Digital Transformation: A Must for Restaurants Today

Digital transformation has become a critical pillar for any restaurant or business in general. The Internet of Things, multichannel platforms, and the entire tech revolution have swept the world. Customers are now tech-savvy, browsing on their mobile devices, and restaurants are accelerating their pace by adapting to this new digital norm.

Are QR Codes Still Relevant?

QR codes remain an innovative, fast, and effective tool to boost traffic and engage customers. But are they still useful in today’s ultra-digital age? Actually, even before COVID-19, the use of QR cards grew by 28% from 2018 to 2019 according to Bluebee. Many companies have found creative ways not only to get customers to scan their QR codes—whether from menus or with staff assistance—but also to increase brand awareness in the process across all mobile devices.

Why Customer Reviews Matter

Customer reviews are vital for any restaurant. They not only help improve SEO—especially if you represent a local business—but also grow your online feedback on popular platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, Zomato, etc., boosting your ranking on the Search Engine Results Page (SERP). Online reviews often make or break a business. They are crucial if you want to polish your reputation and should be top of your marketing list, as they heavily influence potential customers’ buying decisions.

Consumers increasingly rely on others’ opinions and experiences when evaluating options and making purchases, whether remotely on Talabat or Zomato, or directly at your restaurant with the help of your friendly staff! Ultimately, who is best qualified to judge your restaurant’s service and staff? The people who interact directly with it! It all comes down to the customers—everything in a restaurant revolves around their experience, in all shapes and sizes (pun intended)! After all, customers’ money pays your rent, salaries, costs, and profits. Your restaurant exists to meet their needs.

Top 5 Best Ways to Place Your QR Code to Generate Online Reviews in Your Restaurant

It’s worth trying these methods on your end:

1. Rate-Us Card Given at Payment Time (For Dine-In)
   The best time to reach a satisfied customer is at the end of a happy journey—especially if the food pleased them! It takes some tact and diplomacy from your staff to politely ask them to scan the QR code and submit their positive online review, as their opinion matters most. Some customers dislike waiting for the bill; the waiter can keep them engaged with the review process until the bill arrives.
2. QR Code Sticker in Delivery Bags
   For those who love dining at home or the office, reach them with a well-designed sticker and a clever Call-To-Action (CTA) asking them to scan the QR code and leave an online review to help improve service and quality. The QR code can be included with a flyer featuring the menu, printed smartly on the bag, or sometimes on drinks or food containers with a “Scan me” message. The goal is to associate online reviews with positive emotions and leverage consumer psychology.
3. Place the QR Code on the Table Surface
   Although sometimes you ask customers manually to scan a QR code and complete an online review, automating the process is more effective and consistent. Putting a QR code on the tabletop, placemats, physical menus, or digital menus is a great way to encourage customers to scan and complete their review. However, it must be placed unobtrusively—not interrupting their menu browsing, or it could backfire. That’s why placing it on the digital menu is recommended since it’s already on their phones and feels like a natural extension of the menu.
4. Print the QR Code on Receipts
   Most people tend to read their receipts carefully; printing a QR code on them greatly increases the chance of encountering and interacting with it. Many restaurant owners now sweeten the deal by offering a discount on the next purchase after filling out an online review form as a smart incentive. Of course, discounts can be a double-edged sword, so carefully craft the CTA to avoid customers thinking you’re bribing them for positive reviews.
5. QR Code Stickers on Doors, Chairs, Windows, Tables, and More!
   Since it’s all about a great customer journey, integrating QR codes into the “fun” customer experience is key if done well. You can turn a somewhat “boring” task into something enjoyable, encouraging customers to participate rather than forcing it on them. If your restaurant or café has an Instagram-worthy spot, add a stylish QR code in a corner and let customers scan it to enjoy a different surprise each time. The same concept applies to QR stickers placed on doors, tables, chairs, windows around your venue. Of course, this requires strong QR code design and concept, but it boosts your brand’s “customer proof” element.

QR Code Generators are interactive tools with flexible sizes that you should leverage—whether for pilot data capture and insights or as part of an automated customer review generation process.

Side Tip for Business Owners:
It’s also recommended to place a QR code on your digital menu.

Localyser can help you get your restaurant’s reviews—negative, positive, and everything in between. Let us prepare your QR code and landing page. Contact Localyser today!

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