How to Get More Orders on Zomato (Restaurant Guide)

India’s online food delivery market is booming. In 2024, it was valued at USD 31.77 billion and is projected to reach USD 140.85 billion by 2030. Busy lifestyles, widespread smartphone usage, and rapid urban growth are driving this surge.

But success isn’t automatic. Knowing how to get more orders in Zomato is essential for restaurants. Simply listing your menu won’t attract customers—you must optimize your profile, craft appealing menus, run smart promotions, and deliver exceptional service to stand out and boost sales.

This guide provides proven strategies to boost Zomato orders, including:

• Optimising your profile for visibility and credibility.
  
• Designing a menu that increases average orders.
  
• Running promotions to attract new customers.
  
• Ensuring timely, high-quality delivery.
  
• Engaging customers to turn first-time diners into loyal patrons.
  

Follow this roadmap to increase orders, build loyalty, and grow your restaurant business online. If you’re curious about how platforms like Zomato itself work, you can explore our breakdown of the Zomato Business Model.

Challenges Restaurants Face on Zomato

Getting noticed on Zomato is tough. With over 3,00,000+ restaurants across 800+ cities and more than 3 billion orders delivered, restaurants often face challenges in standing out, attracting customers, and maintaining visibility on Zomato. Restaurants often deal with:

• High Competition & Visibility Issues: Getting noticed among numerous listings.
  
• Maintaining Consistent Quality & Timely Delivery: Ensuring food quality and punctuality.
  
• Managing Promotions Without Hurting Profits: Balancing discounts and profitability.
  
• Engaging Customers for Repeat Orders: Building customer loyalty.
  
• Understanding Analytics & Customer Behavior: Interpreting data for better decision-making.
  

These challenges highlight the necessity for strategic marketing to enhance visibility and drive orders.

Why Zomato Marketing Strategies Matter?

Simply listing your restaurant on Zomato isn’t enough anymore. In a competitive market, smart marketing ensures your restaurant gets noticed, builds loyalty, and drives revenue.

• Draw New Food Lovers: Many users explore Zomato without a set plan. Eye-catching campaigns, special offers, and featured placements help attract first-time visitors.
  
• Create a Memorable Image: Beautiful dish photos, a clear menu layout, and consistent presentation build trust and make your restaurant unforgettable.
  
• Stand Out Instantly: With countless eateries on the platform, clever promotion ensures your restaurant grabs attention and isn’t lost in the crowd.
  
• Appear at the Right Moment: Optimized marketing helps your restaurant show up when hungry diners are actively searching, increasing your chances of being chosen.
  
• Encourage Repeat Visits: Limited-time deals, loyalty perks, and personalized offers inspire diners to return and order again.
  
• Understand Your Audience: Insights from Zomato show which dishes are popular, which promotions work best, and what customers are looking for—helping you make smarter decisions.
  
• Highlight What Makes You Unique: Promote your signature dishes, themed meals, or exclusive experiences to differentiate your restaurant from competitors.
  
• Boost Sales Naturally: Every effort, from improved visibility to targeted campaigns, works to increase orders, grow revenue, and strengthen your presence online.

By understanding these benefits, it becomes clear that Zomato marketing isn’t optional—it’s essential for any restaurant looking to thrive in India’s competitive food delivery market.

Key Strategies to Boost Orders on Zomato

Success on Zomato isn’t just about listing your restaurant; it’s about actively optimizing your presence to attract more customers, improve rankings, and encourage repeat orders. Below are the most effective strategies restaurants can implement today to maximize visibility, engagement, and revenue.

1. Optimize Your Zomato Profile

What it is: Your Zomato profile acts as your restaurant’s digital storefront. An appealing, informative, and up-to-date profile draws more attention, builds trust, and can significantly increase orders.

Why it matters:

• Improves visibility in search results and rankings.
  
• Builds credibility and trust among potential customers.
  
• Increases click-through and conversion rates.
  
• Encourages repeat orders through consistent presentation.
  

How to optimize:

High-Quality Images – Use professional photos of your dishes, capturing textures, colours, and plating. Multiple angles can make dishes more appealing.

Compelling Descriptions – Highlight flavours, ingredients, and portion sizes with descriptive words like “crispy,” “creamy,” or “zesty.”

Menu Organization – Categorize items logically (Starters, Mains, Desserts, Beverages) and highlight combos or signature dishes to boost average order value.

Keyword Optimization – Use natural search terms like “healthy salads,” “fast pizza delivery,” or “vegan options near me.”

Accurate & Updated Info – Correct restaurant name, address, hours, and prices. Enable online payments for convenience.

Customer Engagement – Respond promptly to reviews, encourage photos, and share your story to connect emotionally with customers.

Pro Tips: Update menus seasonally, highlight dietary options, and showcase your restaurant’s unique story.

