- What Must-Have Features Should Every Restaurant Website Offer?
- Direct Customer Engagement
- Enhanced Data Collection for Better Service
- Improved Profit Margins Through Reduced Operational Costs
- Complete Control Over Branding and Marketing
- Streamlined Operations and Increased Efficiency
- Opportunities for Scalability and Expansion
- Boosting Your Visibility with Local SEO
- Staying Competitive In A Digital-First Market With Orders.co
- FAQs
Key Takeaways
- Utilize enhanced data collection to understand customer preferences and tailor marketing efforts effectively.
- Gain complete control over branding and marketing to ensure consistent representation of your restaurant online.
- Streamline operations and increase efficiency with integrated online ordering that reduces errors and operational delays.
- Leverage opportunities for scalability and expansion with a flexible online system that grows with your business.
- Boost visibility in local search results with SEO benefits from an online ordering website, attracting more nearby diners.
Imagine your restaurant’s dishes becoming a city-wide sensation, not just within the walls of your dining room.
Nowadays, 60% of U.S. consumers order takeout or delivery at least once a week. Since 2014, the pace of growth for online orders has been remarkably fast.
Online food ordering expands 300% faster than dining in.
Source: Hospitality Technology
This is an opportunity for restaurants to open up a whole new revenue stream.
How? With your very own online food ordering system —a tool that feels like having an extra pair of hands on deck.
Are you curious to see how this all comes together to meet and exceed your expectations?
Let’s dive in and discover the real magic behind having your own ordering website. Trust us, it’s as rewarding as the perfect bite of dessert.
What Must-Have Features Should Every Restaurant Website Offer?
Just like the entrance to your restaurant, your website sets the tone. Moreover, 77% of consumers look at the restaurant’s website before visiting or placing an order.
Here’s a breakdown of the must-have features that promise to meet and exceed your guests’ expectations before they even walk through your door.
| Feature | Description |
| Straightforward Navigation | Your website should be easy to navigate, with distinct tabs for essential information like the menu, online reservations, and contact details. |
| Tasty Visuals | High-quality images and a virtual tour of your restaurant set the right ambiance. Include a professional banner that reflects your restaurant’s character. |
| Always Fresh Menu | Display an up-to-date digital menu with descriptions and prices. Consider including a downloadable PDF option and ensure pricing is always visible. |
| One-Click Reservations | Integrate a robust online reservation tool that is easy to use, possibly linked to a page with your hours and a phone number for alternative booking methods. |
| Happy Customer Buzz | Feature positive reviews prominently and consider linking to your Google My Business for added authenticity and ease of access to reviews. |
| Essential Info Upfront | List your location with a Google Map integration, contact information, and clear directions to assist first-time visitors. |
| Social Savvy | Link your website to all your social media platforms for enhanced customer engagement. Consider adding social media feeds directly on the site. |
| Mobile-Friendly | Ensure your website is optimized for mobile devices, as the majority of users will access it via their smartphones. |
| About Us | Introduce your restaurant’s story, values, and the people behind it. Use a conversational tone to make the content relatable and engaging. |
| Promotions and Events | Highlight current specials, events, contests, and offers on a dedicated page, with significant promotions featured on the homepage. |
| Brand Video | Include a high-quality brand video to showcase your restaurant’s ambiance and offerings, enhancing your website’s appeal. |
Also read:
- Online Ordering Systems in Restaurants: How Do They Work?
- The Ultimate Guide to Selling Food Online
- Features to Look For When Choosing a Custom Ordering App for Your Restaurant
1. Direct Customer Engagement
Transforming first-time diners into loyal fans starts with making each customer feel special.
It’s all about that personal connection—when diners feel recognized and valued, they’re more likely to come back and share their experiences with friends.
Source: Deloitte
Here’s where direct engagement shines, helping you stand out in dining options. Using Orders.co’s online food ordering system, you’re not just processing orders but nurturing relationships.
