- Rachel Bistricer
- May 8, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Aug 10
Get started by: Creating a website → | Getting a domain →
Before the Internet took over, a top restaurant thrived on word of mouth. Today, with online searches shaping dining decisions, having a quality restaurant website is key to keeping your business booming. Your restaurant's website is its digital face, essential for boosting visibility and attracting more customers.
Whether you're starting a business in the restaurant world or have been in the business for a while, learning how to create restaurant website is essential. You might be wondering how much does a restaurant website cost. This article breaks down all the key factors to consider when setting a budget for your website design.
Ready to create your restaurant website? Get started for free with the Wix website builder today.
How much does a restaurant website cost?
If you are creating a website on your own, basic restaurant websites can cost as little as $16 per month. However, if you're exploring how to create a website with advanced features or need professional assistance from photographers, copywriters, or designers, costs can exceed $10,000. Let's examine the variables that can impact the cost of building a restaurant website.
Want to learn more? Check out this course about starting your restaurant site.
10 Restaurant website costs
The cost of a restaurant website can vary greatly depending on the features and services you choose for your website. It's like ordering from a restaurant menu—there are different dishes with various prices, and you have the freedom to pick and choose according to your business plan budget and preference. Every restaurant website is unique, and the services included in web design and development for your restaurant depend on your needs, goals and preferences.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of some considerations that can influence restaurant website costs. Included in each section, we've outlined the average cost ranges to help you estimate expenses.
01. Domain name
Average cost range: $0-$1,000+ per year
Think of your domain name as the address of your restaurant website. It's what people will type in their browsers to find you, like "www.myrestaurant.com." If you need inspiration, a domain name generator can help you think of creative ideas. Use a domain name search to check availability and purchase one from a registrar like Wix. Costs can vary based on the domain extension (.com, .net, .org), length of registration (yearly or multi-year), website privacy protection plan and whether it's a new or previously owned domain.
Tip: Wix paid plan includes a free domain for the first year, so no need to worry about upfront domain name costs.
02. Web hosting
Average cost range: $0-$250 per month
Website hosting ensures your restaurant website is accessible to hungry diners anytime, anywhere. Whether they're checking out your menu pricing or making reservations, reliable hosting keeps your digital doors open for business. The cost of a hosting website varies based on the provider, package and level of service. Some providers, like Wix, include free website hosting as part of their website builder package. Pick a provider that caters to your restaurant's needs, offering the right features to enhance customer experience and keep your site running smoothly.
03. Website security
Average cost range: $0-$200+ per year
Ensuring the security of your restaurant website is like securing your restaurant's front door—a must, especially if you'll be taking orders and accepting online payments. Some providers offer basic website security measures at affordable prices, while others may charge more for advanced protection against potential cyberattacks. Being proactive in protecting your restaurant website can ultimately save you money and avoid the cost of dealing with a security breach.
Tip: With Wix, website security is already included when you create a restaurant website. Enjoy 24/7 monitoring to spot vulnerabilities and safeguard your info and visitors.
04. Website builder
Average cost range: $0-$70+
A drag and drop website builder is a software platform that lets you create and manage your restaurant website even without technical knowledge. Wix's templates are ready-made layouts that help shape your site's look and feel without the need to code every detail from scratch. Templates can be handy for nailing down your brand's visual identity while effectively organizing your site's content. Using an AI website maker can further enhance the website building experience with the help of Wix’s unique, chat-based AI experience.
Check out these totally customizable and free restaurant website templates to help you get started.
05. Logo and branding
Average cost range: $0-$10,000+ one time fee
Your restaurant's logo and branding are essential for creating a recognizable and memorable brand. Your brand identity should be cohesive throughout all of your marketing channels, including your restaurant website, social media and print materials. Depending on the complexity of your brand design, creating a memorable logo can range in cost. Consider using a restaurant logo maker tool to achieve the perfect branding look for your restaurant website atmosphere.
06. eCommerce integrations
Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month
If your restaurant offers online ordering or reservations, you'll need to integrate restaurant and eCommerce functionality into your restaurant website. This service allows guests to make transactions directly on your site, making it convenient and efficient for both parties. Consider using apps from the Wix App Marketplace, such as DoorDash Drive for delivery with a flat fee rate, or apps for building a birthday and loyalty club to grow sales and customer lists. The cost of these features can vary depending on the provider and what type of tools you need.
Tip: Wix Restaurants is made up of 3 apps—Menus, Orders and Table Reservations—and additional integrations to help you best run your restaurant. Choose a restaurant template or add Wix Restaurants to another site by adding the Wix Restaurants Orders app.
07. SEO tools
Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month
If you want to rank high in Google searches, so potential diners can find your restaurant's website easily, you need a search engine optimized (SEO) website. Utilize a variety of SEO tools—both free and paid, to pinpoint the best keywords, generate fresh content ideas and understand your target market better. Wix SEO provides a comprehensive set of tools to manage your restaurant's SEO strategy. Other tools like Ahrefs, Semrush and Keyword Everywhere can assist in finding relevant keywords for your restaurant's content. Consider starting a blog to boost your online presence and help with the SEO efforts.
08. Email marketing tools
Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month
Restaurant email marketing is a powerful tool for restaurants to keep in touch with customers and promote their latest deals, menu items and cocktail trends. By utilizing email marketing tools, you can easily create professional-looking newsletters and send them to targeted lists. The cost to your restaurant website budget can range depending on the number of subscribers you have and the frequency of emails you send.
