5 must-haves for a successful website in the food and beverage industry

5 must-haves for a successful website in the food and beverage industry

Alaina GardnerJul 22, 2019

Last week in this series, we covered the must-haves for a successful website in education.

This week, we’ll be exploring must-haves for a successful website in the food and beverage industry. Whether you own a restaurant, catering service, or food or beverage brand, the growth of your business largely depends on your web presence.
Every company has unique goals, and while templates help to get your website up and running, they don’t serve your goals specifically. This is why professional web design is worth the investment.

Our combined experience working with clients in the industries covered in this series has allowed us to pinpoint where design can influence your key performance metrics (KPIs) most, so you can strategize where to invest your time and funds, for the highest return on investment (ROI).

1. Optimized for mobile

The percentage of visitors using a mobile device is highest for restaurant websites. All websites should be responsive and optimized for mobile, but extra attention should be given to these details for restaurants. Contact information, location, hours and other relevant information should be prominent and quickly accessible. Customers on the go will be more likely to choose your business.

2. Professional photography

Presentation really matters when it comes to food. Investing in professional, mouth-watering photography is worthwhile. Not only does this make your website more palatable, it also provides shareable content that customers can spread through social media.

See more of our photography for the above project here.

3. Menu design

User frustration comes from being unable to find complete nutrition and menu information. Your digital menu should be designed so that it is searchable and contains all information that a customer may need, such as kids menu information, ingredients, and specials. A delightful menu experience online leads to a great experience in person.

Read more about this project, featured on UnderConsideration’s Art of the Menu, here.

4. Clean layout

Especially in the food and beverage industry, cleanliness is important. This extends to the look and feel of your website. The visual design creates an atmosphere as much as the interior space does, and a clean and functional design will give your customers a good feeling about your business.

Learn more about this rebrand and custom website for Old Barn Market & Gluten Free Bakery here.

5. Brand personality

Lastly, your website should have personality. A restaurant is an experience, and when customers want a unique experience, they look for indicators that they will be satisfied with your brand. Especially powerful for restaurants, make sure your website has an attractive charm and identity.

Next week we’ll be prioritizing the must-haves for a successful nonprofit website, so don’t forget to check back.

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