How do I List My Restaurant on Zomato

If you're an Indian restaurant owner or entrepreneur trying to reach more customers, you might be wondering about the importance of having a strong online presence. Zomato is India’s top platform for finding restaurants and getting food delivered. It can help you connect with millions of potential diners who are actively looking for their next dining experience.

• This guide is all you need to add your restaurant to Zomato. It covers everything from eligibility criteria to completing the registration process easily. Rest assured, by the end, you'll be equipped to leverage Zomato's vast user base and industry-leading tools to increase valuable experience, boost your customer base, and propel your restaurant toward success.

Tip: If you're thinking about setting up a cloud kitchen to begin your food journey, Kouzina can help you start and run a franchise successfully.

Let's dive in!

Eligibility Criteria for Registering on Zomato

Before you get started on the Zomato journey, let's make sure your restaurant meets a few important requirements. This is your exclusive VIP pass to join the Zomato community. Here's what you'll need to join:

Essential Legal Registrations and Documents 

Just like a master chef needs the right tools, your restaurant needs the proper legal permits. A valid FSSAI license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is a must-have, showcasing your commitment to hygiene and top-notch food safety practices.

Depending on your location and business structure, you might also need additional licenses, such as a Shop and Establishment Act license or a Municipal Corporation Trade License.

Before boarding your Zomato registration journey, ensure you have the documents to streamline the process. Here's a checklist to confirm a smooth and efficient registration:

• FSSAI License Copy: This document verifies your restaurant's compliance with food safety regulations set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It is a mandatory requirement.
• PAN Card Copy: Your Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a vital tax document that helps Zomato verify your business identity.
• Regular GSTIN (if applicable): If your restaurant's annual turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh (approximately US$26,400), you'll need a Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) for tax compliance. Zomato will require a copy during registration.
• Bank Account Details: This ensures the smooth processing of any potential revenue generated through online orders and deliveries facilitated by Zomato.
• Digital Format of Your Restaurant Menu: This is your chance to showcase your offerings in the best light. A clear and visually appealing digital menu is crucial—it's exciting. So, make sure to upload a well-formatted PDF or JPG file.
• Dish Images for Top 5 Items: High-quality photos (ideally professional quality) of your most popular dishes are a must-have. These visuals will entice potential customers and give them a taste of your culinary expertise.

Pro Tip: Don't worry about the registration process. Just ensure all your documents are scanned and saved in a readily accessible format. This will make the upload process a breeze.

Also Read: Selling Homemade Food Online Using Zomato

Steps to Register Your Restaurant on Zomato

Here are the instructions for signing up for your restaurant on Zomato. We'll explain it in easy steps to make it simple and hassle-free for you.

1. Register for Zomato

Go to Zomato for Business and click "Add Your Restaurant". Name, location, contact information, and cuisine of your restaurant should be included on the registration form.

Tip: Verify your contact details to guarantee seamless Zomato communication. Provide accurate details to minimise registration delays.

2. Finish Your Restaurant Profile

Highlight your restaurant's specialities with the thorough profile form. Include your restaurant's hours, payment options, and unique amenities like patio sitting or happy hour.

Tip: Emphasise your USPs: Using relevant keywords, define what makes your restaurant unique to appeal to your target demographic.

Professional Photos: To make your restaurant's profile look good, upload high-quality logo, dish, and interior photos.

3. Zomato Verification

Zomato may contact or request your FSSAI licence to verify your information. They may even visit the location to verify the address.

Tip: Have all necessary papers (FSSAI certificate, GST registration, etc.) ready to speed up verification and minimise delays.

4. Partnership Agreement

Once your verification is complete, you will receive a partnership agreement from Zomato. This document will detail the terms and conditions of the partnership, including the fee structure and mutual responsibilities. It is highly recommended that you review the agreement carefully before signing.

5. Upload Menu and Photos

Upload a clear, attractive PDF or JPG digital menu to provide prospective clients all the information they need to decide. Upload great images of your bestseller items and restaurant ambiance. The platform allows menu images with dimensions of up to 650x700 pixels.

Tip for Food Photography: Buy professional food photography to capture your meals' soul. Focus on close-ups of fresh ingredients and presentation.

Take pictures in natural light to capture the ambiance of your restaurant. Include photos of happy consumers to convey the eating experience.

6. Zomato Live

After all the stages and Zomato approval, your restaurant will be visible to millions of users.

Tip: Celebrate your restaurant's online presence! You are now part of a vast foodie community, providing you with additional consumers.

