For restaurants, cafes, takeaways and delivery businesses that want to make their direct ordering channel more visible and move more guests to their own ordering page.
The direct ordering channel is underused
Many restaurants receive orders through several channels: phone, walk-ins, Google, their own website, social media or marketplaces such as Lieferando and Wolt.
Every channel can bring new guests, but for many operators the direct ordering channel is used too little.
If a satisfied guest opens a familiar app again next time, your own ordering page remains invisible. That is the opportunity.
Why direct orders matter
Direct orders come through your own channel, for example your Ordentino ordering page.
The customer sees your brand, menu, offers and ordering process instead of only interacting with an external platform.
Marketplaces can still be useful for reach, but satisfied guests should have a simple way to order directly next time.
1. Update the Google order link
For many guests, the search starts on Google, not on your website.
When your Google Business Profile appears, guests decide within seconds whether to call, view the menu, order online or click another provider.
A good Google order link saves time and takes guests straight to your ordering page.
2. Make the order button visible on the website
Many restaurant websites have an order link somewhere, but it is hard to find.
A hungry guest does not search for long. The order button should be visible immediately, especially on mobile.
Use clear labels such as Order online now, Order for collection & delivery or Order directly from us.
3. Put QR codes on packaging, bags and flyers
Every order is a chance for the next order.
When guests receive your food, your direct ordering channel should be visible on packaging, flyers or stickers.
A QR code takes them straight to your Ordentino ordering page.
4. Use social media and WhatsApp as ordering channels
Many restaurants post on Instagram, Facebook or WhatsApp Business without a clear route to order.
If a guest sees a photo of a pizza, kebab, burger or daily special, they should be able to order immediately.
Good photos create appetite; a clear link creates orders.
5. Use vouchers for the first direct order
Many guests need a small reason to try a new ordering route.
A voucher does not need to be large; it needs to be clear and linked to a goal.
Combine QR code and voucher so the guest understands immediately what to do.
6. Point marketplace customers to the direct channel in a friendly way
Platforms such as Lieferando and Wolt can bring new guests.
Once the guest is satisfied, they should also know your own ordering channel.
Keep the message positive and professional, and respect the terms of external platforms.
7. Actively inform regular guests
Many regular guests would order direct if they knew how easy it is.
Your team should mention the route without turning it into a long sales conversation.
This is especially useful for guests who regularly call, because phone orders can gradually become online orders.
8. Make collection more visible
Many restaurants think of delivery first, but collection is often a strong channel.
With collection, there is no driver planning, fewer delivery-time problems and less organisational stress.
Guests need to understand that online ordering can also mean fast, planned collection.
9. Keep menu, prices and delivery times current
Direct orders only work when the information is correct.
If a guest orders online and then receives a call saying the dish is unavailable, trust is damaged.
Schedule 10 minutes each week to check the digital menu.
10. Measure and improve simply
More direct orders come from implementation and regular review.
Ask how many direct orders arrive each week, which vouchers are used, which products sell often and which days are quiet.
Different voucher codes by channel show what really works.
The 10 actions at a glance
30-minute start plan
Open your Ordentino ordering page and test it on a smartphone.
Check your key links: Google Business Profile, website, Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp Business.
Save your QR code as an image, print it and place it at the till, on packaging and in collection and delivery orders.
Text next to it: Order direct next time. Scan the QR code and order online.
Common mistakes
Most actions are simple, but restaurants still lose direct orders when the route is hidden or the information is wrong.
Conclusion: direct orders need visibility
More direct orders do not appear automatically just because an online ordering system exists.
Guests need to see the direct route, understand it and use it easily.
Marketplaces can bring new customers. Your own ordering channel helps ensure satisfied guests order direct next time.
Common questions
How can I get more direct orders quickly?
Start with the most important touchpoints: Google order link, visible website button, QR code on packaging and a simple prompt for regular guests. These actions are quick to implement and make your direct channel visible immediately.
Do I need to offer large discounts?
No. Large discounts are often unnecessary. A small voucher for the first direct order or a collection benefit is often enough to motivate guests to try the route.
Which is better: flyers or QR stickers?
At the start, a QR sticker or simple printout is enough. The code must be visible and lead directly to the ordering page. Professional flyers can make sense later.
Should I keep using marketplaces like Lieferando or Wolt?
That depends on your strategy. Marketplaces can bring new guests. At the same time, it is useful to point satisfied customers towards your own ordering channel so repeat orders can be placed through that channel.
How often should I check my online menu?
At least once a week, and whenever prices, opening hours, delivery areas, ingredients or availability change.
How do I measure whether the actions work?
Compare the number of direct orders each week. Use different voucher codes for Google, flyers, packaging or social media so you can see which action really brings orders.
Start Ordentino for my restaurant
With Ordentino, you get your own ordering page for collection and delivery, reachable through QR codes, Google, social media or your own domain. Make it easy for guests to order directly from you.