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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, more complicated websites or ones that require the assistance of professionals like photographers, copywriters or designers, can cost upwards of $10,000. Let's examine the variables that can impact the cost of building a website.
Want to learn more? Check out this course about starting your restaurant site.
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.
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.
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.
Website security
Average cost range: $0-$200+ per year
Ensuring the security of your website is like securing your restaurant's front door—a must, especially if you'll be taking orders and 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 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.
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.
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 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.
Learn more: How to create a restaurant logo
Restaurant app integrations
Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month
If your restaurant offers online ordering or reservations, you'll need to integrate eCommerce and restaurant functionality into your 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.
SEO tools
Average cost range: $0-$100+ per month
If you want to rank high in Google searches, so potential diners can find your 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.
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.
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.
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.
Options for building a restaurant website
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.
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.