Building a Restaurant Website Guide & Best Practices
Restaurant websites play a crucial role in establishing your online presence. Here's how to build an effective one:
Start with Restaurant-Specific Design
Choose a template designed specifically for restaurants that showcases your culinary offerings while keeping important information easily accessible.
Essential Website Features
Display Hours and Location:
- Add to navigation menu via contact-layout page
- Include in homepage with text and map blocks
- Place in website footer for visibility on all pages
Menu Display:
- Use menu sections or page layouts for searchable, stylish menus
- Create dropdown menus for multiple menu types
- Avoid PDFs to improve SEO performance
Reservations and Online Orders:
- Integrate third-party services like OpenTable, Tock, or ChowNow
- Add clear navigation links to ordering platforms
- Display phone and email contact information prominently
Visual Elements:
- Use high-quality images of your space and dishes
- Implement gallery sections for food photography
- Add background images or videos to enhance atmosphere
Online Sales Features:
- Set up product subscriptions for regular items
- Display retailer stock lists
- Create regional shipping zones
- Offer gift cards
Marketing and Promotion:
- Integrate social media profiles
- Use notification bars for special offers
- Create dedicated pages for press and events
- Maintain an engaging blog
SEO Optimization:
- Verify with Google Search Console
- List business on Google Business Profile
- Include complete contact information
- Ensure all menu text is searchable
Additional Considerations:
- Register a custom domain
- Create an "About Us" page
- Add private events information
- Establish a mobile-responsive design
Remember to keep your website updated with current menus, hours, and promotions to provide the best experience for your customers.