If you run a restaurant, it can be easy to dismiss the effectiveness of online marketing. After all, you’re a physical business that relies on in-person customers. Selling products across the internet is not exactly your wheelhouse.
Yet more and more of your potential customers are going online to find a place to eat. If your restaurant isn’t represented well enough on the web, those customers will end up visiting your competitors.
So instead of depending on a Facebook page, it’s time to create a website. Before diving in, however, here are four essential tips to follow when starting a site for your restaurant.
1. Go with a professional, personable style
Easy enough, right?
Admittedly, the design aspect of a website is likely the most daunting for beginners. Yet platforms such as WordPress are not only simple to use even for those technologically challenged, but they’re also pre-built with design in mind. On WordPress, there are many different themes – free and paid – available, and these ensure your website is modern, professional, and mobile-friendly.
If you desire something a little more unique and personalized, you can always enlist the services of a professional web design agency.
2. Marketing your restaurant
If you want people to discover your business in general searches, you need to place a strong emphasis on digital marketing. If you don’t have the time to spend the considerable effort required, using a marketing specialist like Click Intelligence can pay off. You’re allowed to focus on your restaurant, while a separate outlet can deal with your online presence.
If you choose to do it yourself there are many different promotional aspects to consider – social media, blogging, ads, backlinks etc. The main aim is to improve your search engine optimization (SEO), where your website appears higher up in local Google searches.
3. Populate with the right content
Once the website is created, you must populate it with content your target audience is seeking.
As it’s for a restaurant, one of the main priorities should be to upload your menu. Customers often visit a restaurant site to see what food they serve and the price of meals, so you need to provide this information.
General business details – such as your address, phone number, and opening times – are imperative, and a detailed “About Us” page is also recommended.
4. Set up a Google My Business profile
Now you’re possibly wondering what this has to do with your website. It’s true: Google My Business is a separate entity. However, it’s essential for any local business – and that includes a restaurant like yours.
A Google My Business account not only provides your business information quickly and easily for people to find, but your listing can also hit the first page of Google during relevant search queries.
You should also include your website link on your GMB profile. Along with giving people a simple way to visit your website, it gives you a precious backlink for your site. This is integral for enhancing your online marketing.
Speaking of which…
