In the changing digital world, the hospitality sector, especially restaurants, needs to adopt new-age strategies to remain competitive. The manner in which customers engage with restaurants has changed, with mobile technology being a key driver of reservations, takeaways, and customer interaction.

Amongst the strongest and least exploited channels for restaurants is LINE Official Accounts. This piece discusses how restaurants can leverage LINE to take their business to new heights, upgrade customer experience, and maximize profitability.

Why Restaurants Should Adopt Digital Transformation

The hospitality business is no longer all about fantastic food and service; it’s about providing an end-to-end digital experience. From the initial touchpoint—whether that’s an online ad on social media or a review online—to the moment the customer exits the restaurant, every touch counts.

With 92 million monthly active users in Japan, LINE is a central part of daily digital communication. In contrast to other social media platforms, LINE offers a single ecosystem where businesses can communicate with customers, deliver promotions, and make reservations with minimal hassle.

The Influence of LINE on the Restaurant Industry

•Improved customer interaction – Restaurants can engage with diners in real-time, giving updates on promotions, special menus, and seasonal specials.

•Simplified ordering and reservations – Customers can reserve tables, order food, and pay effortlessly through LINE.

•Affordable marketing – With integrated chatbots, customized messaging, and loyalty programs, restaurants can retain customers without expensive advertising.

•Enhanced operational efficiency – Automated replies and digital ordering systems save staff time, enabling restaurants to concentrate on customer service.

Maximising LINE Official Accounts for Restaurant Growth

To leverage LINE for business, restaurants must concentrate on a four-pronged strategy:

1. Building a Digital Customer Journey

A restaurant’s success is not merely what occurs between its four walls—it’s about the pre-dining and post-dining experience. By having a LINE Official Account, restaurants can:

•Establish rich menus with instant access to bookings, promotions, and online orders.

•Leverage digital loyalty programmes to drive repeated visits to your restaurant.

• Automated reminders and follow-ups to make customers feel appreciated after their visit.

2. Increasing Visibility and Engagement

Building a restaurant’s presence on LINE requires deliberate customer acquisition and retention strategies:

• QR Code Marketing – Display LINE QR codes in-store, on menus, and receipts to invite customers to follow the account.

• Exclusive LINE Promotions – Provide discounts, free beverages, or loyalty points to customers who interact through LINE.

•Engaging Content – Share new menu items, chef’s specials, and behind-the-scenes content to engage followers.

3. Using Automation for Efficiency

LINE’s biggest asset is automation. Restaurants can ease workload and enhance service by adopting:

•AI chatbots to respond to frequently asked questions regarding opening hours, menu items, and promotions.

•Automated confirmation and reminders of reservations to cut down on no-shows.

•Personalized messages that reach customers based on past orders or visits.

4. Improving Takeaway and Delivery Services

Restaurant businesses need to make ordering a breeze with the growth of food ordering online. LINE facilitates:

•Smooth takeaway and delivery reservation with in-app ordering.

•In-app payment integration to make transactions seamless and easy.

•Order tracking with real-time notifications, keeping users updated on the status of their delivery.

Success Stories: How LINE helped these Restaurants Gain Success in Japan

1. MOS Burger – A Success Story in Customer Retention

Challenge:

MOS Burger required a solution to drive repeat customers without incurring significant expenditure on conventional advertising.

Solution:

•Developed a LINE loyalty program that rewarded customers with digital points for each visit.

•Pushed exclusive offers through one-to-one LINE messages.

•Introduced a reservation system through LINE to shorten long waiting times.

Results:

•Customer retention boosted by 20%.

•Takeaway orders made through LINE increased by 15% over six months.

2. Gin no Sara – Enhancing Online Orders

Challenge:

The chain of sushi wanted to streamline its online ordering experience and enhance customer interaction.

Solution:

•Implemented LINE Login to connect customer accounts for smooth ordering.

•Utilized AI chatbots to respond to frequently asked customer questions.

•Sent targeted promotions based on previous orders.

Results:

•10% of total online orders now originate from LINE.

•Customer interaction rates increased threefold compared to email marketing.

3. Prima Ham – Building Brand Loyalty

Challenge:

The company needed to engage younger customers and increase interaction with existing customers.

Solution:

•created a LINE Sticker Campaign with a brand mascot to stimulate organic growth.

•Employed interactive LINE messages to share recipe inspiration and meal matching ideas.

•Invited customers to share experiences on a branded hashtag.

Results:

•Boosted brand awareness among younger generations.

•Sales of core products increased by 60%.

•Market share across all markets shifted from 4th to 3rd position.

The Future of Hospitality & Beyond: Expanding Digital Marketing Across Asia

The restaurant sector is changing at warp speed, and digital interaction is the deciding factor. As more consumers move towards online reservations and food ordering, companies that adapt to platforms such as LINE will be poised for success.

But digital marketing is not just limited to the hospitality industry and Japan. We offer end-to-end marketing solutions for different industries in Japan, South Korea, China, and Southeast Asia. We assist brands in:

•Creating strong digital marketing strategies to boost visibility and interaction in Asian markets.

•Utilizing automation and AI-based insights to make more impactful marketing campaigns.

•Increase market coverage with culturally attuned advertising and customer engagement strategies.

• Leverage social media, influencer marketing, and e-commerce platforms for maximum growth.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Business?

Let us assist you in unlocking the full potential of digital marketing in Japan and other important Asian markets. Request a Free Consultation.