Recipe for success: the pages your restaurant website needs in order to thrive

When writing content for your restaurant website, you might be inclined to try and pack everything into one long landing page.

You may think that consolidating all the information into one place will make it easier for your visitors to navigate. It's an easy assumption to make, and while it's true to an extent, this technique only works well for returning customers.

For those visiting your website for the first time, it can be an overwhelming experience, and this approach can reduce your restaurant's exposure online, especially from an SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) standpoint.

In this post, we'll explain why having multiple pages for specific topics is a much better choice and detail the essential pages your restaurant website can't do without.

One page can't effectively cover multiple topics.

From an SEO perspective, a single, long page that tries to cover everything about your restaurant is likely to hurt your online visibility rather than help it.

When you put everything on one page—your menu, contact details, About Us section, and more—each of these topics has to share the spotlight, which makes it difficult for search engines to determine which keywords to prioritise, meaning the page may not rank as well for any one subject.

Such a page is less visible in search results.

Keywords are the terms people use to search for your restaurant online. For example, a page focused on your menu could rank for food-related terms, while an "About Us" page might rank for searches like "best family-owned restaurants in [city]." But with a one-page approach, none of these keywords get the focus they need to truly shine, leading to lower visibility in search results.

Multiple pages make it easier for your visitors to find what they need.

When visitors land on your website, they're usually looking for something specific, such as your opening hours, menu, or location. A long, cluttered page can make it hard for them to find what they need quickly.

Creating separate pages for each topic makes it easier for your visitors to access the information they're after, vastly improving their experience. Plus, since Google prioritises good user experience, this improved navigation can boost your rankings too.

How multiple pages improve performance insights

With separate pages, you can track how each one performs in terms of traffic and engagement. Using tools like Google Analytics, You'll see which pages attract visitors and which don't. This level of tracking is much harder to achieve with a single long page.

By dividing your content into focused, well-organised pages, you'll get a clearer picture of what's working and where to improve.

In short, dedicating individual pages to specific topics like your menu, story, and contact information helps your visitors and search engines navigate your website more effectively, leading to better performance in the long run.

The pages that every restaurant website needs

Now that we've covered why one long landing page isn't the best option let's discuss the pages your restaurant website should include to thrive. These pages not only improve your SEO but also make your website easier for your visitors to navigate.

1. Homepage

Well obviously. Your homepage is typically the first impression people will have of your restaurant online. It should reflect your brand and entice visitors to learn more about what you offer.

Key elements to include are:

• Clear and appealing calls-to-action, like "View our menu" or "Book a table." — ideally both.
• High-quality photos of your restaurant, food, or special events.
• Brief, impactful text that captures your restaurant's unique value.

Ideally, your restaurant website's homepage should act as a hub, directing users to other key pages like your menu, contact page, and table reservation form.

2. Menu pages

Pages dedicated to each menu are crucial for customers to view your offerings and decide whether to visit. However, these pages should not simply exist to host downloadable PDF menus or image-based menus. These menus can be incredibly challenging for search engines and partially-sighted guests.

Search engines also often struggle to index these menus, making it harder for potential customers to discover your restaurant online. Additionally, these menus can be difficult to navigate for those with visual impairments.

The key elements you should include are:

• Display your menu, with items grouped by category (e.g., starters, main courses, desserts).
• Well-written descriptions and accurate pricing for each item.
• High-quality images of your most popular dishes.
• If you offer special dietary options (vegan, gluten-free), make sure they are clearly marked.

Ultimately, a clear, accessible menu can be the deciding factor for customers, so it's worth putting effort into presenting it well.

3. About page

Your 'About' page helps tell the story of your restaurant and what makes it unique. It's an opportunity to connect with your audience, build trust and differentiate yourself from the local competition.

Consider including:

• The story behind your restaurant: how and why you started.
• Your mission and values: what drives your restaurant's identity.
• Your venue's key features/benefits (such as WiFi, Satellite TV, if you're dog-friendly, etc).
• Information about your team.
• Any community involvement.
• Photos that showcase the atmosphere of your space or highlight special events.

In short, a well-crafted 'About' page can help build trust with potential customers by making them feel more connected to your restaurant.

4. Contact page

Your 'Contact' page is essential for helping your customers contact you. It should be easy to find and provide all the necessary information to reach out or visit.

It should include:

• Your restaurant's phone number and email address.
• A contact form for quick inquiries.
• Your opening hours and serving times.
• Your venue's address and an embedded map so customers can quickly get directions to find you.

By making it simple for customers to contact you, you improve the chances of gaining new visitors and make it easier for the loyal ones to return.

5. Service landing pages

If your restaurant offers services outside of the typical dining experience, such as catering, venue hire, or private events, creating separate service pages for each is essential.

These pages allow you to advertise your offerings in detail and make it easier for potential customers to find the information they need.

Key elements to include:

• Catering Services: A page detailing your catering options, including pricing, types of events you cater to, menu customisation, and testimonials from previous clients.
• Venue Hire: Information about renting your restaurant for private events such as weddings, corporate events, or parties. Include pricing, capacity, amenities, and photos of the space set up for different occasions.
• Private Events: A page dedicated to hosting private dining experiences, chef's tables, or bespoke events. Highlight the atmosphere, menu options, and exclusive services you provide.

Service pages help you attract new business and target niche keywords, improving your SEO and visibility in search results for specific services. Each page can rank for terms like "wedding catering in [city]" or "private event venue in [city]," increasing your restaurant's discoverability.

6. Events page

An Events page is crucial for showcasing your restaurant's upcoming events. Whether it's a wine-tasting evening, a live music event, a holiday celebration, or a special menu for an upcoming festival, this page lets you communicate directly with your audience about what's happening at your restaurant.

Content to include:

• A calendar of forthcoming events with dates, times, and ticket information (if applicable).
• Descriptions of each event, highlighting what guests can expect.
• Registration or booking options for events that require a reservation.
• Photos or videos from past events to build excitement and showcase the atmosphere.

Having a dedicated events page helps increase attendance at special occasions and boosts your restaurant's visibility in local search results for event-related keywords.

It's a great way to encourage return visits and create a loyal following of customers who want to stay up-to-date on what's happening at your restaurant.

The bottom line.

By creating individual pages dedicated to specific topics, you're not only improving the structure of your website but also making it more user-friendly and easier for search engines to understand.

This targeted approach helps you rank better for relevant keywords, which means more people will discover your restaurant online.

At the same time, your visitors will have a smoother, more enjoyable experience as they can quickly find what they're looking for. Ultimately, this means increased traffic, better engagement, and more opportunities to turn website visitors into loyal customers.

Now that you understand the benefits of a well-structured website,

Why not take the next step in building a better online presence for your restaurant? Register your interest in Easy Eatery's early-bird program and be among the first to access our tools designed to make creating the perfect restaurant website simple.

With Easy Eatery, you'll have all the resources you need to improve your SEO, enhance user experience, and showcase your restaurant in the best possible way.