When customers walk into your restaurant, their eyes head straight for the menu. So, what are they seeing? And are you making the most of this quick but all-important glance?
The food options on your menu play a huge role in whether a customer decides to order. But the way these options are displayed can play a critical part in their choice as well. That's why more and more restaurants are opting to incorporate
digital menu boards - so they can turn that quick glance into something memorable.
Whether it’s bold visuals, clever design, or a layout that flows naturally, the right strategies can turn a menu board into more than just a display - it becomes part of the experience. But how do you make sure you get it right without going overboard? Here’s 7 tips to help you get started.
1. Start with Simplicity
We’ve all seen examples of confusing, overcrowded menu boards that make choosing and ordering hard work. To avoid falling into that trap, clarity is key. Stay away from including too much information or stuffing in details in small fonts. Instead, aim for a clean design that organises items logically. Categories like “Breakfast Favourites” or “Seasonal Specials” help keep information organised and easy for customers to see and understand - and keeps the queue moving quickly!
2. Use Colour Strategically
We might not realise it consciously, but our brains associate colours with different thoughts and feelings - and they can even impact the choices we make. This is why colours and branding can make a huge difference to your digital menu boards or
window digital signage, and can actually be used to influence your customers.
For example, green is often associated with freshness and health while red and orange evokes hotness or spice. Choosing a palette that takes this into consideration and aligns with your brand and offering can leave a lasting impression.
3. Incorporate Motion for Greater Engagement
Want to draw attention? Add some motion to your signage. Animated visuals not only draw the eye but can get the tummy rumbling! Something as simple as a coffee being poured or steam rising from a bowl of soup can be highly effective. Incorporating motion into
digital signage can take your
restaurant signage to the next level. The trick is to use motion sparingly though, so it complements rather than distracts from the menu.
4. Choose Strategic Placement
Where you put your digital menu board matters. There’s no point in creating amazing visuals and content if people don’t even see it! The best placement for screens is at eye level or in areas where customers naturally pause, like near ordering counters or waiting areas. For example, a café might use a screen near the entrance to feature its “Special of the Day,” drawing in passersby.
Just like supermarkets strategically place impulse buy items right near the register, strategically placing your menu boards can lead to improved sales and customer satisfaction.
5. Keep Menus Fresh with Real-Time Updates
If your menu changes (whether that’s throughout the day, week or seasons), then the visuals of your
store signage should change with it. Digital boards make this incredibly easy, with menu updates completed in just a few clicks. After all, there’s no point in having a great visual digital strategy if the information isn’t always correct.
6. Make it Interactive
Take your menu boards from something customers look at to something they engage with. Touchscreens that let customers customise their orders or learn more about dishes can turn an ordinary visit into a memorable one - without significant effort or more staff power. From customising their order to putting together their own combo ideas, interactivity can make the ordering process fun, ensuring people feel connected to their choices.
7. Adapt and Improve Continuously
Digital menu boards give you the flexibility to test and refine your strategy. By tracking what works - like which promotions draw attention - you can adjust your content to maximise its impact. Over time, these small changes can lead to big improvements in engagement and sales.
Create a Lasting Impression
Digital menu boards can deliver a whole range of benefits and efficiencies to both restaurants and their customers. But ultimately the success of your board will come from how well considered your visual design strategy is.
When everything works together - design, content, placement and features - is when you will best connect with your audience. With the right approach, your menu can do more than show a list of dishes - it can leave customers excited, informed, and eager to return.
Contact us today to learn how our digital solutions can help you create impactful, engaging campaigns.
