As the world wide web gets larger each day, your restaurant website also gains greater opportunity to reach a larger group of audience.

In this day and age, almost everyone uses the internet and nearly all businesses, whether local or international, are practically up on the web with one common goal in mind – to get the attention of a large group of target prospects.  The ultimate goal of your website is to bring in these prospects to become new customers to your restaurant.  You are going to achieve this by doing specific internet marketing activities that lead your target market to discover your restaurant’s website.

Not all internet marketing activities are effective though.  Some may just result in a large waste of time.   But if you’ll take time to understand the different internet marketing strategies, pick the effective ones and use them to your advantage, then you’re in for something rewarding.

To help you understand more and figure out which ones are effective for your restaurant website, we’ve compiled some of the best time-tested marketing ideas you can use online:

1. Get Social

Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, YouTube and Pinterest are just a few of the increasing number of social media sites where you can establish a group of followers or join communities.  Social media brings people together as they allow conversations to take place. The more people you have talking about your restaurant and the dining experience it offers, the more likely people will get curious about your business.  If you don’t have someone to help you with your Social campaigns, reach out to a professional.

2. Get In The News

With today’s fast-paced life, many people rely on the web for local and national news. Getting mentioned in an online press release can make a big difference to the credibility of your business.  Earning a positive review from a local website or from a happy customer can likewise be a great payoff to your efforts.

3. Paid Advertising

Investing in paid advertising can provide an immediate spark to your business. Google Adwords is one of the biggest online advertising platforms. This is where you pay for ads in search results on search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo.  This again, is something you shouldn’t jump into without experience.  Find an advertising agency or a digital marketing consultant to help you if you aren’t sure what you are doing.

Facebook also offers advertising that lets you target a specific group of prospective customers based on location, demographic profile and people’s interests.

4. Create a mobile version of your website

More than half of U.S. consumers own a smartphone today.  Mobile users are growing at a fast rate and having a mobile version of your website that loads up quickly on different mobile devices is a great way to market your restaurant to local diners looking for a place to eat within your location.  Always keep in mind that screens of mobile devices are not as big as that of desktop computers so make sure that the mobile version of your restaurant website design displays the important information such as your restaurant’s current menu, contact information, location, photo of your establishment and reservation info.

5. Offer deals and discounts online

Everyone loves to save money.  The number one thing that turns online visitors into walk in customers is when they save money through deals and discounts.   These are actually a very effective call-to-action that many businesses are using.

If you’re a restaurant, bar, bakery or café owner who values the impact of some or all of these internet marketing activities and if what’s holding you back from implementing them are your lack of knowledge and budget.  Don’t worry, we can help.  Simply contact Appetizing Sites and we’ll help you get started.  These are just some of the many features included in our menu. We offer 3 combo plans to fit every budget.