus, on merchandise, and as is relevant regarding internal decor, you want to print QR codes. Put them all over in a way that doesn't look cheap.
13. Pictures Sell Entrees: Make Sure Yours Are Absolutely Top-Notch
Mouthwatering pictures lead to an increase in orders. You want the best pictures of your food front and center. It can be worthwhile to hire a professional food photographer.
Photos are the No. 1 driver of menu conversions on delivery apps, and great visuals directly increase Uber Eats ranking.
14. Make Sure You Keep Your Menu Updated Continuously; Add New Dishes
Your menu is going to change, period. You want to make a practice of adding new dishes, and updating digital menus accordingly. The moment something goes off the menu, let customers know by updating what you offer.
Restaurants with consistent updates and creative LTOs (limited-time offers) often outrank stale menus. If you’ve ever wondered why your restaurant is not showing on Uber Eats, outdated listings are often to blame.
Also, integrate your POS with Uber Eats to automate menu updates and avoid errors.
These suggestions should help you improve overall, as far as Uber Eats rankings go.
Of these fourteen tips, QR code maximization for offline engagement and conversion is one of the most important things you should master.
To promote your restaurant on Uber Eats, build a holistic plan: visuals, speed, engagement tools, customization, and digital hygiene all count.
And if you're still wondering how to grow delivery orders online sustainably: test, measure, and iterate often.
For more ways of optimizing your digital performance, contact the Uber Eats platform directly or better yet, work with an integration partner like KitchenHub to automate and simplify the heavy lifting.
Check our blog to find out more about best practices for online food delivery, for example, DoorDash.
You can also check how KitchenHub can help your restaurant with menu management and order aggregation.
It’s free!
