Website Design Tips

Developing a solid web presence for your restaurant is an essential part of your marketing efforts. Consider these tips when creating your site:

Use key words. When someone goes online to search for your restaurant type, you want them to be able to find you. When developing the copy for your site, make sure to include words you’d expect them to use when searching for your type of restaurant (ex. burgers, seafood, steaks, etc.) This is one of the reasons it’s a good idea to include your menu on your site.

Keep it current. You will want to designate someone to keep your site updated with the latest information. If working with a professional site developer, determine whether you want to pay them to make updates or have them develop a site that you can easily update.

Remember the basics. Make sure you don’t leave out the most important items: your address, phone number and business hours.

Consider these features. In addition to basic information, you may want to include the following features in your site:

• Interactive and downloadable menus
• Online ordering functionality
• Online booking
• Newsletter signup
• Feedback form
• Event calendar
• Press section
• Direct link to your location on Google Maps
• Photo gallery of the restaurant and your regulars

When working with a designer and writer to develop your web presence, these tips can help you provide your visitors with a smooth experience that’s representative of your restaurant.

Here are several good examples of well-designed websites:
www.cpk.com
www.hardrock.com
www.benihana.com
www.bubbagump.com

Think we should feature YOUR site in this list? Check back soon and we'll have a way for you to submit your site for review by the Grow My Restaurant team.