Marketing Strategy
Delivery App Marketing Strategy for Restaurants in 2026
More than 42% of restaurants in the US now use food delivery apps to reach customers. That's a staggering number, considering the average restaurant spends around $10,000 per year on marketing alone. With the rise of apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and GrubHub, it's clear that delivery app marketing is no longer a 'nice-to-have' but a 'must-have' for restaurants.
42%↑
Restaurants using delivery apps
US restaurants
10,000→
Average restaurant marketing spend
per year
85%↑
Customer orders through delivery apps
of total orders
25%↑
Revenue increase due to delivery apps
in the past year
As a restaurant owner, you're probably wondering how to get started with delivery app marketing. In this article, we'll break down a step-by-step strategy to help you increase your online presence, drive more orders, and boost revenue.
Step 1: Choose the Right Delivery Apps
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which delivery apps to partner with. Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Commission rates: Look for apps with competitive commission rates, ideally below 20%.
- Menu flexibility: Choose apps that allow you to customize your menu and pricing.
- Target audience: Select apps that cater to your target audience, such as Uber Eats for urban dwellers or DoorDash for suburban areas.
For example, a local bakery in Portland might prefer to partner with Uber Eats, which has a strong presence in the city.
Step 2: Optimize Your Menu and Pricing
Your menu and pricing play a crucial role in attracting customers through delivery apps. Here are some tips to optimize your offerings:
- Simplify your menu: Focus on your best-selling items and remove complex or high-maintenance dishes.
- Price competitively: Research your competitors and adjust your prices accordingly.
- Offer promotions: Run limited-time promotions or discounts to drive sales and increase customer loyalty.
Consider using a price optimization tool like Google Ads management to help you make data-driven decisions.
Step 3: Create Compelling Visuals and Descriptions
Your menu items and promotions need to stand out on delivery app platforms. Here are some tips to create compelling visuals and descriptions:
- High-quality images: Use high-quality images that showcase your dishes in the best light.
- Descriptive keywords: Use descriptive keywords to help customers find your menu items.
- Promotional language: Craft attention-grabbing promotional language to drive sales.
For example, a local coffee shop might use a BarChart to compare their coffee quality, highlighting their top-rated beans.
Coffee Quality Comparison
Bean Type
0%Rating
95%Customer ratings on delivery apps
Step 4: Leverage User-Generated Content and Reviews
User-generated content and reviews are essential for building trust and credibility on delivery app platforms. Here are some tips to leverage these assets:
- Encourage customer reviews: Incentivize customers to leave reviews by offering discounts or rewards.
- Share customer photos: Share customer photos of your dishes to create social proof.
- Use customer feedback: Use customer feedback to improve your menu and services.
For example, a local pet groomer might use a Callout to remind customers to leave reviews.
Pro Tip
Don't forget to ask your customers to leave reviews on delivery app platforms to increase your credibility and attract more customers!
Step 5: Monitor and Analyze Performance
To optimize your delivery app marketing strategy, you need to monitor and analyze your performance regularly. Here are some key metrics to track:
- Order volume: Monitor your order volume and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Revenue growth: Track your revenue growth and identify areas for improvement.
- Customer retention: Focus on customer retention and loyalty programs to increase repeat business.
For example, a local fitness studio might use a Callout to highlight the importance of tracking customer retention.
DataLatte Take
At DataLatte, we recommend tracking customer retention rates to identify areas for improvement and increase repeat business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose the right delivery apps for my restaurant?
A: Research the commission rates, menu flexibility, and target audience of different delivery apps to make an informed decision.
Q: How do I optimize my menu and pricing for delivery apps?
A: Simplify your menu, price competitively, and offer promotions to drive sales and increase customer loyalty.
Q: How do I create compelling visuals and descriptions for my menu items?
A: Use high-quality images and descriptive keywords to showcase your dishes and promotions.
Q: How do I leverage user-generated content and reviews on delivery app platforms?
A: Encourage customer reviews, share customer photos, and use customer feedback to improve your menu and services.
Q: How do I monitor and analyze my performance on delivery app platforms?
A: Track your order volume, revenue growth, and customer retention to identify areas for improvement and optimize your strategy.
Conclusion
Delivery app marketing is a crucial aspect of any restaurant's online presence. By following these step-by-step tips and best practices, you can increase your online visibility, drive more orders, and boost revenue. If you want help applying this strategy to your restaurant, contact DataLatte at datalatte.pro/contact for a free audit and consultation.
delivery app marketingrestaurant marketinglocal business
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Nataliia
Freelance local marketing & analytics — for businesses that want real results.
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