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

See our offers for restaurants · Contact us