So you’ve decided it’s time for a new website for your restaurant. With the dining industry competition in New Mexico heating up, now is a good time.

Whether you have a site that is in need of a redesign, or you don’t have a website at all (You need one. And Facebook doesn’t count.), there are a few things you’ll want to start considering about your website.

To help get you started, we’ve whipped up some food for thought that will help you get ready to work with a design firm.

Web Firm Location – Go Local

When working with a web design firm, you’ll want to make sure they are located in the same time zone, or even better, the same city or state as you.

Hiring an accessible, New Mexico restaurant web design firm that is familiar with your market is a huge advantage. The proximity will allow the web design firm and your restaurant build a better working relationship because they will be easier to contact, and meetings can be done in person as opposed to an out-of-state firm who you may never meet with face to face.

Developing a close-knit relationship with a local New Mexico restaurant web company means you’ll get a better website.

Be Sure to Include These Things on Your Restaurant Website

There are some components you’ll need to gather up before you start mixing the ingredients together for your website. Some can be prepped ahead of time, but your web design agency might be able to help you cook up a few, such as content writing and professional photography.

Having these features on your website will help you reach your target customer and ensure you’re attracting the right patron for your restaurant.

Images – Mouthwatering photos of your delicious New Mexico cuisine, stunning images of your restaurant’s exterior and interior – pictures can go a long way in helping to spice up your restaurant’s website and get customers in the door.  

Content – Good writing can help define what makes your restaurant unique. Are you an upscale dinner-only establishment, or a 24/7 mom and pop diner? Family friendly, or adults only? Your content will define these points and will establish the kind of customer you’re trying to attract to your restaurant.

Your Restaurant’s Branding – Your website should emulate the same look and feel that your restaurant patrons experience when they visit your brick and mortar.  

Online Menu – Your menu will need to include full descriptions and pictures, if available. These are especially important if you plan to offer takeout or delivery.

Your Restaurant’s Hours – Nothing is more disappointing than going to a restaurant and finding out it doesn’t open for another hour. Be sure to let your potential patrons know when you’re open.

How Will You Update Your Site?

As a busy restaurant owner, you may not have a lot of time to spend updating your restaurant’s website. And if you don’t have a lot of experience making web updates, you’ll have to learn how to use the content management system (CMS).

You can take time out of your busy schedule to learn how to make web updates, or you can let your web design company do the heavy lifting. Many web design firms include ongoing maintenance and updates as a part of an ongoing package, so you can leave the web stuff to your design firm, and focus on running your restaurant.