So true… Restaurant owners, keep in mind traditional marketing while implementing Online Marketing in your efforts. It pays off!
Is Traditional Marketing Dying? (via The MarCom Network’s Blog By Manal richa)
June 4, 2010 — mealclick
I had multiple coffee and lunch meetings with multiple professionals from different industries. And since I live and breath marketing, the topic came up; and most specifically, one question: “Is t … Do you have a Website Yet?
May 17, 2010 — mealclick
If you are reading this post is because you probably still don’t have a website, but you are considering having one.
Our main core of business is to help restaurants, globally, get set up with an online menu.
For those who aren’t familiar with building sites, WordPress has created an amazing platform and a powerful Content Management System (CMS) that can be used for more than just blogging. With WordPress, you can build a blog, a website, or both providing you with the following advantages:
- Good Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Easy access and update of content on website without knowing HTML
- Great variety of choices on themes and plug-ins
Furthermore, companies such as BuildMySiteforFree.com offer free website builder for small businesses and individuals.
What makes BuildMySiteforFree.com a great resource is that it is the ultimate destination providing everything needed for those who want to build their own WordPress website. Whether you need a blog or an Ecommerce website builder, BuildMySiteforFree.com offers hundreds of graphic designs, feature plugins and articles providing everything you need to build a site in less than 10 minutes.
Do you have any tips on how to easily and quickly build a website? Please share with us below.
The MealClick Team
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Create Interaction with Your Online Menu
May 13, 2010 — mealclick
MealClick - Online Food Ordering Solution
Hundreds and hundreds of restaurants are realizing on a daily basis the importance of building an online presence; Simply having a “business card” website does not mean much anymore. As a matter of fact, we live in an era where we are witnessing a major shift in the whole marketing process for every single business and industry.
With the presence of social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and more, clients are expecting from your website nothing less but a fully-interactive experience!
If you haven’t yet, you should start venturing into adding an interactive online food ordering solution to your operation; in order to allow your clients to:
- browse your menu, learning about the choices you offer, AT THEIR CONVENIENCE
- go through the succulent images of your dishes
- Add-on sides and customize their orders
- place advanced and group orders
- re-order from history
- apply coupons and discount codes
- fill out surveys and voice their opinion
While social networks are a two-way communication between businesses and followers/fans, your online menu should offer similar interactive features giving your clients the power to browse, select, order, and more… while allowing you to listen, monitor and analyze your clients’ preferences, needs, and demands.
The MealClick Team
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Reaching out to Customers through E-mail Marketing
March 7, 2010 — mealclick
While direct marketing efforts had proven to be a focused and trackable way to connect with consumers, e-mail marketing brought the advantage of being less expensive while providing an instantaneous message delivery to your prospects and clients. Straight-forward and affordable, e-mail marketing is a tool allowing you to connect and contact your customers directly and with a purpose.
Reach out to your customers by emailing them valuable promotions with special discounts on ordering online for example. This is a great way to introduce them and encourage them to use your online food ordering system while offering them an incentive. Always concentrate on What’s in It for Them and keep them in mind while crafting your message.
Make sure that you allow them to unsubscribe from your list though. Otherwise, your email will be considered spam and you don’t want to be labeled as a spammer, correct?
Allow customers to sign up for your mailing list through different resources including your website, feedback form, POS system, dropping their card. And don’t forget that your Online Ordering System is another tool for you to collect contact information as well.
Now, while putting your email together, make it appealing. Plain test emails aren’t exciting and will probably get deleted immediately. Put together a branded appealing template. Be consistent to your brand but flexible with the content.
Plan ahead of time your message in a way where you are not bombarding your customers with emails, but at the same time, a reminder here and there, always helps. Choose a campaign schedule and stick to it so your customers know what and when to expect from you.
And when talking schedule, since you will be appealing to the hungry crowds, the best time to send your email is right before lunch or dinner. Also avoid Mondays because you don’t want your message to get lost amongst the weekend overflow.
The MealClick Team
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MealClick celebrates ten years of service to the restaurant industry through its Online Food Ordering System
March 2, 2010 — mealclickFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Irvine, CA – March 1, 2010 – MealClick, a pioneer and a trusted name in the online food ordering systems, is celebrating today ten years of serving the hospitality industry on a global level. With its excellent customerservice and all-inclusive plans, MealClick has
redefined the meaning of online food ordering systems for restaurants. MealClick service plans offer zero transaction fees and no hidden charges.
“Our plans are intended to provide immediate and easy access for restaurants to take advantage of online food ordering in order to increase sales while providing their customers with a convenient method to order from them.” said Mona Michel, Chief Marketing Officer at MealClick. “We are proud to be a technology pioneer in internet food ordering for restaurants. MealClick has the right plans, knowledge & experience to service restaurants of all sizes. We help restaurateurs boost their sales without burdening their budgets while offering a first class service to their customers.”
To make it more convenient to restaurateurs, MealClick offers three service plans including the Real-Time Email Plan, Real-Time Fax Plan and Real-Time Print Plan; no per order charges, no fax charges and unlimited orders. MealClick offers seamless integration, unlimited notifications and backup notifications capabilities via print, fax, email, and cell phone/pager in addition to a backend control panel for menu configuration, website look and feel customization, reporting, customer loyalty, coupons and promotions, and much more.
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MealClick is the industry leader when it comes to restaurant food online ordering systems. With thousands of installation worldwide since 2000, MealClick offers its customers an easy-to-use system at an affordable price. For more information, visit www.mealclick.com, or call 949-955-3050.
