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5 Elements Every Restaurant Website Needs

It used to be relatively difficult for restaurant owners to get the stunning and beautiful website they want. However, that’s all changed now thanks to online website builders to create a website for a restaurant.

resto_web

If you’re a web designer specializing in restaurant websites, or even if you run your own outlet and would like to get started with the creation of the perfect website for your eatery, here are 5 suggestions that every restaurant website must have.

1. Menu

It’s a restaurant, so put up the food and beverages that’s being served. There’s nothing more disappointing than visiting a restaurant site to find out there’s no menu. Just remember that visitors will want to see what type of food/ingredients is used and how much it costs, before visiting the restaurant.

Having it as a PDF download is acceptable, but these days, you can have it open on screen. This takes less time, and the experience is one that every visitor will appreciate. Once you have that, make sure it’s easy to find, clear (hi-resolution) and shareable amongst family and friends.

2. Images, images, images.

pancakes visual images

Image by Aurelian S?ndulescu

You would be surprised how often restaurants forget to add pictures to their site. Think about this, a website is essentially a billboard for your business. Instead of forcing visitors to guess what kind of food is served, or what the interior of the restaurant looks like, why not show them before they even set foot into your restaurant.

3. Contact and Location Map

contact information, business hours

Just as with the menu, if a customer can’t find your contact information or location map within the first 10 seconds, chances are they are going to leave your page, or get frustrated.

Add important contact details to the most intuitive places on the site .e.g footer, or some where that’s visible on every page. Furthermore, make sure you not only have your address, but also business hours, email, phone number, and directions to the restaurant.

4. Responsive Design

A few years ago, responsive design was something only a handful of websites offer, but that has changed today and now over 70% of the web has responsive design.

The F&B industry has everything to gain from being in this realm. Remember, most restaurant visits are spontaneous and unplanned. And as smartphone usage increase, people are using them to search for nearby restaurants. With this, a mobile optimized site will greatly benefit to the restaurant’s success.

5. Reservation system

As mentioned above, a restaurant’s contact information is crucial for the visitor. But what if they already decided to dine at the restaurant? They know what food is served, they know where it is, they also know the price.

Adding a reservation system to the website makes it easier for new and returning customers. There are literally hundreds of paid, or free web apps to choose from. Some have more features than others, but the bottom line is, it’s available.

Implementing a system will not only guarantee a table for guests (which leaves a positive experience), but it gives the restaurant the ability to manage more aspects of the business e.g. customer projections, costings, staffing, etc.

Summary

Like most web design fundamentals, restaurant sites need to be easy to navigate, clutter-free, and filled with just the essential information. There is a design principle created by the United States Navy called KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid, in other words, don’t try to accomplish too much with your site, just keep is basic.

Read more

Websites of the Week: Eat, Drink, and be Merry – A collection of inspirational Restaurants, Cafes, Drinks, and F&B websites

Written by CrazyLeaf Editorial

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