Why Your Restaurant Needs a Website (Not Just Social Media & Google)
You've been putting off building a website for your restaurant, café, or food truck. You're crushing it on Instagram, your Google Business Profile is solid, and people can find you just fine.
So why bother with a website?
Social media and your Google Business Profile are rented land. You don't own them. Algorithms change overnight. Platforms go down. And when someone's ready to order, book a table, or check your hours at 10 PM on a Tuesday, they're not scrolling Instagram. They're Googling you.
The Problem with Only Having Social Media
Your Instagram looks great. Your food photography is chef's kiss. You're posting regularly, engaging with customers, and building a following.
But people can't find basic information. Your hours are buried in stories. Your menu is scattered across 47 different posts. Someone wants to know if you're open on Mondays, and they're clicking through your highlights hoping to find an answer that's not three months old.
You're fighting the algorithm every single day. Meta decides your posts only reach 3% of your followers unless you pay to boost them, which isn't exactly a sustainable business strategy.
You have zero control over the platform. Instagram changes its interface, your audience hates it, and there's nothing you can do. Your account gets hacked or suspended, and suddenly your primary marketing channel is just gone.
You can't capture leads. Someone loves your food and wants to book you for catering. Where do they go? DM you and hope you see it among the 47 other messages? There's no form, no email signup, no way to convert interest into business.
Social media is great for discovery and engagement. It's terrible for conversions and information.
Google Business Profile Isn't Enough Either
Your Google Business Profile (GMB) is non-negotiable—I'm not saying ditch it. It's how people find you on Google Maps, see your reviews, and get your phone number.
But it has serious limitations that hold your business back.
You can't tell your full story. GMB gives you a few hundred characters and some photos. That's it. You can't explain what makes your restaurant different, showcase your team, or dive into your sourcing philosophy. You're stuck with the basics.
The menu situation is a mess. Ever tried updating your menu on GMB? It's clunky, doesn't format well, and people still can't tell if you have vegan options without calling you.
Every "Are you open?" and "Do you have gluten-free options?" call pulls you away from cooking, managing staff, or doing the hundred other things that keep your business running. GMB doesn't solve this problem. A proper website with a detailed menu, FAQs, and clear information does.
You can't collect emails or build a customer list. GMB doesn't let you build an email list for promotions, events, or special menus. You're constantly reaching out to people instead of having them opt in to hear from you.
Google Business Profile gets you discovered. A website converts that discovery into loyal customers.
What a Website Does for Your Restaurant
Think of your website as your hardest-working employee. It's there 24/7, answering questions, showing off your space, and making it easy for people to take the next step—whether that's making a reservation, placing an order, or booking your private event space.
It answers the same questions over and over (so you don't have to)
Your website handles all the repetitive questions that eat up your day:
Hours and location (with a map that works)
Full menu with descriptions, prices, and dietary info
Reservation or ordering links
Parking information
Private event details
Delivery/takeout options
All of this lives in one place. You update it once, and it's done. No more answering the same question 12 times a day.
It makes ordering and booking stupid simple
Online ordering integration, reservation widgets, catering request forms—your website handles all of this without you lifting a finger. Someone wants a table for Friday night? They book it at 2 AM while scrolling in bed. You wake up to confirmed reservations.
It builds trust before someone walks through your door
People Google restaurants before trying them. They want to see your menu, check out photos of the space, and get a vibe for what you're about. A well-designed website says "we're legit and we've got our act together."
No website? They're wondering if you're still in business or if that health inspection rumor they heard was true.
It captures leads you'd otherwise lose
Email signups for your monthly wine dinner announcements. Contact forms for corporate catering inquiries. Newsletter subscribers who want to hear about your seasonal menu changes.
Social media doesn't do this. GMB doesn't do this. Your website does.
It drives revenue while you sleep
Your website is working when you're not. Someone's planning a birthday dinner at 11 PM and books a table. A couple searches "best brunch near me" at 8 AM Sunday and your menu convinces them to come in. Your private event space page generates three catering inquiries while you're prepping for dinner service.
