How to Attract Restaurants and Users to Your Food Delivery App

 When I first stepped into the food delivery app scene, one thing became crystal clear: building the app is just half the journey—getting restaurants and users on board is where the real magic (and challenge) happens. Whether you’re a startup founder, a restaurant owner expanding into tech, or someone dreaming of launching the next big delivery platform, this guide is for you.

And if you're working with a Food delivery app development company in Saudi Arabia, like I did, you already have a head start. The local expertise can make all the difference when it comes to both development and engagement.

Start with What Restaurants Want

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that restaurants don’t just want another app—they want value. They want more orders, more exposure, and easy-to-use systems. So when I pitched my app to local eateries, I focused on what made their lives easier: real-time order tracking, commission transparency, direct access to customer feedback, and a clean, easy-to-use dashboard.

To really gain their trust, I made sure the platform had Arabic language support, integrated with local payment gateways, and even allowed menu management right from their mobile phones. This is where working with a food delivery app development company in Saudi Arabia paid off—they understood the market and helped build features that resonated with Saudi restaurant owners.

Offer Smart Incentives

Incentives are powerful. I offered early restaurants lower commissions for the first six months, free marketing within the app, and spotlight promotions on the homepage. It created a sense of urgency and gave them something to gain right away.

As for users, first-order discounts, referral codes, and loyalty points worked wonders. Everyone loves a good deal—and if you can give them a reason to try your app once, the experience should keep them coming back.

Build Real Partnerships, Not Just Signups

When I talk to restaurant owners, I don’t treat them like just another listing. I listen. I ask them what they need. I take their feedback seriously. And because I partnered with a great team (yes, I did hire food delivery app developers in Saudi Arabia who understood my vision), I could actually implement suggestions fast.

This turned restaurant owners into advocates. They weren’t just part of my app—they were part of the growth journey.

Focus on the User Experience

The truth is, people won’t return to your app if it’s clunky, confusing, or slow. So I obsessed over user experience. I worked with my developers to make sure the ordering process was simple: browse, order, pay, track. That’s it.

And let me tell you, if you’re planning to launch your own app, don’t skimp on this step. A good food delivery app development company in Saudi Arabia will help you build something that isn’t just functional—it’s delightful to use.

Promote Like Crazy (and Locally)

Marketing isn’t optional. I hit social media hard, especially Instagram and Snapchat (huge in Saudi Arabia). I also ran geo-targeted ads and even partnered with local influencers who tried the app and shared their experience.

But the best part? Word of mouth. Because I treated my restaurant partners and users like VIPs, they started talking about the app. That organic buzz is something no ad can replace.

At the end of the day, attracting restaurants and users to your food delivery app isn’t about flashy tech or gimmicks—it’s about understanding people, building trust, and delivering real value.

So if you're starting your journey, my best advice is this: hire food delivery app developers in Saudi Arabia who know the market, understand the culture, and can help bring your vision to life.

Believe me, the right team can turn a good idea into a thriving platform.

Want help finding the perfect dev team or marketing your app once it's live? I’ve been there—and I’d love to help. Let’s grow together.