Have you been thinking of adding online ordering? You're not alone: a growing number of pizzerias are using online ordering to boost their takeout and delivery business and satisfy the needs of customers who appreciate the convenience.

While some operators receive their online orders on their fax machines, orders that go directly to the restaurant's point of sale system can save a lot of time: With SpeedLine OrderLink Gateway, you no longer need your employees to re-enter orders. Orders go directly to the make line and the POS automatically sends a confirmation back to the Website, maximizing both speed and customer satisfaction.

Promoting Your Website

Online ordering may well be the next big thing to propel your pizza sales. But if pizza lovers don't know they can order from you online, your website may not generate the amount of business it should. At every opportunity, you want to let your customers know your restaurant can take online orders.

Here are ten simple tips on how to promote your online ordering:

Add your website address and an invitation to order online to all your current marketing materials: From your Yellow Pages listing to your direct mail pieces, make sure your online address is displayed prominently. Don't forget to feature it on your menu, business cards, newsletters and any other promo materials. Add a call to action so people know why they should visit: Order Online Now or Web Specials at www.YourWebAddress.com

Add your website address to your signage both inside and outside your restaurant: Don't miss your chance to display your website address prominently for all to see. Put it on your signs, on your delivery cars, on your pizza boxes, and even on your employees' shirts.

Plan a press release: Deliver a press release with a pizza to local newspapers and radio stations to announce the launch of your ordering website.

Add your website address in the footer of every customer receipt: Your SpeedLine POS gives you the ability to customize your tickets' header and footer: Take advantage of this functionality to print a mini-ad at the bottom of your tickets to encourage your customers to order online. (Go to Store Manager>Settings>Hardware Setup>Ticket Print Options to set up the footer.)

Incorporate your website address into your logo: Sometimes the only bit of info you can slip in about your business is a logo. Make it count: Your website address may stick in people's minds more than your phone number.

Submit your website to restaurant guides and local directories: Having other sites link to your website is good: It will increase your rankings with the search engines. But you don't want just any kind of links; you want links likely to be seen by people who either live in your area or plan to visit. You may find it worthwhile to pay for a listing with some city or restaurant guides such as CitySearch.

Some local directories may also list your site for free: Visit your Chamber of Commerce or local business or tourism association on the Web to research what's available.

Publicize your website address through fundraiser or sponsorship events: There is no better way to create good feelings about your business in your community than to sponsor local groups. Make a point of ensuring your website address gets some exposure, along with your logo. And if you're planning a press release about the event, include your Web address.

Consider handing out flyers to targeted customers in your area: Are there university students in your town? Or large pools of office workers who may find it convenient to order online at lunch? Plan a special advertising flyer to reach these prospects with the good news that they can order from you online.

Include your website address in your email signature: Any time you or your employees send an email, make sure your web address is included in the signature.

Send email blasts: If you've been collecting email addresses on your website or in your SpeedLine customer records, send regular offers to invite your customers to keep ordering online. You may even ask them to forward your coupons or menu specials to their friends. Keep in mind that to comply with spam regulations, you should give your subscribers an option to unsubscribe from your email list.