2. Use Zomato Promotions & Discounts

What it is: Strategic use of promotions and discounts attracts new customers, increases order frequency, and encourages repeat purchases.

Why it matters:

• Drives immediate traffic and boosts visibility on the Zomato app.
  
• Encourages first-time customers to try your offerings.
  
• Increases average order value through combos and bundles.
  

How to implement:

Time-Limited Offers – Use urgency-driven deals like “20% off for the next 2 hours” or “Buy 1 Get 1 Today Only” to encourage instant orders.

Combo Deals – Bundle popular items at discounted prices to promote upselling.

Paid Ads – Sponsor listings or banner ads to appear at the top of search results during peak hours.

Zomato Gold & Subscription Offers – Offer frequent, loyal users exclusive discounts.

Seasonal Promotions – Festive or local event-specific deals increase excitement and orders.

Pro Tips: Monitor each campaign with Zomato analytics, integrate with social media promotions, and avoid excessive discounts that could affect perceived value. To increase overall reach, you can also benefit from Digital Marketing Services

3. Ensure Delivery Excellence

What it is: High-quality, timely delivery is critical for customer satisfaction and retention. Poor delivery can harm your rating and reduce repeat orders.

Why it matters:

• Customers value fast, accurate, and safe delivery, which is equally important to food quality.
  
• Consistent delivery improves Zomato rankings and builds trust.
  
• Enhances customer loyalty and long-term satisfaction.
  

How to implement:

Quality Packaging – Use insulated, leak-proof, and branded packaging to maintain freshness. Include tamper-proof seals for professionalism.

Timely Delivery – Track prep and delivery times, coordinate with partners, and set realistic delivery estimates.

Train Delivery Staff – Ensure courteous handling, hygiene compliance, and customer-friendly interactions.

Use Technology – Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) help manage orders efficiently, reducing errors and delays.

Earn Zomato Badges – Consistent on-time delivery earns badges that build credibility and attract more orders.

Pro Tips: Pre-prep during peak hours, include thank-you notes, and monitor feedback. Consider investing in a custom Food Delivery App to streamline operations.

4. Build a Strong Brand Identity

What it is: Brand identity defines how your restaurant is perceived online and offline. On Zomato, a recognisable and trusted brand encourages customers to order repeatedly.

Why it matters:

• Differentiates your restaurant from competitors.
  
• Builds credibility with new and existing customers.
  
• Encourages loyalty and increases customer lifetime value.
  

How to build a strong brand:

Visual Branding – Use consistent logos, colours, and fonts across Zomato, social media, and packaging.

Engaging Storytelling – Share your restaurant’s story, unique recipes, or sustainability practices.

Signature Items & Visual Identity – Promote popular dishes consistently with high-quality visuals.

Customer Engagement – Respond to reviews professionally and show you value feedback.

Packaging & Presentation – Branded packaging enhances the customer experience and reinforces identity.

Social Media Consistency – Align posts with your Zomato profile for a unified presence.

Pro Tips: Highlight unique offerings, encourage user-generated content, and maintain a consistent brand voice.

5. Engage Customers Through Social Media

What it is: Social media engagement involves connecting with your audience beyond Zomato. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp help restaurants expand reach, strengthen community, and drive orders.

Why it matters:

• Increases brand visibility outside the Zomato app.
  
• Builds trust and loyalty through consistent interaction.
  
• Attracts new customers via shares, tags, and influencer collaborations.
  
• Supports promotions, new menu launches, and campaigns.
  

How to engage effectively:

Regular Posting – Share updates about menu changes, events, and promotions. Post behind-the-scenes content like kitchen prep or staff stories.

Interactive Content – Use polls, quizzes, or contests to encourage participation. For example, “Vote for our next dessert special” or “Caption this dish to win a free meal.”

Collaborate with Influencers – Partner with local food bloggers or micro-influencers to promote your restaurant to their followers.

Direct Engagement via WhatsApp – Broadcast menus, offers, or personalized discounts to loyal customers.

Link Zomato Profile – Add your Zomato link to social media bios and posts. Include QR codes on posts or packaging for quick access.

Leverage Social Proof – Share positive reviews, customer photos, and unboxing videos to build credibility. Encourage followers to tag your restaurant.

Pro Tips: Maintain a consistent posting schedule, use high-quality visuals, and track engagement to identify what resonates. You can also leverage White Label SEO Services to boost online discoverability beyond Zomato.

6. Use Analytics to Make Data-Driven Decisions

What it is: Analytics involves tracking and interpreting data from Zomato and other sources to understand customer behaviour, optimize operations, and make informed decisions.

Why it matters:

• Identifies high-performing dishes and promotions.
  
• Supports inventory and staffing planning.
  
