So what’s the answer?

Ask yourself this: What is it web-savvy customers want from your site? Flashing colors and amazing graphics? Pages and pages of information? A dramatic flash intro? That’s exactly what your web designer will tell you…and charge you accordingly. But these things typically just annoy people.

I’ll let you in on a little secret. There are only five basic things hungry web surfers want to know:

• what fantastic grub you offer
• how much your fantastic grub costs
• where your fantastic grub is located
• how to order your fantastic grub
• if you deliver your fantastic grub

And the best part? You already have a document in your establishment with all this information in a clean, easy to read format: your to-go menu!

These days the web is the first place people go when their stomach starts growling or they get a hankering for a delicious meal that they don’t have to prepare themselves. Why not make it easy for them to click their way to your restaurant…and watch your profits grow!

Here is a webzine article which details some of the reasons a website is so important to every restaurant…

1. To generate awareness, exposure and extend your brand. Your website lets people know who you are and gives potential customers a feel for your restaurant, menu and atmosphere. You also have the opportunity to demonstrate to customers why your restaurant is the right choice for them. Remember, first impressions count. A smart, simple design will help you convey the professional-yet-appealing image you want.

You have options when it comes to creating a website. The least expensive method is to (of course) do it yourself. With some software, a reference guide or two, and your dedication, a person with basic computer skills can have a simple website up within a week or less. You may also decide to use a single provider who can handle everything from domain registration and renewal to hosting, site design, development and maintenance. Be sure to ask them if they use search Engine Optimization best practices when they build their sites and if they will help improve the search results placement of your site once it launches.

2. To provide basic information such as hours of operation, payment methods, and location. While you most likely aren’t available 24 hours a day to answer these questions, your website, aka your ‘virtual storefront,’ is always there to address visitors’ questions.

3. To enhance your competitive advantage. There is a good chance that other restaurants in your area have websites and are luring your potential business because they can be found more quickly. Many potential customers like to “comparison shop,” researching several restaurants online before making a decision about where to eat. Without a web presence, your restaurant may no longer be considered an option for them. You may also miss out on being listed in local online directories that feature your competitors.Before building your website, it is a good idea to check out what your competitors are doing online. It’s a great way to get inspiration and ideas and think about ways that you can differentiate yourself.

4. To improve internal efficiency and customer service. Does your staff repeatedly get bombarded by the same requests over and over again? A great way to cut down on time spent fielding issues is to publicize that information on your website. Rather than having a potential customer call for driving directions to your restaurant, they can be downloaded by the customer from your website, saving time and hassle for both your staff and the customer.

5. To promote products or services. Many restaurants offer products or catering services in addition to their general restaurant operations. But many of your customers don’t know this! Assign prominent areas of your website to address the full breadth of your restaurant’s offerings and you will build greater awareness and generate more business.

6. To publish timely content such as events or promotions. What do customers love? They love a good deal or promotion. When you publish simple promotions, such as a downloadable coupon on your website, it keeps your restaurant at the top of your customers mind, and keeps them coming back.

7. To serve the press. In addition to serving customers, your website functions as a public relations tool. With tight press deadlines, media professionals writing about your restaurant need things like high-quality imagery and text about your restaurant. By making this information available on your website, you can make lives easier for the press and increase your chances of free media publicity.

8. To build a relationship with customers. A website is a great place for capturing customer feedback through comments and surveys. In addition, a clean website with regularly updated content and promotions is a place where customers return again and again – just like they will return to your restaurant. You can cultivate and maintain a one-on-one trusting relationship by publishing a regular email newsletter that offers unique, interesting content and special deals to your subscribers.

9. To save you money. Having an online presence 24 hours a day is less expensive than printed advertising, TV Spots, mailers and nearly any other form of promotion. And unlike the aforementioned materials, websites can be updated as often as you like. The only type of promotion you’ll need once your website is launched is…promoting your website!

10. To increase your business. Despite economic difficulties, customers still are going out to eat. They are just being more careful and analytical in their restaurant selection.