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Beyond the Counter

Insights, updates, and strategies for business owners

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What Happens After Someone Orders Once? Why Retargeting is the Real Secret to Growth

SWIPEBY STAFF

Hospitality natives. Technology pros. Storytellers at heart.

A new customer just placed their first order. Great job!
Maybe they found you on Google, clicked the Order Online button, and enjoyed an amazing meal with a big smile. But now what?

For many restaurants, the story stops here. They celebrate the win and go back to executing the next shift, running the kitchen, managing staff, and planning the next special. But the real opportunity lies after that first order. Not just in getting the guest but in keeping them.

Because you already invested time, money, discounts or ads to earn that first order, what’s your next smart move? Make them come back. That’s where remarketing – done the right way – becomes a game‑changer.

Why Most Restaurants Stop at the First Order

It’s easy to understand why. Getting a new customer feels like a big milestone.

  • A new guest walked in or ordered online.
  • You delivered on delicious food and fabulous service.
  • You made someone happy.

But then … you move on. You focus on new traffic. New promos. First‑time deals. The truth is: most growth happens elsewhere. According to marketing research staying top of mind, having repeated contact, and personalizing the follow‑up can deliver far greater returns than just driving new acquisition.

In short: you’ve purchased the guest. Now you must retain the guest. After all, 65% of restaurant revenue comes from repeat customers.

How Does SWIPEBY AI‑Powered Remarketing Work Behind the Scenes?

  • Guest order triggers data capture.
  • Automated campaign deployment cadence begins if that guest doesn’t place an order within a specific length of time.
  • Email is triggered encouraging return business. If the SWIPEBY customer chooses, a coupon code is offered to further entice another visit.
  • If the customer orders – the cadence clock is reset.
  • If the customer doesn’t order – the remarketing campaign continues with the customer receiving further emails and coupons.

Real Data: Remarketing in Action with SWIPEBY Clients

These aren’t hypothetical numbers. These are real restaurants using SWIPEBY’s remarketing tools to drive thousands of additional dollars in revenue every month:

  • Altman’s Grocery Barn & Grill: ~$4,300/month in remarketing‑driven sales
  • Milano’s Pizza: ~$4,600/month generated through remarketing campaigns
  • Nocturnal Cookies: ~$3,100/month in repeat‑order income from previously inactive guests

These results show a clear point: first orders matter, but they’re just the beginning. The bigger win is getting those guests back, again and again.

Positioning Loyalty & Upselling as Smart – not Pushy

One concern operators often voice: Isn’t remarketing too “salesy”? Here’s how we flip it:

  • Show value, don’t pressure. A message saying “Thanks for ordering! Here’s a dessert on us next time” feels thoughtful.
  • Use data you already have (they ordered once) to craft unique, personal emails that align with their preferences.
  • Build an experience: When they come back, they feel recognized and rewarded and not hit with random promos.

That’s loyalty, and not just another ad.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

In an economy where advertising costs are rising and the margin pressure is real, maximizing the value of each guest has never been more important. Remarketing lets you do more with less: fewer acquisition costs, higher average ticket sizes, and stronger guest loyalty.

And the best part? You don’t need a 10‑person marketing team. With SWIPEBY’s automated remarketing module, you get enterprise‑level capability built for independents.

Your Action Plan: What to Do Next without SWIPEBY

  • Make sure your online ordering system captures guest data that you own.
  • Identify guests who ordered once but never again.
  • Write a series of emails that you will personalize for each guest. Set up a “come back” sequence: reminder + upsell + reward.
  • Repeat.
  • Scale what works: widen the offer, adjust timing, refine messaging.

Or What to Do Next with SWIPEBY

  • Let us know if you want to offer a discount coupon.

That’s it. Our Customer Success Team and AI does all the work. Your guests will receive a personalized, unique email without you needing to lift a finger or scour analytics for information.

Final Thought

You earned that first order. Great work! Now turn it into a habit.
With smart, automated remarketing, you’re not just getting guests, you’re building relationships. That’s the real path to growth.

When you’re ready to take the next step, let SWIPEBY show you how to turn one‑time orders into lifetime guests.

Interested in Increasing Sales using AI?

Book a demo today and learn how SWIPEBY can help save you time, be found online, and increase sales with no extra work.

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