Your pub’s website should be your hardest-working team member, attracting visitors, converting them into customers, and generating bookings day and night. But too often, minor oversights in design and functionality lead to missed opportunities. That’s where these pub booking website tips come in.
Whether you run a gastro pub, a traditional local, or a boutique inn with rooms, these 7 website tweaks are easy to implement and can have a big impact on your bottom line.
Add a Clear ‘Book Now’ Button Above the Fold
One of the most effective yet overlooked pub booking website tips is placing a clear, visible call-to-action. Your “Book Now” button should appear above the fold—meaning users see it without scrolling. Ideally, it should:
- Appear in the website header or hero section
- Be styled with a standout colour
- Use action-focused text like “Book a Table” or “Reserve a Room”
Repeating the button throughout key pages (menu, rooms, about) reinforces the action and captures visitors at different stages of their journey.
Use Real Venue Photography to Build Trust
Investing in high-quality, authentic photos of your pub—capturing interiors, dining setups, staff and events—pays off. According to MDG Advertising, articles with relevant images receive 94% more views than those without, proving just how crucial visuals are to engagement.
In the pub industry, real imagery (compared to generic stock photos) helps prospective guests visualise your venue—and feel more confident booking. Try updating your photo gallery seasonally or showcasing live events to keep your site fresh and engaging.
Optimise Menus and Navigation for Mobile
Over 70% of traffic to hospitality websites now comes from mobile devices. Yet many pubs still upload their food and drink menus as PDFs, frustrating users and driving them away.
Instead, use HTML-based menus or image galleries that:
- Load quickly on phones
- Adjust to screen size
- Allow search engines to index content
Also, ensure your navigation is clear and mobile-friendly, with large tap targets and a short menu structure (ideally 4–5 core links).
Speed Up Your Website
Site speed matters. A delay of even one second in page load time can lead to 7% fewer conversions, according to Akamai.
Quick wins to improve speed:
- Compress large images
- Minimise use of sliders or animations
- Remove unused plugins and scripts
- Use a fast, reliable hosting provider
Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to measure and optimise your load time.
Showcase Customer Reviews and Social Proof
Potential guests are far more likely to book if they see others have had a great experience. Integrate Google or TripAdvisor reviews into your site using a widget, or highlight selected testimonials with names and dates.
Examples:
- “The Sunday roast was amazing—best in the county!” – Sarah, March 2025
- “Stayed two nights and the room was spotless. Great breakfast too!” – James, February 2025
Fresh, regularly updated reviews show that your pub is loved and trusted, exactly what potential bookers need to see.
Add a Sticky Contact Bar on Mobile
A sticky mobile contact bar sits at the bottom of the screen and stays visible as users scroll. It can include:
- “Call Now”
- “Book a Table”
- “Find Us” (with Google Maps link)
This small feature massively improves usability and is ideal for walk-ins, spontaneous diners, or guests looking for directions on the go.
Promote Off-Peak Offers to Fill Gaps
Use your website to actively promote quieter booking times. For example:
- “Free dessert with weekday lunch booking”
- “Midweek stays include a free bottle of wine”
Feature these offers on your homepage, menu page, and booking section. Make sure they’re time-limited to encourage immediate action.
Adding a simple promotional banner or announcement bar is a great way to showcase these without overwhelming your design.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Website Work Harder for Your Pub
These 7 pub booking website tips are small changes—but they make a big difference. From clearer calls to action to better mobile experiences and social proof, each tweak helps convert more visitors into happy customers.
Want help implementing any of these improvements? Contact us for a free website audit or explore our affordable web update packages designed specifically for pubs, inns and hospitality venues