- Personalized Interactions: Respond to inquiries about menu items or feedback from previous visits promptly and personally.
- CRM Integration: Seamlessly integrates with CRM tools to remember individual preferences and previous orders.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Every online interaction feels as personal as greeting a customer at the door, improving overall satisfaction.
- Mobile Optimization: Ensure customers have a seamless experience, whether they’re ordering on a desktop or mobile device.
Source: mghus.com
Our restaurant growth platform helps you deliver personalized experiences that can turn a casual visit into a lasting relationship.
It’s like chatting with each diner, where you get to know them a little better each time they visit your website.
Also read:
- 7 Ways to Write Mouth-Watering Menu Descriptions
- 9 Restaurant Menu Design Tips That Will Help You Boost Profits
2. Enhanced Data Collection for Better Service
Ever wondered what dishes your customers can’t get enough of? Or which specials truly hit the mark?
Data can unlock those insights, and with an online ordering website like Orders.co, collecting and reporting it becomes easy and practical.
How Orders.co Helps You Use Data to Your Advantage:
- Spot Your Bestsellers: Know instantly which dishes are popular and adjust your menu to feature customer favorites or push new specials.
- Tailored Promotions: Create personalized deals that match your customers’ preferences. Imagine sending a “20% off your favorite dish” promotion—now that’s marketing with impact.
- Feedback That Counts: Collect and analyze customer feedback effortlessly so you can make smart changes and keep diners happy.
Think of Orders.co as your data partner, helping you use valuable insights to enhance your service, fine-tune your menu, and keep your customers coming back for more.
3. Improved Profit Margins Through Reduced Operational Costs
Running a restaurant comes with plenty of costs—some more avoidable than others.
A direct online ordering site like Orders.co helps you trim the fat from your expenses, so you keep more of what you earn.
Here’s How Orders.co Helps You Save and Earn:
- No More Middlemen: Although third-party handle orders straight from your site and say goodbye to those commission-draining third-party services. More money goes into your pocket.
- Smoother Operations: Orders go straight to the kitchen without manual entry, cutting down on errors and speeding up service. Less hassle, more efficiency.
- Automate the Small Stuff: Let Orders.co handle tasks like order confirmations and customer updates. Your team can focus on making great food and delivering exceptional service.
With Orders.co, you’re not just saving on costs but boosting your overall profit margins.
It’s a win-win—less stress for you, more smiles from your customers, and a healthier bottom line for your restaurant.
4. Complete Control Over Branding and Marketing
Your restaurant isn’t just a place to eat—it’s an experience, a brand with its personality. So, why settle for cookie-cutter platforms that don’t let you showcase what makes your place unique?
Source: mghus.com
With Orders.co you can control how your restaurant is presented online.
- Customizable Interface: Design your ordering website to reflect your restaurant’s style, from the layout and colors to including your logo and photos. Make it as inviting as your dining room.
- Built-In Marketing Tools: Launch promotions and loyalty programs directly from your site. Whether it’s “Buy One Get One Free Fridays” or a loyalty points system, you have the flexibility to engage and excite your customers.
- Consistent Brand Voice: Use your own messaging and tone throughout the site, ensuring every interaction is on-brand and personal.
5. Streamlined Operations and Increased Efficiency
Managing a restaurant is like conducting an orchestra—every part must work harmoniously. An online ordering website can be your conductor’s baton, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Orders.co Simplifies Your Operations:
- Seamless POS Integration: Orders flow straight from your website to your existing POS system, syncing with kitchen displays and order queues. No extra steps, no confusion—just efficient service.
- Handles All Types of Orders: Whether it’s takeout, delivery, or even tableside orders via mobile devices, Orders.co keeps everything organized and easy for your staff.
- Real-Time Updates: The system alerts you and your customers about order status changes, keeping everyone informed and happy.
By reducing the chances of errors and speeding up the process, your restaurant runs more smoothly and efficiently—giving you more time to focus on what matters most.
