You’ve got great food, friendly service, and a loyal base of regulars—but lately, it feels like fewer people are walking through the door. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. The restaurant industry is one of the most competitive and unpredictable out there.
The truth is, gone are the days when word of mouth and location alone determined success. Today, your online presence—especially your website—is one of the biggest factors in whether new customers find you or move on to the next place.
If your restaurant’s website looks outdated, loads slowly, or lacks key features, it could be costing you hundreds of customers each year. On the flip side, a well-designed, high-performing website can do wonders for your reputation and revenue.
Below are 10 proven tips to help your restaurant website start bringing in more customers—plus a few extra ideas to make sure your business stands out online.
1. Make Online Ordering and Reservations Easy To FInd
Rule number one: your “Order Online” and “Book a Table” buttons should be front and center. Today’s customers expect convenience—they’d rather tap a button than make a phone call. Keep your booking process simple, mobile-friendly, and quick. The easier it is to place an order or reserve a spot, the more likely people are to follow through.
2. Create an Easy-to-Read, Accessible Menu
Nothing frustrates a hungry visitor more than struggling to find your menu—or worse, finding one that’s hard to read. Your menu is your product—show it off! Include a clean, mobile-friendly version right on your site, and consider offering a downloadable PDF as well. This also makes it easier to share on social media or delivery platforms.
3. Collect and Showcase Google Reviews
Make sure your restaurant has an updated Google Business Profile so customers can leave reviews. Positive local reviews are one of the strongest signals Google uses to rank your business in local searches. Encourage happy customers to leave feedback—sometimes all it takes is a friendly reminder or small incentive.
4. Use High-Quality Photos of Your Food and Restaurant
If there’s one industry where visuals matter most, it’s the restaurant business. Great photography sells. Invest in professional photos (or at least good lighting and angles) to highlight your most popular dishes and your dining atmosphere. Use these across your website, Google listing, and social media. A mouth-watering photo can do more than a paragraph of text ever could.
5. Display Your Address, Hours, and Map Clearly
Nothing kills potential sales faster than unclear or outdated business info. Display your restaurant’s address and hours prominently on your site—and add an interactive Google Map. This helps customers find you easily and ensures your business shows up correctly on mobile navigation apps.
6. Promote Your Specials and Events
Have “Taco Tuesday” or “Wing Wednesday”? Don’t keep it a secret! List your weekly specials and explain why they’re worth the visit. Include prices, savings, and a tempting image of the dish. Specials build loyalty and give customers a reason to return regularly.
7. Stay Active on Social Media
Social media is free, visual, and perfect for restaurants. Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest to share photos, short videos, and promotions. Show off your daily specials, kitchen action shots, and happy customers. The more you post, the more people will remember you when they’re deciding where to eat.
8. Sell Gift Cards Online
Gift cards are instant revenue and a simple way for customers to share your restaurant with friends. Adding an online gift card feature isn’t difficult, and you don’t necessarily need physical cards—digital versions or QR codes work just as well.
9. Offer a Loyalty Program
Loyalty programs encourage repeat visits and can be as simple as a punch card or digital discount code. Offer small rewards for frequent visits or referrals. Not only will this help increase return business, but it also builds long-term relationships with your customers.
10. Optimize for Mobile First
More than 70% of people will visit your website from their phone. If your site doesn’t look great or load quickly on mobile, you’re losing potential customers. Always design with mobile-first performance in mind—fast loading, large tap buttons, and easy navigation are key.
Bonus Tip: Promote Your Website Offline
Don’t forget to add your website to printed materials like business cards, takeout menus, and brochures. This gives customers an easy way to find you again online when they’re craving your food later.
Final Thoughts
A professional, well-optimized website isn’t just a “nice-to-have” anymore—it’s an essential part of running a successful restaurant in 2025. If you don’t have time to build or maintain one yourself, hiring a professional restaurant web design company can make all the difference.
At Advance Web Solutions, we specialize in high-performing, visually appealing websites for restaurants across Calgary, Airdrie, and beyond. From menu design and photography integration to SEO and online ordering, we’ll help your restaurant stand out and bring more hungry customers through your doors.
Contact us today for a free consultation or to learn how we can help your restaurant website start working harder for you.
Jeff Moyer – Owner, Advance Web Solutions
