Running a restaurant can be very rewarding, but it also means juggling a million things simultaneously. Between staffing, inventory, and making sure the pasta comes out al dente, your website probably isn’t top of mind.
But if your site is clunky, confusing, or just plain slow, you’re probably losing customers without even realizing it.
The good news is that most of the biggest website problems are easy to fix. Here’s what to look for and how to make it better.
Your Menu Is a PDF
Why it’s a problem: PDFs are annoying. They’re hard to read on phones, take forever to load, and don’t help you appear in search engines.
Quick fix: Ditch the PDF and build your menu into a mobile-friendly web page. If you’re using a website builder like Squarespace, Wix, or WordPress, there’s a menu block or plugin for that. Bonus points for making it searchable and easy to update.
Your Site Takes Forever to Load
Why it’s a problem: If your homepage spins longer than a few seconds, you’ve got a problem. People bounce fast if a site doesn’t load incredibly fast.
Quick fix: Reach out so we can run it through a speed test. We can show you what’s slowing things down (usually giant photos or unnecessary code). Compress images, keep plugins to a minimum, and make sure you’re not using an old Flash intro.
Your Website Doesn’t Look Good on Mobile
Why it’s a problem: Most customers look you up on their phones before deciding where to eat. If your site is disorganized, glitchy, or unreadable, they’re moving on.
Quick fix: Check how your site looks on your phone and a friend’s. If it’s a mess, choose a responsive website template or hire someone (like us!) to make the adjustments. Mobile-first isn’t a trend anymore; it’s the norm.
No Obvious Info Up Front
Why it’s a problem: People want quick answers: What’s your vibe? When are you open? Do I need a reservation? If that info’s buried three pages deep, you’re making it more complicated than it needs to be.
Quick fix: Put the essentials on the homepage or in the header:
- Hours
- Location (with a link to maps)
- Contact info
- A quick sentence about what makes your place special (wood-fired pizza, date-night pasta, late-night ramen)
- A clear “Order Online” or “Reserve Now” button
Your Photos Don’t Do You Justice
Why it’s a problem: People eat with their eyes first. If your food pics are blurry or your dining room shots are weirdly lit, it’s not helping your restaurant book more customers.
Quick fix: Hire a local photographer for a couple of hours. Clean shots of your best dishes, your patio, or a cocktail in the golden hour glow can be a game-changer.
Your Site Hasn’t Been Updated Since… You Opened
Why it’s a problem: Menus change. Hours shift. You now have a killer brunch menu and no one knows. A stale site can mean lost opportunities.
Quick fix: Set a calendar reminder to update your site monthly. Even minor tweaks, like a new photo or a seasonal dish, keep things fresh and let Google know you’re active.
Your website is like your digital front door. If it’s creaky, confusing, or locked, people aren’t going to stick around. You don’t need to rebuild the whole thing, just a few smart fixes can make a big difference. Show off what makes your restaurant awesome. Make it so a 5-year-old can find you.
Need help getting started? Check out our clients’ websites, and then get in touch.
