Restaurant Website Redesign on the Riviera: 5 Mistakes to Avoid
Restaurant Website Redesign on the Riviera: 5 Mistakes to Avoid
The Riviera vaudoise — from Vevey to Montreux via La Tour-de-Peilz and Villeneuve — is full of outstanding restaurants. But many have websites that don't reflect the quality of their cuisine. If you're considering a redesign, here are 5 mistakes you absolutely must avoid.
Mistake #1: Neglecting the Mobile Version
When a tourist in Montreux searches for "lake view restaurant" on their smartphone, your site must be flawless on mobile. Readable menus, accessible call button, one-click reservation.
In 2026, over 70% of restaurant searches are done on mobile. A non-responsive site is like having an illegible menu — customers leave.
Mistake #2: A Menu in PDF Format
PDF is the enemy of search ranking. Google cannot easily read PDF content, and your customers have to download a file instead of simply scrolling.
The solution: integrate your menu directly into a web page. It's more elegant, faster and excellent for SEO since Google can index every dish.
Mistake #3: No Professional Photos
A blurry photo of your dishes taken on a smartphone does more harm than no photo at all. Invest in a professional photo shoot — a few hundred francs that change everything.
Photos should showcase:
- Your signature dishes
- The atmosphere of your restaurant
- Your team
- The view (if you're lucky enough to face the lake!)
Mistake #4: Forgetting Essential Information
Every customer wants to know within 10 seconds:
- Where you are (address + interactive map)
- When you're open (up-to-date hours!)
- How to book (phone, form, platform)
- What you serve (current menu)
If this information isn't immediately visible, you lose the customer.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing potential customers see — even before your website. It must be:
- Verified and complete
- Updated with your current hours (especially in season!)
- Supplied with recent photos
- Active with replies to reviews
Bonus: Think About Seasonal SEO
On the Riviera, tourist traffic is seasonal. Adapt your content:
- Summer: terrace, lake view, seasonal menus
- Winter: raclette, fondue, special evenings
- Events: Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux Christmas market
We Can Help
At nickel., we have experience with restaurants and shops on the Riviera. We offer modern sites featuring:
- Integrated and self-editable menu
- Online booking
- Optimised local SEO
- Photo shoots included in our digital presence offers
