Gone are the days when restaurants used yellowing paper menus with handwritten prices to attract customers. Now, Digital menu boards are the game changers.
Digital signage is a significant player in the restaurant industry, especially for those fancy digital menu boards. Studies underline that adopting digital menu boards can lead to a 3 to 5% sales increase.
This guide takes you through getting your digital restaurant menu boards up and running on a TV screen. We’ll also explore the incredible benefits of displaying your menu electronically. So, let’s dive right in!
Short Summary
- Digital menu boards can help you grab more attention, boost sales, and entice customers to your business.
- Creating a digital menu is simple and user-friendly but also a great way to make your menu come alive.
- AiScreen’s digital menu solution gives you the power to craft an excellent digital menu with creativity and flair quickly; the free trial is included.
- Digital menu board software opens up a world of possibilities, so sign up now and utilize digital signage to make your menu stand out.
What Are Digital Menu Boards For Restaurants Of 2024?
A digital menu board is like a fancy TV screen that shows a restaurant’s yummy food and drinks. It’s usually put up on a wall so you can see it right away when you walk in. This helps you know what you can order before you get to the cash register. It’s like a sneak peek of all the tasty stuff!
The cool thing is it doesn’t just show the main dishes but also extra things you can add to make your meal even better. So, when you get to the cash, you already know exactly what you want to order. You might even discover some tasty extras you didn’t know existed.
If you have the right digital menu board software, you can incorporate reviews, live social media content management, dinner menus, and even give customers a glimpse of what’s happening in the kitchen.
6 benefits of Using Digital Menu Boards in Your Restaurant
Do you know what’s cool about digital menu boards? They give your customers a clear idea of what they can expect, from the delicious items on the menu to any exciting special offers.
Since our brains process about 90% of the information visually, using a digital menu board solution to showcase those specials can be way more effective than relying solely on your server.
Plus, the beauty of these display content boards is that you can update the information in real time across all screens, no matter where you are. Below are significant 6 benefits of using a digital menu board.
1. Makes Communication Easier
Using a menu display board makes communication a breeze. You can add eye-catching videos or animations that grab people’s attention and simplify understanding the menu.
Digital menu screens clearly convey information and let you use space wisely. Additionally, they give you more control over what you want to emphasize on your menu, which can subtly guide a customer’s ordering choices.
2. Save Time
Using a digital menu board saves a lot of time. You can quickly change or update things whenever you need to. You don’t have to worry about extra costs or waiting for new prints.
It’s a job that one person can handle in just a few minutes a day instead of involving several people every time there’s a change. This makes everything run smoothly and keeps the menu up-to-date without causing any trouble for customers.
3. Saving Money
Using digital menu boards in restaurants is super convenient and a smart way to save money. See, when you use these special TV screens for your menu, you don’t always have to keep printing new menus or promotional stuff.
This saves you a ton of money that you’d otherwise spend on printing. It’s like a big, recurring expense that you can cut down on. So, by switching to these digital boards, you’re not just making things easier, but you’re also being clever with your finances
4. More Memorable Experience
Having digital screens in a restaurant makes the whole experience more memorable for customers. When you use cool pictures and videos in just the right way, it keeps people entertained.
Plus, it helps them make smart choices because they can see all the necessary information on the screen. So, it’s not just about ordering food; it’s about having a fun and informative time while doing it!
5. Better Visibility of Menu
Using digital displays for the menu is like having a superpower to catch people’s attention. They can show cool videos and animations that make the menu way more interesting than a regular paper. This means more people are likely to notice it.
And guess what? These digital boards look nice, too. They’re much more pleasing to the eye than the usual paper menus. You can even show off special deals or happy customers in videos, which is a great way to get more people interested and return for more. It’s like putting a spotlight on the best parts of your menu
6. Less Chance for Human Error
It can be unpleasant if your order isn’t right when you’re in a restaurant. Often, this happens because of mistakes people make when writing down orders or when handwriting is hard to read.
