Let me ask you something: When was the last time you walked into a restaurant and got excited about a static, printed menu? Probably never, right? That’s because we’re living in a digital age, and customers expect more.
They want vibrant, dynamic experiences, even when they’re just ordering a burger or a paratha. This experience is given to them by digital menu boards.
Whether you’re running a cozy café, a bustling restaurant, or a quick-service chain, a digital TV menu board makes your business stand out.
But here’s the best part: Creating one doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it’s easier than you think.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process step by step. We’ll share the benefits of a digital menu board and insider tips and tricks to make your menu board not just functional but downright impressive.
Key Takeaways
- Boost Sales: Digital menu boards increase sales by up to 30% for promoted items.
- Engage Customers: Dynamic content like animations and videos keeps customers entertained.
- Save Costs: No more printing expenses—update your menu in seconds.
- 5 Easy Steps: Define goals, choose hardware, pick software, design content, and test before launching.
Why Do You Need Digital Menu Boards
Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Why should you even consider switching to a digital signage menu board? Well, here are a few reasons:
- Grabs attention: Screens are eye-catching. A study found that digital signage captures 400% more views than static signage. (Source: microserve)
- Boosts sales: Businesses using digital menus report up to a 30% increase in sales for promoted items.
- Flexible: It lets you change your menu in seconds and display hot favourites at the right time.
- Eco-friendly: No more printing costs or paper waste. It’s a win for your wallet and the planet.
Still not convinced?
Let’s look at some real-world examples:
- McDonald’s reported a 4.6% increase in sales after switching to digital menu boards. (Nation’s Restaurant News)
- Starbucks uses them to promote seasonal drinks, creating a sense of urgency and increasing sales.
The 5-Step Blueprint to Creating a Digital Menu Board
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and create a digital menu board for your business. Smart move! But where do you start? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the options out there: hardware, software, design, and more.
Don’t worry, though. We’ve got you covered.
In this section, we’ll walk you through the entire process step by step. From defining your goals to launching your board, we’ll cover everything you need to know.
By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to create a digital menu board that looks amazing and drives real results for your business.
Step 1: Define Your Goals – Start with the “Why”
Before you dive into the technical stuff, let’s take a step back and ask yourself: What do I really want my digital menu board to do? It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of shiny screens and animations, but without a clear goal, you might end up with something that looks great but doesn’t actually help your business.
Here are a few common goals to consider:
- Upsell high-margin items: Use your digital menu board to highlight your most profitable dishes or drinks. A little strategic placement can go a long way.
- Reduce perceived wait times: No one likes waiting. Use animations, promotions, or even fun facts to keep customers entertained while they’re in line.
- Showcase daily specials: Make it easy to update and promote limited-time offers. This creates a sense of urgency and encourages customers to try something new.
Step 2: Choose the Right Hardware
Alright, let’s talk hardware. This is where things get complicated, right? Not necessarily. You don’t need to break the bank to get started. Here’s the basic setup you’ll need:
- Display Screens: Go for high-resolution LED or LCD screens. A 32” to 55” screen works for most businesses, but the size depends on your space and budget.
- Media Player: This is the brain behind your digital menu board. Some screens come with built-in players, but if not, you can use external devices like Android sticks or mini PCs.
- Mounting Hardware: Make sure your screens are securely installed, whether they’re wall-mounted or freestanding.
Pro Tip: If you’re on a tight budget, consider repurposing an old TV as your digital signage menu board. It’s cost-effective and eco-friendly!
Step 3: Pick Your Software Carefully
Now, this is where things get exciting. The software you choose will determine how easy it is to manage your digital menu board. It is the control center for your content.
A good digital menu board software, like Acumen CMS, lets you:
- Easily upload and update content: No more waiting for a designer to make changes. You can do it yourself in minutes.
- Schedule promotions: Plan ahead by scheduling specials for specific times, like breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Integrate animations and videos: Add a little flair to your menu with subtle animations or even social media feeds.
Step 4: Design Your Content to Make It Pop
This is the fun part: designing your menu! But before you get carried away with fancy fonts and flashy animations, remember that the goal is to make your menu easy to read and visually appealing.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Keep it simple: Use bold, easy-to-read fonts and high-quality images. No one wants to squint to read your menu.
- Use color psychology: Colors can influence how people feel. For example, red and yellow stimulate appetite (perfect for fast food), while green feels fresh and healthy (great for a café or juice bar).
- Add motion sparingly: A little animation can grab attention, but too much can be overwhelming. Make clever use of animations.
Step 5: Test and Launch
You’re almost there! Before you go live, take a moment to test everything. Trust us, it’s better to catch any issues now than to have customers pointing them out later.
Here’s what to check:
- Typos or pricing errors: Check for these, as a small mistake can make your business look unprofessional.
- Readability from a distance: Make sure your text is easy to read, even from across the room.
- Smooth transitions and animations: Ensure everything flows easily without glitches.
Once you’re confident, hit that launch button! And don’t forget to gather feedback from customers and staff.
Creating a digital menu board might seem like a big project, but when you break it down into these five steps, it’s totally manageable. Start with a clear goal, choose the right hardware and software, design your content with care, and test everything before you launch.
Why Digital Menu Boards Are Worth It
If you’re still on the fence about switching to a digital menu board, let us paint you a picture. Imagine a tool that makes your business look modern and helps you sell more, save money, and keep your customers happy.
Does it sound too good to be true? It’s not.
Digital menu boards are a smart investment for any business. Read on to know why we say this:
Boost Sales with Strategic Promotions
Create a Memorable Customer Experience
Save Money in the Long Run
Stay Flexible and Adapt Quickly:
Reduce Perceived Wait Times:
Studies show that dynamic signage can reduce perceived wait times by up to 35%.
Go Green and Build Your Brand
Sustainability matters to today’s consumers. It’s a small change that can make a big impact on how customers perceive your brand.
Manage Your Digital Menu Board Easily with Acumen CMS
Creating a digital menu board doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and a little creativity, you can design a menu that looks amazing, captures attention, drives sales, and enhances customer experience.
And if you’re looking for a reliable partner to manage your digital signage menu boards, Acumen CMS has got you covered. It’s simple, powerful, and designed to make your life easier.
Schedule a demo call with Acumen CMS today, we will show you how to make the most out of your digital menu board with content that your customers will never forget.