That's money you didn't have to chase down.
"But I Don't Have Time to Build a Website"
You're running a restaurant. You're already working 60+ hour weeks. The last thing you need is another project. But think about how many hours you spend each week answering the same questions about your menu and hours, updating your Instagram bio link to point to this week's special, manually taking reservation calls during the dinner rush, and explaining your catering options over email.
A website handles all of that. You set it up once (or hire someone like us to do it), and it works for you going forward.
The time you spend avoiding building a website is time you could spend running your business.
What Makes a Good Restaurant Website
Not all websites are created equal. A good restaurant website isn't just digital real estate, it's a tool that works for your business.
Mobile-first design is non-negotiable. Most people are finding you on their phones. If your website looks like garbage on mobile or takes 10 seconds to load, they're bouncing before they even see your menu.
Clear, current menu means easy to find, easy to read, and easy to update. Include prices, descriptions, and dietary information. If you have seasonal menus, make it obvious when things change.
Simple contact and reservation options should be front and center. Don't make people hunt for how to book a table or place an order. Reservation widget, order online button, contact form—all visible without scrolling.
Good photography shows off your space, your food, and your team. People eat with their eyes first. Invest in decent photos or hire a photographer for a few hours.
SEO basics help your website show up when people search "[your cuisine] near me" or "best [neighborhood] restaurant." This means using the right keywords, having your location clear, and making sure your site structure makes sense to Google.
Fast load times matter because no one waits for a slow website. Compress your images, choose a good hosting platform, and keep it simple.
You don't need a fancy custom build. You need something that works, looks good, and doesn't require a developer every time you want to change your hours.
What This Costs
Building a website costs money. We're not going to pretend otherwise.
You can DIY it on Squarespace or Wix for $200-400/year (domain, hosting, basic plan). It'll take you a few weekends to set up, but it's doable if you're scrappy and have time.
Hiring someone (hi) to build it for you runs $2,000-5,000+ depending on complexity, integrations, and how much content you already have ready to go.
Before you panic about the cost, think about it this way: if your website brings in one catering order a month, it pays for itself. If it reduces phone interruptions by even 20%, that's hours back in your week. If it converts one extra table reservation per week, that's thousands in additional revenue per year.
Your website isn't an expense. It's an investment that keeps working for you.
Social Media + GMB + Website = The Complete Strategy
You don't need to choose between social media, Google Business Profile, and a website. You need all three working together.
Social media is for discovery, engagement, and staying top-of-mind. Post your daily specials, share behind-the-scenes content, and build community.
Google Business Profile is for local search and quick info. Keep it updated with hours, photos, and responses to reviews.
Your website is for conversions and detailed information. Send people there from social media and GMB to book, order, or learn more.
The whole system works like this: Someone discovers you on Instagram because their friend tagged your restaurant. They Google you to check your menu and hours (GMB shows up). They click through to your website to see the full menu and book a table. They sign up for your email list while they're there. You send them a monthly newsletter with specials and events. They come back, bring friends, and the cycle continues.
Each platform has a job. Your website is the hub that ties it all together.
You're Already Convinced (Or You Wouldn't Still Be Reading This)
If you've made it this far, you know you need a website. You've known for a while.
The question isn't "Do I need this?" It's "How do I make this happen without losing my mind?"
You have two options:
Option 1: DIY it. Pick Squarespace, block out a few weekends, and build something simple. Get your menu up, add a reservation link, make sure your contact info is clear. It won't be perfect, but it'll work.
Option 2: Hire someone who does this for a living. You focus on running your restaurant. We focus on building you a website that brings in customers.
Either way, just do it. Not sure where to start? Send us a message.
Sources & Further Reading:
Toast Restaurant Industry Statistics (2024) - Data on consumer behavior and online ordering trends
National Restaurant Association State of the Restaurant Industry (2024) - Industry benchmarks and technology adoption
Google Business Profile Help Center - Official documentation on GMB limitations and features
Square State of Restaurants Report (2024) - Consumer preferences for restaurant discovery and booking