But with digital menus where customers can order by themselves, there’s much less chance of this happening. The power to choose what they want is all in the customer’s hands. They can carefully pick out their order and double-check it before they pay. So, it’s way less likely that there will be any mix-ups!
Interested in digging deeper? Explore further about the Advantages of Embracing Digital Menu Boards.
How To Create Digital Menu Boards For Restaurants Section
Setting up a digital menu board is straightforward and offers numerous benefits for your business. Here’s a simplified guide on how to get started:
Step 1: Sign Up for Digital Signage Software
Digital signage software manages your digital displays. It lets you plan content, make content lists, add tools, and customize your display. When selecting software, ensure it has the following:
- Content scheduling for planning.
- Third-party integrations to link with other tools.
- Multiple layouts for different screen shapes and sizes.
- Support for various media formats, live streaming, and news feeds.
- Compatibility with any devices you have.
- Multi-user access for teamwork.
Rise Vision is recommended for its compatibility, customizable templates, user-friendly nature, and excellent support.
Step 2: Create Content
Creating content can be a hurdle, especially if you’re not design-savvy. But there are several ways to craft attractive content:
Using Templates
Your software will offer templates, helping you start swiftly. For instance, Rise Vision has adaptable templates fitting various needs. If templates don’t fully meet your vision, you can modify them to fit your brand.
Using a Content Team
You can also use a dedicated team, like graphic designers and copywriters, to craft content, especially if you anticipate frequent changes.
Using Online Tools
Many online tools can assist in content creation:
- Apple Keynote: Offers templates, animations, transitions, and more.
- Canva: Known for its diverse design tools suitable for multiple applications.
- DSMenu: Specifically for digital menu boards, it offers templates and design tools for the food industry.
- Easil: A user-friendly graphic design software with aesthetic templates.
- Google Slides: Not specific for menu boards but a collaborative tool with design features.
- Microsoft PowerPoint: Offers intelligent design suggestions.
Step 3: Set Up Your Digital Signage Screen
Once you have content, it’s time to display it.
Using a Smart TV
For those using a TV, you can use a USB or an HDMI adaptor to connect your laptop or PC. Some TVs, like Samsung’s Smart Hub, have apps that simplify content display.
Using a Web Player
Some devices support web players, allowing the direct display of a web page on the screen.
Using a Digital Signage Player
This is the most efficient way to show content. Various Digital signage players for restaurant offer features like high-definition displays, offline viewing, ample storage, and support for multiple screens. Some top choices include:
- Fire OS: Budget-friendly, easy to set, and displays content via Wi-Fi.
- Raspberry Pi: Affordable and versatile.
- Chrome OS: Has a secure, familiar interface.
- Windows: Offers multiple player options, ideal for intricate digital setups.
- Android: User-friendly and cost-effective.
- Ubuntu: Feature-rich for digital signage but requires some technical knowledge.
Looking for a detailed step-by-step guide? You’re in luck! Click here to access our comprehensive guide on creating a digital menu board.
How Much Do They Cost?
Cost:
- Digital signage software for digital menu boards starts at $9.00/screen monthly.
- Depending on the features, monthly subscription prices can go up to $40 or more for each screen.
Important Features:
- Cloud-based system: This lets you access your digital menu anywhere, like how you access your Gmail. You don’t need to install special programs.
- Remote Editing: You can change your digital menu from your computer, even when you’re far away. So, if you want to change a price or a menu item, you can do it without going to the screen.
- Custom Templates: The software should give you free templates that you can change to match your restaurant’s style. This makes your menu look professional.
- Scheduling: This lets you show different menus at different times. For example, a breakfast menu in the morning and a dinner menu in the evening, all without you having to do it manually.
Digital Signage Players: Costs and Types
Figuring out the costs can be tricky. The price depends on the kind of player you use, how good the screen is, and what features the software has.
