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A potential customer with a rumbling stomach is scrolling through their phone looking for the perfect spot for dinner.
They come across your restaurant’s name and click on your website.
What happens next could be the difference between a full house and empty tables.
Your website often serves as the first impression for potential diners.
It’s not just a digital business card—it’s your 24/7 marketing powerhouse. And its importance can’t be overstated.
77% of diners check out a restaurant’s website before eating there or ordering takeout.
That’s right—more than three-quarters of your potential customers make decisions based on what they see online before tasting your food.
So, how do you ensure your website is as inviting as your dining room and as enticing as your menu?
That’s exactly what we’re going to cover in this guide.
We’ll walk you through the process of creating a restaurant website that looks great and drives real business results.
Your domain name is your restaurant’s digital address—it’s how customers will find you online.
Choosing the right one is crucial for your brand identity and online visibility.
Here’s how to select a domain that’ll stick in your customers’ minds:
Pro Tip: Use AI to Generate Domain Name Ideas
If you’re feeling stuck brainstorming a domain name for your restaurant, leverage modern AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude to spark creativity!
These intelligent assistants can quickly generate dozens of unique domain name variations in seconds. Simply input your restaurant’s name, location, cuisine type, or key brand characteristics, and watch as they propose creative, memorable domain options you might not have considered.
Need help choosing the perfect domain for your restaurant?
Join our live webinar community for expert advice on digital branding.
Now that you’ve got your domain, it’s time to choose your website builder.
Think of this as picking the right kitchen equipment – you want something reliable, easy to use, and that fits your needs.
Several website builders specialize in restaurant-specific features and designs. In the table below, we break down the offerings of three popular options:
| Website Builder | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Wix |
Beginners
|
Easy-to-use, restaurant-specific templates
|
Limited customization
|
|
Squarespace
|
Design-focused sites |
Sleek templates, good for image-heavy sites
|
Steeper learning curve
|
|
WordPress |
Customization |
Highly flexible, powerful
|
More complex, requires more maintenance |
Wix is great for those who want a quick, easy setup with minimal technical know-how. Its drag-and-drop interface and restaurant-specific templates make it a solid choice for many.
Squarespace shines in visual appeal, perfect for showcasing your mouthwatering dishes. It’s a bit more complex than Wix but offers more design control.
WordPress offers ultimate flexibility but requires more technical skill. It’s ideal if you want full control over your site’s functionality and appearance.
Consider your technical skills, budget, and specific needs when choosing. Do you need a simple site with online ordering, or are you looking to build a more complex platform with reservation systems and loyalty programs?
Don’t be swayed by fancy features you won’t need or can’t manage. The best tool is the one you’ll use effectively.
Pro tip: Many builders offer free trials. Take advantage of these to test-drive your top choices before committing.
Your website’s theme is the digital equivalent of your restaurant’s ambiance – it’s the first thing visitors experience and sets the tone for their entire interaction.
Choosing the right theme is crucial for creating a cohesive online presence that aligns with your brand.
When selecting a theme, consider these key factors:
Does the theme reflect your restaurant’s personality? A sleek, minimalist theme might be perfect for a modern sushi bar, while a rustic, warm theme could suit a cozy Italian trattoria.
With over 60% of web traffic coming from mobile and handheld devices, your theme must look great on smartphones and tablets. Test potential themes on various devices to ensure a seamless experience for all users.
Look for themes that allow you to easily adjust colors, fonts, and layouts to match your brand identity.
Opt for themes designed with restaurants in mind. These often include built-in features like menu displays, reservation systems, and photo galleries optimized for food imagery.
Beautiful themes are great, but not if they slow down your site. Choose a theme that balances aesthetics with performance.
Ensure your theme works well with essential restaurant plugins, such as online ordering systems, reservation tools, and social media integrations.
Note: Don’t just fall for a theme’s demo content. Imagine how your branding, images, and content will look within the theme’s framework. Many themes allow you to preview your content before purchasing.
