Getting Online Orders Without Paying a Delivery App 30%

As the owner of a one-person web studio based in Georgia, I've worked with numerous small businesses across the United States, and one common pain point I've noticed is the struggle to get online orders without paying a hefty commission to delivery apps. These apps can charge anywhere from 20% to 30% per order, eating into the already thin profit margins of small businesses. I've seen firsthand how this can affect the bottom line, and I'm passionate about helping my clients find alternative solutions.

The Power of Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

One effective way to reduce reliance on delivery apps is to get found on Google locally. By optimizing your website for local search engine optimization (SEO), you can increase your online visibility, drive more traffic to your website, and ultimately receive more direct orders. I've helped clients achieve this by focusing on keyword research, on-page optimization, and building high-quality local citations. For instance, I worked with a small restaurant in a competitive market, and after implementing a local SEO strategy, they saw a 25% increase in direct online orders within 6 months.

To get started with local SEO, I recommend claiming and optimizing your Google My Business listing. This is a free service that allows you to manage your business's online presence, respond to customer reviews, and provide essential information such as hours of operation, address, and contact details. I also suggest using online directories like Yelp and Bing Places to expand your reach. By doing so, you can increase your chances of appearing in the coveted Google 3-pack, which can drive significant traffic to your website. You can learn more about my approach to SEO on my /services page.

Building a Website that Converts

Having a website is crucial for small businesses, but it's not enough to just have an online presence. Your website needs to be designed with conversion in mind, meaning it should be easy for customers to find what they're looking for and place an order. I've seen many websites that are beautifully designed but lack clear calls-to-action, making it difficult for customers to take the next step. As a web studio owner, I prioritize creating websites that are not only visually appealing but also user-friendly and optimized for conversions. You can see examples of my work on my /work page, and even get an estimate for your website project using my /website-cost-calculator.

To build a website that converts, I focus on creating a seamless user experience, from the initial search to the final checkout. This includes optimizing product pages, streamlining the checkout process, and providing clear instructions on how to place an order. By doing so, you can increase the chances of customers completing their orders on your website, rather than relying on third-party delivery apps. I also offer a /free-website-audit to help you identify areas for improvement on your existing website.

The Importance of Online Reviews

Online reviews play a significant role in local SEO, and they can also impact your business's reputation and credibility. I've seen businesses with excellent products and services struggle to attract customers due to a lack of online reviews. As a web studio owner, I encourage my clients to prioritize collecting reviews from satisfied customers, as this can help increase their online visibility and build trust with potential customers. You can ask your customers to leave reviews on your Google My Business listing or other relevant platforms.

To make the most of online reviews, I recommend responding promptly to both positive and negative feedback. This shows that you value your customers' opinions and are committed to providing excellent service. By doing so, you can build a strong reputation and increase the chances of attracting new customers. I've seen clients who respond to reviews regularly see a significant increase in their online reputation and, as a result, more direct orders.

Measuring Success

To measure the success of your local SEO efforts, I recommend tracking key metrics such as website traffic, online orders, and conversion rates. By monitoring these metrics, you can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to optimize your strategy. I also suggest setting up Google Analytics to track your website's performance and gain valuable insights into your customers' behavior. You can learn more about my approach to measuring success on my /services page.

By implementing a local SEO strategy, building a website that converts, and prioritizing online reviews, you can reduce your reliance on delivery apps and increase direct online orders. As the owner of a one-person web studio, I'm committed to helping small businesses across the United States achieve their online goals. Whether you're looking to improve your local SEO, build a new website, or simply need guidance on how to get started, I'm here to help.

Getting Started

If you're ready to take control of your online presence and start receiving more direct orders, I invite you to get in touch with me. I offer a range of services, from local SEO to website design and development, all tailored to meet the unique needs of small businesses. You can visit my website to learn more about my services and even get a free website audit to identify areas for improvement.