How to create a digital menu that converts visitors into customers

Your restaurant’s menu is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. A well-crafted digital menu can be a powerful tool to not only showcase your offerings but also to convert visitors into paying customers.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to create a digital menu that drives conversions.

1. Understand your audience

Before diving into menu creation, it’s crucial to understand your target audience:

• Demographics: Consider age, income level, and cultural background.
• Preferences: Analyze popular dishes and dietary trends.
• Behavior: Study peak ordering times and popular ordering methods.

Understanding your audience will help you tailor your menu to their needs and preferences.

2. Choose the right platform

Selecting the appropriate platform for your digital menu is crucial. Consider these options:

• QR code menus: Easily accessible via smartphone cameras. Such as Platto AI, offering comprehensive solutions.
• Website integration: Embedded directly on your restaurant’s website.
• Mobile App: For a more personalized and interactive experience.

Each option has its pros and cons. Choose based on your restaurant’s needs and customer preferences.

3. Optimize for mobile devices

With 84% of guests looking at menus online before choosing a restaurant, mobile optimization is non-negotiable:

• Ensure responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes.
• Use legible fonts and appropriate font sizes.
• Implement easy-to-use navigation for smooth browsing.

4. Use high-quality images

Visual appeal can significantly influence ordering decisions:

• Invest in professional food photography or take photos on your phone.
• Showcase your best-selling and most profitable items.
• Ensure images are optimized for quick loading without compromising quality.

Remember, 68% of consumers prefer ordering directly from restaurant websites, so make your visuals count.

5. Write compelling descriptions

Your menu descriptions should tantalize taste buds and trigger cravings:

• Use descriptive, sensory language.
• Highlight unique ingredients or preparation methods.
• Keep descriptions concise yet informative.

Example: Instead of “Chicken sandwich,” try “Crispy free-range chicken breast, nestled in a Fresh-Baked brioche bun with house-made garlic aioli.”

6. Implement strategic pricing

Price your items strategically to encourage higher spending:

• Use charm pricing (e.g., $9.99 instead of $10).
• Remove currency symbols to reduce price sensitivity.
• Place higher-priced items near the top or bottom of categories.

7. Categorize thoughtfully

Organize your menu logically to enhance user experience:

• Group similar items together.
• Use clear, descriptive category names.
• Consider creating special sections for bestsellers or chef’s recommendations.

8. Highlight specials and promotions

Draw attention to items you want to promote:

• Use visual cues like badges or banners for special offers.
• Create a dedicated section for daily or seasonal specials.
• Implement pop-ups for limited-time offers to create urgency.

9. Include dietary information

Cater to various dietary needs to expand your customer base:

• Clearly mark vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special diet options.
• Include allergy information for common allergens.
• Consider creating separate menus for specific dietary requirements.

10. Implement upselling features

Encourage higher order values with strategic upselling:

• Suggest add-ons or sides for main dishes.
• Recommend drink pairings with meals.
• Offer meal deals or combos at attractive price points.

11. Integrate online ordering

Make it easy for customers to place orders directly from your digital menu:

• Implement a user-friendly ordering system.
• Ensure a seamless checkout process.
• Offer multiple payment options for convenience.

12. Gather and utilize customer feedback

Use your digital menu as a tool for continuous improvement:

• Implement a rating system for dishes.
• Allow customers to leave reviews.
• Use this data to refine your menu and improve popular items.

13. Optimize for search engines

Ensure your digital menu is discoverable online:

• Use relevant keywords in your menu items and descriptions.
• Optimize your menu page’s meta tags and descriptions.
• Ensure your menu is crawlable by search engines.

14. Regular updates and A/B testing

Keep your menu fresh and optimized:

• Regularly update seasonal offerings.
• Remove items that aren’t selling well.
• Conduct A/B tests on different layouts, descriptions, or pricing to see what converts best.

15. Leverage analytics

Use data to inform your menu strategy:

• Track which items are viewed most often.
• Analyze which dishes are ordered most frequently.
• Study customer behavior patterns to optimize your menu layout and offerings.

Conclusion

Creating a digital menu that converts visitors into customers is an ongoing process of refinement and optimization. By implementing these strategies, you can create a menu that not only showcases your culinary offerings but also drives sales and customer satisfaction.

Remember, your digital menu is more than just a list of dishes – it’s a powerful marketing tool and a crucial touchpoint in your customer’s journey. Invest the time and resources to make it shine, and watch as it transforms browsers into loyal patrons.

Ready to take your digital menu to the next level? Consider leveraging advanced solutions like Platto AI, which offers comprehensive digital menu services tailored to boost your conversions and streamline your operations.