There are two main types of players:
- External Media Players: You connect These devices to the display screen. They play different types of media, like pictures and videos. The price for these players can be between $100 and $800. But there’s a cheaper option. With AIScreen, you can get their app on a $20 Amazon Firestick, which acts like a media player.
- Software-Based Players: These are programs installed on computers or TVs. They’re cheaper because you use what you already have. They’re good for businesses that don’t want to spend a lot. But, they might not work as well as external players, especially in tough conditions.
When you’re deciding on a digital menu, think about:
- Which player is best for you?
- How good the display is.
- The software’s features.
- The costs to set up and keep the system running.
AIScreen has different price plans for digital menu boards. They understand that different businesses have different needs and money to spend. You can pick either an external media player or a software-based one. Starting at just $9.00 a month, AIScreen helps businesses show great digital menus to their customers.
Do Digital Menu Boards Increase Sales For My Restaurants?
91% of customers have indicated that these digital displays have significantly influenced their purchasing decisions, resulting in up to a 38% increase in sales for the businesses that adopted them.
Yes, they do increase restaurant sales. Here are the reasons why.
Strengthening Brand Identity and ROI
Digital menu boards are more than just a display; they are a potent branding tool. By maintaining a consistent and appealing visual theme across locations, businesses can forge a stronger brand identity. Recognizable branding is vital for customer loyalty and recall.
Moreover, digital menu boards amplify ROI by presenting clear, enticing menus and promoting daily specials or new items, encouraging customers to experiment and thus bolstering sales. Plus, featuring combo deals or complementary items can prompt upsells, further enhancing the average order value.
Flexibility and Efficiency
Digital menu boards offer unparalleled flexibility. With the ability to swiftly modify content, restaurants can ensure up-to-date offerings and prices. This dynamic nature also supports marketing strategies by highlighting high-profit or overstocked items to drive purchases.
When it comes to multi-location operations, digital menus prove even more efficient. Instead of manual, labor-intensive updates at each site, one individual can synchronize changes across all outlets from a centralized system. This not only saves labor costs but also ensures uniformity and accuracy.
Benefits Beyond Sales
Beyond the evident sales boost, digital menu boards offer various other advantages. They enhance customer interactions by providing dynamic content like dessert visuals, which can tempt diners to indulge further. A memorable interaction can set a restaurant apart in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Five Ways Digital Menu Boards Boost Business
- Upselling: Digital boards allow businesses to strategically highlight complementary or popular items, adapting to evolving consumer trends.
- Daily Features: Restaurants can display daily specials, events, or celebrations, fostering a sense of community and informing customers of unique offerings.
- Ease of Updates: Unlike cost-intensive static menus, digital boards can be refreshed quickly, ensuring current promotions and prices.
- Error Corrections: Spelling or grammatical errors can be swiftly rectified on digital boards, avoiding reprint costs and maintaining professionalism.
- Broadcast Availability: With real-time inventory updates, digital menus can prevent customer disappointment by accurately displaying available items.
Craving more knowledge? Click here to delve into how Digital Menu Boards boost Sales and bring more customers to your restaurant.
How Do Digital Menu Boards Work?
Digital menu boards have revolutionized how restaurants and cafeterias present their offerings to customers. But how do they work, and what components are crucial to their successful operation?
1. Hardware
- Digital Displays: The screen is at the forefront of the digital signage solution. Unlike regular screens, these are equipped with HDMI ports and designed for commercial environments. Commercial-grade displays are preferred due to their longevity, sturdiness, and ability to run for extended hours. They also offer flexibility in orientation, allowing for vertical and horizontal displays.
- Media Player: The conduit between the software and the digital displays. The media player is responsible for downloading the content from the software, storing it for quick access (caching), and transmitting it to the screen. Connected to the display via HDMI cables, the media player requires an internet or WiFi connection to fetch the content from the software.
