RGC Digital Marketing

By Kieran Frank

Designing Mobile-Friendly Restaurant Websites

If you ask any web design specialist about marketing for restaurants, they’ll tell you that mobile-friendly websites are crucial to their success. But why is that?

Well, you know that awkward feeling you get when you’re heading to a restaurant for the first time? You want to be sure that you’ll find something on the menu that you’ll like. 

We’ve all been there. 

What do you do in this situation? You’ll probably grab your phone and quickly search for the restaurant’s website before opening their menu. 

Those first few seconds when the user interacts with your website can have a big impact on how your restaurant presents itself. You could have the finest dishes in the area, but if it’s difficult for the user to find your menu and see clear images of your food, you risk losing them as a customer. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Mobile-friendliness should always be a priority

Why Is Mobile Friendliness A Non-Negotiable For Restaurant Websites?

There’s no two ways about it. All restaurants should invest in their online presence because it’s their best chance of connecting with their potential customers. Most restaurants rely on customers from their local community, and consumers tend to favour businesses that are nearby. That’s why Google “near me” searches have increased by 250% in the past two years. 

Central to these localised searches are Google My Business (GMB) profiles. 86% of customers use these helpful pages allow users to locate businesses that are close to them on a local map. The success of GMB profiles is no secret either, with claimed profiles gaining 7 times the amount of clicks that unclaimed profiles receive. 

You might now understand why it’s important for restaurants to invest in their online presence, and a quality website is crucial to these efforts. But you might not understand why it’s important for these websites to be mobile-friendly. Well, if you’re looking for an answer, the numbers speak for themselves.

90% of customers use their phone to research restaurants before visiting

The “Restaurant Study” conducted by Google and Numerator in 2019 revealed that a whopping 89% of all dining research was conducted on mobile phones before visiting a restaurant. In other words, almost 9 of every 10 customers who research a restaurant prior to visiting will use their phone to see what they offer. 

Quite clearly, there’s very little purpose in investing in quality website design services if they don’t offer your users a mobile-friendly experience. But what is a mobile-friendly experience, and how can your chosen web designers ensure that your website is optimised for smartphone users from the outset?  

Steps To Design A Mobile-Friendly Restaurant Website

Four steps for a mobile-friendly website

Creating A Simplified Navigation & User Interface

One of the easiest ways to ensure your website is mobile-friendly is by carefully considering its navigation. Picture this: Your customer is already late for a dinner reservation and they’re in that frantic situation trying to find your precise location and your menu. 

Complex menus and a cluttered interface are a nightmare for mobile users and can deter them from interacting with your website entirely. So, keep it simple. Opt for a hamburger menu or easy-to-spot tabs.

A clean, straightforward navigation design not only reduces bounce rates but also enhances the overall user experience. Better still, Google loves websites that users love—meaning you’re also likely to experience an improvement in your search engine rankings.

Optimising Speed For Customers On-the-Go

Speed is crucial for all websites, especially those of restaurants that have multiple competitors. Imagine your customer’s frustration as they sit through a seemingly endless loading screen, just to glimpse your special of the day. To crank up your website’s speed, start by optimising your images; big, bulky files aren’t conducive to quick loading times. Use image compression tools or change the format to something more web-friendly like JPEG.

Fast load speeds are crucial in maintaining the attention of your customers

You might also consider using caching services. Hosting your website on a server that’s local to your restaurant can also have a great impact on your site speed and keep your viewers engaged. Finally, you can speak to your web development team about minimising your code. Unnecessary characters in your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can slow down your site’s loading speed.

A faster-loading website is crucial to improving visitor retention, and it is also a known metric in Google’s Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) algorithm. In simple terms, a fast site boosts your search engine rankings, making you more visible to potential customers.

Using High-Quality Images Within A Minimalistic Design

When it comes to displaying your food online, you might think a picture is worth a thousand words. High-resolution images can make sure your visitors know just how delicious your meals are. However, a balance must be struck. 

Although your high-resolution images are important, they often come with large file sizes that can slow down your website. Use image optimisation tools to compress these files without sacrificing quality. How you use these images is equally important. Stick to a minimalistic design that allows your high-quality images to shine without overwhelming the visitor. 

Combining high-quality, fast-loading images with a minimalist design not only improves user engagement but also enhances your site’s performance. Your pages load faster, which can contribute to improved SEO rankings. Plus, the clean design keeps the focus where it should be: on your delicious food.

Minimalist designs are ideal for restaurant websites

Ensuring Seamless Menu Accessibility

The menu is the heart of any restaurant website, and hiding it in the corner of your webpage is like hiding the silverware—you’re making it hard for people to enjoy what you have to offer. Position your menu clearly on the homepage and consider using sticky navigation features so that it remains accessible as users scroll down. 

