Technology isn’t usually the first thing that pops in your head when you think of food. However, with technology integrating itself in the veins of society and redefining function with an emphasis on “fun,” it’s hard to resist the possibilities it contributes to businesses.
But how exactly does technology—specifically no-code tools—translate for the food and service industry?
The simple answer is convenience, but that’s not enough to cover just how much tech innovation can expand horizons.
Enhanced Customer Experience
A whole new revolution that all consumers are on board with has risen with the use of mobile apps and websites for restaurants and food services. Generally, anything to make things easier for customers is a step closer to positive attention.
That being said, in a time where people have limited access to restaurants due to various quarantine restrictions, it’s helpful to have the menu of your favorite restaurant through their websites or apps ready for reservations/booking for a tight-knit gathering.
In addition to being available for viewing at all hours, websites and apps typically have an option for advanced orders to save consumers the trouble of waiting in line at the counter. They can arrange convenient pickup times to fit their hectic schedules.
This feature is a plus for food business showrunners as well as it allows them more time to plan and organize their table turnover and kitchen management. Everyone wins!
Online payment options are also another advantage to ordering through online channels. Customers don’t need to shell out cash and can complete the transaction without ever needing to be in direct contact with anyone — which is advisable in consideration of recent events.
Time and Energy Efficiency
The best way to get the busy people of today to divert their attention is by saving them their most valuable assets — their time and energy. With hectic schedules keeping the working class from the most basic of needs, having delivery options are heaven-sent.
The food scene has been forever transformed by the surfacing of food delivery apps such as UberEats and DoorDash which have quickly become staples in every smartphone because they provide exactly that — no need to hustle over to your nearest food crawl or to drive to your favorite restaurant to get decent meals.
A growing number of online grocery shopping has also been on the rise to adapt to the current situation, catering to the demand for more convenient ways to get groceries without leaving the safety of people’s homes.
Expansion to the Younger Market
If you’re in the food and beverage business, keeping to conventional methods might close doors to an entire vein of resources. With the youngins of today stepping it up with rising earning rates for young adults, tapping into the younger market is a no-brainer.
Technology, then, is the bridge that leverages food and beverages to this particular sector. This can be accomplished with:
- Creating websites and apps for accessibility
- Building a stable and strong following on social media for visibility
- Adding entertaining features, like online coupons or marketing gimmicks
Better Customer Service
With the dawn of technology, communication has been revolutionized from snail mail and telegrams to instantaneous replies within seconds through messaging tools. What this means for food businesses is the ability to offer more immediate and intimate customer relations.
Chat options being available 24/7 allow customers to reach fast-food chains, restaurants, or the local hole-in-the-wall for an order, complaint, or inquiries at their convenience. Having easy access to the establishments themselves is a good show of hospitality and would contribute to overall customer service that also shoots up a brand’s customer loyalty.
Data Gathering and Analysis
As a consumer, data gathering and analysis might not sound particularly helpful. However, remember those Suggestions pop-ups you often see when you open websites, apps, or your social media? We have data gathering and analysis to thank for that.
Based on your past transactions and preferences, data is collected from your typical interests and automated systems gather similar items, brands, and other similar data that you might also like. Furthermore, it then pushes the notifications onto your account. Similar to streaming apps like Youtube and Spotify, this where algorithms come in handy.
What’s more, having data on customers’ preferences and feedback is a necessity when managing and planning marketing strategies that benefit your business. These details can be accessed through the web service providers or website and app developers you partnered with to build them.
What’s Next?
These are but the tip of the enormous contributions technology has offered and is still offering the food and beverage industry. And yet, it’s not the end of the possibilities as more and more forms of innovation are adapted into the food scene.
Whether you’re a foodtrepreneur looking to create your own website and app that will keep your business relevant but don’t know where to start or an expert considering upgrading your existing tech setup, no-code is here for you.
What are your best app ideas? We’re the agency you want to partner with!