2. Software
The heart of the digital menu board system is the Digital Signage Software or the Content Management Software (CMS). Acting as the central control unit, the CMS is where you design, upload, and manage the displayed content.
Most modern CMS solutions are cloud-based, granting users the luxury of remote access. With an internet connection and a computer, restaurant owners can manage their digital displays from any location, offering unparalleled flexibility and immediacy.
3. Content
While hardware and software form the skeletal structure, content is the soul of digital menu boards. It’s the tangible component that the audience interacts with, and hence, plays a pivotal role in the success of the digital signage strategy. Content can be multifaceted, from vibrant images and captivating videos to dynamic digital widgets and PowerPoint presentations.
Still curious? Want to dive deeper into the mechanics that power these cutting-edge displays? Read more about how digital menu boards work.
How To Install Digital Menu Board In Your Restaurant
Digital menu boards are becoming a staple in modern restaurants. They offer dynamic visuals, easy updates, and enhanced customer experience. Whether you run a small cafe or a large restaurant chain, setting up a digital menu board can be straightforward. Here’s a simplified guide to help you navigate through the setup:
1. Selecting a Digital Signage Solution:
- Software Choice: Depending on your restaurant’s needs, you can opt for either cloud-based digital signage solutions or hardware-based ones. While there might be concerns about the costs associated with some premium solutions, there are cost-effective options in the market. AIScreen, for instance, provides a reliable digital signage player that rivals many paid options.
2. Acquiring the Essential Hardware:
- Screens: The foundation of your digital menu board will be a smart TV, preferably LCD or LED. Ensure they have HDMI ports for compatibility. The number of screens will depend on your restaurant’s size, menu complexity, and available space. If considering outdoor displays, opt for screens graded for environmental resilience. Interactive screens can also be considered for self-service options.
- Signage Player: Devices similar in size to popular streaming devices like Roku. While many companies offer these players a price, AIScreen provides them for free.
- Mounting and Connectivity: Acquire the mounting brackets for TV installation and appropriate connection cables. Depending on your setup choice (cloud-based or hardware-based), additional equipment like Wi-Fi boosters or routers might be needed to ensure continuous connectivity.
3. Mounting Your Digital Screens:
- Strategic Placement: The goal is maximum visibility. Typical placements are behind the cash register for quick-glance menu viewing. If you run a sit-down establishment, ensure menus are visible from all seating areas.
- Installation Considerations:
- Proximity to Outlets: Ensure screens are within 3 to 6 feet of grounded wall outlets.
- Wi-Fi Signal: If using cloud-based solutions, ensure a stable internet connection.
- Glare Avoidance: Position away from light sources. Consider anti-glare screens or adjust the screen’s tilt for better visibility.
- Environmental Concerns: Avoid proximity to heat, water, or steam sources. Adhere to recommended screen environmental specifications.
- Stable Mounting: Wall studs are preferable for screen mounting. Brick or concrete walls offer stability but might require professional installation.
4. Designing Menus and Content:
- Using Built-in Tools: Most digital signage platforms have many images and widgets that allow you to create vibrant displays. This can include animations, videos, and dynamic images.
- Professional Design: If design isn’t your forte, consider hiring a professional digital designer. They can craft a visually appealing menu, effectively guiding customers through your offerings.
Want to explore in detail? Still curious about How to effectively set up digital menu boards? Want step-by-step installation process and get started on enhancing your business? Find additional insights on installing your digital menu board.
Integrating a digital menu board into your restaurant is a blend of choosing the right software, acquiring compatible hardware, strategic placement, and creating captivating content. Following these streamlined steps and utilizing solutions like AIScreen can enhance your restaurant’s ambiance, improve menu visibility, and potentially boost sales.
Why Your Restaurant Needs Digital Signage Software
Digital signage software is a game-changer for restaurants. It brings a dynamic and modern touch to your menu presentation, captivating customers’ attention with videos and animations. This not only enhances communication but also reduces the chances of order errors.