7. Maintain and Improve Your Profile

Your adventure continues after your business opens! Keep your profile updated with new menu items, seasonal specials, and discounts. Respond to favourable and negative reviews to engage consumers.

Tips: Engagement: Active consumer engagement fosters trust and loyalty. Treat reviews properly and handle complaints quickly.

Profile updates: Update your profile with new dishes, images, and special deals to keep consumers interested.

These procedures will help you add your restaurant to Zomato, expanding your audience, client base, and internet exposure.

Key Guidelines for Restaurants

Name of Restaurant

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• Diners need your restaurant name to locate it. Your restaurant name on Zomato should match your signboard.
• Your restaurant name should not contain your institution type or The tagline unless it is registered with the brand.
• No abbreviations are allowed in Zomato restaurant names.

Restaurant Address

• The restaurant address helps consumers find you. The format should be simple and uniform for easy reading.
• Use one landmark and no abbreviations. Don't use other restaurants' names as landmarks—it might harm search results.
• If your restaurant is above ground, give the floor number and building name for easy identification.

Restaurant Features

These feature tags let guests choose your business based on its amenities. Some essential tags:

• Pure Veg: Tag your vegetarian restaurant.
• Smoking Area: Only restaurants with a smoking and non-smoking portion need this tag.
• Happy Hours: Restaurants provide alcohol discounts at certain hours.
• Mark this tag if your restaurant offers Wi-Fi (supplied by the restaurant, not third-party suppliers).

Business Hours

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• Customers must see your hours to schedule visits. Zomato users may filter restaurants by “Open at” depending on business hours.
• Set times in 24-hour format, but Zomato displays them in 12-hour format. Clearly state your dine-in and delivery hours.

Photos

• Customers may preview a restaurant's atmosphere, cuisine, and service via its picture stream. Improve your page:
• Photos should be ordered: Facade → Ambiance → Food.
• Restaurant facades: Photograph your restaurant's signs and entrance.
• Ambiance shots: Highlight indoor seats and lighting.
• Food photos: Show your dishes. The cuisine you provide should match them.
• Avoid utilising stock photographs, people, or Google photographs or other websites, which might violate copyright.
• Only one JPEG or PNG image per frame should be submitted. Image collages featuring logos/social media handles are prohibited.

Menus

• Zomato menu aid ordering. Upload menu photos up to 650x700 pixels.
• To assist clients budget, add food names and pricing on your menu.
• Order consistency: Food order: appetizers/soups, entrees, main course, desserts.
• Prices are essential on menus to avoid losing clients.

Photos on covers

• Your restaurant's cover photo should be 1200x500 pixels or greater.
• Zomato's website layout favours horizontal photographs, yet vertical images are permitted but may crop the focus points.
• Avoid writing phone numbers, websites, or promotions on photos.
• Photographing raw products is only permitted if your restaurant serves them raw.
• These suggestions will improve your restaurant's Zomato visibility and provide guests a smooth experience.

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Zomato's Fee Structure

Zomato charges restaurants a commission-based fee for being listed on their platform. Here's a breakdown of the essential costs to consider:

1. Listing Fees (as of June 13, 2024)

There are no upfront listing fees for restaurants registering on Zomato in India. Zomato previously charged a fee depending on the number of weekly orders, but this structure has been discontinued.

2. Commission Rates on Orders

Zomato charges a commission fee on each order placed through their platform. This commission rate typically ranges between 5% and 22% of the total order value, excluding delivery charges and applicable taxes (GST).

The exact commission rate can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Restaurant's Location: Commission rates might differ based on your restaurant's location and the market's competitiveness.
• Average Order Value (AOV): Some reports suggest restaurants with a higher average order value might benefit from slightly lower commission rates.
• Special Promotions or Negotiations: Zomato occasionally offers promotional commission rates or negotiates custom fees with specific restaurants.

Here's an example to illustrate the commission structure:

When a customer orders food from your restaurant on Zomato for ₹500 (not including delivery charges and GST), Zomato will take a 15% commission, which amounts to a fee of ₹75. After deducting their commission, you will receive ₹425 from the total order value.

Please note that these ranges are estimates, and the commission rate for your restaurant may vary. We suggest contacting Zomato directly for the most current information on their commission structure and any special offers that may apply to your restaurant.

