Does Your Restaurant Need A Website?

Top 10 Reasons for a Professional Website

In today’s competitive food and beverage world, having an online presence is no longer optional for businesses, especially in the highly competitive restaurant industry.

A well-designed website can significantly boost a restaurant’s visibility, customer engagement, and ultimately, its revenue. Here’s why every restaurant needs a website and the compelling statistics that underline its importance.

1. Improved Customer Experience

A user-friendly website enhances the customer experience by providing easy access to essential information. Customers appreciate the convenience of finding what they need quickly. A BrightLocal study found that 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Integrating customer reviews and testimonials on your website can build instant trust and attract new customers.

2. Enhanced Visibility and Reach (SEO)

The internet is often the first place people look when searching for a place to eat. A website acts as the digital storefront, offering potential customers a glimpse of what to expect and will help customers fall in love with pictures of your food. It’s where they find menus, operating hours, location, and contact information—all critical details that influence their decision-making.

3. Online Reservations and Ordering

The ability to make reservations or order online directly from a restaurant’s website is a major convenience for customers. According to the National Restaurant Association, 40% of consumers prefer to order food online. This trend has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many diners opting for online ordering and delivery services. Restaurants that offer these options via their website can capture this growing market segment, increasing sales and customer loyalty. Plus, did you know that when a customer places an order online, they spend 20% more than if they were to order in person?? If you are looking for a way to increase profit year after year, then a website with online ordering is your answer!

4. Showcasing Menu and Specials

A restaurant’s website is the perfect platform to showcase its menu, amazing food pictures, and highlight daily specials or upcoming events. High-quality images and detailed descriptions can entice potential customers and stimulate their appetite. According to Toast's 2019 Restaurant Success Report, 83% of diners say that an easy-to-read menu is essential. Providing this information online ensures that customers know what to expect, reducing uncertainty and increasing the likelihood of a visit.

5. Marketing in Local Online Searches

Websites are powerful marketing tools. They can host beautiful foodie pics, blogs, promotional videos, and customer testimonials, which help in SEO (Search Engine Optimization) efforts. Not only that, but when 72% of consumers do a local search before visiting a local store, having a website to capture that audience is a no-brainer.

6. Social Media Integration

A website serves as a central hub for a restaurant’s online presence, integrating social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Social media is crucial for engaging with customers, promoting the brand, and updating customers on daily changes. Sprout Social reports that 30% of consumers say they are likely to buy from a brand they follow on social media. By linking social media accounts to the website, restaurants can increase their following, engage with customers in REAL-TIME updates on their website, and drive more traffic to their site…and eventually through their doors!

A website can also host a loyalty program, allowing restaurants to reward repeat customers. According to Bond Brand Loyalty, 77% of consumers say that loyalty programs make them more likely to stay with brands. By providing website newsletter signups and reservations, restaurants can create personalized marketing campaigns, offer exclusive deals, and build long-term relationships with their customers.

7. Building Customer Loyalty

8. Analytics and Insights

Having a website provides valuable data and insights into customer behavior. Tools like Google Analytics can track how visitors interact with the site, what pages they visit most, and where they drop off. This information is crucial for understanding what works and what doesn’t with your customer base, allowing restaurants to make data-driven decisions to improve their online presence and overall customer experience.

9. Competitive Advantage

In an industry as competitive as dining, having a website can set a restaurant apart from its competitors because it shows that your restaurant believes in quality. According to a survey by MGH, 45% of diners said they have tried a restaurant for the first time because of a search they did on their smartphone. A well-maintained website with appealing content can attract new customers who might otherwise choose a competitor.

10. Cost-Effective Advertising

Traditional advertising methods like print, radio, or TV can be costly. In contrast, a website offers a more cost-effective platform for advertising with a better ROI (return on investment). Restaurants can run promotions, announce new dishes, or share special events directly on their site. According to the Content Marketing Institute, creating a website costs 62% less than traditional marketing and generates about three times as many leads. By utilizing a website for content marketing and email signups, restaurants can achieve better ROI and results at a fraction of the cost.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a website is an essential asset for any restaurant looking to thrive in today’s world. It enhances visibility, improves customer experience, enables online reservations and ordering, showcases the menu (and food pics!), and most importantly—boosts revenue! By providing a professional and easy-to-use visitor experience, a website can significantly contribute to a restaurant’s success. Investing in a professional, user-friendly website is not just a trend; it’s a necessity in the modern dining industry. Make sure to find a website designer that uses an easy-to-update platform, like Squarespace, allowing you to make simple updates once the website is complete. Plus, professional website pricing doesn’t have to be scary. Check out Propel Web Design’s pricing packages, starting at only $1,800…