How to Choose the Right Template for Your Restaurant Website

Creating a website for your restaurant can feel like an overwhelming task, especially if you're starting from scratch. But fear not, dear restaurateur! With the advent of website templates, you don't have to be a tech wizard or have a degree in design to create a stunning website. Choosing the right template is one of the most important decisions you'll make in the process. So, take a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's delve into  the world of restaurant website templates and how to find the best one for your restaurant.

A restaurant's website serves as its primary online home. Customers who already know you will go there first when they want information about you. This is the primary way new customers hear about you when they're hungry.

The benefits of a restaurant website are evident : 

A website displays legitimacy

Many customers see a website as a clear sign that the business is established and trustworthy. In comparison, not having one can make you appear amateurish or sketchy. Restaurant websites with accurate information and a professional appearance communicate trustworthiness to potential customers.

And, when it comes to food, where the risks of eating awful food are high, showing your audience you take running your restaurant seriously is important.

Discovering your restaurant becomes more convenient with a website

When someone wakes up hungry and searches for “breakfast taco near me" on their phone or laptop, they will only find results that have an online presence.

While a website isn't technically essential to appear in a Google search—a Google business listing suffices—having one plays an important role in how easily people can find you online.

Google's algorithms use your website's authority when choosing which businesses and websites should show up on page one of a search. If you don't have a website for your restaurant, you won't be able to build authority, which means you'll appear less often in relevant searches.

People can browse your menu

People want to know what they're getting into before committing to a restaurant. What foods do you bring to the table? When your menu is right there online, potential customers can easily review their options and pick out what looks good.

Making your menu available online is useful to all customers, but it is especially vital for potential customers who have food allergies or are finicky eaters.

If your menu isn't available for them to look over in advance, you risk having to deal with unhappy customers who show up hungry and can't eat (or don't want to eat) anything you have to offer. And you raise the likelihood that folks you could feed don't turn up at all because they can't confirm your restaurant has anything they'd like.

You can upload enticing photographs of your meal

Food appeals to more than just our taste buds. While you can't use your website to entice people's taste buds with the aromas of your cuisine, you may show them how delicious your dishes appear. Use the visual medium of websites to display your best-looking entrees and appetizers.

Food that sounds good can become irresistible once they see how it appears. Additionally, original photos of your dish are an ideal way to enhance the website experience. They enhance the brand experience customers get from your website and provide you with more chances to optimize your website for search engines.

Online ordering is now expected

Now that most of your customer base has hunkered down, the main way customers are visiting restaurants is through online orders. If you don't have a website, you're not giving housebound customers a way to order from you.

Developing your system for taking online orders via a website can also free you from reliance on third-party delivery services, which often charge too much off the top for restaurants to make any profit—especially if you start using your delivery drivers.

When dining at a restaurant becomes safe again, people will continue to appreciate the convenience of online ordering offered by a restaurant website.

8 Tips to Choose a Restaurant Website Template

1. Consider your company's goals

When creating a website, you must first determine which template to use. It can be tempting to select the first appealing template but keep in mind that your website is a marketing tool. To make it useful for your business, consider how its structure and content align with the stages of the marketing and sales funnel: awareness, interest, decision, and conversion.

2. Determine the kind of website you need

Once you have defined your business goals, the next step in choosing the right template for your restaurant website is to determine the type of website you need. This will depend on several factors, such as the size and scope of your restaurant, your target audience, and you're marketing and sales goals.

3. Pick a website layout

Now that you've decided on the type of site you require, it's time to select a website layout. Pick the format that will best serve your audience, allowing them to navigate pages, interact with content, and achieve their goals. Keep in mind that each page of your site may have a different layout according to its purpose.

4. Decide on website elements, features, and functions

All Restaurantify website templates can be customized to fit your needs, each template comes with a unique set of elements, features, and functions. The most effective solution is one that already supports your business's goals and needs.  

Here are a few website elements and how they can fit with business goals: 

  • (II) Footer

    The footer of your website is at the bottom section of your site and is often used for things like legal information, contact details, and social media links. When selecting a template, look for one that contains a footer to fit your needs.

  • (III) Content

    Content is the key to communicating with your audience and achieving your business goals. When selecting how to choose a website template, make sure it can present information in an easy-to-read and navigate.

5. Find a website template that meets most of your criteria 

Choosing the right website template for your restaurant can be overwhelming, but with Restaurantify, the process becomes a lot easier. Restaurantify offers a range of customizable restaurant website templates for restaurants.  

You can pick the ideal website template for your needs and goals with Restaurantify. Whether you're seeking a static or dynamic website, a one-page or multi-page site, or a responsive or adaptive style, Restaurantify has you covered.  

In addition to its wide range of website templates, Restaurantify offers an array of features and functionalities that are vital for restaurant websites. Menu builders, online ordering systems, reservation management tools, and other features are included.

6. Think about branding

The website design you choose will have a huge impact on how you present yourself to your audience and ought to reflect your brand's aesthetic and tone. You'll also need a well-designed website.  

You can get a head start on your website by selecting a template that matches the design and layout of your brand's style. For example, if your company is more traditional and professional, choose a template with a clean and minimal layout. If your brand is more creative and playful, choose a template with a more distinct and expressive layout to work with. Choosing a website template whose overall layout and design fit the brand style of your business can give you a significant head start. 

7. Customize your website template

Now that you've picked a website template, it's time to tweak it to meet your specific needs and goals. Customizing your website template will help you define your brand and establish a unique online presence. 

Here are some steps to help you customize your website template: 

(I) Decide on a color scheme: Choose colors that represent your brand and use them to create a cohesive look and feel throughout your website. Consider using primary and complementary colors that accentuate and support your brand.   

(II) Add your content: Fill your website with text, images, and other media. Make sure the content is relevant to your company's goals and adheres to a logical structure that makes it easy for visitors to navigate and discover the information they need.  

(III) Personalize your template: To personalize your template, use the customization options in your website builders. Change the fonts, layout, and add your brand's logo and graphics to create a one-of-a-kind and bespoke design. 

(IV) Add additional features: Customize your website further by adding tools that enhance the user experience, such as forms, live chat, social network integration, and more. These features can help you engage your visitors more effectively and convert them into customers.  

(V) Search Engine Optimization: Make sure your website is optimized for search engines by using relevant keywords and phrases throughout your content. This will help your website rank better in search engine results and attract more organic traffic.  

You may build a professional, unique, and effective online presence for your business by customizing your website template. 

8. Mobile version

According to Statista, “the number of mobile phone users is expected to reach 7.26 billion in 2022." Consumers will be more likely to engage with websites as a result of this research.  

Mobile customers expect to get what they need quickly and without any hassle. According to Jenny Gove, a UX Research Lead at Google: 

“Make it simple to get back to the homepage." “When users tap the logo in the top-left corner of a mobile page, they expect to get back to the homepage, and they feel dissatisfied when it isn't available or doesn't work." 

Plan for fewer words on your mobile site. To fit on a mobile device, headlines should be kept short. In addition, the text should be easy to skim.

Conclusion  

When it comes to building a website for your restaurant, choosing the right template is crucial. It's important to consider your business goals and the type of website you need before selecting a layout and features. Look for templates that include key elements such as a header for your logo and a footer for legal information and contact details. Make sure the template can display your content effectively, including text, images, and calls to action.  

Looking for the perfect recipe to cook up a stunning website for your restaurant? Look no further than Restaurantify! We'll help you select the ideal template to showcase your delectable dishes and unique dining experience. Contact us today for more information and expert advice to make your website a feast for the eyes!Â