These days, having a delivery option isn't just a nice extra - it's something many customers expect. Whether they're busy at work, relaxing at home, or simply prefer not to dine out, more and more people are ordering food online. For restaurant owners, this means delivery can be a big part of your business - but only if people know about it and want to use it again.

Getting more delivery orders isn't just about signing up for an app or offering a discount. It takes some smart marketing to reach the right people, show them what makes your food worth ordering, and keep them coming back. The good news? You don't need a huge budget or a marketing degree to make it work. What you do need is a clear plan and a good understanding of your customers.

In this article, we'll walk through simple, effective tips that can help you grow your delivery customer base. These tips are made for busy restaurant owners - practical ideas you can actually use, based on what real customers care about. Whether you're just starting with delivery or trying to grow it, this guide is here to help.

Before you can market to your delivery customers, it's important to know who they are and what they're looking for. Most people who order delivery are looking for convenience. They may be busy professionals, parents with young kids, students, or anyone who doesn't have time or energy to cook or go out. But beyond just wanting food fast, they also want quality, reliability, and a smooth experience.

Ask yourself -

- What are your delivery customers usually ordering?
- When do they place their orders?
- Are they repeat customers or new ones each time?

You can find answers by looking at order history on delivery apps or your point-of-sale system. If you notice most orders come in around dinnertime or weekends, you can adjust your promotions and ads to run at those times. If certain items are always popular, make sure they're featured clearly in your menu and look great in photos.

It's also helpful to understand what delivery customers care about most. According to recent surveys, the top priorities for delivery customers are -

- Accurate delivery times
- Hot, fresh food
- Easy-to-use ordering
- Clear communication (like order confirmations and tracking)

If you can show that you meet these expectations - and promote that in your marketing - you'll build trust and attract more orders.

Finally, remember that delivery customers may never set foot in your restaurant. That means your marketing, packaging, and service need to speak for your brand. Little things like a thank-you note, neat packaging, or a discount for their next order can leave a positive impression and bring them back. Knowing your customers is the first step to reaching them. Once you understand what they want, you can speak their language and give them more reasons to choose your restaurant over others.

If customers can't find you online, they can't order from you. That's why making sure your restaurant shows up clearly and professionally online is one of the most important steps to grow your delivery orders.

Start with the basics. your restaurant's name, address, phone number, and delivery hours should be up to date everywhere - your website, Google profile, and all delivery platforms you use (like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub). Make sure your delivery menu is easy to read, has no missing items, and includes high-quality photos. Customers eat with their eyes first, and a good image can make a big difference in getting someone to click order.

Your own website also matters. Even if you don't take orders directly, your website is often the first place people check. Make sure it loads quickly, works well on phones, and has clear links to your delivery options. You can even add a simple Order Now button that takes people straight to your delivery app page.

Also, don't forget about local SEO - that just means helping your restaurant appear in search results when people nearby look for delivery. Use keywords like pizza delivery in [your city] or best Thai food near me in your website and social media posts. This helps more local customers discover you when they're hungry and ready to order.

Another small but powerful tip. claim and update your Google Business Profile. Add photos, respond to reviews, and list your delivery services. Many customers find restaurants through Google Maps or search, so this step can really boost visibility.

Remember, delivery customers often decide where to order in just a few minutes. The easier and more appealing your online presence is, the more likely they are to choose you. Think of your online profiles and menu pages as your digital storefront - and make sure they invite people in.

Third-party delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub are more than just order-taking platforms - they also offer marketing tools that can help your restaurant get noticed and grow your delivery sales. If you're already listed on one or more of these apps, make sure you're taking full advantage of the features they offer.

Most delivery platforms have built-in promotions you can run. These might include discounts for first-time customers, free delivery, or buy one, get one free deals. While discounts cost a little upfront, they can be a smart way to attract new customers who haven't tried your food yet. Just be sure to track the results, so you're not offering deals without seeing any return.

Another useful tool is featured placement. This is when your restaurant appears at the top of the app or in special recommended or popular near you sections. Some platforms charge for this, while others offer it as part of performance-based rewards. Getting into these spots can give your restaurant a big visibility boost, especially during busy times like lunch or dinner.

Many apps also offer access to customer insights - such as order times, popular dishes, and repeat customer rates. Use this data to understand what's working. For example, if a certain dish gets ordered the most, promote it more. Or if you see lots of repeat customers on Fridays, run a special that day to encourage even more orders.

You should also keep your ratings and response times in good shape. High ratings and quick replies to customer messages improve your visibility on the apps - and they help build trust.

Think of these platforms not just as delivery tools, but as marketing channels. When used smartly, they can bring in more orders and make your restaurant stand out among hundreds of options. The key is to treat them actively - not just set and forget.

One of the best ways to grow your delivery customer base is to keep people coming back. A loyalty program gives customers a reason to order from you again instead of trying a different restaurant next time. And when done right, it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.

Start by thinking about what would motivate your customers. Most people like getting something in return for their loyalty - whether it's a discount, a free item, or a special offer after a few orders. For example, you could offer a free side after five delivery orders, or give $5 off their next delivery after they spend a certain amount.

