How WebNest is Revolutionizing Small Businesses: A Success Story from Top's China

By Ethan Greenwald

In the digital-first economy of today, small businesses are at an ever-growing need to mark their presence online. For most of them, especially the local restaurants and service providers, the absence of an effective digital strategy implies lost opportunities and stagnation. That is where WebNest comes in: a nonprofit organization empowering small businesses with professional-grade websites and digital resources for free. Probably one of the biggest success stories to come out of this organization is to be found in Top's China, a family-owned Chinese restaurant that has seen its business grow remarkably after partnering with WebNest.

The Challenge

Located in the heart of its community, Top's China had built a loyal customer base through its reputation for delicious food and excellent service. Like many small businesses, though, the restaurant struggled to adapt to the rapidly changing digital landscape. They relied on traditional word-of-mouth marketing and outdated methods for managing orders and customer engagement. The absence of an ordering platform or social media outlet prevented them from tapping into the market that was increasingly looking for convenience and digital interactions.

• Minimum Visibility: They did not have a professional website or proper online presence. Thus, visibility through search engines was minimal to attract new customers.
• Inefficient Order Management: Orders were mostly taken over the phone and hence prone to miscommunication and inefficiency.
• Unable to Compete on Delivery Platforms: While most of their competitors utilized DoorDash and other similar platforms, Top's China did not have the capability to optimize their menu for online audiences or to increase delivery efficiency.

Realizing the potential for more, Top's China reached out to WebNest for help.

The WebNest Solution

At WebNest, we adopt a holistic approach towards solving the digital problems of small businesses. The plan for Top's China included:

• Design a Professional Website: WebNest designed Top's China an elegant and user-friendly website. We implemented:
  • A perfect flow and intuitively designed layout to show menu, services, and time of operation;
  • A highlighted "Order Now" button directed to online ordering systems;
  • SEO optimization integrated into the website ensured that it appeared topmost in local searches, including terms such as "Chinese food near me."
• Smoothening Online Orders: WebNest integrated an online ordering platform right into the website. The customers would face no hassle in placing orders via the website, reducing the staff’s workload and minimizing errors.
• Optimizing DoorDash Integration: WebNest optimized Top's China's DoorDash listing by:
  • Adding professional photos of their most popular dishes;
  • Optimizing the menu with descriptions and pricing;
  • Enhancing promotional strategies, including limited-time offers to drive traffic.
• Marketing and Branding: WebNest provided social media templates to assist Top's China in establishing and maintaining a coherent brand identity. We also guided them on creating engaging posts, such as daily specials and customer testimonials.

The Results

The intervention by WebNest proved to be effective and quantifiable. Within six months, Top's China witnessed:

• 40% Increase in Sales: The introduction of an orderly online ordering system and an optimized DoorDash presence attracted new customers.
• #1 on DoorDash: Top's China was rated the top-rated Chinese restaurant in their region on DoorDash for 20 consecutive weeks.
• Customer Experience: The new website helped customers navigate the menu and order with ease, even providing a platform to leave feedback. Positive reviews surged on Google and DoorDash.
• Increased Exposure: SEO optimization and social media branding helped Top's China reach younger generations of food lovers who could now easily discover them online.

Lessons Learned

• A Website is a Given: In today’s market, a website is foundational for any business.
• Efficiency Drives Growth: Streamlining operations allows businesses to scale with fewer resources.
• Customer Experience Matters: A user-friendly digital experience improves customer loyalty and satisfaction.

The Future

The success of Top's China is only one example of the transformative power of WebNest's approach. We remain committed to helping small businesses thrive in an increasingly digital world. By providing accessible, high-quality web solutions, we aim to empower more businesses to achieve their goals and reach new heights.

We feel proud, as Top's China continues to grow, and be a part of this journey with them. In this story is evidence that anything can happen for a business given the right set of tools and the right help.