Web Design for Restaurants
Every industry has a type of website that suits them best, and restaurants are definitely no exception to the rule. There are definitely stronger websites than others, and the ones that really hit the mark often have the cleanest, most functional designs, as well as clear, concise content. What really makes them stand out from the crowd though? It’s going that extra step to provide more than information that really makes them the most user-friendly site for potential restaurant customers.
In terms of both design and content, it’s about not giving your customer the runaround. Regardless of the layout of your website, you want to ensure that your design contains the following elements:
About - Give them the history of your restaurant. Tell them where you came from, your mission and your philosophy. What makes you stand out from the crowd? This is your podium. Tell them why your restaurant is the one to visit.
Contact – Every customer wants to know that they can reach a person when they need to. Whether for questions, comments or concerns, you want your customer to know that they are important enough for you to include your phone, email and perhaps even a contact form in which they can reach you.
Menu – This is probably the biggest and most valuable piece of information you have in your arsenal. Your menu and your food makes you completely individual from other restaurants. Be clear and concise, and definitely avoid scanned PDFs or copies of your menu if at all possible. They are not user-friendly.
Specials & Events – People want to know what’s in it for them. Where is the value? What should they be waiting for? Do you have special dishes on a certain day every day of the week? Give them all of this information in one easy to find place.
Photo Gallery – Guys, images are gold for your website. Whether it’s pictures of your food, your dining room, your kitchen – whatever – give them something to visually associate with your site. In a world where Pinterest dominates on social media and people love pictures, images could be your best secret weapon.
In terms of design, you want to ensure it’s clean and straightforward. All of these elements have to be carefully pieced together so as not to create a cluttered mess that actually deters potential customers from using it. If you don’t have a mobile version of your site, you especially want to make certain that your site will still be easily navigated on smartphones. Keep it clean, and keep it simple, but make sure it’s the best representation of your brand.
At the end of the day, it’s about the customer, and it’s about their experience. Give them ease of use, and they’ll be more willing to view your site and get to know your brand.
Melissa graduated from the University of Utah in 2008 with a degree in Editorial Journalism and a minor in French. After spending several years working in copy writing, grant writing and web marketing in Salt Lake City, Utah, she relocated to New Hampshire to work as the marketing coordinator for a non-profit ski destination. Melissa specializes in copy writing, web content, editing and social media.
