Do Restaurants Need a Website if They Use Delivery Apps?
Delivery apps bring restaurants a lot of orders, but they also take a commission on each one, own the customer relationship and decide how you appear in their listings. Many restaurant and café owners ask whether they still need their own website. The short answer is yes, and here is why, plus what the website should include.
Why Delivery Apps Are Not Enough
- Commission on every order. Each app order pays a percentage to the platform. Orders placed through your own website or phone line do not.
- You do not own the customer. The app keeps the customer’s details, so you cannot easily bring them back with offers.
- Google searches go to websites. When people search your restaurant name, “menu” or “opening hours”, Google shows your website and Google Business Profile first.
- Bookings, catering and events. Delivery apps do not handle table bookings, private events or catering enquiries, which are often your most profitable orders.
What a Restaurant Website Should Include
An easy-to-update menu
Use a real text menu, not a PDF. It loads faster on phones, can be read by Google and is easy to change when prices change. Add dietary tags such as vegetarian or gluten-free, and a QR code for tables.
Opening hours, location and contact
Show hours, a map and a phone or WhatsApp button at the top of the page. Keep the same details on your Google Business Profile.
Ordering options
Link to the delivery apps you use, and add your own click-and-collect or delivery ordering when you are ready. Even a WhatsApp order button can move regular customers off commission.
Bookings and events
A short table-booking form and a separate catering or functions enquiry form capture higher-value customers.
Real photos
Photos of your actual dishes and space sell better than stock images. Compress them so pages stay fast.
How to Move Customers From Apps to Your Website
- Put your website address and a QR code on packaging and receipts.
- Offer something small for direct orders, such as a free drink or a loyalty stamp.
- Keep your Google Business Profile updated and link it to your website.
- Collect emails or WhatsApp opt-ins for offers, with the customer’s consent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a small café afford a website?
Yes. A one-page website with your menu, hours, map and ordering links is enough to start and can be built for a low fixed price.
Should my menu be a PDF?
No. A PDF is slow on phones and harder for Google to read. A web page menu is better.
Do I need online payments?
Not at first. Start with ordering links and WhatsApp, then add your own online ordering with payments when you want to reduce app commissions.
Get a Restaurant Website
We build fast restaurant and café websites with menus, bookings and ordering links. Ask for a free quote.