Having a website improves your online presence and can be optimized to improve booking processes, highlight menu options, and engage with your customer base. A website, if done right, will increase general foot traffic into your restaurant.
Unfortunately, regardless of those aforementioned benefits, the cost of getting a website designed and built from scratch by a professional agency can be a bit on the pricey side, especially if you’re just starting out. That’s where the DIY approach comes in, and it’s not as far-fetched an option as you may think.
‘DIY website design’ you ask, ‘Isn’t that for people who are already tech savvy?’ Don’t become immediately overwhelmed by technical aspects; the DIY solutions out there have been developed to make it as easy as possible for everyone to create a website. Not convinced? Then it’s time to find out more about the DIY approach to creating a stunning restaurant website.
Tips for creating a Restaurant Website without paying an Agency
Opting for DIY website creation offers a cost-effective solution where you will still be in full control over your restaurant’s online presence. You can make website updates whenever you need to and retain sole rights over the content and design.
As well as all the practical considerations, there’s also the undeniable satisfaction that comes with bringing your own vision to life. With user-friendly tools and platforms readily available, you can transform your ideas into a fully functional website with ease. All you need to do is…
1. Choose the Right Platform
Start out by doing some research and picking a website building platform that you feel comfortable with. Luckily for us all, there are a lot of reliable options out there, such as…
- WordPress
- Squarespace
- Wix
- GoDaddy
- Shopify
These DIY website solutions are perfect for restaurant businesses due to their user-friendliness. They also provide you with wonderful website design templates to choose from. Forget the need for programming skill, as long as you have basic computer skills you’re the right candidate. You’re not on your own either, as most of them come with helpful tutorials you can use to build your website from start to finish. Keep in mind that some of the DIY solutions listed will have some fees attached, but nothing nearly as high as having to use a web design company.
2. Keep Your Design Simple and Appealing
Simplicity counts with restaurant websites, and less is often more. Seek out templates that are minimalist in their layout and easy to manage. Simple website design layouts will, for example…
- Help visitors to focus attention on the images you choose to showcase your food items and restaurant dining room.
- Make it straightforward for visitors to get in contact with you.
- Provide a simple, intuitive and enjoyable user experience that will help visitors warm to you.
3. Keep content informative and succinct
Don’t be tempted to over clutter your web pages with too much text. Make sure to include the top 5 things everyone wants when they visit a restaurant website: hours, location, menu, online ordering options and, finally, a short but informative “about” that tells your restaurant’s story.
4. Highlight Your Menu
On any restaurant website, the menu has to be the star of the show. Designing your menu is a whole task unto itself, you have to take many factors into account. Don’t forget to include prices, delicious descriptions, and standout ingredients you want to highlight. The biggest menu fails of all usually come from spelling mistakes, triple check your spelling, don’t get overly verbose in your descriptions and try to strike a note between authentic and fun.
Don’t forget to make it easy for people to make a reservation once they are hooked by your menu!
5. Use Local SEO Strategies
Many of the DIY website design solutions will also allow you to optimize areas of your website. It sounds difficult, but it really isn’t! The best approach to optimizing is to help people in the local area find you; this is where local search engine strategies come in. Local SEO uses keywords related to your restaurant and your locality. For example, “best pizza in Toronto” or “Toronto Chinese restaurant” should be included in your website’s title, description, and content. These ‘keywords’ will improve your visibility on search engines.
6. Keep Your Site Updated
Don’t let your website content get out of date. You should regularly update your menu, opening hours, special offers, events and more. Why not add a blog to your website, as this will help engage visitors, as well as improve your SEO efforts. You can promote your blog posts through your social media accounts, which will drive people back to your website.
7. Optimize for Mobile
Did you know that 96.5% of the world’s internet users use tablet devices and phones to find what they want online? All of the reputable DIY website solutions will ensure that your new website is mobile responsive and accessible to those users. Mobile responsive websites also score better with search engines too!
Closing thoughts…
Creating a great looking restaurant website doesn’t have to break the bank. DIY website design solutions are out there to make it affordable and easy for you to create an online presence. With some time and effort, you could soon be launching a website that truly represents your culinary vision, helps attract customers and helps boost your sales.
CHI is dedicated to keeping up with local and national trends in the Restaurant Industry to help serve our customers better and keep them one step ahead. If you are interested in opening, purchasing, or selling a restaurant CHI Real Estate can help. Get in touch with our team today.