Look for themes with reliable backing and consistent updates. A well-supported theme should offer regular security updates, responsive technical support, and comprehensive documentation. An active user community and consistent compatibility updates are also signs of a reliable theme provider.
Pro Tip: Check the theme’s update history and support forum before purchasing. Active development and support are signs of a reliable theme.
Struggling to find the right theme for your restaurant website?
Our restaurant marketing agency can guide you through the process.
Now it’s time to make your website truly yours. This is where you infuse your restaurant’s personality into your online presence.
This step is crucial in creating a harmonious brand experience that extends from your physical space to your digital presence.
Select colors that reflect your restaurant’s atmosphere and cuisine. For example:
Choose fonts that complement your brand:
Use high-quality visuals to tell your restaurant’s story:
Arrange your content in a way that guides visitors to key information like your menu, reservation button, or online ordering system.
Ensure your logo, tagline, and any other brand elements are prominently displayed and consistent with your in-restaurant branding.
Craft your website copy to match your restaurant’s personality. A fine dining establishment might use more formal language, while a neighborhood pizzeria could adopt a casual, friendly tone.
Pro Tip: Create a simple brand guide documenting your color codes, font choices, and key brand elements. This will ensure consistency as you update your site over time.
Ensure your website serves all customers:
Pro Tip: Most modern website builders include built-in accessibility tools. Enable these features and regularly test your site with tools like WAVE.
Every successful restaurant website needs these key pages to inform, engage, and convert visitors into diners:
Your digital storefront should make a strong first impression. Include:
Your online menu is crucial. Make it:
Tell your restaurant’s story compellingly:
For example, Founding Farmers, a farmer-owned restaurant in Washington D.C., exemplifies effective storytelling on their website.
Their “About” page goes beyond basic facts, weaving a compelling narrative about their commitment to family farming and sustainability.
This approach has resonated with customers, helping Founding Farmers build a loyal following and expand to multiple locations.
By crafting each page thoughtfully and telling your unique story, you can create a website that not only informs but also engages and inspires your potential customers.
Make it easy for customers to reach you:
If applicable, showcase your events:
Your revenue drivers should be front and center:
Pro Tip: Place your reservation/ordering buttons in the top right of every page – it’s where customers naturally look for action items.
Ensure your website has all the essential elements to drive business. Learn from restaurateurs with 40+ years of experience in our live weekly webinars.
Your website is a revenue-generating extension of your restaurant. Let’s explore how to add features that will turn casual browsers into loyal customers.
Implementing a smooth online ordering system can significantly boost your revenue. According to a study by Deloitte, 40% of customers prefer to order online, even when dining in.
Here are some key considerations:
Online booking systems not only convenience your customers but also streamline your operations.
Consider these key factors:
Also Read: 11 Best Online Ordering Platforms to Boost Restaurant Orders
Nothing sells your restaurant better than satisfied customers. Displaying reviews and testimonials can significantly impact potential diners’ decisions.
A BrightLocal survey found that 91% of 18-34 year-olds trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
Pay attention to the following aspects:
Your social media presence is a window into your restaurant’s personality. Integrating it into your website creates a dynamic, ever-changing element that keeps your site fresh.
Keep an eye out for these crucial points:
Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to reach customers. Building a robust email list allows you to share promotions, updates, and special events directly with your audience.
Here are some tips for effective email signups:
Just as a great menu keeps diners coming back, compelling content is the cornerstone of a successful restaurant website.
Let’s explore how to create a content strategy that’ll have your online visitors hungry for more:
We eat with our eyes first, right? The same goes for your website.
Investing in professional food photography is like plating your signature dish – it’s all about presentation. Your menu items deserve the spotlight:
Pro Tip: Natural light is your best friend here. It makes those dishes look as irresistible online as they do on the plate.