Online Ordering – What YOU need to know!
February 22, 2010 — mealclick
It seems that we got to a point where almost everyone is integrating the use of the Internet in their daily routine. Internet has become a main source for getting information, research and some questions answered. It has also turned out to be a great way for consumers to shop online – and when we talk shopping, we mean everything! So why not for ordering meals online.
Some restaurants are already on board and they are very aware of how important it is to provide their customers with an easy, quick, convenient and fast ordering solution. Others do not offer this convenience yet because of several misconceptions related to online food ordering systems and solutions. The following is a list of some of these misconceptions and how you can overcome them to offer your customers more convenient and easier way to order their food online:
“What kind of Computers and Internet Knowledge do I need?” - It should be as easy as 1-2-3. Not much knowledge is required there when it comes to computers or Internet. Your menu will be set up online within few day and you will be ready to receive orders. Make sure that your staff is ready to fulfill the orders. This is very important!
“Does it Cost an Arm and a Leg?” – Not at all! Online ordering includes a wide range of prices. The price varies depending on customization you would want to add into your site. The most important thing to consider is return on investment. Consider the following questions before you commit to a service:
- How often can you request alteration in the menu prices and items without incurring extra charge?
- Are you going to be charged per order?
- Any additional fees for updating information in your menu?
“Are Customers secure about using their credit card Online” - A large portion of online purchases are made using credit cards these days. This shows how advanced is Internet security system. The online food ordering companies use advanced security system like Secure Sockets layer (SSL) technology to provide security assurance to the people.
The MealClick Team
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A High Tech Solution for Your Restaurant
February 17, 2010 — mealclick
Technology is improving by the day. Over the past few years, the online ordering market has improved drastically. At first, it used to cost an arm and a leg to set up an online ordering system. In addition, the whole process required a lot of time and tons of efforts. Now, regardless if you are a one-location or a large chain, this is your opportunity to affordably take advantage of Online Food Ordering Solutions.
• high returns with minimum investment
Obviously, online ordering systems require some kind of an investment. Keep in mind though that you will receive a significant return on your investment - Simply put a quick payback.
• pricing structure
Each online ordering company has a different pricing model: a yearly fee (all inclusive,) a monthly licensing fee, a per-transaction cost, or a mixture of the two. Although a per-transaction pricing model may be attractive , keep in mind that the restaurant may experience a significant and quick use of the system, a flat yearly fee pricing model is usually a better option.
• flow of operation
Online Ordering Systems are set up quickly with no much time invested in them. Orders are streamlined through fax machines, IP printers, or POS systems. Make sure you gear your marketing efforts to spread the word. Also, prepare your staff to be ready to fulfill incoming orders.
Online ordering is undergoing an incredible state of growth where more restaurants will integrate this technology into their operations. Make sure you do your research so you can mak an informed decision. The more thoughtfully you invest into online ordering, the more you will be rewarded.
The MealClick Team
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Making the Best out of Your Online Ordering System
February 15, 2010 — mealclick
You have your online ordering system set up… Now what! If you treat you online ordering system as a stand alone entity, it will definitely not lead to successful online results. In order to make the best out of it and turn it into a profit source, you must combine your online ordering system along with your other marketing efforts. Keep in mind that how well this system will work mainly depends on the efforts and time you put into spreading the word out notifying your customers of this new service you are offering them.
The following are some tips on how to make the best out of your online ordering system:
1. Spread the word
What good is an online ordering system if no one knows about it? Having a system such as this is a proof of your constant efforts to bring the best services to your customers. Spread the word through traditional media. Make sure you have a clear simple message inviting your customers to ORDER ONLINE TODAY all over your stores, mailers, TV ads, takeout boxes, e-mail newsletters, and even your employees.
2. Online Order – Easy and Convenient
Customers shop online for two reasons; convenience and price. Make sure you offer an easy and convenient solution to your customers. Make it very simple to view latest store menus and specials. Also make sure that the check out process if easy and quick. If customers are trying to order online, chances are they hate to wait in lines or on hold and want to know what the day’s deals. They simply want their online ordering experience to be fast, easy, and convenient.
Make sure that your online ordering system allows easy reordering and saves your customer’s information so they do not have to re-enter it every time they want to place an order.
3. Offer Incentives to Your Online Customers
Your online customers save you and your employees time and effort. An excellent approach would be to reward them with coupons or special promotions. Simple offers make a big difference. For example, customers who order online do not have to stand in line to checkout. Instead they go directly to the cashier to pick up their order and pay, cutting in front of those who did not preorder.
The MealClick Team
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Encouraging Customers to Buy More
February 10, 2010 — mealclick
By offering online ordering to your customers, you are only at advantage. With online ordering, customers browse at their own pace from their homes or offices’ convenience. There is no need to worry about being rush through the ordering process like what usually happens during rush hours or if they call in an order. Customers spend the time browsing through the online menu, making decisions at their pace, and ordering at their convenience. You, as a restaurant, are basically offering them a convenience, making their life easy!
Some of the best features offered by online ordering is up-selling where the online menu gets customized in a way to give customers the options to easily add more to their order, therefore increasing ticket size by at least 35% on an average.
Furthermore, having your menu online and offering the convenience of online ordering, gives you the opportunity to share enticing photos of your dishes with your customers. Presenting them with the right imagery, helps customers visualize what their food will look/taste like. This will simply support the ordering process, as customers are provided with the opportunity to visualize how enjoyable their meal will be.
The MealClick Team
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