10 reasons your restaurant needs a website

The modern business must have a web presence that communicates its brand and core information to target audiences. Despite 89% of Internet users searching for restaurants online, thousands of restaurants still have little or no online presence. It is essential that restaurants develop and maintain a basic website. You can say that your business doesn’t need a website, that it’s too expensive, or that you don’t have the time to build or maintain it. But when the purpose of a website is to provide value to its customers, who in turn generate business, a website is essential. In the same way that you satisfy customers when they visit your restaurant, you must satisfy their needs for information online. For a restaurant owner or manager, there are many benefits to having a website. Here are a few:

1. Generate notoriety, exposure and extend your brand. Your website lets people know who you are and gives potential customers an idea of ​​your restaurant, menu, and atmosphere. You also have the opportunity to show customers why your restaurant is the right choice for them. Remember, first impressions count. A smart and simple design will help you convey the professional yet attractive image you want.

You have options when creating a website. The least expensive method is (of course) to do it yourself. With some software, a reference guide or two, and your dedication, a person with basic computer skills can have a simple website in a week or less. You can also choose to use a single provider that can handle everything from domain registration and renewal to site hosting, design, development, and maintenance. Be sure to ask them if they use search engine optimization best practices when building their sites and if they will help improve your site’s search results placement once it goes live.

2. Provide basic information such as hours of operation, payment methods and location. While you are most likely not available 24 hours a day to answer these questions, your website, also known as your ‘virtual storefront’, is always there to answer visitors’ questions.

3. Improve your competitive advantage. There is a good chance that other restaurants in your area have websites and are attracting your potential business because they can be found more quickly. Many potential customers like to “shop around” by researching various restaurants online before making a decision about where to eat. Without a web presence, your restaurant may no longer be considered an option for them. You can also lose the ability to appear in local online directories that feature your competitors. It’s a great way to get inspiration and ideas and think of ways you can differentiate yourself.

4. Improve internal efficiency and customer service. Are your staff repeatedly bombarded by the same requests over and over again? A great way to cut down on time spent troubleshooting is to post that information on your website. Instead of a potential customer calling to get directions to your restaurant, the customer can download them from your website, saving time and hassle for both your staff and the customer.

5. Promote products or services. Many restaurants offer catering products or services in addition to their general restaurant operations. But many of your customers don’t know! Map featured areas of your website to address the full range of your restaurant’s offerings and you’ll create more awareness and generate more business.

6. Post timely content such as events or promotions. What do customers love? They love good deals or promotions. When you post simple promotions like a downloadable coupon on your website, you keep your restaurant at the top of your customers’ minds and keep them coming back.

7. At the service of the press. In addition to serving customers, your website works as a public relations tool. With tight press deadlines, media professionals writing about your restaurant need things like high-quality images and text about your restaurant. By making this information available on your website, you can make life easier for the press and increase your chances of free publicity in the media.

8. Build a relationship with customers. A website is a great place to capture customer feedback through comments and surveys. Plus, a clean website with regularly updated content and promotions is a place where customers return again and again, just like they will return to your restaurant. You can cultivate and maintain a relationship of personal trust by publishing a regular email newsletter that offers unique and interesting content and special offers for your subscribers.

9. To save you money. Having an online presence 24 hours a day is less expensive than print advertising, television commercials, banner advertisements, and almost any other form of promotion. And unlike the materials mentioned above, the websites can be updated as often as you like. The only type of promotion you’ll need once your website is launched is … promoting your website!

10. To increase your business. Despite the financial difficulties, customers continue to go out to eat. They are simply being more careful and analytical in their restaurant selection.

As you can see, a website is not something that you just post online and then ignore for several years. The internet is constantly evolving and new opportunities are emerging almost daily, from online and mobile ordering to more sophisticated marketing ideas that can benefit your business. In the long term, you will benefit from investing in your restaurant’s online presence and staying on top of innovations and trends in restaurant website design.

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