In the digital age, restaurant menus have evolved beyond the traditional printed format. Restaurant owners are now switching to Digital Menus as they offer an interactive way for customers to explore the restaurant’s dishes & drinks & allow restaurant owners to manage, update, & upsell their offerings.
If you are thinking about how to boost restaurant sales, global statistics reveal that restaurant digital menus allow restaurants to boost their sales by 21-23% and can positively influence 1 in 5 customers (20% or more) with their purchase decisions. If you’re considering creating a digital menu for your restaurant, this step-by-step guide will help you get started!
Step 1: Define Your Menu Structure
Before creating your digital menu, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your menu’s structure. Determine the categories for your dishes, such as appetizers, main course, desserts, alcoholic drinks and beverages. Knowing your menu’s organization will make it easier to create a digital version.
Step 2: Gather High-Quality Images
High-quality images of your dishes are essential for a visually appealing digital menu. When it comes to food, people like to see pictures of what they’re ordering. A menu with visually enticing & good quality photos of every dish is more likely to attract customers because showing more helps sell more! Use a high-resolution camera to capture delicious looking photos of your menu items & ensure that these images showcase your dishes in the best possible light.
Step 3: Create Engaging Descriptions
Craft compelling descriptions for each menu item. Use descriptive language that highlights the unique features and flavors of your dishes. According to a study by Foodable Labs, restaurants that invest in well-crafted menu descriptions experience an average increase in sales of up to 27%. Engaging descriptions can entice customers and help them make informed choices.
Step 4: Choose a Digital Menu Format
When it comes to restaurant digital menu, you have two primary options: PDF menus and QR code menus. While both have their merits, QR code menus are more dynamic & customer friendly.
What is a QR code menu?
QR code menus provide an easy, contactless way for diners to access your menu using their smartphones. Devourin’s restaurant digital menu, GoDirekt, is not your average menu. It adjusts prices and offerings based on the time and day. It also showcases delicious food images, pushes daily specials, chef’s recommendations, and your unique dishes that you want to advertise.. Restaurant Owners can even link their social media and send special offers and discounts on WhatsApp to increase their profits making it one of the best restaurant software out there.
Step 5: Design Your Digital Menu
The restaurant digital menu design should reflect positively on your restaurant. Here are some points to consider while designing your menu.
- Color Scheme: Use colors that match your restaurant’s branding. Consistency in color helps reinforce your restaurant’s image.
- Typography: Choose legible fonts that align with your restaurant’s style. Make sure the text is easy to read on digital screens.
- Layout: Organize your menu items logically and maintain a clean, uncluttered layout. Use headings and subheadings to group items by category.
- Images: Incorporate high-quality images of your dishes. Arrange them strategically to enhance the visual appeal of your menu.
Step 6: Include Dietary Information
In today’s health-conscious world, it’s essential to provide information about allergens and dietary preferences. Clearly label menu items as vegan, vegetarian, or non-vegetarian. You can also mention the dish’s key ingredients in the menu descriptions. This transparency will help customers with dietary restrictions & reduce dishes getting sent back.
Step 7: Add Interactive Elements
Digital menus offer the advantage of interactivity. Consider adding the following features:
- Search Functionality: Search bar that allows customers to find specific items quickly.
- Links to Social Media: Connect your digital menu to your restaurant’s social media profiles, encouraging customers to follow and engage with your brand.
- Billing and Reservations: Integrate restaurant POS software and reservation features directly into your digital menu, to simplify your overall restaurant operations.
Step 8: Promote Your Digital Menu
Once your digital menu is ready, promote it across all your marketing channels. Share the QR code with your friends & family, on your website, social media profiles, and even on printed materials. Encourage customers to access your digital menu through QR codes or links.
Step 9: Monitor and Update
Use analytics tools to track customer engagement and popular menu items. Update your menu as needed to reflect seasonal changes, new additions, or pricing adjustments.
In conclusion, crafting a digital menu for restaurants is a strategic & simple move in today’s tech-savvy world. It enhances the dining experience for your customers, provides flexibility in menu management, and allows you to stay competitive in a dynamic industry. By following these easy 9 steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a digital menu that engages customers and showcases your culinary offerings effectively.
FAQs:
- How do you develop a menu?
A menu should be developed through an organized, systematic, and proactive approach . This will help us produce more substantial meals that appeal to your guests more. The fundamental stages are as follows:- Make a menu evaluation.
- Establish the needs.
- Do your research.
- Discover and sample.
- Create and communicate.
- Get opinions.
- Decide on a price.
- Why’s a digital menu important?
Digital menus, unlike conventional restaurant menus, let you reach customers at the right moment with various marketing and promotional materials. Customers can be alerted by business owners about future events, limited-time bargains, and unique menu items. - How do I scan a restaurant menu?
To scan a restaurant menu’s QR code, you should open your camera app and click on the pop-up that presents itself. When you do this, the best digital menus will open a website; others will require you to download an app.
