How to Add the "Order Food" Button to Your Restaurant’s Instagram & Facebook
- Kelvin Betances
- 3 days ago
- 12 min read
Adding an "Order Food" button to your restaurant’s Instagram profile and a similar ordering button on your Facebook page is a quick win for driving more direct online orders. With nearly 75% of restaurant traffic now happening off-premises (takeout, delivery, and drive-thru), making it easy for social media followers to order directly from you is more important than ever. These buttons turn your social profiles into revenue channels by letting customers order from you in just a tap, without searching third-party apps or making a call.
Why is this so valuable? Direct ordering via Instagram and Facebook means you keep the full sale without paying 20–30% commissions to delivery apps. It also keeps customers within your own ordering system, so you retain 100% of your customer data and relationship. In short, adding the "Order Food" button provides a commission-free, branded ordering experience for your guests – a practical, easy step to boost profits and loyalty.
How Sauce Integrates with Instagram and Facebook Order Buttons
Sauce, as a commission-free online ordering and delivery platform, can be directly integrated with Instagram and Facebook to power these "Order Food" buttons. Instagram only allows select partners for its ordering button, and Sauce is one of the solutions that enable you to link your profile to a fully branded, online ordering page with no third-party fees (similar to how ChowNow and others work). By using Sauce for your ordering:
When customers tap Order Food on Instagram or Start Order on Facebook, they’ll be directed straight to your Sauce ordering link to complete their purchase, commission-free.
You get to keep the entire order value (no DoorDash or Grubhub cut) and own the customer data for future marketing.
The ordering experience remains on your restaurant’s branding – reinforcing your brand rather than a third-party marketplace.
In the sections below, we’ll walk through step-by-step how to set up the order buttons on Instagram and Facebook, and how to make the most of them.
How to Add an "Order Food" Button on Instagram
Instagram’s Action Buttons feature lets restaurants add an "Order Food" button on their profile page. This button will appear prominently on your business’s Instagram profile (usually right below your bio/contact info) for all users to see. When tapped, it directs people to your online ordering page via an official partner integration. Follow these steps to add the button:
Before you start: Make sure your Instagram account is converted to a Business account (required for action buttons) and that you have a Sauce ordering link or account ready to connect.
Steps to add the Order Food button on Instagram:
Open your Instagram business profile on the mobile app (the Instagram app is required for this setup). Go to your profile page (tap your profile picture at bottom right).
Tap "Edit Profile". Scroll down and look for the section labeled Public Business Information.
Select "Action Buttons". In the Action Buttons menu, tap Order Food. (If you don’t see "Action Buttons", some accounts may find this under Contact Options instead.)
Remove any existing order link (if applicable). If you had previously set up an Order Food button with another service, Instagram will ask you to remove it before adding a new one. Confirm removal of the old partner link to proceed.
Choose your ordering partner. You’ll see a list of approved online ordering partners. Select Sauce (or the partner powering your direct ordering) from the list. Instagram might then prompt you to log in to your Sauce account or otherwise authenticate. Follow the on-screen steps to connect your Sauce ordering system.
Finalize the integration. After logging in and confirming any details (for example, selecting the correct restaurant location if you have multiple), tap Confirm or Done to finalize. Instagram may also ask you to choose or create a related Facebook ad account and pixel – you can follow those prompts, but they are typically optional for simply adding the button.
Verify the button on your profile. Navigate back to your Instagram profile and you should now see an "Order Food" button displayed near the top of your profile. This is what customers will click to start an order. For example, on your profile it will show up next to the standard contact buttons, so it’s highly visible. When a user taps it, Instagram will open your Sauce ordering page in the app’s browser so the customer can browse your menu and place an order.
Once this is set up, consider also using Instagram Stories to promote ordering. Instagram allows you to add a Food Orders sticker in Stories that links to the same partner ordering system. You could post a Story (or a Highlight) telling followers “You can now order food directly from our Instagram!” and use the FOOD ORDERS sticker to make it interactive.
When followers tap your Story’s sticker, they’ll be taken to your ordering page just like the profile button. (They can even re-share your Story, helping spread the word and drive more commission-free orders to your restaurant.)
How to Add an Order Button on Facebook (Start Order)
On Facebook, business pages can feature a call-to-action button – in this case, a "Start Order" button – at the top of the page. This appears on your page’s header (below your cover photo on desktop, or in a prominent spot on mobile) and encourages visitors to begin an online order. Here’s how to set it up:
Go to your Facebook business page while logged in as an admin. On desktop, look for the Add Button (or Edit Action Button) option on the right side below your page’s cover image. On the Facebook mobile app, tap the menu (☰) and navigate to your page, then look for an Add Button prompt near the top.
Click "Add Button" and choose the Start Order option. Facebook will present a list of button types (Contact Us, Book Now, etc.); select Start Order (it may also be labeled as an Order Food option).
Enter your online ordering link. You’ll be prompted to paste the URL where you want customers to order. Here, enter your Sauce online ordering page URL (or whichever direct ordering link you use). For example, paste the link to your restaurant’s Sauce ordering menu.
