Check the detailed guide on increasing the sales of cloud kitchen business

Cloud kitchens are the new normal. When the pandemic pierced its fangs on the world, many businesses suffered the cruel fate of a lockdown. The food & beverages industry suffered an irreparable loss because people were isolated in their homes, and the dine-in service was crumbling apart. Thousands of restaurants shut their business down, and many emerging ones are clueless about how to increase their sales in the food business. However, the concept of cloud kitchens saved many people from incurring millions in losses, and technology once again proves to be the reason for a paradigm shift.

Cloud kitchens are also known as shared kitchens or ghost kitchens. They do not indulge in the concept of dine-in. The whole cloud system is optimised around creating food that is delivered ready. In an age where you can order anything via a few taps on your smartphone, food was a conspicuous option that would emerge as a cloud service sooner than later.

While food ordering has been around since 1889, the delivery process is simplified and aided with numerous eccentric features now. Cloud kitchens do not have physical outlets where you can pick up the food, but it is a space where multiple restaurants prepare their food by sharing rent. The orders are fulfilled via delivery websites like Swiggy, Zomato, and others.

With the boom in the cloud industry, these kitchens have become a lucrative business for food enthusiasts. Though, some businesses cannot reach the extent of their revenue goals due to deviated marketing or botched implementation. To avoid these in your business, here is a detailed guide on how you can increase the sales of your cloud kitchen business.

Increase the sales of your cloud kitchen business in these simple steps

1. Lure customers through visuals

We are living in the digital era. Visuals bring more traction to the food and fashion business than you think. Pictures, while made out of pixels, are closer to reality for a hungry person. Eye candy eventually leads a person to order your food, and studies prove so too.

Whenever a person watches some scrumptious clip of a cake or pizza their body releases the ghrelin, this makes a person peckish and implores them to buy some food from the same place. These pictures are not only meant for attracting people but also helps make an informed choice, and we can all agree that real pictures are more reliable than text-based menus.

2. Invest in a website

Websites close the gap between your kitchen and the customer. The end-product needs to be supported with good reviews and storytelling mediums such as websites. This website should be developed by professionals and have the best SEO practices to reach the top of the search engines and make your business boom. Here are some essentials that every cloud kitchen website must have:

• A comprehensive narration of the idea behind the commencement of the business.
• A virtual record keeper of orders, positive reviews, and customers.
• A dedicated blog section that provides value to the reader and enlightens them about the topic of cloud kitchens and their history.
• Proof of certification from FSSAI, health and trade license, fire/safety license, shop, and establishment license.
• A digital menu with pictures.
• Good visual elements.
• Mobile optimisation.
• Call to action.

Websites build credibility and lead to conversions. You can gradually increase your sales up to a substantial percentage if you have a website and social media presence.

3. Partner up with food delivery services

While allowing customers to deliver from your website is a great move, providing them with multiple alternatives for the same are essential. Food delivery services have an association with millions of eateries and restaurants. That means an expansive customer base and more reach for you.

This will not only increase the sales for your cloud kitchen but also lead to cost minimisation on hiring delivery professionals. These services often run discount periods where the orders come in thousands, and your cloud kitchen can benefit from this time- and cost-efficient method.

Also Read: Kitchen Equipment Manufacturers in India

4. Leverage the power of online listings

Online listings are the ultimate decision-maker for customers. No one wants to visit a new place or order from an eatery before being aware of its quality and experience. Reviews and pictures from any place are posted on these listings by previous customers and reflect upon the rapport of the establishment.

Hence, upload your business on Google, Yahoo, or other food review columns and build your audience slowly by reflecting on your unparalleled service and the exotic food that you prepare. This also helps your business to be visible for various searches and keywords, and ensures that customers from different pages land on the same conclusion.

5. Influencer marketing is the key

Influencers carry a large audience over different channels, and their opinion is the holy grail for their followers. If an influencer makes a video or review about how your cloud kitchen delivers food with extraordinary taste, your business will bloom with so many orders that you might require additional staff.

Influencer marketing includes paid collaboration, giveaways, and barter deals. You can find an influencer who matches your requirements by analysing their audience, engagement, and post metrics. If it is a food blogger, you can confide in them to increase your sales.

6. Add more cuisines to your menu

The more food options you have, the more customers you will acquire from distinctive food preferences. For instance, if your money only has Indian cuisine, try adding Italian, Continental, and fast food to the menu. This will help people with finicky taste to order what they like and not scroll past your menu.

You can also offer combo meals that combine the taste of different food into a fulfilling experience. This helps sell dishes that normally have low order volumes with the high selling products and thus creating the perfect balance.

How OkCredit can help you?

You can also use the OkCredit application to streamline your increased sales in the cloud kitchen business, and maintain a digital ledger of all the credit and payment transactions with your customers. This will reduce manual and mental burden, and help you reclaim time for focusing on core activities.

Conclusion

The sales of your cloud kitchen business can be boosted through stellar service more than anything else. Be candid about your ingredients and process, and cleanliness is pivotal in a health-conscious era too.

Following the above-mentioned strategies along with the generic requirements of any kitchen and food will bring business to you, while also sustaining a positive response from customers. Food is a conspicuous necessity, and it will never go out of demand. You need to adjust to the trends and abide by the laws to create a reputable name in the industry.

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FAQs

Q. How do cloud kitchens operate?

Ans. Cloud kitchens do not have a physical dine-in space or take-out window. The purpose is to deliver food quickly through online delivery methods. They operate from big rented commercial kitchens. Think conveyor belts, machinery, and staff from different places working at one place.

Q. Can I create my cloud kitchen from home?

Ans. Yes, you can have a cloud kitchen at home, where you can prepare food as per your liking. However, you ensure that you acquire all the necessary permits and partner up with a reliable delivery service to reach your audience.

If you have your delivery system, invest in marketing to get the word out for initial sales and build your brand via the website.

Q. What are co-working cloud kitchens?

Ans. Co-working cloud kitchen is a concept where many brands share the rent of a large space and utilise the facility for their businesses that are related to food only. Since cloud kitchens do not have a physical existence, various brands can deliver their food from one place. Since the customer only cares about getting the food to their homes and not about the ambiance or preparation location, collapsing with others can save costs for your business.

Q. What are some ways to market my cloud kitchen?

Ans. Here is how you can market your cloud kitchen:

• Social media (Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Use public media like hoardings, billboards, etc.
• Influencer marketing.
• Partner with delivery services.
• Garner good reviews.
• Offer loyalty programs.
• Add related services like pre-mixes to your arsenal.
• Create a website blog.

Q. Why are cloud businesses booming right now?

Ans. Cloud businesses are booming because of the growing attraction for delivery services due to the pandemic. New technologies close the gap between the customer and their meals, while making it easier to eat any type of food anytime and anywhere.

Real estate prices are also booming. That makes it difficult for people to open restaurants with physical spaces. Delivery only services do not need a place at prime locations or with breathtaking ambiance. All they need to acquire is a kitchen at any affordable location. Hence, no restriction based on prices.