Website Optimization as Part of Digital Marketing for Restaurants

Marketing is the vital aspect of any business that wants to acquire and retain customers. For restaurants, the scale is even more tipped in favour of retaining customers. That is why it’s important for restaurant owners to get their digital marketing right. Do you know just how important digital marketing is to modern restaurant success?

• 9 out of 10 guests check online a restaurant before dining — more than any other business type.
• 60% of those guests viewed restaurant websites before making a decision.
• A third of guests view other guests’ reviews prior to committing.

The core fundamentals, the menu, staff and hospitality are what make your restaurant special. Your online presence is what will set your restaurant apart.

Optimize Your Website

Having an optimized website is the first and probably the most important step in digital marketing. Often restaurant owners set up a website when they open up and forget about it. While you, as a restaurant owner, might not visit the website too often, potential customers are doing this on a daily basis. Take a look at the website occasionally and make sure it is up to date and optimized properly.

• Mobile-friendly: In 2018, over half of all online traffic was generated by mobile phones. There is a high chance that potential customers will be looking for your restaurant on their mobile device. Ensure that your website is easy to navigate on any smartphone or tablet.
• The Menu: Customers will usually visit your website to check out your menu. Firstly, potential customers will be disappointed if they can’t find a menu on your website. Make sure your menu is easy to read on desktop and mobile devices, no zooming-in required. For more advanced optimization, add name and alt tags to all your images so search engines know exactly what the food is that you’re showing. Secondly, keep the menu up to date all the time.
• Calls-to-Action: Think about what you want your customers to do when they get to your website? Place either a phone number or buttons for online reservation. Make it easy for them to contact you or make a reservation.
• Hours: If your place is open on specific hours, you have to let your online visitors know about it. Having your hours at the bottom of your homepage and on a dedicated page will ensure that no one shows up when your restaurant is closed.
• Online ordering: Lately, ordering food online has been very popular with customers. According to the National Restaurant Association, three in five U.S. consumers order delivery or takeout at least once a week. If you don’t already offer online ordering, you have an opportunity to tap into one of the fastest growing areas of the industry.