Digital menu boards are revolutionizing the way restaurants and food businesses showcase their menu offerings and create a memorable customer experience. With their interactive and engaging display, customers can easily access the restaurant menu board and browse through menu items and specials, while businesses can increase sales and boost profitability.
But digital menu boards offer much more than that. They provide customization and flexibility, remote content management, improved communication, and branding, and are available in various types, such as interactive touchscreen menus and drive-thru menu boards.
If you’re in the restaurant industry and considering making the switch to digital, here’s what you need to know about the world of digital menu boards, where the possibilities are endless!
What is a digital menu board?
A digital menu board or digital menu display refers to a contemporary electronic display of your menu, usually presented on a television screen and mounted on a wall for easy customer visibility upon entry.
This type of display allows customers to view their available options and place their orders even before reaching the cash register. With everything from beverages to add-ons featured, digital display boards provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your menu to waiting customers.
By the time customers reach the cash register, they already have a good idea of what they want to order, and may even be tempted to try out some additional items they didn’t know were available.
The Top 3 Benefits Of Digital Menu Boards For Customers
In every business decision, the ultimate goal is to provide the best possible dining experience for customers. One way to achieve this is by investing in digital restaurant menu boards, which can significantly enhance the guest experience in several key ways:
Up-to-date menus:
Digital menu boards offer the advantage of being able to update menu content quickly and easily, eliminating the need for printing costs and distributing new menus. This ensures that customers are always presented with the most accurate and up-to-date information about food items and pricing, which helps to avoid confusion and disappointment.
Smoother ordering:
Digital menu boards can make the ordering process smoother and more efficient. Customers can easily browse through the menu board, view images of the food items, and get a better idea of what they want to order. They can also see nutritional information, allergen information, and other important details. This can help reduce order errors and improve overall satisfaction.
Better wait experience:
Waiting can be a frustrating experience for customers, especially when they’re hungry. Digital menu boards can help to alleviate some of that frustration by keeping customers entertained, engaged, and informed while they wait. They can display entertaining and eye-catching content, like videos, daily specials, or promotions, which can help get the customers’ attention and distract them from the wait time.
Types Of Digital Menu Boards
There are two primary types of digital menu boards available: indoor and outdoor. Generally, indoor digital menu boards are installed within restaurants, while outdoor ones are designed for drive-throughs. Although the content displayed on both types is similar, choosing the right one for your business requires careful consideration of several factors.
LCD/LED Displays:
These are the most common types of digital menu boards that use flat-panel displays to show menu items, pricing, and other important information. They are easy to install and can be updated remotely.
Interactive Kiosks:
Interactive kiosks are self-service digital menu boards that allow customers to place orders, customize menu items, and pay for their meals. They are particularly useful in quick-service restaurants and fast-food chains.
Projectors:
Projectors can be used to project menus onto walls or other surfaces. They are a good option for businesses with limited space, as they do not take up much physical space themselves.
Outdoor Digital Signage:
These menu boards are designed for outdoor use and are weather-resistant. They can be used to display menus, promotions, and other important information to customers outside the restaurant.
Mobile Apps:
Mobile apps are a digital menu board option that allows customers to view menus, place orders, and pay for their meals using their smartphones. This option is particularly useful for businesses with delivery or takeout services.
Single Screen Or Video Walls For Digital Menu Boards?
When it comes to digital menu boards, there are two primary choices available: single screens and video walls. Single screens are suitable for smaller restaurants with limited space, whereas video walls are ideal for larger establishments that want to create a powerful impression.
Here are some points to take into consideration when choosing between single screens or video walls for your digital menu display:
Restaurant size:
When it comes to placing your digital menu, it’s very important to consider how spacious is your restaurant, and how much room you have to work with.
Budget:
Keep in mind that video walls are more expensive than single screens when making your decision.
Impact:
If you want to make a bold statement, opt for a video wall. However, if you desire something more subtle, a single screen may suffice.
What Software Features Are Important For Creating Digital Menu Boards?
When designing digital menu boards, it’s essential to consider the software features required to create a successful menu or say an effective menu display. Firstly, selecting a user-friendly platform is crucial to avoid wasting time and effort trying to navigate the software.
Secondly, choosing a platform with digital menu board templates will simplify the process of crafting professional-looking and visually appealing menus.
Lastly, opting for a platform that provides a comprehensive range of features that enables you to cater to individual requirements. In addition, affordability is an important factor to consider.
Consider the following points when selecting software for your digital menu board:
- Simplicity: Spending hours figuring out how to use software is not practical. Hence, opt for a user-friendly platform.
- Templates: Pre-made templates can help you create attractive and polished menu designs with ease.
- Features: Look for a platform that provides a diverse set of features. This enables you to personalize your menu boards to meet your unique requirements.
Best Practices For Your Digital Menu Boards To Improve Your Business
To optimize your digital menu display, consider the following best practices:
- Update your menu display regularly and keep it fresh and relevant with the latest specials and promotions.
- Select a digital menu board software platform that is user-friendly, dependable, and equipped with the necessary features.
- Utilize your digital menu board to showcase your creativity and enhance the overall diner & customer experience.
Conclusion
Investing in digital signage software is an excellent way to enhance your customers’ experience. Compared to traditional printed menus, digital menu boards provide several advantages such as easy content management, enhanced engagement, and reduced perceived wait times. These benefits have made them increasingly popular among various business types. Don’t hesitate any longer and begin searching for the ideal digital menu board for your business today!