Did you know that 77% of diners check out a restaurant's website before deciding to visit? The absence of a website can be a dealbreaker, with many opting not to visit at all. Furthermore, a staggering 81% of diners place orders online, highlighting the importance of a website for capturing to-go orders.
A well-designed, SEO-optimized website doesn't just boost your restaurant's visibility; it ensures that when potential customers turn to the internet to find a new dining spot, your establishment is one of the first they see. In today's digital age, being visible online is essential because if you're not, you might as well be invisible to a vast segment of your potential customer base.
Now, if you don’t have a website, these are more than likely your three main justifications:
It’s too expensive
You don’t have time
Facebook is enough
Let’s break it down:
Prices
Domain fees: The average cost of a domain is $10-$20 per year, depending on availability. Some platforms even offer a 2- or 3-year term.
Hosting fees: The platform you choose will dictate hosting fees. Wix, SquareSpace, GoDaddy, and WordPress are common and start at less than $20 monthly, depending on the features chosen—many FB POS systems. Toast, Touch Bistro, Clover, etc., offer hosting and website capabilities, and pricing will vary.
SSL Certificate: This means your website is secure. Most hosting platforms provide SSL, but if you need to purchase one, the fees range between $7-$250 per year.
Designer: A custom website can cost between $500 and $10,000 or higher, depending on the features chosen and desired. We offer website designs starting at $750 for a simple 2-3 page site. This includes your menu, which most diners look for before choosing your restaurant. Depending on your service, we can also help create an online ordering system and connect it to your POS.
Time
When you use us, the biggest time crunch is at the beginning of the process. We must choose a platform that works best for you, decide on a domain, take pictures of your dishes, and get your story. Your customers want to know who they are supporting as much as they want to know your dishes and pricing.
Maintenance will fluctuate with you. Do you change your menu often or offer events? When working with us, we proudly say we don’t hold your website hostage. Once it is made, we hand it to you for changes or edits. However, we will help you update and will always provide a quote before doing any work.
When someone clicks on your website link and goes to a Facebook page, three things happen:
The app makes you log in to Facebook, not allowing for a smooth transition
The customer can’t find your menu quickly because of all of the posts and gets lost or distracted on your page
The customer automatically thinks you’re not a professional business
Social media is great and very important when representing your restaurant. Posts and videos on your daily menu, staff, events, specials, and other fun activities engage your customers and help them learn more about your place. A website is easier to navigate, gets a customer to the information they want quicker, and makes you look professional.
A website for a business announces to the world that you want to be taken seriously. It’s a way to communicate who you are, what you do, and why. It’s an imperative step to thrive and expand. A website serves as the cornerstone of a restaurant’s digital marketing strategy, providing a platform to showcase its unique offerings, connect with potential customers, and, ultimately, boost its bottom line.
Here are other reasons why every restaurant needs a website:
Brand Identity and Storytelling
A website offers a controlled environment where you can effectively communicate your brand’s identity and tell your restaurant’s story. Through thoughtful design, engaging content, and mouth-watering photography, your website can convey the ambiance, flavor, and experience of dining at your establishment. This can resonate with potential customers, creating an emotional connection even before they step through your doors.
Menu Access and Updates
Providing an accessible and up-to-date menu is one of the most significant benefits of having a website. It allows potential diners to browse your offerings at their leisure, which can be a deciding factor in their dining decisions. Additionally, digital menus offer the flexibility to make instant updates and highlight specials without the costs associated with printing new menus.
Customer Convenience
A website can enhance customer convenience through integrated features such as online reservations, order placements, or delivery services. These functionalities not only improve the customer experience but also streamline your operations. They can reduce the workload on your staff, minimize errors, and improve overall efficiency.
Marketing and Promotions
With a website, the sky’s the limit when it comes to marketing and promotions. Whether it’s showcasing seasonal promotions, special events, or loyalty programs, your website can act as the central hub for all your marketing efforts. You can easily integrate it with social media, email newsletters, and other marketing channels to maximize your outreach and promotional impact.
Feedback and Customer Interaction
Websites can also provide a platform for gathering customer feedback, which is invaluable for any business striving to improve. By including a feedback form or integrating with review platforms, you allow customers to share their experiences directly with you, which can inform business decisions and help foster a community around your brand.
Analytics and Insights
Lastly, a website can provide powerful insights into your customer base and the effectiveness of your marketing strategies through analytics. Understanding where your visitors come from, what they look at, and how they interact with your website can help you make informed decisions about menu changes, design updates, and more.
The bottom line is that a restaurant’s website is a multifunctional platform that enhances visibility, engages customers and drives growth. Digital presence is here to stay, and investing in a well-designed, informative, and user-friendly website is one of the smartest moves a restaurant owner can make. Whether you're a quaint cafe or a five-star dining experience, a website will support your goals of attracting more diners and providing them with a taste of what to expect, all before they make a reservation.