---
title: "10 Things Businesses Can Learn from McDonald’s"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/d65bce39-1078-40ec-aded-834c675593a6
source: "1851 Franchise"
original_url: https://1851franchise.com/10-things-businesses-can-learn-from-mcdonalds-2705699
category: "Restaurants"
industry: "Restaurants"
published: 2018-02-26T19:14:01.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T03:06:12.598Z
image: https://newimage.1851franchise.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=85,format=webp,width=1280,height=720/story/featureImage/3fb07e05e72ce1b68e4e0177aba235535662.jpg
---

# 10 Things Businesses Can Learn from McDonald’s

**TL;DR:** McDonald's has become a global brand with iconic recognition and a successful marketing strategy. The company's adaptability, use of technology, and streamlined procedures have contributed to its long-term success.

*originally published in 1851 Franchise on 2018-02-26. [Read the original](https://1851franchise.com/10-things-businesses-can-learn-from-mcdonalds-2705699).*

## Story

McDonald’s has firmly cemented itself into consumer minds across the globe . The yellow arches alone are iconic and recognized across countries and cultures.

1. Never underestimate the power of marketing.

McDonald’s is constantly engaging in marketing efforts and doing so with a strong sense of consistency in order to reinforce its messaging.

2. Adopt healthy options to appeal to changing consumer taste without compromising the speed of your service.

While it is important to be aware of consumer preferences, it is also critical that speed is not diminished. Fans expect a certain level of efficiency from brands.

3. Be innovating in a way that continues to service clients as markets change.

McDonald’s has always been willing to change. Having this adaptability will help brands reach long-term success because they will be able to grow with the industry.

McDonald’s has never been afraid of utilizing new technology, and these investments have paid off for the company by increasing its operational efficiency. The integration of kiosks allows fans to place orders quickly and reduce time spent waiting in line.

McDonald’s offers a streamlined number-based menu system that helps move people through the ordering process as quickly as possible. Rather than listing out all the menu items a customer would like to order, a simple number suffices to cover nearly everything.

McDonald’s has shifted its approach to real estate over the years. Though locations now require a smaller footprint, they have increased drive-thru opportunities. This change has helped them to capitalize on changing consumer preferences towards taking food to go.

One way that McDonald’s has been able to maintain efficiency and consistency is by growing within and focusing on multi-unit operators. These franchisees are able to personally oversee and deliver the same experience over a range of restaurants which helps the brand maintain the same level of quality.

Brands with streamlined procedures tend to experience more consistent results and are able to replicate this success from one location to the next. Having structure and set guidelines for all aspects of the business will help with creating a standardized experience.

9. Remember that ubiquity doesn’t breed success.

The biggest player doesn’t always experience the most financial success. While McDonald’s is a widely recognizable name, it is not necessarily on top from a monetary perspective.

Just because a brand is on top does not mean that this will always be the case. Be aware of what is happening within the industry and adapt to changes. McDonald’s has experienced dips and surges in popularity over the years, and this can be expected from other franchises.

## Entities

- 1851 Franchise (publication)
- Restaurants (sector)
- McDonald's (company)
- marketing strategy (topic)
- technology integration (topic)
- global brand (topic)
- adaptability (topic)
- streamlined procedures (topic)

---
Originally reported by 1851 Franchise (https://1851franchise.com/10-things-businesses-can-learn-from-mcdonalds-2705699). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/d65bce39-1078-40ec-aded-834c675593a6).