Restaurant owners, your website isn’t just a showcase—it’s a powerful tool for converting visitors into guests. And the key to making this happen? Your booking button.
It’s that clickable icon on your website’s front page that directs guests straight to your booking page. In marketing terms, it’s your CTA (Call to Action)—the virtual handshake that invites visitors to dine with you.
Sure, it’s great that people are visiting your site, but the ultimate goal is conversions—getting those visitors to book a table at your restaurant. That’s where a strong booking button comes into play.
Keep it above the fold—right at the top where it’s immediately visible. Don’t bury it where guests might miss it. Look at the booking button by Marv & Ben. It’s well placed, noticeable, but not disruptive. If your button looks something like this, you are hitting the mark!
Be clear and action-oriented: ‘Book Now’, ‘Reserve a Table’, or ‘Click to Book’. Make it obvious what visitors should do next.
Your button should stand out. Consider contrasting colors or a design that catches the eye, like this vibrant example from UMA in Estonia.
It should be large enough to be noticed and clicked, especially on mobile devices, but not so big that it overwhelms other page elements.
Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor performance. Test different designs, placements, and wording to optimise for conversions.
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to slip up. Here are three common mistakes to avoid:
Blending in: Don’t let your booking button fade into the background. Make sure it stands out from other links and text on your website.
Overly creative confusion: While creativity is good, clarity is better. Ensure your design doesn’t sacrifice usability. Your guests should know exactly where to click.
No button at all: This one’s simple: if there’s no booking button, there’s no booking. Always have a clear, prominent button for reservations.
Restaurant owners, your booking button isn’t just a widget—it’s a gateway to increased bookings and a better user experience. Give it the attention it deserves. By optimising your booking button, you’re not just improving conversions; you’re enhancing your restaurant’s online presence and inviting more guests to experience what you have to offer. So, go ahead—make that button shout, “Book a table at my restaurant now!” and convert those hungry website visitors into guests.
Looking for more guides? Check out this useful post on guest data.
