If you own a small business, it’s important to understand that going digital is the first step to longevity and success. When you own a restaurant or food chain, having a website becomes critical to establishing your online authority and presence. A restaurant website not only captures your audience’s attention but, more importantly, generates the social buzz that your restaurant needs.
If you haven’t yet created a website for your restaurant, it’s never too late to start. But if you already have a website, ask yourself: does it have everything your customers want to see?
Why Does Your Restaurant Need a Website?
In a world where 69% of consumers would seek fun in all aspects of life including dining, it’s time for restaurant owners to seize this opportunity and create a website that attracts more users. What’s more, it’ll earn your restaurant a prominent spot on the digital map. We all know that if you’re not digital nowadays, your chances of success are slim. It’s mainly because most people now rely on the digital landscape to discover new restaurant openings.
Now, every market and industry experiences new trends each year, adding that special “X-factor.” If you genuinely want to make an impact and offer an excellent user experience, we strongly advise you to incorporate these trends when designing your restaurant’s website.
If you already have a website, there’s no need to worry. You can easily integrate these trends and elements into your existing site, ensuring that you stay ahead of the curve.
Trend 1: Cinemagraphs
Cinemagraphs are still images with a subtle, repeated movement. They’re visually appealing and can be a great way to add interest and engagement to your website.
Here are a few ideas for how to use cinemagraphs on your restaurant website:
- Show a close-up of a delicious dish, such as a lava cake with the chocolate oozing out of it or a sizzling steak with the steam coming off it.
- Capture the movement of a bartender pouring a drink or a chef preparing a meal.
- Show the atmosphere of your restaurant, such as people laughing and talking at tables or a band playing music.
Cinemagraphs can be used in a variety of ways on your website. You can use them as background images, on your homepage, or in your menu section. You can also use them to create social media posts or email marketing campaigns.
Trend 2: Revolutionary Typography
Designers have long adhered to the established rules of typography, following them meticulously. However, in recent years, there has been a trend towards breaking these rules and experimenting with new typographic styles. This trend is especially evident in the restaurant niche, where designers are using typography to create unique and eye-catching websites.
Keep in mind that these emerging web design trends mirror the influence of a new generation. When used effectively, fonts can add personality and character to the images on your website.
Here are some key points to consider within this trend:
- Use bolder fonts to catch the user’s attention and convey your point effectively.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with handwritten fonts for a personalised look on your website.
- Ensure that your typography remains accessible and legible on all screen sizes. Test it across different browsers and mobile devices to maximise its impact.
It’s important to note that breaking typography rules can be risky. If you go too far, you can end up with a website that is difficult to read and navigate. Remember to still pay attention to word spacing and font selection. Ultimately, the aim of experimenting with typography is to enhance your website’s features, not undermine them.
Trend 3: Abstract & Artistic Illustrations
Abstract and artistic illustrations are a great way to add a touch of creativity and personality to your restaurant website. They can also be used to tell a story about your brand and its values.
Instead of using a lot of stock photos and videos, you can create custom illustrations that are tailored to your restaurant’s vision and identity. This can help to make your website more memorable and stand out from the competition.
Additionally, line-style and free-hand drawings in illustrations are gaining significant popularity. The reason behind their popularity lies in their authenticity and their capacity to ignite the imagination. Each illustration tells a unique story, effortlessly resonating with the viewer in a way that feels genuine and unforced.
For restaurants, this trend can truly revolutionise their approach to photography. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Use custom illustrations with your photography to help your website stand out.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and techniques. The best illustrations are often the ones that are unexpected and original.
- Give your illustrations a personal touch that reflects your brand’s personality.
- Use your illustrations to tell a story about your restaurant and its food.
Trend 4: The Fusion of Photography and Graphics
If you don’t want illustrations to dominate your website, you can mix photography and graphics. This trend is popular in the restaurant niche because it’s easy to incorporate. Simply add graphic elements that complement the overall theme of your website.
The benefit of this trend is that it makes your web design more user-friendly and space-filling. You don’t have to add too many graphics, either. You can playfully experiment with natural elements like polka dots or arrows to draw attention and accentuate the features you want visitors to see.
Here are some tips for incorporating graphics with photography:
- Overlap photography with visual graphics to enhance its meaning.
- Create an unforgettable visual that immediately becomes committed to memory.
- Create a 3D effect on photography to make the food look as real as possible.
Trend 5: More Images, Fewer Texts
For restaurant websites, less text is better. The most important aspect of your business is your food, so you should highlight it throughout your website.
However, it’s important to remember that search engines pick up on text. So, with every image, you should include a bit of writing to balance SEO and visual appeal.
Here are some tips to ensure you strike the right balance:
- Add more text on your homepage than on other pages.
- Use the menu page to enhance the visual appeal with photography and add text to explain each item’s features.
- Choose the best photographs to ensure the best results.
Trend 6: Interactivity and Clear Call to Actions
Finally, keep in mind that a good website provides a positive user experience. When your website satisfies users, they’re more likely to recommend it to others and place food orders. That’s why it’s important to make your website user-friendly and interactive, and to add clear calls to action.
Here are some key things to consider when making your restaurant website more user-friendly:
- Place CTAs (Call to Actions) strategically on the homepage.
- Add clickable buttons to phone numbers, so users can place the order easily.
- Implement transparent online ordering systems.
- Link your social media posts to your website, making it easy to convert potential customers.
Impress Your Customers with Our Stunning Website Design and Development Services
Your restaurant deserves a website that reflects your unique style and cuisine, whether you serve classic burgers or exotic dishes. A website is not only a way to showcase your menu and location, but also a powerful tool to increase your sales and reputation. That’s why you need to work with a professional web design company like Creativ Digital that can create a custom website for your restaurant with all the essential features and more. We can help you tell your story, rank higher on search engines, and drive more traffic to your restaurant with a fully branded, modern and catchy website.
Are you ready to see how Creativ Digital can help your restaurant attract more customers with a well-designed website? Contact us today to book a free strategy call. We’ll be glad to discuss the best options for your restaurant website.