The ability to make instant updates and a range of customizable templates saves time and money on printing costs. Additionally, the convenience of cloud-based operation and remote menu editing provides unmatched flexibility. Investing in digital signage software is a smart move for any restaurant looking to provide a memorable and efficient dining experience.
Why Choose AIScreen Digital Menu Board Software
Choosing AIScreen’s Digital Menu Board Software is a strategic move for restaurants aiming to elevate their customer experience and operational efficiency. With AIScreen, you’re getting a menu display and a powerful tool that enhances communication, saves time and money, and provides an engaging and memorable dining experience. Here’s why AIScreen stands out in the realm of digital menu board software:
- Affordable pricing plans starting from $9.00 per month
- Cloud-based, accessible from anywhere with no downloads required
- User-friendly remote menu creation and editing
- Customizable 1500+ templates tailored to your restaurant’s unique style
- Seamless scheduling for varied menu displays throughout the day
Unlock the Power of AIScreen for Your Restaurant Today!
FAQS
How to Choose the Best TV for Digital Menu Boards?
When picking the perfect TV for your Digital Menu Boards, focus on three crucial elements: high resolution for sharp and vibrant visuals, a bright display that captivates even in well-lit spaces, and robust commercial-grade durability designed to endure continuous use. It’s also essential to ensure compatibility with digital signage software and easy integration with your mounting setup. For a deeper dive into this topic, don’t forget to check out our step-by-step guide to Choosing The Best TV For Digital Menu Boards.
Can I make digital menu boards using PowerPoint for my restaurant?
Absolutely, you can create digital menu boards using PowerPoint. PowerPoint offers versatile design capabilities, enabling you to craft visually appealing and dynamic menu displays. Once created, these menu boards can be played in a loop on screens, making them an excellent choice for showcasing menus in restaurants, cafes, and other establishments.
How to set up a digital menu board on TV?
To set up a digital menu board on your TV, connect a digital signage player or thumb drive to your TV’s HDMI or USB port, and display your designed menu content. For more in-depth instructions, check out our detailed guide on how to set up a digital menu board on TV.
What size should a digital menu be?
Digital menus should ideally be large enough for clear visibility, typically ranging from 32 to 65 inches, depending on the viewing distance and space. For a digital menu, the ideal size typically falls within the range of 32 to 65 inches. This ensures clear visibility without overwhelming the space.
What are creative menu board ideas for my cafe restaurant?
For creative menu board ideas for your Cafe restaurant, consider options like chalkboard menus for a rustic touch, digital menu boards for dynamic displays, or using vintage signage for a retro vibe. You can also feature daily specials or showcase customer reviews. Check out our article on “Cafe digital menu board ideas” for more inspiration.
How can I design an appealing digital menu board online as a restaurant owner?
To design an appealing digital menu board online, use user-friendly design software or hire a professional designer. Select enticing food images, legible fonts, and vibrant colors to create an eye-catching menu. Keep it simple and well-organized for easy readability. For more design tips and inspiration, explore our guide on designing menu boards online.
What new digital menu board ideas are trending for restaurant businesses in 2024?
In 2024, restaurant businesses are embracing new digital menu board trends, such as interactive menus that allow customers to customize their orders, AI-powered menu recommendations for personalized dining experiences, and animated display boards that captivate and engage diners. For a deeper dive into these exciting menu board ideas, be sure to explore our article on “Best Menu Board Ideas in 2024”
Conclusion
Going digital with your menu is the way to go if you want to grab more attention and entice customers like never before. And guess what? We’ve got the perfect software for you: AIScreen.
It’s super user-friendly and will make bringing your menu to life a breeze. So, let your creativity shine, and start crafting your excellent digital menu. Trust me; it’s the secret ingredient to your success.
Oh, we forgot to mention that we have a free trial. So, sign up now and start rocking those digital menu boards with awesome digital signage.
