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What do aggregators charge?
Zomato, Swiggy and similar apps take a commission on each order, and sometimes other fees for listings, promotions or delivery. The rates differ by plan, city and your agreement, and they change, so we will not quote a number. Open your own rate card and statements, and work out what percentage of each bill you really keep after all charges.
That one calculation is the best argument for or against building something of your own.
What do you lose besides commission?
Money is not the only cost.
- The customer relationship. On the app, the customer belongs to the platform. You often do not get their number to invite them back.
- Your pricing. Some owners raise prices on apps to cover the cut, which can leave the menu looking expensive.
- Your brand. On an app you sit in a list beside every competitor, sorted by the app's rules.
- Control. Rankings, offers and rules can change without notice.
None of this means leave the apps. They bring orders you would not otherwise get. It means do not depend on them alone.
What should a restaurant site hold?
Keep it simple. The best restaurant sites answer a hungry person's questions fast.
- Menu, as text a phone can read, not only a PDF
- Hours, with holiday changes
- Map and directions, with parking details
- Photos of the food and the place
- WhatsApp ordering or booking, one tap from the page
- Phone number that opens the dialler
- Contact form for events and bulk orders
How do repeat guests get to your own channel?
You cannot easily pull an app's customer away, and you should not spam them. But you can invite people to order directly in ways that help them too.
- Put a card in every delivery bag and bill with your website or WhatsApp number.
- Say what is better about ordering direct, such as the full menu or a loyalty perk you can honestly offer.
- Use your Google Business Profile and Instagram bio to point to your own page.
- Reply to customers who message you, quickly and warmly.
Check each platform's rules first. Some apps have terms about how you may talk to their customers.
How does Google Maps fit?
Many people choose a restaurant straight from Google Maps. Your profile is your free listing there. Keep your hours, photos, menu link and phone number current, and reply to reviews. If your profile links to your website, a guest can go from "looks nice" to "table booked" without opening an app.
See our guide to setting up your Google Business Profile.
What does it cost to run?
A Brandbasket Managed Website builds up to 10 pages for ₹0 and then costs ₹2,999 a month, GST included, for hosting, security, backups, 2 small edits a month and a monthly report. A menu or price change is the sort of edit that fits. If you also want posts and reviews handled, the Social Media and Ads plan is ₹9,999 a month, GST included. Taking plans together lowers the price. See the pricing page, or contact us.
Questions people ask
Do I have to leave Zomato or Swiggy?
No. Many restaurants use both aggregators and their own channels. The aim is not to leave but to rely on them less. Track how many of your orders come direct against through apps, and move the balance slowly, with a clear reason for customers to order from you.
Can I take orders on my website?
Yes, in different ways. The simplest is a WhatsApp order button, which needs no extra software. Online ordering and payment systems are more work and cost more, and are outside our Managed Website plan, where e-commerce and new features are quoted separately. Start simple and see what customers use.
Does a menu PDF work?
It is better than no menu, but not good. PDFs are slow on phones, hard to read and hard for Google to understand. Put the menu on the page as text, with prices, and offer a PDF download too if you want. Keep it up to date when prices change.
How do photos get on Google?
Add them to your Google Business Profile yourself, and customers can add theirs. Use clear, recent photos of dishes, the dining area and the entrance. Good, honest images help people choose you. Avoid photos with heavy text, borders or stock pictures that do not show your place.
What about ONDC?
ONDC is an open network for digital commerce in India, and some restaurants are listed on it through participating apps. We have not assessed it for restaurants, so check its current terms, fees and reach before you decide. It does not replace having your own website and a complete Google profile.