Save the button. Click Save (or Finish). The Start Order button will now be live on your Facebook page. It should now appear as a clickable button labeled "Start Order" on your page.
Test the button as a user. Click on Start Order on your page to ensure it opens the correct ordering page in a new tab or within the Facebook app’s browser. Customers who click it will be taken directly to your menu where they can start placing an order.
Note: Unlike Instagram’s integration, Facebook’s "Start Order" button usually just opens the link you provide. It doesn’t require an official partner authorization for the link. This means you could link to any ordering page. However, if you already connected your Instagram Order Food button via Sauce, you might have had the option to simultaneously add it to Facebook during that setup as well (through Facebook Business Extension). It’s worth double-checking your Facebook page after setting up Instagram – in some cases, the integration may have added the button for you. If not, simply follow the steps above.
Now your Facebook followers will see a big Start Order call-to-action on your page. This is a great way to capture orders from people who discover your restaurant on Facebook. Just like on Instagram, these orders will go directly to you (opening your Sauce ordering system) rather than through a third-party platform.
Best Practices for Driving Direct Orders via Instagram & Facebook
Setting up the buttons is only the first step. To get the most out of them, you should actively promote and optimize their usage. Here are some best practices to consider:
Announce and promote the new buttons
Let your followers know that ordering just got easier. For Instagram, create a post or story announcing “👉 We now have an Order Food button on our profile – order your favorites directly!” On Facebook, you might pin a post about the Start Order feature. Encourage customers to use it by highlighting benefits (“No extra fees – best prices when you order direct!”).
Use compelling language in captions and bios
Update your Instagram bio to mention direct ordering (e.g., “🍴 Order pickup or delivery direct from us – tap Order Food 👆”). In social media captions, include calls to action reminding people to use the direct order link. For instance, you might post a delicious food photo and say, “Craving this? Order now and support our restaurant by using the Order Food button in our bio!”. Simple messages like “Get your favorite pasta delivered – use our Order button for fast, commission-free delivery!” can nudge customers to act.
Offer incentives for direct orders
To entice customers to choose your direct link over third-party apps, you can provide exclusive deals. For example, run a promo like “🌟 10% off your first order through our Instagram Order Food button!” or “Free dessert when you order direct from us on Facebook.” Promote these deals in your posts and stories. This not only drives usage of the new buttons but also educates customers that ordering directly saves everyone money (so you can pass on some savings to them).
Keep your menu and link updated
This sounds basic, but ensure the link you’ve added (your Sauce ordering page) is up-to-date and mobile-optimized. Update your online menu regularly. A smooth ordering experience will encourage repeat use.
Leverage Instagram Stories and Highlights
As mentioned, use the Food Orders sticker in Stories whenever you talk about menu specials or new dishes. For example, if you’re promoting a seasonal dish, post it on Stories and slap on an Order sticker linking to that item or your menu. You can then save these stories as a Highlight called “Order Online” or “Order Now” on your IG profile for ongoing visibility. This way, even new profile visitors see that they can order with a quick tap.
Monitor and remind regularly
Every so often, remind your followers on both platforms about the direct order option. New followers might not know, and repetition helps. You could say, “Skip the fees and order direct — just tap our Order button!” as a periodic post or within other content. Also, respond to any user comments or messages asking “How do I order?” by pointing them to the button. Over time, you’ll train your audience to use these convenient features.
By following these practices, you’ll maximize the chances that your social media followers become your customers. The easier and more rewarding you make it to order directly, the more they’ll do so.
Benefits of Using Direct Ordering vs. Third-Party Apps
You might be wondering: why not just link my Instagram or Facebook to my Grubhub, DoorDash, or Uber Eats page? While you can often connect third-party delivery services to these buttons, using a direct ordering system like Sauce offers distinct advantages. Here are the key benefits of steering customers to order directly from you rather than through third-party marketplaces:
Zero Commissions = More Profit: Third-party delivery apps often charge commissions around 20–30% per order. That means a big chunk of your revenue is lost on each sale. By contrast, orders that come through your Instagram/Facebook via Sauce incur no commission – you keep 100% of the sale. Over time, this dramatically improves your profit margins. For example, a $50 order on a delivery app might cost you up to $15 in fees, whereas the same $50 through your direct link is $50 in your register.
No Markups or Higher Menu Prices: Because of those commissions, many restaurants raise menu prices on third-party platforms to avoid losses. This can turn off cost-conscious customers. With direct ordering, you can offer the same prices as in-store (since you’re not losing a cut), giving customers better value and motivation to order direct. They’ll notice when “it’s cheaper to order directly from the restaurant.”
Ownership of Customer Data and Relationship: When orders come through DoorDash or Uber Eats, the platform controls the customer information and experience. You often don’t get the customer’s contact info or feedback directly. In contrast, with direct ordering you capture emails, phone numbers, and order history, allowing you to build your own customer database and loyalty programs. You can re-engage customers with promotions or newsletters since you have their info. This helps turn one-time orders into repeat business.