Make your menu mobile-responsive, and offer it in multiple formats, such as PDF and HTML, so it’s easily viewable on various devices. You could also add an intuitive search function to the menu for those who know exactly what type of dish they’re after.

Ensuring your menu is easy to access keeps users engaged and increases the time they spend exploring your culinary options. This can translate into a higher conversion rate, where website visits turn into actual reservations or orders. An easily navigable menu can improve your overall customer experience, encouraging repeat visits both to your site and to your restaurant.

Ready To Create A Mobile-Friendly Website For Your Restaurant?

Now that you understand why a mobile-friendly website is important for restaurants, you might be wondering why you didn’t create one sooner. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to optimising your website for mobile users. 

Don’t underestimate the power of a mobile-friendly design; it’s an investment in your restaurant’s future, expanding your reach and increasing your customer satisfaction. By taking action now, you’ll be ensuring you stay ahead of the curve and offer a quality experience for your customers both online and in person. For specialist assistance in creating your restaurant’s website, be sure to reach out to an experienced web design team today.

The Value of Google Merchant Center For E-Commerce Businesses
How To Design A Scalable Website To Allow For Future Content
How To Design A Website That Is Mobile-Friendly
Unleashing the Power of Memory: Nostalgia Marketing Takes Centre Stage in 2024
Why SEO is important during Covid-19 Lockdown
The Most Surprising Digital Marketing Statistics Of 2024
Top Local SEO Statistics To Watch In 2024
6 Elements that Build a Successful Client-Agency Relationship
Master Zero-Click SEO In 3 Easy Steps
How Can Digital Marketing Elevate Your Construction Business?
Does Content Marketing Really Work? Content Marketing Agency | RGC
Why Your Medical Clinic Should Invest In Digital Marketing
Instagram Shopping Helping Retail | Instagram Advertising Agency
Pushing The Envelope With Email Marketing
5 Ways A Digital Marketing Agency Can Transform Your Business In 2024
ChatGPT: The Transformative AI System Changing The World of SEO
LinkedIn Announces Removal Of Native Carousels – What It Means For You
Digital Marketing Trends Set To Make An Impact in 2024
Driving Engagement With User Generated Content
RGC Won Website Feature Silver Awards For Client Websites
Does Your Business Need An SEO Audit?
Why Sydney Businesses Need A Local Digital Marketing Agency
10 Tips To Increase Conversions With Web Forms
Why Should Businesses Continue to Invest in Marketing During Lockdowns?
How Can Marketing Agencies Deliver A Winning Pitch?
The Evolution of E-Commerce in 2020
Why You Should Work With A Full-Service In-House Digital Marketing Agency
How Can Small Businesses Leverage AI For Growth
Marrying Form & Function: Our Philosophy On Effective Web Presence
Should Your Small Business Invest In Web Design Services?
GA4: The Latest in Analytics Technology
How Can A Digital Marketing Agency Boost Your Ecommerce Sales?
Win Local Clients with Local SEO Services | Local SEO Agency
15 Must-Know Web Design Statistics Of 2024
Staying Visible: Why Digital Marketing Is Crucial During Seasonal Slumps
Debunking the Top Graphic Design Myths: Uncovering the Truth for Creatives Everywhere
How Smart Speakers Are Amplifying Sales In The Retail Sector
5 Golden Rules for Choosing the Best SEO Agency for Your Business
Top 5 Digital Marketing Measurement Tools
Essential SEO Services Every Business Should Invest In
How Do Digital Marketing Agencies Create Personalised Strategies?
15 Eye-Opening Social Media Marketing Statistics Of 2023
See How Retail Can Use Programmatic to Personalise Advertising
Proactive vs Reactive Consumer Marketing
5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs To Invest In Social Media Marketing
SEO Agency Insights: Proven Strategies To Boost Your Website’s Ranking
Why Your Business Needs A Content Marketing Agency Now More Than Ever
SEO News: Google’s December Core Update
A Beginner’s Guide To Writing Metadata
7 Simple Content Writing Tips To Master In 2023
Revolutionise Your Service Marketing: Powerful Strategies for Success
How Australians Used Social Media In 2015
Not Sure Whether to Hire a Digital Marketing Agency? Here’s Why You Must
Digital Marketing 101: A Beginner’s Guide For Small Business Owners
Should Your Business Invest In SEO In 2024?
What Role Does Content Play In An SEO Agency’s Strategy
