<b><i><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4990" alt="restaurant-websites-business" src="https://itxdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/restaurant-websites-business.jpg" width="168" height="168" />Does Your Restaurant Really Need a Website?</i></b>

You've probably been told a thousand times that a restaurant website is necessary for your business. Running a restaurant is a full time day job and a part time night job. It often means wearing multiple hats and working at least 60 hours a week, especially the first few years. With all the other responsibilities you take on, you may not have even considered starting a website for your restaurant.

There are many benefits that come along with restaurant websites. Of course, the most obvious is the ability to market online, but there's far more to it than just getting an occasional new guest from your website. Here's what you're missing, if you don't have a website for your restaurant.

<b>Guests and Revenue</b>

Your business depends on guests walking through the doors ready to spend money. Whether they come in once a month for twice a week, your business thrives on getting them through the door as often as possible. It doesn't matter how large your seating are is, if it's empty.

With a restaurant website, you gain a new way to attract new guests and get other guests to return. You can update daily/weekly specials on your website, use it to build an email list of guests and provides other important information online. Some restaurants can even use a website for online ordering.

<b>Catering and Event Opportunities</b>

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-4992" alt="restaurant-websites-catering" src="https://itxdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/restaurant-websites-catering.jpg" width="168" height="158" />Does your restaurant offer catering or hold private parties? If so, a restaurant website is vital to your success. When somebody is put in charge of planning an event, whether corporate or private, they use the internet to find all the things they need. Catering may be one of those things and if they can't find you online, they probably won't choose your restaurant to cater their event.

Restaurants with a private party room or with the ability to handle events can also benefit from a website. A great example of the type of event you may be missing out on is a rehearsal dinner. When the person planning this type of event is searching for the right place to go, they often use the internet to find the right restaurant.

<b>Mobile Searching</b>

Did you know that over half the searches performed on Google last year were done on a mobile device? The number is even higher when looking at local businesses, such as restaurants.

Many potential guests are making their dining choice after searching for a specific type of restaurant on their smartphone, tablet or other mobile device. Without a website, you won't show up in the search results and the potential guest will be dining at a table located in your competitors' dining room.

These are just a few of the many things you're missing when you don't provide a website to represent your restaurant. For some potential guests, if they can't find you online, you might as well not exist.

<b>The Potential of your Restaurant Website</b>

After making the decision to start a new website for your restaurant, it's important to understand the potential. As long as you choose a reliable hosting company with all the right tools, such as ITX Design, you will gain many new opportunities. Here are a few things you can do with your new restaurant website.
<ul>
	<li>Display your Menu<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-4991" alt="restaurant-websites-people" src="https://itxdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/restaurant-websites-people.jpg" width="450" height="300" /></li>
	<li>Allow Guests to Contact You about their Experience</li>
	<li>Advertise Weekly/Daily Specials</li>
	<li>Provide the History of the Restaurant</li>
	<li>Allow for Online Ordering</li>
	<li>Connect with Guests on Facebook, Twitter and other Social Media sites through your website</li>
	<li>Update Guests on Important New through a Blog</li>
	<li>Provide Private Party and Catering Information</li>
	<li>Display Awards and Accolades</li>
	<li>Provides Hours of Operation and Contact Information</li>
	<li>Allow Guests to make Online Reservations</li>
	<li>And More!</li>
</ul>
Even a restaurant website with just contact information, a picture and a menu can attract more potential guests than no website at all.

<b>Why You Need a Website for Your Restaurant</b>

The benefits certainly outweigh the cost, especially if you and your team handle the design and updating of the website. Once it's set up, you may only need to spend an hour a week updating your blog and your weekly/daily specials.

It all starts with hosting, which is as low as $4.95 per month from ITX Design. Once you have your domain name and your hosting account, you will gain access to all the tools you need free of charge. The free site builder makes it easy to get your website up and running fast or you can hire a designer to create the perfect restaurant site for your needs.

If you're not sure where to start, contact our support team and we will be happy to help.