Carry-Out Services: 7 Brilliant Marketing Strategies

Today, you can expect that your customers are always looking for convenience. They may choose to dine out when they don’t want to cook, but they may also not want to dine in. So, that’s where carry-out services come into play.

If you don’t offer carry-out services to your customers, you’re leaving money on the table.

Whether you’re a fine dining establishment branching into takeout or a casual diner expanding to accommodate busy families, launching a successful carry-out program requires more than just putting a “To-Go Available” sign in the window.

In this article, we look at carry-out services and seven brilliant marketing strategies to launch your restaurant’s new offering. With these digital strategies, you can spread the word, attract new customers, retain current ones, and keep your restaurant moving forward.

#1:  Make Your Website Carry-Out Ready

Once you’ve got your plan and procedures ready in your restaurant, you want to head over to your website. Why? It’s the central hub for your carry-out service.

Your customers need to be able to find your online ordering quickly and easily. In addition, your online ordering system should be user-friendly. If it’s not, customers will bounce off your website.

Make sure to include the following things on your website:

• A prominent, well-placed “Order Now” button at the top of your homepage.
• A mobile-optimized ordering interface.
• Clearly labeled menus with professional, enticing photos and creative, thorough descriptions.
• Real-time updates on your hours, wait times, and item availability.
• Integration with your POS system or third-party ordering app (if applicable).
• Take it another step and include photos of your takeout packaging.
• Customer reviews.
• Perks for ordering directly from you.
• A sign up for your loyalty program.

#2:  Promote Your Carry-Out Services

If you’ve just added carry-out, you want everyone to know it’s something you offer. Here are some of the places you need to include it:

• Social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, etc.) – For example, add it to your Instagram bio and do regular reels and posts about it.
• Your Google Business Profile – Make sure it’s listed in your services. Add photos of take-out items and even post about them.
• Email newsletters – Include a link to your online ordering system in every one of your emails so customers can easily click through for carry-out. Your email marketing is a powerful tool.
• Text messages — Send texts to your customers regularly, reminding them to order. You can also include coupon codes for carry-out.
• Press releases to local food bloggers – Influencers like food bloggers are always looking for content, so ask them to announce your new offering in exchange for free food.

Make sure your carry-out announcement campaign is visual and exciting.

Show off behind-the-scenes clips of how your food is packaged or film a 15-second video showing how easy it is to order and pick up.

Use phrases like “Now offering carry-out!” or “Your favorites, to-go” paired with drool-worthy images. Post to all your social media platforms.

#3:  Offer a Limited-Time Carry-Out Launch Deal

There’s no better way to create buzz than with an irresistible offer. Consider a launch promotion that incentivizes first-time carry-out customers. (tweet this) Here are some ideas:

• Give customers 10–20% off their first carry-out order.
• Offer a free dessert or appetizer with any to-go entrée.
• Give a BOGO entrée for the first 50 carry-out orders.

Promote the offer heavily across your digital channels and on in-store signage. Make sure it’s time-sensitive to encourage urgency.

If possible, include a QR code on printed materials or window clings that leads straight to your online ordering system.

#4:  Leverage Your Email List

If your restaurant already collects customer emails (and you absolutely should), use this list to generate carry-out orders immediately. Send a visually compelling email with:

• A bold announcement headline
• High-quality photos of your best takeout dishes
• A limited-time offer or special deal
• A direct link to your online ordering page

Segment your email list for better results. Send personalized messages to repeat customers, locals, or guests who haven’t visited in a while.

Include a quick “We miss you!” message to encourage them to try your new offering.

#5:  Create a Carry-Out Loyalty Program

Loyalty programs are a powerful motivator, especially for carry-out. Here are some ideas:

• Points per order: Customers earn points that lead to discounts or free items.
• Order X number of times, get the next carry-out order free.
• Exclusive rewards for online or app-based orders.

Be sure to promote your loyalty program with flyers, social media reminders, emails, app notifications, and text messages.

#6:  Use Geotargeted Ads

Paid digital advertising, and especially hyper-local campaigns, can get your carry-out service in front of the right people at the right time. (tweet this)

Platforms like Google Ads and Facebook help you geotarget potential customers within a certain radius of your restaurant. Here are some ideas for campaign headlines:

• “Skip the cooking tonight — order your favorites to-go!”
• “Hot meals, no wait. Order carry-out now.”
• “New! Carry-out now available at [Restaurant Name].”
• “Try our new carry-out and get a free appetizer!”

If you target your ads correctly, spending just $100–$200 over several days can significantly boost awareness and sales.

#7:  Turn Every Order into a Marketing Opportunity

Every customer who places a carry-out order with you can turn into a repeat customer. So, include small, thoughtful touches that enhance the overall customer experience. Here are some ideas:

• Include a thank-you note showing your customers how much you care. Add a comeback coupon to sweeten the deal.
• Add a flyer with exclusive specials or new menu items.
• Include a QR code for your loyalty program. When they sign up, offer them a free dish or dollar amount off.
• Don’t forget that your carry-out packaging is part of your brand. Make sure it looks as good as your dining room. Consider compostable or recyclable packaging and send a note along telling your customers you care about the environment.

Final Thoughts: Make Carry-Out Part of Your Brand Story

Launching a carry-out program isn’t just about logistics. You want to consider how it’s a service to your community.

This is your chance to meet current and new customers right where they are, create more revenue streams, and increase long-term customer loyalty.

The key is to market your carry-out services with the same energy and creativity you bring to your food. You will find that offering carry-out can greatly improve your bottom line.

Your food is ready to go. Let’s make sure your website is, too.

Is your website ready to support the addition of carry-out services? At Restaurant Engine, we can create a website for you that converts well and highlights your carry-out options. Your website is the centerpiece of your online marketing, and it needs to look beautiful and perform well. You can also count on us to create an amazing website that is optimized for SEO and works across all digital platforms. Let us help you make the perfect site that draws customers in, improves customer engagement and your conversion rate, and enables you to grow your new business using website data!  

Are you ready to take your restaurant to the next level with a new website?

Get your free website consultation today! 

Images: Ana Vieira and micheile henderson on Unsplash