6. Opportunities for Scalability and Expansion
Thinking of growing your restaurant or adding new services?
Your online ordering system should grow with you.
Orders.co is built for flexibility, making it easy to scale your operations without skipping a beat.
How Orders.co Supports Your Growth:
- Expand with Ease: Whether you’re opening a second location or adding catering services, Orders.co can manage multiple locations and service types from a single platform.
- Customizable Add-Ons: Introduce features like scheduled pickups, pre-orders for special events, or catering menus as your business evolves.
- Adapt Without Hassle: The platform is designed to adjust as your needs change, so you can add new features or expand your service offerings without extensive downtime or additional investments.
Orders.co gives you the freedom to dream bigger, knowing that your online system can handle the extra demand. It’s about growing your restaurant, not your to-do list.
7. Boosting Your Visibility with Local SEO
Want to make sure hungry locals find your restaurant first? A direct ordering website isn’t just for taking orders; it also helps your restaurant show up when people search for places to eat.
On average, 71.33% of searches result in a click on page one of Google search results. Pages two and three combined get only 5.59% of clicks.
Source: MOZ
By boosting your visibility on search engines like Google, an SEO-friendly website makes it easier for customers to discover you, even if they haven’t heard of you yet.
How Orders.co Helps You Stand Out Locally:
- Show Up in Local Searches: Orders.co optimizes your website with local keywords, so when someone searches for “best sushi near me” or “pizza delivery,” your restaurant is more likely to appear at the top of the list.
- Google My Business Integration: Orders.co connects your site to Google My Business, ensuring your hours, address, and contact info are all easy to find—helping you pop up in those all-important “near me” searches.
- SEO-Friendly Content: With relevant keywords and up-to-date info, Orders.co helps your website rank better on search engines, drawing in more organic traffic without extra ad costs.
With a local SEO boost from Orders.co, you’re not just staying visible; you’re becoming the go-to spot for people searching for food nearby.
It’s a simple way to attract new customers and stay top of mind when cravings strike!
Staying Competitive In A Digital-First Market With Orders.co
Failing to meet customer expectations for convenience, speed, and ease of ordering can put your restaurant at a disadvantage. This causes you to fall behind in the competitive food service industry.
A restaurant online food ordering system by Orders.co positions you as a leader in the digital age with several additional integrated features.
We already help over 1,600 restaurants boost their local visibility, retain loyal customers, and streamline order management—all from a single platform designed to make running a restaurant easier:
AI Website Builder
Easily create a custom, branded ordering site with AI Website Builder —no tech skills required. Your website is up and running faster, with a polished, professional look that reflects your restaurant’s personality and makes a great first impression.
Menu Management
Manage and update your menu across all online ordering channels from one place. Our Menu management feature keeps your menu consistent everywhere, lets you make real-time updates, and ensures customers always see the latest offerings—keeping them well-informed and happy.
Marketing Solutions
Our AI-enhanced restaurant marketing solutions help you reach your customers with automated text and email campaigns that keep them engaged without adding extra work for you. This hands-off marketing helps encourage repeat business and strengthens customer relationships, even when they’re not at your restaurant.
Loyalty Reward Program
Create a personalized loyalty reward program that makes customers feel appreciated and motivates them to return. It’s a simple, effective way to build a loyal customer base and drive repeat sales with minimal setup.
Local Business Optimization
Make sure your restaurant stands out in local search results so that nearby customers can easily find and order from you. Orders.co’s local business optimization improves your local search ranking, drawing more foot traffic and takeout orders from customers in your area.
Guest Feedback Monitoring
Track and respond to customer reviews right from your platform so you can continually improve service. Our Guest feedback monitoring feature boosts your reputation and lets you address customer feedback in real-time, building loyalty and trust.
Dine-In Ordering
Orders.co’s Dine-in ordering feature lets guests order directly from the table using their smartphones, speeding up service and making their dining experience even more convenient. With reduced wait times, guests are more likely to enjoy their visit and return.
