Most restaurants, even small ones, are represented on the web today. And most of them do a really good job in getting across the information that a visitor and potential customer needs. One new restaurant nearby, though, has the world’s worst site, where not even a menu is available online. So, I’ve put together a list of important information for restaurants to make sure they include on their sites.
- Menu: You wouldn’t put a store online without saying what you sell, right? So you should expect a site visitor to be able to get a full, up-to-date look at your offerings and prices.
- Directions: There should be a whole extra page dedicated to how to get your eatery. These should be non-Map Quested and offer up directions in conversational tone, complete with information about nearby landmarks and parking. If you’re in the city, include information about public transportation.
- Photos: I cannot stress how important it is to have professionally shot photos of your restaurant are, inside and out. If your interior decore isn’t terrible interesting, do some artsy shots where the food is in focus in the foreground and the background is out-of-focus.
- Coupons: Rewards your web visitors, even if it’s just a free dessert or coffee or something.
- History/Owner info: Give your restaurant a face and explain the background. People are going to be more likely to visit if they feel like they have some inside information.
- Contact info: It seems obvious, but someone should be checking and replying to your e-mail daily.
- Online reservations, but…: … only if you’re well-equipped to take them and deal with them.
Am I missing anything?
Posted in Miscellaneous