Guide to Preparing for Your Pub’s Website Launch

A well-prepared website can be a game-changer for your pub, helping you attract new customers, keep regulars engaged, and promote your events, food, and offers effectively. This guide walks you through everything you need to get your website ready for launch.

1. Registering a Domain Name

Your domain name is your pub’s digital identity, so it should be:

Short and memorable – Keep it simple (e.g., thefoxandhounds.com* rather than the-fox-and-hounds-london-uk.com).
Easy to spell – Avoid complicated words or unusual spellings.
Relevant to your pub’s name – Ideally, it should match your pub’s actual name or a variation of it (e.g., foxandhoundspub.co.uk*).
A trusted extension – If your pub is UK-based, .co.uk* is a great option, but .com or .pub can also work.

💡 Where to register: Use services like GoDaddy, Google Domains, or Namecheap to purchase your domain.

2. Writing Content for Your Home Page

Your home page should quickly tell visitors why they should visit your pub. Here’s a solid structure:

Welcome to [Your Pub Name]

A warm, inviting introduction:
"Nestled in the heart of [your town/city], [Your Pub Name] is a classic pub with a modern twist. Whether you’re after a perfectly poured pint, a delicious Sunday roast, or a lively atmosphere for weekend drinks, we’ve got something for everyone."

What Makes Us Special?

Great Atmosphere: Cozy corners, open fireplaces, and a welcoming crowd.
Fantastic Drinks: A well-stocked bar featuring craft beers, fine wines, and expertly mixed cocktails.
Delicious Food: From hearty pub classics to modern plates made with locally sourced ingredients.
Live Events & Entertainment: Quiz nights, live music, and seasonal celebrations.

Plan Your Visit

"We’re open seven days a week, serving food and drinks from lunchtime until late. Book a table or just pop in – we’d love to see you!"

3. Taking Photos for Your Gallery

Photos tell the story of your pub and are essential for attracting visitors. Make sure to include:
✔ Interior shots: Show the ambiance – cozy seating, lighting, bar area.
✔ Exterior shots: The pub’s front, beer garden, or terrace.
✔ People enjoying themselves: Customers having a great time (with their permission).
✔ Drinks & food: Signature cocktails, your best pint pour, and standout dishes.
✔ Live events: Bands playing, quiz night crowds, or special occasions.

Tip: Use natural lighting and take photos during the daytime for clarity and warmth. A mix of wide shots and close-ups works best.

4. A Strong Photo for Your Home Page

Your home page’s main image is crucial – it should capture the essence of your pub.

Best Choices:

A warm, inviting shot of the bar area, well-lit and buzzing with atmosphere.
A busy beer garden on a sunny day, full of life.
A plated dish or signature drink – especially if food is a big focus.
A cheerful group of people raising a glass – instantly conveys a great atmosphere.

5. Your Menu – Do You Have It Ready?

If you serve food, make sure your menu is easy for customers to find. You’ll need:

📌 A digital menu for your website – ideally in text form rather than just a PDF (for mobile-friendliness and SEO).
📌 A downloadable PDF menu – for those who prefer to view or print it.
📌 A printed menu in the pub – double-check for updates before launch.

6. Promotions & Offers

Regular promotions help attract visitors. You’ll need:

A list of offers (e.g., "2-for-1 Cocktails on Thursdays," "Sunday Roast & a Pint for £15").
An image for each offer – a photo of the drinks/food involved works well.
A catchy caption – Example: "Cheers to the weekend! Join us for 2-for-1 cocktails every Thursday from 5-9 PM. 🍹 #HappyHour"*.

7. Events – Are They Listed?

If you run events like quiz nights, live music, or sports screenings, make sure they’re listed on your site.

For each event, prepare:

A high-quality image – e.g., a past event photo or a designed poster.
A short but engaging caption – Example: "Test your knowledge at our legendary Pub Quiz every Wednesday at 8 PM! Great prizes, great fun – book your team now!"*.

8. Contact Details & Opening Hours

Most details will auto-populate, but make sure you have them ready:
✅ Phone number
✅ Email address
✅ Address (including postcode)
✅ Opening hours (check for seasonal changes)
✅ Social media links (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)

9. Do You Take Table Reservations?

If you allow bookings, ensure your system is linked correctly.

✅ If using DesignMyNight, Collins, OpenTable, or ResDiary, have your login details ready.
✅ Double-check that your booking widget is working on your website.
✅ Clearly state if you take walk-ins only or require reservations for food service.

Final Checklist Before Launch:

✔ Domain name registered and linked to the site
✔ Homepage content written and engaging
✔ High-quality photos uploaded (home page, gallery, promotions)
✔ Menu in both text and PDF format
✔ Offers and events listed with images and captions
✔ Contact details and opening hours confirmed
✔ Booking system integrated (if applicable)

Once everything is in place, your website will be a powerful tool to attract customers and keep your pub thriving. Cheers to your launch! 🍻

Updated on: 14/03/2025