We know a website is essential for your restaurant business.
But what do you need on your website to make it work for you?
I'll go over 10 essential elements of a great restaurant website that can help your restaurant turn website visitors into paying customers.
Here they are in a nutshell:
- The Essentials
- Social Media Links
- Your Menu
- Online Ordering Buttons
- Gift Cards and Promotions
- Loyalty Program Information
- Email Sign-Up Forms
- High-Quality Photos/Videos
- Your Story
- Mobile Optimized
The Essentials
Your contact information is essential.
Your customers need to know where you are so they can go to your restaurant.
Your website should have your contact information, including your restaurant's address, business hours, phone number, and email address.
They should be up-to-date and easily accessible on your homepage.
This information is vital for customers who are searching for local dining options.
Accurate and visible contact information improves user experience and contributes positively to efforts when trying to rank higher on search engines.
Social Media Links
With links to your restaurant's social media profiles on your website, customers can easily follow and engage with your brand online.
Social media integration can also improve your website's SEO (Search Engine Optimization) by driving traffic and generating valuable backlinks.
Your Menu
According to research done by TouchBistro, 84% of people view menus online before dining out.
To capitalize on this, create a user-friendly online version of your menu rather than a PDF, ensuring it is easy to navigate and includes up-to-date information.
Include separate links if your dine-in menu differs from your takeout and delivery offerings.
A well-structured online menu can improve search engine indexing and improved SEO.
Online Ordering Buttons
Do you have online ordering set up?
Make sure it's easily accessible from your website with a clear button.
When placing an online order, a patron is more likely to use a restaurant's website, according to a 2023 study by Toast.
Integrating natural ordering systems and linking to third-party delivery platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash can boost customer convenience and improve your restaurant's online visibility.
Gift Cards and Promotions
Let your potential customers know the benefits your restaurant is currently offering.
Showing promotions and offering gift cards for purchase directly on your website is an effective way to drive additional revenue.
Gift cards can help your current loyal customers encourage new customers.
44% of consumers said that gift cards encourage them to try new restaurants that they would not have visited otherwise.
Ensure these options are easily accessible and prominently displayed, which can also contribute positively to user experience.
Loyalty Program Information
Loyalty programs are another way to get repeat customers and give your current customers a reason to promote your restaurant to others.
A survey by Deloitte shows that almost half of restaurant loyalty members (47%) use their memberships several times a month, and almost a third (32%) do so several times a week.
If your restaurant offers a loyalty program, include all relevant information and allow customers to sign up directly on your website.
Providing a loyalty program can improve customer engagement and help bring repeat business.
When choosing where to eat, people are likely to gravitate to a restaurant where they already participate in a loyalty program.
Email Sign-Up Forms
Collecting emails is a great way to stay connected to your guests.
Getting subscribers allows you to share updates, promotions, and news and keep your restaurant in your potential customer's minds.
Growing your email list can help drive repeat business and increase customer loyalty while improving your website's SEO through increased engagement.
High-Quality Photos/Videos
Enticing, professional food photography can significantly impact your restaurant's online presence.
One study found that merely looking at pictures of food can trigger the hormone that causes hunger.
High-quality photos engage customers and contribute to your website's aesthetic and user experience, improving your SEO performance.
Your Story
What is your restaurant about?
Why did you open your restaurant?
Including an "About Us" or "Our Story" page on your website allows customers to connect with your restaurant's history and brand.
Sharing your story can create a personal connection with your audience and foster customer loyalty while adding valuable content to your website, which can positively impact SEO.
Mobile Optimized
On Restaurant Engine, it explains 61% of people have a better opinion of brands when they offer a good mobile experience.
Optimizing your website for mobile is crucial for reaching potential customers.
A mobile-optimized website ensures a seamless user experience across all devices, which can improve user engagement and contribute to better SEO performance.
Conclusion
Those were 10 essential elements for a successful restaurant website.
Which of these features could make the most significant impact on your business?
Are there any elements you'd like to add or improve on your current website?
Let me know by sending a message.