Amazon’s Impact On The Retail Industry
How SEO & Advertising Work Together For Results
Content Creators: Why Their Jobs Are More In Demand Than Ever
Getting Started With Google Search Console
Mitsubishi Electric and Sika join RGC
The Importance Of Link Building For SEO
How Digital Is Changing Retail
The Future Of Search: Inside Google’s Project Magi
Local SEO Success Stories: How We Put Businesses On The Map
How RGC Maximised Kambrook’s Blitz2Go’s Holiday Sales In 2 Months
Is Social Media Marketing Really Worth It?
The Latest Insights Into Google’s November Core Update
Richard Gerrettson-Cornell To Speak On Global Growth At The Sydney Build Expo
How Augmented Reality is Changing E-Commerce
Need A Web Design Agency In Sydney? Here’s Why They’re Worth Your Time
Steps To Creating A Successful Digital Marketing Strategy
SEO in 2023: Stay Ahead With Cutting-Edge Trends & Proven Best Practices
Recession-Proof Digital Marketing: Strategies To Thrive During Economic Downturns
What has Social Media Taught Us?
How Image Recognition Is Changing Social Media Marketing
What Is Off-Page SEO & Why Is It So Important?
Hard Hats & Hashtags: Social Media Strategies For Building Professionals
Digital Pit Stop: Maintaining Your Online Reputation In The Automotive Industry
How To Choose The Best Digital Marketing Services For Your Business?
How can a website help the automotive industry | Web Design Agency
How Our Creative & SEO Teams Collaborate For Maximum Impact
Web Mobile Application for Independent Locksmiths
The Importance Of Website Design In Building Your Brand
SEM vs. SEO: Which Is Right for You?
Recession Blues: Search Volumes Plummet But SEO Reigns Supreme
How Data is Fueling Digital Marketing in Automotive
Stop Twiddling Your Thumbs And Embrace The Chat Bot Era
What Does Voice Search Mean For My Brand?
Importance of Personalisation in Digital Marketing
8 Compelling Reasons To Choose Custom Web Design
Chatbots Improve Customer Experience for Insurance Industry
Post-Pandemic Digital Marketing Trends That Are Here To Stay
How To Leverage Social Media For Small Business Growth
How Long Should You Commit To A Digital Marketing Agency?
How Digital Marketing Will Change Post Covid-19
RGC Wins Silver at the 2016 W3 Awards
RGC Wins 2016 WebAwards for Sika Retail
How To Optimise Your Blog Post For SEO Like A Pro
SMART Goals In Digital Marketing
Optimising For Voice Search: The Next Frontier In SEO
Master Google Search Console With These 5 Strategies
6 Important Elements You May Have Forgotten In Your Web Design
Your Go-To Guide To Writing Killer Content
How to Create Marketing Leverage Opportunities for your brand
How Are Digital Marketing Agencies Really Using AI?
Why QSR’s need to serve up Engaging Social Content
Threads: The Next Big Thing For Digital Marketers?
Local SEO Statistics Of 2023 Across 5 Unique Industries
A Guide To PPC Advertising
Digital Marketing Hacks to Grow Your Business on Instagram’s New Shop Tab
15 Powerful Local SEO Statistics You Can’t Ignore in 2024
Brand Safety In a Programmatic Environment
Programmatic Advertising Increases Customer Value for Insurance
Will Nostalgia Marketing Still Be Relevant in 2022?
Why Choose WordPress: Unveiling The Secrets Behind Its Popularity And Benefits
How Can Digital Marketing be Effective for Schools?
Benefits Of Utilising An SEO Agency In Sydney
How Virtual Reality is Changing Digital Marketing in Real Estate
RGC Wins at the 2017 Best Mobile Application Awards
Google’s October 2023 Core Update Explained
Why Business Owners Need to Prepare for a Potential Google Departure
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore The Role Of Social Media in Brand Building
That’s A Little Bit Personal, Isn’t It?
The Art & Science Of Creating Shareable Content
6 Questions To Ask Your Digital Marketing Agency Every Month
How A Website Redesign Can Increase UX & Conversions
How QSR’s feed their audience’s appetite for online food delivery
Content Marketing Trends Of 2024
Personalised Marketing: How To Make Your Customers Feel Special
The Future Of Digital Marketing: Predictions From Our SEO Team
Discovering The Purpose and Power of Different Blog Types
5 Clever Ways to Build Your First-Party Database in a Cookieless World
Mastering Google Ads On A Shoestring Budget
Keep your automotive website on track with a local SEO strategy
Get Schooled On Digital Marketing in the Education Industry
How Can Online Marketing Strategies Rev Up Your Digital Presence In The Automotive Industry?
6 Engaging Content Marketing Techniques For Medical Practitioners
What a COVID-19 Second Wave Will Mean for Marketers
Fundamentals of Search Engine Marketing