Is a website a value for a restaurant?

[cookM]

Originally posted by shroomgirl:
Cool post Topchef! I want to do that HTML UBB stuff too....I actually sat down and check out the directions on this site at lunch....SEEE that's what running a website will do "Mother of Necessity" learning new skills every day.

You guys, I am going to web design school and here is an HTML book that I highly recommend:
HTML for the world wide web by Elizabeth Castro. It was recommended by our HTML teacher. Also, this website- webmonkey.com is a great resource. Good luck!

[UniChef]

I think regardless of what line of business you are in, a site is pretty standard fare these days. It's like having stationary or business cards- people just expect it.

As a customer, I know that I like to research entertainment on the web. I think that a web site for restaurants is almost necessary nowdays so that good places don't get overlooked. When we travel, we always check out the city site where we are going to see what's good to eat and what entertainments are offered. They usually offer links to restaurants.
I like to see an email address or form for asking questions about a particular restaurant if at all possible. People want to know hours and dress codes and whether reservations are needed.

[michigan dave]

If you do a web site -and the feedback says you will. Just some hints from having been the business for the last 10 years.

1. Give the web author your current marketing information - it makes their job easier as they don't have to develop it from scratch. If you have electronic copies of your logo etc. get it to them in the format they want (jpg, gif, eps etc.)
2. Makes sure your print and web marketing is coordinated.
3. Get and keep a copy of your website and the passwords. I have seen web authors hold webs sites hostage if there is a disagreement over money etc.
4. Register and own your own domain name if you get one - don't let the web hosting company or web author register it in their name.
5. Give the web author the URLs of three sites you like and 3 sites you don't so they have some idea what you want.
6. Ask and answer lots of questions in the design phase - it makes the final product better.
7. Keep the site fresh and up-to-date.
8. Make sure the author designs the site so you or one of your staff can make periodic updates when things change.

Best of luck.

[deltadoc]

38 years ago, I recommended to the chef/owner of the restaurant that I was a cook in that people would really appreciate knowing in advance what the daily specials were going to be. I told him he ought to consider putting an ad in the local papers. He took my advice, and people made reservations like crazy for the days that we served their favorites. By his own estimate, he said business increased 30-40% overall.

The internet only makes 1000% more sense today, because of all the reasons given above in this thread.

doc

[alexr]

I had my website up before we opened! I bought a copy of MS Frontpage and did it myself. Not much to it and it only cost about $8 a month. Registered with all the search engines and restaurant related websites. It has been invaluable!