5 Strategies For Promoting Self-Ordering Technology In Your Business

Today’s customers want convenience, speed, and seamless experiences, and businesses that meet these expectations stand out. Implementing self-ordering kiosks, apps, or QR codes is one way to streamline business operations and boost customer satisfaction. 

The self-service technologies market was valued at $39.45 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $42.22 million in 2025, as shown in the image below.

But simply implementing self-ordering technology isn’t enough. You have to promote it to ensure your customers understand its benefits and embrace it fully. 

In this guide, I’ll discuss five practical strategies for promoting self-ordering technology in your business to encourage customer adoption and maximize its impact.

Why Self-Ordering Technology Matters

Before we discuss strategies for promoting self-ordering technology, let’s explore the reasons to adopt this technology.

Improves Service Speed

Waiting in long lines can be frustrating. Self-ordering technology enables customers to place orders directly without depending on staff, reducing wait times, especially during peak hours.

Enhances Customer Satisfaction

Self-ordering systems empower customers to manage orders, providing a personalized and convenient experience. Customers can explore the menu quickly and tailor their orders without feeling pressured.

Improves Accuracy

Manual order-taking is prone to errors that increase the likelihood of complaints, order corrections, and returns. With self-ordering systems, customers can input their preferences directly, ensuring they get exactly what they ordered. 

Increases Revenue

You can program your self-ordering platform to include upselling and cross-selling features. Personalized recommendations encourage your customers to add more items to their carts, helping you achieve sales success and boost revenue. 

Enhances Operational Efficiency

Self-service technology automates ordering, enabling your team to focus on other crucial tasks. This optimizes operational efficiency, especially during busy periods.

Strategies For Promoting Self-Ordering Technology

You’ll need a well-thought-out marketing plan to make the most of your contactless ordering system. Here are some proven strategies for promoting self-ordering technology to maximize customer adoption and achieve success.

Educate Customers About Its Benefits

Educating your customers is one of the most crucial strategies for promoting self-ordering technology. 

Why? 

Your customers may hesitate to use the self-ordering platform simply because they don’t know how it works or understand its advantages.

Here’s how you can bridge this gap:

• Create video tutorials: Make engaging videos demonstrating how to use the system. Use high-quality visuals and clear, concise instructions to showcase features like fast ordering, ease of use, and customization options. You can use an online video editor tool to create and edit professional videos to improve quality.

• Train your staff: Empower your team to assist customers with the self-ordering technology. Friendly faces can build trust and encourage first-time users to try the technology.

Incentivize Early Adoption

People love a good deal, and incentives can be the nudge that reluctant customers need to try your new solution. Offering referral incentives is one of the few strategies for promoting self-ordering technology. Once they try your technology, satisfied early adopters can recommend it to their friends and family. 

Here are several incentives you can offer when promoting self-ordering technology:

• Discounts: Provide a small discount for orders placed via self-ordering systems. 

• Loyalty rewards: Link the self-ordering system to your loyalty program and offer regular customers bonus points or exclusive perks.

• Exclusive deals: Run limited-time promotions only on your self-ordering platform. For example, offer bundled discounts or a free gift when they purchase.

Design An Intuitive And User-Friendly Interface

If your self-ordering technology is confusing or sluggish, it can turn off even the most willing customers despite your marketing efforts. Your customers should be able to navigate the system effortlessly from the moment they use it.

Here’s how to ensure your self-ordering platform provides a smooth customer experience:

• Simplify navigation: Ensure that menus are visible and easy to browse. Consider adding features like auto-completion to minimize the steps for completing an order.

• Use an appealing layout: An eye-catching design with high-quality images, clear fonts, and an inviting color scheme can make the technology more attractive and engaging.

• Test with real users: Conduct usability testing before launch to identify and fix pain points.

• Prioritize accessibility: Include features like adjustable font sizes, voice commands, multilingual options, and compatibility with assistive devices.

Promote Across Multiple Channels

One of the most effective strategies for promoting self-ordering technology is using multiple channels, such as social media, email marketing, and push notifications. This tactic allows you to reach a broader audience, amplify your marketing efforts, and generate buzz and excitement around your self-ordering platform. 

Here are some tips for marketing your technology on various platforms:

• Share videos, Stories, and Reels on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, showing the technology in action. Include testimonials and feedback from satisfied customers to build trust and encourage adoption.

• Send targeted emails or create a proper flow of emails with an email drip campaign for your customers introducing the new technology, including a brief tutorial and emphasizing its advantages.

• If your business has a mobile app, leverage push notifications to notify customers about the self-ordering option. Include a CTA nudging them to try it.

Provide On-Site Signage

Your physical location is the perfect place to introduce customers to self-ordering technology. Using on-site signage is among the few strategies for promoting self-ordering technology that allows customers to see the system live in action and immediately use it in a familiar setting.

Here’s how to effectively use on-site signage to promote your self-ordering platform:

• Set up kiosks or QR codes: Place digital kiosks in entrances and high-traffic areas or use QR codes at tables for quick mobile ordering.

• Use attractive graphics. Use bold colors and compelling messages, such as “Skip the Line! Order Here.” Add arrows or markers to direct customers to the kiosks or codes.

• Utilize instructional signage: Place clear instructions near the kiosks to help first-time customers navigate the system confidently.

Ready To Adopt These Strategies For Promoting Self-Ordering?

Self-ordering technology has the potential to streamline your business operations and improve customer experience, but only if your customers embrace it.

You can drive adoption and maximize your investment by educating your audience, offering incentives, optimizing the user experience, leveraging multi-channel promotion, and using on-site signage.

Implement these strategies for promoting self-ordering technology today and watch your business thrive