Why Restaurants Need a Website

Having a website for your restaurant is crucial to promote your business and capture potential clients. According to a recent study, roughly 80 percent of people search for restaurants via their smartphones. Whether you are a new restaurant owner looking to build the perfect website or an established chef that needs to expand your marketing, having a website you can use to promote your business is essential.

How Important is a Website for a Restaurant?

Beyond providing online visibility for your restaurant, websites give owners an opportunity to promote their brand before a guest even walks through your door. Here are just a few of the many benefits that come from creating a website:

• Strengthens Branding: A strong brand is key to impressing your customers. A website allows you to showcase who you are to new and current customers without having to spend money on additional marketing. Your customers will get a clear sense of what experience the restaurant offers and the atmosphere guests can expect. This can work wonders in reaching your target audience and strengthening brand loyalty.
• Provides Convenience for Customers: The beauty of websites today is that they can fully integrate into reservation and online ordering platforms. Instead of making phone calls, guests can simply make a reservation or place a takeout order directly from your site. This convenience streamlines ordering and reservations for your customers while freeing your staff for other tasks.
• Promotes Additional Services and Offerings: Do you have a sister restaurant? Perhaps you are also known for your catering services? Maybe you compete in an annual cooking competition. First-time diners might not be aware of all your other services or offerings. Websites are great tools to help you cross-promote special events, limited-time menu items, and can direct more business your way.
• Boosts Internet Search Rankings: Websites are savvy business tools that can help you rise to the top of internet searches. With more and more restaurants developing an online presence, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. 92 percent of people only look at the first page of search engine results. Keeping up with trending SEO techniques and creating website content relevant to your business and customers improves your website’s chances of showing up higher in relevant search results which gives you a leg up on competitors in your area. 
• Cost-Effective Marketing Tool: Marketing your restaurant can be quite an investment. Luckily, websites are affordable to create and maintain and can help you reach more customers.

What to Put on Your Restaurant Website

Today, simply having a website isn’t enough. You want to make sure you include the essential information to get customers to your door, while simultaneously tailoring your online presence to mimic your in-house atmosphere. While there is no specific formula on how to design your website, there are a few key pieces of information to share on your website and elements that make a good website design:

1. Online Ordering, Reservation, and Review Links: If you are using apps to help you keep track of reservations and orders, put the links and forms up on your website for guests to utilize quickly and easily. If you want to hear about your customers’ dining experience, you can also include a survey form for them to leave feedback for your team. 
2. Current Food and Drink Menus: Diners flock to restaurants for a myriad of reasons, but the food is what gets them in the door. Make sure you always keep your online menus up-to-date to avoid disappointing customers. Highlighting and promoting your specials is also a great way to draw new customers.
3.  Location and Social Media Info: You want customers to find you easily, so be sure you have all your important location information laid out:
   1. Phone number
   2. Physical address
   3. A map of your location
   4. E-mail address (if applicable)
   5. All social media links

Build Business with a Professionally Tailored Restaurant Website

US Foods CHEF’STORE, the leader in chef supplies, is here to help you with all of your business development needs. Visit CHECK® Business Tools for resources for restaurant owners by restaurant owners. If you’re looking to update your restaurant’s website, reach out to our partner, Bentobox, for a consultation. Their designs can help boost revenue, drive website traffic, and ensure your website is intuitive and accessible.