How to Set Up Online Ordering for Your Restaurant in Minutes

TLDR

If your restaurant already runs on Square, setting up online ordering with Per Diem is as simple as putting together your easiest menu item. Many owners assume it takes weeks of work or expensive add-ons, but the process is quick and can be done in minutes. Instead of relying solely on walk-ins or phone calls, online ordering allows you to meet customers where they are and capture sales around the clock. Everything connects directly to your POS, so you are not starting from scratch or rebuilding your menu. It is a straightforward way to give guests the convenience they want while keeping your operations running smoothly.

‍

How to Get Online With Per Diem

Step 1: Create Your Account

Start by creating your Per Diem account. This gives you access to your dashboard, where all of your online ordering tools live. Because Per Diem is built for Square users, the setup is quick and does not require extra hardware or complicated installation.

Step 2: Connect With Square POS

Next, link your account with Square POS. Once connected, your menus, pricing, and locations sync automatically. This eliminates the need to rebuild your menu or enter items by hand. Everything is ready to go from the start, saving valuable time for you and your team.

Step 3: Activate Web Ordering

From your dashboard, toggle on web ordering for the location you want to enable. A custom ordering page is created instantly. You can then choose which menu items to display, and decide if you want to offer pickup, delivery, or both. Every online order ties back to Square Loyalty, so customers begin earning rewards from their very first purchase.

‍

Key Features That Improve the Guest Experience

Faster Payments

Customers today expect online ordering to be quick, simple, and secure. You can accept Apple Pay and Google Pay in addition to regular card payments. These digital wallets make checkout nearly instant, especially for mobile users who want to complete their order with just a tap. A smoother checkout process leads to fewer abandoned carts, faster transactions, and a better overall customer experience.

Branded Ordering Site

Every restaurant that sets up with Per Diem receives its own branded ordering site with a custom domain. This means customers are not redirected through third-party apps but instead order directly through your platform. By keeping the ordering experience in-house, restaurants maintain control over branding, design, and customer relationships. It also strengthens customer trust by providing a consistent and professional online presence.

Pickup and Delivery Options

Restaurants can offer both pickup and delivery directly from their own ordering platform. Customers can select their preferred method at checkout, making the process simple and flexible. Delivery is handled through integrations with providers like DoorDash, but the order is placed on your branded site, not on a marketplace. This way, you still own the customer relationship and data while offering the convenience of delivery. Pickup is just as smooth, with clear order tracking that reduces wait times for guests.

Loyalty Built Into Web Ordering

Per Diem web ordering is fully integrated with Square Loyalty, so customers start earning points the moment they place their first order. Rewards apply automatically, making it easy for guests to return again and again. On top of that, you can offer store credit directly through the web, just like in the mobile app. This feature is not commonly available on most platforms, making Per Diem one of the only solutions that brings both loyalty and store credit together in one seamless experience.

‍

Start Online Ordering Today

With Square and Per Diem, you can launch online ordering in minutes, not days. Create your account, connect your POS, and turn on web ordering; it is that simple.