In response to recent trends in Internet usage among adults, a growing number of restaurants are trying to establish their presence on the Web. This has resulted in a versatile and evolving relationship between the restaurants and their customers that is slowly, but surely changing the restaurant and food services industry. Restaurant owners looking to maintain their niche or expand operations cannot overlook the importance of having a web-based marketing plan.

There are many benefits and factors involved in web based marketing, the following are a few things to consider:

• A web page puts you on the map. Consumers today are using the Internet as they would the Yellow Pages. A quick online search will reveal which restaurants exist in a particular location. This is particularly important for small restaurants rely on a local customer base. A web presence will reach out those in community that are not familiar with what you offer well as business travelers and other people from out of town.
• Use the personality of your restaurant to draw customers. Consumers consider several things when they go to a restaurant’s website. Not only are they looking for basic information, such as menu options, price, and location, but they are also checking the restaurant’s unique feel and style.
• Create a medium to interact with customers. A web presence allows you to put up and change your menu options, announce specials and special events, and your customers can order online or reserve a table.
• Establish personal contact with your customers. You can take the relationship with your customers a step further by having a email list and even sending personalized messages, such as sending an email on their birthday with a discount coupon.
• You can monitor the response to your marketing. You can keep track of how many people click on to your site versus the increase in sales activity. You can also monitor the customer response to special online coupons.

In short, web-based marketing is fast becoming a necessity among restaurant owners wanting to keep in stride with the current consumer trends and to take their businesses to the next level.