What a café or local shop in Seixal should have on its website

When someone in Seixal searches for "café near me" or "pastry shop in Corroios", they are usually out and about with a phone in their hand. They decide within seconds. If your website is slow to open or does not show what they want to know, they move on to the next result.

That is why the website of a café or local shop does not need to be big. It needs to answer four questions well.

1. Where is it and how do I get there?#

Put the full address and a map where people can see them. A "Directions" button that opens the phone's map app saves a lot of time for people coming from outside the area.

2. Is it open now?#

The opening hours should be on the first screen or one tap away. If you close on Mondays or have different hours at the weekend, say so clearly. Nothing puts a customer off more than arriving at a closed door.

3. What do you offer?#

For a café or restaurant, it is the menu. For a shop, the kinds of product. For a service, what you do and who it is for. A simple, up-to-date list is worth more than a huge catalogue nobody keeps current.

4. How do I reach you?#

Phone and WhatsApp, in a button you can press with your thumb. Many customers prefer to write rather than call.

What else helps#

Real photos of your place, instead of generic images, build trust. A site that loads fast on a phone makes a difference, because most local searches happen there.

It also helps to keep your information the same everywhere. If the hours on your website differ from the ones on Google, customers get confused and Google becomes less sure it can recommend you. So after your website goes live, it is worth checking your Google Business Profile too.

Where to start#

Write down your address, opening hours, what you offer and how to contact you. If you have that, you already have half of the website. If you would like help with the rest, get in touch: I work from Seixal and can meet you at your place.