• Improves operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  
• Enables targeted marketing for higher conversion rates.
  

How to implement:

Monitor Key Metrics – Regularly track order volume, average order value, ratings, and delivery times.

Identify Best-Sellers – Promote popular and well-reviewed dishes on your menu, social media, and promotions.

Understand Peak Hours – Use data to efficiently schedule staff and delivery partners during rush periods.

Customer Segmentation – Segment customers by frequency, location, or preferences for targeted offers.

A/B Testing – Test menu layouts, promotions, and pricing strategies to see what drives more orders.

Inventory Management – Use analytics to maintain stock of high-demand items and reduce wastage.

Pro Tips: Combine Zomato analytics with social media insights, review customer feedback, and continuously refine promotions and menu strategy. Businesses can also explore Food & Beverages Software to gain deeper insights and operational control.

7. Refresh Your Menu with Trending Items

What it is: Updating your menu regularly with new, seasonal, or trending dishes keeps your restaurant exciting and encourages repeat visits.

Why it matters:

• Prevents customer fatigue from repetitive menus.
  
• Attracts trend-seeking and curious customers.
  
• Positions your brand as innovative and customer-focused.
  

How to implement:

Seasonal Offerings – Add dishes that align with seasons or festivals. Example: Hot soups in monsoon, summer beverages during heatwaves, or Diwali-themed sweets.

Monitor Food Trends – Track social media, blogs, and competitor menus. Offer trending items like plant-based meals, fusion dishes, or health-focused options.

Limited-Time Specials – Weekly chef specials or festival dishes create urgency.

Highlight New Items – Use “New” badges on Zomato menus and promote on social media.

Customer Feedback – Use reviews, polls, or direct feedback to improve and introduce items customers want.

Optimize Menu Layout – Feature trending or high-margin items at the top, with appealing images and descriptions.

Pro Tips: Balance core menu items with new offerings. Track sales data before making items permanent. Rotate offerings seasonally to maintain freshness. For larger chains, Mobile Application Development can simplify menu updates and communication.

8. Reward Loyal Customers

What it is: Loyalty programs and personalized rewards recognize repeat buyers, encourage continued engagement, and create brand advocates.

Why it matters:

• Encourages repeat orders and increases revenue.
  
• Strengthens customer trust and emotional connection.
  
• Converts loyal customers into advocates who bring referrals.
  
• Increases average order value through targeted incentives.
  

How to implement:

Loyalty Programs – Offer structured rewards: “Order 5 times, get a free dessert” or points redeemable for discounts.

Personalised Offers – Use order history to provide customised discounts or recommendations.

Exclusive Access – Early access to new menu items or specials for loyal customers.

Birthday & Anniversary Rewards – Small gifts, discounts, or messages enhance engagement.

Referral Programs – Reward customers who refer friends or family.

Personalised Communication – Share updates and promotions via SMS, WhatsApp, or email with a friendly tone.

Pro Tips: Keep rewards simple, track participation, and combine loyalty incentives with seasonal promotions.

9. Bonus Tips for Competitive Advantage

What it is: Additional strategies can give your restaurant an edge over competitors on Zomato. Small operational, marketing, or service adjustments can significantly improve performance.

Why it matters:

• Helps stand out in a crowded marketplace.
  
• Improves customer satisfaction and engagement.
  
• Drives repeat orders and loyalty.
  

How to implement:

Extended Hours – Offer late-night or early-morning delivery to capture off-peak markets.

Community Engagement – Sponsor events, participate in local festivals, or partner with schools to increase local visibility.

Themed Menus & Seasonal Specials – Create excitement with festival or seasonal menus.

Cross-Promotion with Packaging – Include discount coupons, thank-you notes, or QR codes in deliveries to encourage repeat orders.

Optimize for Speed – Streamline kitchen operations, prep ingredients in advance, and reduce delivery times.

Leverage Zomato Features – Use paid promotions, Zomato Gold, and analytics dashboards to optimise offerings.

Solicit Feedback Proactively – Encourage feedback through QR codes or surveys and act on it to improve services.

Pro Tips: Combine multiple strategies for maximum effect and maintain a consistent brand experience across all touchpoints. For restaurants planning a bigger digital push, check out our detailed guide on How Much Does It Cost to Build an App Like Zomato.

Conclusion: How to Get More Orders in Zomato and Take Your Sales to the Next Level

Boosting orders on Zomato goes beyond listing your menu. Strategic profile optimisation, enticing promotions, timely deliveries, menu innovation, and strong customer engagement are key.

Consistency, attention to detail, and data-driven decisions are essential for long-term success. iCoderz Solutions helps restaurants maximise their Zomato presence.

To expand your reach further, consider building your own restaurant app, allowing you to manage your menu, promotions, and customer engagement more effectively. Contact us today.

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