Rathmines restaurant and bar Copan is reaping the benefits of embracing the mobile age, having recently hired nettl.com to design a responsive website for it.

Copan launched its new website in February last and now takes 75% of its bookings through the site.

The success of Copan's responsive website will be of interest to other businesses looking to adapt to Google's search results overhaul, which will come into play before the end of April.

Google is planning to prioritise mobile-friendly sites in the results returned when users search on mobile devices.

Google recommends that companies opt for responsive website, which comprise fluid grids and image boxes that reorganise themselves to fit whatever device a user is browsing on.

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Copan's general manager, Ciaran O'Flynn, said that the establishment was looking for a visual refresh to appeal to the professional clientele it attracts.

It also wanted to increase functionality, speed up and increase efficiency of the booking system, and have a fully responsive system for tech-savvy customers.

“Previously, the website did not allow online bookings and was not updated regularly – which was often a turn off for potential customers,” he explained.

“It also created more manual administration for staff and added to the workload of the bar manager and reservations team.”

Copan's new website was designed, implemented and is hosted by nettl.com, a new cross-media design studio, the evolution of sister brand, Printing.com, and part of Grafenia plc.

Since launching the new website in February, O'Flynn said that the number of hits to the site has doubled.

The site also links to Copan's social media feeds, to allow customers to interact and engage with the venue, provide feedback, post images and share experiences.

O'Flynn continued: “There is much more confidence in booking online, especially with the increased use of smartphones to view web content.”

Nettl.com's Matthew Duffy said that it's more important than ever for restaurants and bars to recognise the benefits of responsive websites.

“Websites are one of the most crucial assets for any business, especially within the hospitality industry, and it's important for customers to be able to view all the information on any device.

“As consumers become more savvy, convenience and ease of use becomes critical – if you can't make a restaurant reservation within a couple of swipes on your phone you'll move on, it's as simple as that.”

Nettl.com is currently offering €600 grants and a free consultation to restaurants, bars and cafes hoping to make the move online or revamp an existing website that is in need of some attention.