Better Brand Experience: Direct ordering keeps customers within your brand’s ecosystem. The online ordering page is branded for your restaurant, and the Instagram/FB buttons simply shuttle users to your site or ordering page – no distractions. On a third-party app, your restaurant is one among many; the app’s branding and other listings are all over the place. By using direct buttons, you maintain control over the user experience – from the visuals to the messaging – reinforcing your brand identity. It feels more like ordering from your restaurant, not from a middleman.
Faster Service and Fewer Errors: Orders that come through a direct system like Sauce go straight to you and are integrated with your operations. There’s no intermediary to potentially introduce delays or mistakes in communication. You set the prep times, you handle the delivery (or your chosen courier service via Sauce), and you can communicate directly with the customer if needed. This often means fewer mix-ups and faster issue resolution compared to third-party orders, where you might hear about problems second-hand or late. In short, direct orders give you more control over quality and customer satisfaction.
No Competing Listings: When a customer uses the IG or FB order button, they’re specifically choosing your restaurant. They won’t see competitor promos or alternate options like they might on a delivery app marketplace. This focused experience can increase conversion – they clicked “Order Food” because they wanted your food, and nothing else is vying for their attention. It’s your own mini storefront.
In summary, linking your social media directly to a commission-free ordering system benefits both your bottom line and your customer relationships. You save money and maintain control, and customers often get better prices and service. It’s a win-win, especially as online ordering has become an essential part of restaurant business now.
Common Questions about Instagram & Facebook Order Buttons
Can I customize the text or look of the "Order Food" button?
On Instagram, the button will always say “Order Food” (with the fork and knife icon) and on Facebook it will say “Start Order.” These labels and styles are set by the platforms and cannot be changed. The good news is these are clear to users. You can’t rename them to something else, but you can customize the call-to-action around them (for example, in your bio or page description you might add “Tap the Order Food button to order direct!”). The appearance (color, font, placement) is standardized by Instagram and Facebook’s design.
Does this work for restaurants with multiple locations?
Yes, but there are a few things to know. Each Instagram profile or Facebook page can only link to one ordering page via the button. If your restaurant chain has multiple locations and each has its own Instagram account or Facebook page, you should set up the appropriate ordering link for each one (point each page to the closest location’s Sauce ordering page, for example). If you have one Instagram account for a multi-location restaurant, you might need to choose one central ordering page that lets the customer select their location after clicking. Some ordering providers (including Sauce) allow a location selection if configured. During the Instagram setup, if your ordering partner supports multi-location, it may prompt you to choose which location’s menu to connect. On Facebook, if your page covers multiple stores, consider adding an intermediate ordering link that asks customers for their location or provides location options. In summary, it’s absolutely doable to use these buttons for multi-unit restaurants, but plan out which link will provide the best experience (perhaps a landing page where users pick their city/store, or simply promote ordering for one flagship location).
Do I need special accounts or permissions to add these buttons?
For Instagram, you must have a Business or Creator account (personal IG accounts cannot add action buttons). It’s easy to switch to a Business profile in your settings if you haven’t already. You’ll also need to use a supported partner for the Order Food action – which is where Sauce comes in as your online ordering provider. For Facebook, you need to have a Facebook Business Page for your restaurant (not just a personal profile). You also need to be an admin or have Facebook access to that page in order to add or edit the action button. As long as those conditions are met, there is no extra cost or permission from Facebook/Instagram needed to add the buttons.
Does it cost anything to use the Instagram/Facebook order buttons?
No – both platforms allow you to add these buttons for free. Instagram and Facebook do not charge you or take a cut of orders placed through the buttons. The only costs involved would be those of your ordering system, if any. For example, Sauce operates on a flat-fee or subscription model (with zero commission on orders), but there’s no per-order fee going to Facebook or Instagram. If you were linking to a third-party delivery app, that app would still charge its usual commissions on orders, but again Facebook/IG themselves don’t take a percentage. This is why using a commission-free platform for the button is ideal – you’re not paying anyone a slice of the sales. In short, adding the button is free and orders through it are fee-free aside from whatever your own delivery or payment processing costs are.
I already use DoorDash/Grubhub – can I still add this or should I switch?
You can certainly still add the buttons! If you want, you could link the Instagram Order Food button or Facebook Start Order button to your page on DoorDash, Grubhub, etc. However, we highly recommend linking to your own direct ordering system (like Sauce) instead. The reason is all the benefits we discussed: you’ll avoid the steep commissions and keep customers on your platform. Some restaurants initially link to a third-party ordering page out of convenience, but later transition to a direct link as they implement their own online ordering. It’s usually better for your business to drive customers to order directly. If you already had an Order Food button linked to another service, Instagram will have you remove it before connecting a new one – but this only takes a moment and can be done in the Edit Profile > Action Buttons settings. You don’t have to fully quit using delivery apps to use these social media buttons; you can still keep those services for broader discovery. But once you see how easy and cost-effective direct orders are, you might prefer to promote them more heavily. Many restaurants use a mix: they maintain presence on delivery marketplaces but encourage followers (your loyal fans) to order via the direct buttons for a better deal. Over time, converting even a portion of third-party orders into direct orders can significantly boost your profit.
