By Dr Ola Ayeni, Mobile DialogIndependent restaurant owners for years have been slowly adopting online and internet food order, But cheap and free technologies that now allows patrons to order food from their cell phones and have it delivered, picked up or ready when you get to the restaurant is now. That is what many independent and quick service restaurants are now offering to consumers and patrons.

The good news is that many of this new media tools are free and can be easily incorporated into the marketing mix. Technologies like Twitter, Pownce, Facebook, Linkedin, text messages and mobile marketing. Apart from the ability to order food from their phone, smart restaurant owners are also using mobile or cell phone marketing to engage their patrons, acquire new ones and promote their business. These free or inexpensive way of marketing is now revolutionizing the way businesses interact and market to consumers.

Order From Your Cell Phone: Working with several mobile marketing companies to provide cell phone or mobile phone ordering, restaurants are taking convenience to another level. Several companies like Burger king, McDonald, Subway, Pizza Hut and PaPa John all allow cell phone users to order burger and pizza and have it delivered or picked up at the nearest store location. Companies like Crazymenu.com are also providing simple ways for independent restaurant owners to use this technology without upfront cost.

It so easy and convenient that using basic text messages, patrons can text in their order in and have it delivered or ready when they get there. Cell phone users can also use their cell phones to go to a mobile website, pick an order, pay with their credit card and receive notification when the order will be ready. Since many people now have smart phones like the iphone, consumers can now order with a touch on the iphone burgers , fries and pizzas and have it delivered.

Tweet It. Beyond ordering food over the cell phone, or driving customers back, savy restaurant owners can also use free tools like Twitter to increase sales. With over 1000 restaurants now growing their businesses via Twitter, restaurant owners can send out daily menu information, specials and event information to patrons. For example Nakedpizza with over 5000 follows on twitter is able to drive awareness, engage customers and increase sales using Twitter. Patrons can follow or sign up on Twitter @nakedpizza . Also in Tampa, Florida, AquaKnox has over 700 follows. Other taking advantage of this free service are Dish Gourmet in Bolder Colorado, Joes Coffe, Austin Texas and many more independent restaurant owners.

Results of Mobile Marketing: Let us look at some examples; Walter Payton Roundhouse in Aurora, Illinois send out weekly text messages to their patrons. Tonight & Sat @ the Roundhouse.. Comedy w/ Bob Jay! Doors @ 7PM. Cover $15. Tonight live band No Direction, Sat w/ Reckless! Doors @10PM/Cover $7. 21+ . This simple messages reminds their patrons about the event and deliver exciting sales results. How about The Taco Maker, a Taco chain that utilize mobile marketing techniques to launch their new Burrito wrap and got a 21% increase in average store sales.

There are over 283 Million cell phones in the United States according to Mobile Marketing Association(MMA). With over 95% of these cell phones capable of sending and receiving text messages. People always have their cell phone with them. Infact according to a recent survey, consumers will rather leave their wallet at home than forget their cell phones. This makes the cell phone a natural option to reach patrons anywhere and anytime.

About the author, Dr Ola Ayeni is the Chief Idea Officer of Mobile Dialog, a mobile marketing and consulting company in, Naperville , Illinois that helps restaurants increase revenue and engage their customers using mobile and social media tools. He can be reached at email: Corporate@m-dialog.com, phone: 1-888-424 9666, Website: http://www.m-dialog.com, on twitter @olaayeni.