Everyone loves a peek behind the scenes. It’s like inviting your customers into your kitchen. Try:
Your blog is your restaurant’s digital dinner table – a place for sharing stories, tips, and local flavor. Serve up:
For example, Starbucks exemplifies effective storytelling through their “Stories” section. Their narrative goes beyond basic corporate updates, weaving together partner experiences, community impact, and global sourcing journeys through compelling photo essays and personal stories.
This branding has helped them maintain authentic connections with customers worldwide, proving that thoughtful storytelling can work at any scale.
By crafting each page thoughtfully and telling your unique story, you can create a website that not only informs but also engages and inspires your potential customers.
Each platform is a different course in your social media meal:
Think of this as your restaurant’s personal invitation list. Keep it fresh with:
Your satisfied customers are your best advertisers. Encourage them to share their experiences:
Create content that converts visitors into diners. Get proven strategies in our private network & community.
Think of search engines as the new street signs guiding diners to your restaurant. Let’s make sure your digital signage is clear, attractive, and impossible to miss.
Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency and patience are key.
By implementing these strategies and regularly updating your content, you’ll improve your visibility over time, helping more potential customers discover your restaurant online.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Ahrefs or Semrush to find relevant, high-traffic keywords for your area and cuisine.
Master local SEO and attract more diners. Join thousands of successful restaurateurs in our community and learn the latest techniques.
Before you invite the world to your digital dining room, it’s time for a thorough dress rehearsal.
Like you’d do a soft opening for your restaurant, your website needs a careful review before its grand debut. Let’s walk through the key areas to check:
Imagine if your restaurant looked different depending on which door customers used. That’s what happens when your site isn’t consistent across browsers and devices.
Action Items:
A broken link on your site is like a dish you can’t serve. Let’s make sure everything’s available.
Action Items:
Typos on your website menu are just as bad as typos on your printed menu. Let’s catch them all.
Action Items:
A slow website is like slow service – it drives customers away. Ensure your site is quick and responsive.
Action Items:
The big day is coming – let’s make sure we’re ready!
Action Items:
Pro Tip: Consider a soft launch with a small group of your loyal customers. Their feedback can be invaluable before you open the digital doors to everyone.
Congratulations on laying the foundation for a powerful restaurant website! But remember, in today’s competitive digital landscape, a great website is just the beginning.
To truly leverage your online presence for growth, consider:
Many restaurant owners find that turning their website into a true revenue driver requires expertise beyond web design. That’s where a holistic approach to restaurant marketing can make a significant difference.
At Restaurant Growth, we’ve seen how combining a strong website with targeted advertising and expert coaching can transform a restaurant’s performance. Our clients have experienced:
Our comprehensive suite of services, including managed advertising, live webinars, and one-on-one coaching, has helped over 4,000 restaurants in 30 countries achieve these results.
Interested in learning how to take your restaurant beyond 7 figures with 18%+ margins?
Book a free strategy call today with our restaurant marketing agency and let’s discuss how to turn your website into a true growth engine for your business.
Essential legal elements include a privacy policy, cookie policy, terms of service, copyright notice, and accessibility compliance. For restaurants, include allergen information and health inspection results if required by local laws.
A basic restaurant website typically needs 5-7 pages: Home, Menu, About Us, Contact, and Reservations/Online Ordering. Additional pages like Events or Blog can enhance the site.
While a Facebook page can supplement your online presence, it should be something other than a dedicated website. A website offers more control, customization, and professional appearance.
No, you don’t need an LLC to start a website. However, forming an LLC can provide legal protection and may be beneficial as your business grows.
Yes, even small businesses benefit greatly from having a website. It increases visibility, and credibility, and provides a platform for customer engagement and online ordering.
Costs can range from $500 to $10,000+, depending on complexity. DIY website builders offer lower-cost options, while custom-designed sites are more expensive but offer greater flexibility.
From strategic marketing planning to seamless execution, we’ve got you covered!