Keep it simple. If the program is hard to understand or join, people won't bother. You can track loyalty through your own online ordering system, or use features built into third-party apps. Some delivery platforms allow you to set up loyalty rewards directly within their app, so customers automatically earn points when they order from you.

If you're not using an app with built-in tools, there are affordable loyalty tools like Stamp Me, Belly, or digital punch cards that can be shared through email or SMS. Even something as simple as a printed coupon included in the delivery bag can encourage repeat orders.

Make sure you promote your loyalty program everywhere - on your website, your social media, and most importantly, in the delivery bag. A small card that says, Order 4 times, get the 5th meal free is a great reminder.

Also, use delivery data to make your program smarter. If you notice a customer orders once a week, you could offer them a deal that nudges them to order more often. Personalized rewards show customers that you're paying attention - and they're more likely to respond.

A good loyalty program doesn't just increase repeat business - it helps build a relationship. Over time, these repeat delivery customers become your most reliable source of income. Treat them well, and they'll keep choosing you.

If you want to grow your delivery customer base, digital ads can help you reach people who are most likely to place an order. The key is to keep your ads local, relevant, and focused on what makes your delivery service appealing.

Start by running ads on platforms where people already spend time - like Facebook, Instagram, and Google. These platforms let you target specific groups of people based on location, interests, and even behavior. For example, you can run an ad that shows up only to users within 3 miles of your restaurant, or to people who have searched for food delivery recently.

Keep your message simple and direct. Use clear images of your most popular dishes, highlight deals or delivery benefits (like free delivery or fast service), and include a strong call to action like Order Now or Try Us Today. Your ad should link directly to your delivery page or app listing so customers can act quickly.

Budget-wise, you don't need to spend a lot. Even a small daily budget ($5-$10) can make a difference when your ad is targeted well. Facebook and Google Ads both let you track performance, so you'll be able to see which ads bring in the most clicks and orders. Use that data to tweak your messaging and focus on what works best.

Don't forget to retarget. This means showing ads to people who have visited your website or clicked on a past ad but didn't order. A gentle reminder with a special offer - like 10% off their first delivery - can encourage them to come back and complete their order.

Lastly, test different ads to see what works. Try different photos, messages, and offers to find what gets the best response. Keep the winners and pause the rest.

With targeted digital ads, you're not just reaching a random audience - you're getting in front of people who are nearby, hungry, and ready to order. That's smart marketing that brings results.

Marketing isn't just about ads and discounts - it's also about the story you tell. When it comes to delivery, your content should highlight what makes your service worth choosing. This can include convenience, speed, quality, and any unique touches your restaurant offers. Good content helps customers feel confident that their order will be worth it.

Start by thinking about what your delivery customers care about most. They want their food to arrive hot and fresh. They want the ordering process to be easy. And they want to feel sure they're getting good value. Your content - whether it's on social media, your website, or in emails - should speak directly to those needs.

Share simple, clear messages. Post mouth-watering photos of delivery-friendly dishes. Show a short video of how your kitchen carefully packages orders. Mention things like sealed for freshness, ready in 30 minutes, or free delivery on first orders. These details build trust and make your delivery stand out.

Use customer questions and comments to guide your content. What do people ask about most? Are they unsure about delivery hours or what comes in a combo meal? Use those questions as topics for posts or stories. This is where data collection plays a key role - by reviewing feedback, reviews, and order patterns, you can learn what matters most to your customers and shape your messaging around it.

You can also use content to gently promote your loyalty program or upcoming delivery specials. For example, a social media post might say, Our most-ordered dish this week? The spicy chicken bowl - order now and get a free drink with delivery!

Keep your tone friendly and down-to-earth. You're not just pushing products; you're building a relationship with people who could become regular customers. Over time, strong content helps your restaurant stay top-of-mind - especially when someone's hungry and scrolling through delivery options.

The more helpful and engaging your content is, the more likely it is to turn interest into action.

Your delivery customers are one of your best sources of insight. When they give you feedback - whether it's positive or negative - they're showing you exactly what's working and what needs attention. Listening closely and using that feedback to shape your marketing can help you improve the delivery experience and attract more repeat business.

Start by making it easy for customers to share their thoughts. Include a quick feedback link in your order confirmation email, or add a note in the delivery bag asking for a review. Some restaurants even use QR codes on packaging that lead to a short survey or review page.

Pay close attention to recurring comments. Are customers saying the food arrived cold? Are they confused about what's included in a meal? Do they wish there were more drink or dessert options for delivery? These kinds of details can guide small changes that make a big difference.

Once you've collected feedback, use it in your restaurant marketing. For example, if multiple customers praise your fast delivery or perfectly packed meals, turn those quotes into social media posts or include them on your delivery menu page. Real words from happy customers help build trust with new ones.

You can also respond directly to feedback - thank customers for positive reviews and politely address any concerns. This shows that you care and are actively working to improve. Even small gestures like this can turn a one-time customer into a loyal one.

Over time, tracking feedback gives you a better picture of how your delivery service is performing. You might start to see patterns, like certain days having more complaints or certain items being rated higher. This information helps you make smarter decisions, both in the kitchen and in your marketing.

In short, customer feedback isn't just helpful for fixing problems - it's a powerful tool for improving your restaurant marketing and building stronger relationships with the people who keep your business growing.