QR Menu Maker
Add digital QR code menus with our QR menu maker for a modern, contactless experience alongside traditional paper menus. Easy to update and environmentally friendly, QR menus keep your restaurant in line with customer expectations for convenience and safety.
Reporting
Access detailed reporting on sales, customer behavior, and operational performance. Data insights enable you to make informed, data-driven decisions, optimize your menu, and improve overall profitability.
Orders.co’s online ordering system is a comprehensive tool that can support your restaurant’s success and growth.
Want to see how it can benefit your sales and restaurant business overall?
FAQs
1. Do restaurants need a website, or is social media enough?
Yes, restaurants need a website! While social media can drive some awareness, a restaurant website offers a comprehensive, controlled space where customers can explore your menu, place orders, make reservations, and get all essential information in one place. Social media supports your online presence, but it can’t replace the professional and trustworthy image a website provides. Plus, a website improves visibility on search engines, making it easier for new customers to find you.
2. What are the key benefits of a restaurant website for small or local restaurants?
A restaurant website is essential for small or local restaurants to expand their reach. With features like local SEO optimization, small eateries can appear in local search results, helping attract nearby diners. A website also builds credibility, making it easier for customers to trust and choose your restaurant over others, particularly when ordering online or checking reviews.
3. Are there any risks for restaurants without websites?
Yes, restaurants without websites risk losing potential customers who prefer to browse menus, make reservations, or order online through a dedicated site. Without a website, customers may struggle to find accurate information or may bypass your restaurant altogether, especially if competitors have established an online presence. Today’s diners expect convenience, and a lack of a restaurant website can make it difficult to meet those expectations.
4. What are some must-have features for a restaurant website?
A well-designed restaurant website should include essentials like an up-to-date menu, high-quality images, contact information, and reservation options. For restaurants with online ordering, a dedicated ordering section, loyalty rewards, and mobile-friendly design are valuable additions. Integration with your social media and a section for customer reviews can further enrich the experience and help convert visitors into loyal patrons.
5. Do restaurants need a website if they mainly operate through third-party delivery apps?
Yes, restaurants need a website even if they use third-party apps. A website allows customers to order directly from your restaurant, helping you avoid commission fees from third parties. Additionally, a restaurant website enables you to control your brand, create a more personalized customer experience, and retain more profits by encouraging direct orders.
6. How can a restaurant website increase visibility online?
A restaurant website enhances visibility through SEO, making it easier for search engines to list your restaurant when people search for dining options nearby. By optimizing content for local keywords and integrating with platforms like Google My Business, your restaurant gains a greater chance of appearing in local searches, helping you reach new diners and increase online orders.
7. Are there affordable options for creating a restaurant website?
Yes, there are several budget-friendly tools and platforms designed to create a professional restaurant website without extensive costs. Many providers, like Orders.co, offer customizable website builders, marketing tools, and online ordering features that make it easy for restaurants to get started without a major upfront investment. This way, you can create a website that looks great and is fully functional, even on a small budget.
8. How often should I update my restaurant website?
Regular updates are essential to keep your restaurant website fresh and relevant. Update your menu seasonally, highlight new promotions, and ensure all hours and contact information are current. Additionally, posting fresh content or highlighting events can boost your search rankings and keep customers engaged with what’s new at your restaurant.
9. What’s the best way to encourage customers to visit my restaurant website?
You can encourage customers to visit your restaurant website by promoting it on social media, email newsletters, and in-house signage. Offering exclusive online promotions, loyalty rewards, or easy online ordering through your site can attract more traffic. Once visitors experience the convenience of your restaurant’s website, they’re more likely to return.
10. Is it possible to run a successful restaurant without a website?
While some small, local restaurants without websites may still see success, having a website is increasingly essential in today’s digital world. A restaurant website helps build credibility, enhances customer trust, and meets modern expectations for online information and ordering. Restaurants without websites often miss out on potential business from diners who value convenience and easy access to information.
