Jimmy’s Brick Pit BBQ Enhances its Online Flavor

Look out, Poway. Jimmy’s Brick Pit BBQ just added a whole lot more flavor to its online presence.

The restaurant recently completed a website redesign that provides customers with a tasty platform by offering more than just an online menu. The site educates visitors on its family history, dishes out ongoing specials, highlights its sizzling reviews, and helps drive traffic to its social media networks. Oh and let’s not forget another huge addition – videos.  

More and more companies are incorporating videos because it offers a creative medium to highlight products, services, and team members. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and that’s certainly true in Jimmy’s case. The video gives website visitors a feel for both the owners and the food presentation so they’ll know what to expect even before walking through the doors. People are more likely to buy from people they like, so incorporating video into a website is a great strategy to build a connection and win over new business.

While some may think that investing time and money in a new website is low on the totem pole, having a fully functional website is vital. I’ve seen companies with great products fail to maximize their potential because they lack an online presence. In addition, people are typically quick to make judgments when they first meet someone and the same holds true for a company’s website. This is where you want to put your best face forward and really WOW your audience.

In January, Jimmy’s Brick Pit BBQ co-owner, Debbie Branham, enlisted the expertise of Jacques Spitzer, owner of Raindrop Marketing, to give the award-winning BBQ joint a website redesign that lives up to the same reputation as its food. After speaking with Spitzer, I’ve learned how much Jimmy’s website has evolved; their success should open the eyes and ears of others companies in town and serve as motivation to re- evaluate their own website strategies.

Poway Patch: How did you get connected with Jimmy’s Brick Pit BBQ?

Jacques Spitzer: When I was the digital reporter at NBC, I covered Jimmy’s when they beat out Phil’s BBQ in the head to head competition, which was obviously big news. Then, about a year and a half ago, I started a marketing business and went back to Jimmy’s to re-introduce myself and go over some ideas I had that could help bring more people through their doors.  Jimmy’s is a great spot for people in Poway and in the business park so I knew this would be a great opportunity to help raise awareness for the restaurant.  The only thing that could be better than their food is their family. 

Poway Patch: How important is it for a company to focus on their online strategies including the website, social media and other initiatives?

Spitzer: There is nothing more important right now than online presence when it comes to local business.  Your website is linked to every account that represents your business. Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, Groupon, The Daily Save and so many other sites are intrinsically part of business and provide many customers and clients with their first impression of what your business is all about.  

Poway Patch: What was the website like before you did your magic?

Spitzer: The website was very, very basic and just had a menu posted.  The owners were putting so much work into other areas of the business that it became something that they wanted to do, but hadn't been a priority.

Poway Patch: What did you change?

Spitzer: Redesigning the website was just the foundation.  We connected everything to their Facebook and Yelp which they are proud to display.  The "About" section has a great two minute video all about the restaurant that you can't watch without getting hungry! I helped implement other items, including email lists, newsletters, new menus, new banners, coupons, video, a Facebook redesign, check-in features and more.

Poway Patch: How long did this project take?

Spitzer: We started in late January and while it’s a work in progress, the website project was completed last week.  There is a lot to look forward to with Jimmy's in the coming months. 

Poway Patch: Have you noticed an increase in website traffic as a result? 

Spitzer: We have seen a 350 percent increase in web traffic for Jimmy's over the past month with the average visitor spending over two minutes longer on the website when they visit. 

Poway Patch: What are some other companies that you’ve worked with?

Spitzer: We are proud to have some really exceptional clients here in San Diego, including Elite Bodyworkers, GNP Frame, RW3 Fitness, Bod-Health Nutrition, Silver Olas, Tabu Sushi La Jolla, AcuLife and La Jolla Mom. 

Poway Patch: How much can clients expect to pay?

Spitzer: To create a basic website, it starts at $1,200 and can go as high as $3,500. For example, shooting and editing a one to two minute video for a website can range between $500 and $600 so it all depends on the different items a client wants added to the website.

If your company has a website and is active on social media websites, doing little things like adding the Facebook and Twitter buttons to your homepage is helpful so that customers can easily locate the company on those platforms. Other marketing tactics to consider include taking advantage of Yelp reviews and sharing those with customers. For example, Jimmy’s puts signs on the tables that include Yelp reviews.  For restaurants, the goal should be to have a marketing strategy that’s on par with the food. Make sure it’s consistent. While companies might experience sticker shock when first talking with a web strategist, keep in mind that the results will far outweigh these initial costs and give your company a web presence to be proud of.