Did you know that 90% of customers research restaurants online before eating out? This means, you as a restaurant owner, need a website, and a functional one. Sites such as HostGator can make this process easier for you by hosting your website and providing website templates. You want to project the right image to get people to walk through the door, and your location plays a big part in achieving that. Having a restaurant website is the same; it’s an extension of your restaurant. It directs customers to you, and lets them find out more about you, and you get to control the content – something you can’t do on review sites.
Benefits of Having a Website
To generate awareness, and exposure and extend your brand
A website lets people know who you are and gives potential customers a feel for your restaurant, menu and atmosphere. Your site does not need to be fancy, and it does not have to be expensive but it needs to be informative, interesting and reflective to your restaurant. Remember, first impressions count. A smart, simple design will help you convey the professional and appealing image you want.
To provide basic information
Your ‘virtual storefront’ will answer visitors’ questions such as hours of operation, payment methods, and location.
Avoid playing hide and seek; put your contact information on every single page of the site; give your customers what they came for and make it easy for them to reach out.
To promote products/services and events/promotions
Does your restaurant offer products or catering services in addition to your daily menu?
Your potential customers don’t know this! Not only can you launch this information on the website, but you can also provide your guests with a mailing list option so they can stay up-to-date with important announcements.
Highlight why you are special
Show your restaurant in the best possible light.
Photos of happy diners, filled tables, and mouthwatering dishes is more enticing than a black-and-white half-page ad in the paper.
Hire a good photographer to take pictures of actual meals you cook, get those pictures on your website and you’ve got an outstanding web presence that informs, entertains, and entices at the same time.
To increase business
A presence on the Web gives your business great ‘online visibility’, which in turn enables customers to find you. A website allows you to share your menu, showcase your specialties and services, and set your food and eatery apart from the others.
Your restaurant is a local business so it helps a lot to register it on Google Place and local directories such as LocalServe.
Idea Labs Consulting is an Austin-based team of coaches and consultants helping small businesses solve a wide range of business problems since 2011. Our team is composed of experienced entrepreneurs and technical experts.
We offer three distinct ways to work with you based on your current needs.
- Unlimited business coaching and consulting for a full year [$100 per month or less]
- Access to our resource platform of our products and services [pay for what you need]
- Business products and tools we recommend [free]
While there are plenty of sources for start-ups and small businesses to receive help, funding, and mentorship, Idea Labs operates like a marketplace by meeting the needs of your business’ ecosystem. As opposed to the common consulting and business coaching trope of increasing billable hours or project scope in order to maximize revenue, we prefer to be a place you can depend on during crucial stages of your business journey. We can help connect where you are now and where you want to be.
Idea Labs Consulting
www.idealabsconsulting.com
(512) 348-6344