Additional Costs to Consider

• Payment Gateway Charges: When you pay for your order online through Zomato's payment gateway, there may be extra fees. These fees are usually a small percentage of the total amount and are usually passed on to the restaurant.
• Marketing and Promotions: Zomato provides different tools to help restaurants increase their visibility on the platform. Depending on the options chosen, these tools may come with extra costs.

By gaining a comprehensive understanding of Zomato's fee structure and potential additional costs, restaurant owners can make informed decisions about utilizing the platform and estimating their potential revenue.

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Benefits of Registering Your Restaurant on Zomato

Listing your restaurant on Zomato is not just about increasing sales, it's about unlocking a world of opportunities that can propel your business to new heights. Let's explore some of these game-changing advantages:

1. Increased Visibility: Zomato has millions of users in India who are actively looking for new places to eat. When you list your restaurant, it will be seen by this large audience, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
2. Opportunities for Online Ordering and Delivery Services: Zomato makes it easy for customers to order food online and have it delivered to their homes or offices. This helps restaurants increase sales and reach more customers.
3. Building Reputation through Customer Reviews: Zomato is like an online showcase for your restaurant. Creating a great profile with delicious photos and good reviews helps people recognize your brand and trust your food. It's also important to reply to reviews, both good and bad, to show that you care about your customers and to build a group of loyal customers.
4. Strategic Planning: Zomato provides valuable data and analytics tools to help you understand customer behavior and preferences. This information can be a goldmine for strategic planning. Analyze the most popular dishes, track customer demographics, and identify areas for improvement.

Use this information to customize your offerings, improve your menu, and make smart choices based on data to help your restaurant be more successful.

Also Read: Top Cloud Kitchen Startups And Ghost Kitchen Companies In India

Tips to Optimize Your Restaurant's Profile for Success

Great news! Your restaurant is now active on Zomato and ready to attract customers in the city. But that's just the beginning. It's time to make your restaurant stand out and persuade people to order your amazing food.

Here's your guide to getting the most out of Zomato:

1. Craft a Profile:

Headline with Hunger Appeal: When naming your restaurant, think of it as coming up with a catchy slogan or a mouthwatering description that captures the essence of your cuisine in just a few words. For example, you could go with something like "Spicy Delights of Kerala" or "Wood-fired Pizzas That Steal the Show."

Visually Delicious: A picture is worth a thousand words, especially regarding food! Showcase your culinary masterpieces with high-quality photos that capture your dishes' vibrant colors, textures, and plating. Invest in professional photography if possible, or ensure clear and well-lit close-up shots that make your food jump off the screen.

The Description that Delights: Don't settle for generic descriptions; instead, use vibrant language to create a vivid dining experience. Emphasize your restaurant's distinctive flavors, unique ingredients, and inviting ambiance.

2. Cultivate a Loyal Fan Base:

Embrace Customer Feedback: Treat both positive and negative reviews with professionalism and grace. Respond promptly, thank customers for their praise, and address any concerns with a solution-oriented approach. This demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction and builds trust with potential diners.

Turn Reviews into Repeat Business: Encourage customers to share their feedback by providing incentives such as loyalty points or exclusive discounts. Positive reviews enhance your credibility and can sway the decisions of other Zomato users.

3. Power of Data:

Go Beyond the Menu: Zomato allows you to create special delivery menus tailored specifically for online orders. This can be a great way to offer exclusive deals or highlight dishes that travel well.

Online Data: Analyze the most popular dishes in online orders, pinpoint peak delivery times, and comprehend customer behavior. Utilize this information to optimize your menu offerings and tailor your online presence for maximum impact.

If you follow these Zomato tips, your restaurant will stand out and attract new customers who will become regulars. Just remember to keep your profile up to date with new dishes, seasonal specials, and promotions to keep people interested and coming back for more!

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Promotion Strategies Post-Registration

Do you want to endorse your zomato catalog like a Pro?

Here's a concise guide to expanding your restaurant's online presence after signing up on Zomato:

Conclusion

Registering your restaurant on Zomato gives you access to a vast user base, unlocks increased sales potential, and taps into valuable customer insights. Crafting an appealing profile, engaging with reviews, and harnessing Zomato's marketing tools can turn your listing into a beacon for hungry diners.

Remember, with a consistent online presence through a website and social media promotion, you're not just keeping your restaurant visible but positioning it for success in the ever-growing online food delivery market. 

Ready to take your food business to the next level? Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We’re here to streamline your cloud kitchen operations, offering you a smoother, more efficient experience with Kouzina’s seamless integration.

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