People looking for a venue rarely compare just one. Couples, office managers and club committees open five, ten or twenty websites – and close every one that doesn't answer their key questions. This checklist shows what belongs on your website so you make the shortlist.

The three questions that come first

Before organisers care about atmosphere and details, they check three hard criteria:

  1. Will our guests fit? Capacity has to match their guest count and format.
  2. Does the place suit our occasion? A conference needs equipment and daylight; a wedding needs a ceremony spot and room to dance.
  3. Is it realistic for our budget? Packages, minimum spends or at least a price guide.

If your homepage answers these three points within seconds, you have done the most important part. A row of key facts right below the first image – for example “20 to 250 guests · 3 spaces · 30 minutes from Manchester” – is ideal.

Present every space individually

Treat each space like its own product. Organisers want to know exactly where their event will take place.

  • Photos: empty and set up, in daylight and in the evening
  • Floor area and ceiling height: important for stages, décor and equipment
  • Capacity by layout: banquet, standing reception, theatre, classroom
  • Highlights: daylight, blackout, terrace access, step-free access

A simple floor plan answers many questions at once. It doesn't have to be professionally drawn – a clean sketch with dimensions is enough.

Address each occasion separately

A wedding and a company party have little in common. If your venue does both, give each occasion its own section with the questions that matter to that audience.

  • Weddings: ceremony, drinks reception, accommodation, finish time, wet-weather plan
  • Company events and conferences: equipment, Wi-Fi, daylight, catering breaks, invoicing and quotes
  • Private parties: minimum guest count, own drinks, décor rules, price per evening

That way every audience quickly finds what it needs instead of reading information meant for someone else.

Catering, equipment and suppliers

These questions come up almost every time – answer them before they are asked:

  • Is catering open choice, from preferred suppliers or in-house?
  • Can guests bring their own drinks, and is there a corkage fee?
  • What sound, lighting and presentation equipment is available, and what does it cost?
  • Are there recommended suppliers for DJ, photography or flowers?

Preferred suppliers are not a drawback if you name them openly and explain the benefit – such as well-rehearsed processes or fixed prices.

Prices: a guide beats silence

Many venues don't publish prices because every event is different. That is understandable, but it costs enquiries: people who find no price guide often don't enquire at all. A middle ground works well:

  • Venue hire or packages “from” a certain amount
  • Minimum spend per weekday or season
  • An example package for a typical occasion

Travel, parking and accommodation

Guests travelling in need different information than the organiser. State the distance to the nearest town and station, the number of parking spaces, shuttle options and hotels or guest rooms nearby. For conferences, public transport links are often decisive.

Make enquiring easy

The enquiry form is the most important section of your website. Only ask for what you need for a first reply:

  • Occasion
  • Preferred date and possible alternatives
  • Approximate guest count
  • Name and email or phone

Also offer a viewing, and say when organisers can expect a reply. A fast, concrete answer is often the difference between a viewing and a rejection.