09. Social media tools
Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month
Social media is vital for restaurants to market themselves, helping you reach new patrons and showcase your brand. By using restaurant social media marketing tools, you can streamline your online presence by scheduling posts, analyzing data and managing multiple accounts all in one spot. The cost of these tools will depend on the scale of your social media efforts. Look for tools that not only schedule content but also monitor conversations online and analyze your data effectively.
10. Maintenance and updates
Average cost range: $50-$200+ per month
Once your restaurant website is up and running, it's important to regularly maintain and update it. This can include adding new menu items, updating business hours or even refreshing the design. While you can choose to handle these tasks yourself, hiring a professional web developer can save you time and ensure that your site is always functioning properly. Consider setting aside a budget for regular maintenance and updates to keep your website running smoothly.
Advantages of having a restaurant website
A restaurant website provides a platform for your customers to learn more about your brand, explore menu options, make reservations or place orders at their convenience. Aside from these basic features, here are some additional advantages of having a business website:
Enhanced online visibility: With a restaurant website, potential diners can easily discover your establishment via search engines using keywords related to your cuisine and location.
Professional image boost: A well-designed, informative website enhances a restaurant's professionalism, building credibility and customer retention. It's ideal for presenting a cohesive brand image, incorporating the restaurant logo, branding colors and overall aesthetic.
Standing out in competition: In a competitive market, a restaurant website helps your business differentiate itself and compete effectively. Today's consumers expect businesses to have websites, making them more inclined to choose a restaurant that has one.
Cost-effective marketing: A website is a good way to promote your restaurant compared to traditional marketing strategies, reaching a broader audience. Additionally, a restaurant website is the perfect platform to showcase essential information like the online menu, operating hours, contact details, the head chef and positive customer reviews.
Insightful analytics: By leveraging analytics tools, you can gain valuable insights into your Wix website performance and user behavior, empowering you to make informed decisions for your business.
Using a website builder vs. professional services
When it comes to creating a restaurant website, you have two primary options: you can opt to hire a professional web developer who can tailor the website to your specific needs or utilize a website builder that can offer a more cost-effective solution that allows for easier updates and maintenance. Both routes have their distinct advantages and cost considerations to weigh before making a decision on how to best represent your restaurant online.
Hiring a web developer
Average cost range: $500-$10,000+ one-time fee
If you have specific design ideas in mind for your restaurant website and want to ensure complete customization and control over every aspect, hiring a website designer may be the best option for you. A professional web developer can bring your vision to life and incorporate any advanced features or integrations that you require. However, this option can add to how much does a website cost and ongoing maintenance costs may also apply.
Using a website builder
Average cost range: $0-$70+ per month
A website builder is a user-friendly, cost-effective alternative to hiring a web developer. With drag-and-drop tools and pre-designed templates, you can easily create your website without any prior coding knowledge. Additionally, many website builders provide SEO tools and integrations to build an eCommerce site, making it a one-stop-shop for all your website needs.
Read more for your restaurant business
How much does a restaurant website cost FAQ
I already have regular customers and business is going well. Do I still need a website?
Having a website can still benefit your restaurant. A website provides a platform for new diners to discover your restaurant and learn more about it, potentially bringing in more business. It also allows for easier communication with current customers, making it convenient for them to access menu options, make reservations or place orders.
My restaurant has multiple locations. Can we list them all on one website?
Yes, you can list multiple locations on one website through the use of interactive maps or individual pages for each location. This is beneficial for users who may be searching for a specific location or want to see all available options in one place. It also helps with search engine optimization (SEO) and increases online visibility for your restaurant.
Is a restaurant website necessary even with a Facebook page?
Having a Facebook page can be beneficial for reaching and engaging with customers, but having a website provides additional benefits. A website allows for more control over your online presence and branding, as well as providing a platform for showcasing essential information like menus, operating hours and contact details. It also allows you to reach those who may not use social media or prefer to search for businesses through search engines. Having both a Facebook page and a website can complement each other and help your restaurant reach a wider target audience.
Can I add new features to my restaurant website after it’s been developed?
This depends on the chosen option for building your website. If you used a website builder, you can easily add new features through their platform. However, if you hired a web developer who created a fully customized website, adding new features may require additional coding and incur extra costs. It is important to discuss this with your web developer beforehand and plan for any future changes or updates you may want for your website. Having a clear understanding of the capabilities and limitations of your restaurant website can help you make informed decisions about its development and ongoing maintenance.
How long does it take to develop a restaurant website?
The time it takes to develop a restaurant website can vary depending on the complexity and features required. For example, a basic website built with a website builder may only take a few days, while a fully customized website may take several weeks or even months to complete. It is essential to discuss your timeline expectations with your web developer and factor in additional time for testing and revisions before the website is launched. Market research and proper communication between you and your web developer can help ensure that the website is developed efficiently and meets your expectations.
Does a restaurant website need to be mobile friendly?
Yes, having a mobile-friendly website is crucial for any business in today’s digital age. With more and more people using their smartphones to search for and access information online, having a website that is optimized for mobile devices can greatly improve user experience and increase the chances of converting visitors into customers. It also boosts SEO rankings and helps your restaurant stay competitive in an increasingly digital market.
Comentários