The global COVID-19 pandemic changed how restaurants operate. Rather than open a menu, we asked customers to scan a code. Empty dining rooms became takeout handoff points. COVID-19 santitized our operations, shifting the focus from building personal connections to operating safely.
A styrofoam box of delicious hot food can't replace the 3D in-person dining experience, but marketing tools like QR codes can help bridge the gap. QR codes can even make lifelong fans out of one-time takeout customers.
Why a QR code?
Have you ever found yourself lost in a puzzle on the back of a cereal box? Or maybe you’ve scanned a code on a carton of eggs to see where the farm they came from. It’s one thing to buy a great product, but when paired with a unique experience, you can create lifelong customers.
A QR code on your takeout menu can add value by creating memorable experiences for your customers. Unlike a tabletop insert or sticker on a restaurant table, a takeout menu follows your customer home. While there, your customer has more time to peruse your menu, open their phones to scan the code, and “read the back of the box”. Exceed their expectations by curating an experience on the other side and customers will save your takeout menu to reuse again and again.
[Editor’s note: you can even make branded QR-code magnets that customers can keep on the fridge for easy access!]
What should I link the QR code to?
This QR code represents your best shot at fostering a deeper connection with your customer, so take your time choosing a link. Alternatively, use a Link in Bio page as a shortcut. A Link in Bio page hosts a menu of links accessible with one evergreen link. Third party hosts like Linktree and MustHaveMenus remove the need to code your own by providing templates and hosting the link on their platforms. This way, you can link your takeout menu QR code to several links without changing the link later.
Don’t forget online ordering!
Many customers looking at a takeout menu will instinctively scan your QR code to order food, without wanting to “read the back of the box”. Make online ordering easy for them by removing the need to type a URL or dial a phone number. Reserve 1-3 links on your Link in Bio page for online ordering tools such as:
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Online ordering form
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Phone number for takeout orders
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Online takeout menu
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Links to food delivery pages like Grubhub or DoorDash
6 unique ways to incorporate QR codes in your takeout menus
Whether you want to link to one specific page or a menu of links using a Link in Bio page, here are 5 unique ways to create connections with customers using QR codes in your takeout menus.
Interactive games
A great way to create a memorable takeout experience is by giving your customers a lucky day. Create a lottery or sweepstakes for 3 free meals or another prize. Link to a raffle ticket system where customers can buy into a lottery. Game engagement will significantly increase the likelihood that they will order again.
Live Cam
Live cams can transport customers to your restaurant. With your staff’s permission, set up a live camera where customers would typically view food preparation. Live cams go well with sushi restaurants, oyster bars, and other restaurants that feature a food assembly line as part of the dining experience.
Social media
Help customers connect with your restaurant and grow your following at the same time. Link your takeout menu QR code to a Link in Bio page with all your social media profiles available. While customers wait for their takeout orders, give them something to do such as:
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Create a hashtag that customers can use to submit their takeout dining experiences.
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Share recipes, stories from the business, or videos introducing your staff.
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Offer a 15% discount to customers who follow your social media accounts.
Promotions or specials
A QR code is a great way to promote specials that takeout customers may not already know about. Create Happy Hour specials or seasonal specials that can drum up in-person business. With each new season or special, update your Link in Bio page accordingly.
Tip: Choose promotions that target a specific group like students, seniors, or veterans. Track their success metrics to improve for next year.
Review page
A study by BIA Advisory Services found that 97% of customers read reviews before making a purchase. Boost your word-of-mouth marketing by streamlining the review process. Use a QR code on your takeout menu to link to trusted review sites like:
Timely reviews tend to keep key details. Offer a discount if customers review your restaurant within 48 hours of ordering.
Newsletter
A monthly or quarterly newsletter can keep your customers updated on all of your newsworthy events. A newsletter holds more information than a social media post, but doesn’t take as much work to create as a blog post or webpage on your website. Linking to a newsletter can be a great marketing tool for creating connections between your restaurants and your takeout business.
Conclusion
Your takeout customers deserve to experience the essence of your restaurant as much as your in-person diners. A QR code on your takeout menus can achieve this goal by giving customers a piece of your restaurant to interact with while in the comfort of their own homes. While a barcode on a folded menu can’t replace the in-person experience, using one in a creative way can create a memorable experience.
A great place to start is by linking your QR code to a 3rd party Link in Bio page to utilize a single evergreen link you’ll never have to change again. Update your Link in Bio page to include links that customers can connect with, starting with an ordering form or phone number. This will catch customers to inevitably want to order takeout from your takeout menu.
From there, you have limitless options to choose from. Link to silly social media content or a raffle. Whatever you choose, stay consistent and don’t forget about your takeout customers. For all the value and convenience your food provides, adding a layer of human connection will make them lifelong fans for years to come.
Sydney is a restaurant writer and digital marketer whose work has been featured in Restobiz and FSR. She currently works at MustHaveMenus, which provides small businesses with an all-in-one management solution for creating menus, QR codes, landing pages and more. Find out more here.
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