How to Set Up Digital Menu Boards for Your Business
Overview
You can set up digital menu boards for your business by following a few simple steps. First, select the right hardware like commercial-grade displays. Next, choose user-friendly software. Connect your devices, create engaging content, and manage updates easily. Many restaurants report higher sales after switching to digital menu boards. Customers find menus cleaner and make decisions faster. Dynamic displays let you update prices and promotions in real time, helping you feature specials and drive more purchases. You do not need to be a tech expert to improve your customer experience and increase sales.
Why Choose Digital Menu Boards?
Choose the right hardware and software to fit your business needs and location for effective digital menu boards.
Create clear, attractive content with high-quality images and simple layouts to engage customers and boost sales.
Use cloud-based software to update menus instantly and manage multiple locations easily from anywhere.
Schedule menus and promotions to show the right items at the right time, improving customer experience and sales.
Regularly maintain your system and train staff to troubleshoot common issues and keep your menu boards running smoothly.
Digital Menu Boards Overview
What They Are
Most restaurants use three main types of digital menu boards:
Static digital menus: Show a fixed menu but use digital screens.
Dynamic digital menus: Change content throughout the day or for promotions.
Interactive digital menus: Let customers touch the screen to explore options.
Digital menu boards work well for busy places that need to update menus often or want to grab attention with bright, moving images.
Key Benefits
You get many advantages when you use digital menu boards in your business:
Show videos, photos, and animations to catch customers’ eyes.
Update your menu in seconds, even across many locations.
Highlight specials or high-margin items to boost sales.
Reduce printing costs and paper waste.
Keep your brand consistent with custom layouts and colors.
Schedule menus for different times of day or special events.
Improve customer experience by making menus easy to read and engaging.
Restaurants that use digital menu boards often see higher sales. For example, some fast-food chains have reported up to a 25% increase in average order value and a 33% jump in sales of promoted items. Motion and video can encourage impulse buys, helping you sell more combos or featured dishes. Digital menu boards also help reduce wait times because customers make decisions faster when they see clear, attractive menus.
Setup Process
Hardware Selection
You need to choose the right hardware for your digital menu boards. Start by deciding where you want to place your screens. Think about how customers move through your restaurant. Large screens work well for drive-thru lanes or busy counters. Smaller screens fit walk-up areas or cozy cafes. Most businesses use screens between 43 and 55 inches for maximum impact.
Software Setup
Connecting devices
You must connect your screens and media players to your network. Wired internet connections work best for stability. Wi-Fi offers flexibility but may be less reliable in busy areas. Make sure your screens have enough HDMI ports for media players or other devices.
Use commercial-grade screens for durability and continuous operation.
Connect media players to screens using HDMI cables.
Plug devices into power outlets with surge protectors.
Link screens to your network using Ethernet cables for best results.
Pair each screen with your menu software for remote updates.
Common problems include screen burn-in, sleep mode interruptions, and accidental power-offs. You can avoid these by using commercial hardware and setting up regular maintenance. Always check your screens for image quality and make sure your content fits the display size.
Content Creation
You need to create engaging content for your digital menu boards. Start by matching your menu design to your restaurant’s brand. Use colors, fonts, and styles that fit your theme. Keep your layout clean and uncluttered. Focus on high-quality images of your food. Add short, catchy descriptions and highlight specials or combos.
Use sharp images and videos to show your best dishes.
Add animations like fade-ins or slide transitions to draw attention.
Group menu items by category and put best-sellers in the spotlight.
Include call-to-action prompts such as “Try our new combo!” or “Limited time offer!”
Update your menu regularly with daily specials and promotions.
Animations help guide customer attention and make your menu more memorable. Experts say animation loops of 6 to 10 seconds work best. Interactive features like touchscreens or QR codes let customers explore options and order faster. Quick Service Restaurants report up to 15% higher sales and better order accuracy after switching to digital menu boards.
Design Tips
Readability
You want your menu to be easy to read in any lighting. Start by using strong contrast between text and background. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 helps customers see your menu from a distance, even in bright sunlight or dim interiors. Choose sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica. These fonts look clean and clear on screens. Make your headings large—about 42pt—and keep item names at 28-32pt. Descriptions can be smaller, around 22pt, but always test your menu from where your customers stand.
Visuals and Layout
A good layout guides your customer’s eyes. Group menu items into clear categories, such as appetizers, mains, and desserts. Use larger fonts for category names and smaller ones for details. Place your best-sellers or high-margin items in the most visible spots. Stick to a simple color palette—three main colors and one or two accents. This keeps your menu from looking overwhelming.
Use high-quality photos or simple icons to show off your food.
Place prices after descriptions and use less bold text for them.
Keep your design minimal. Too many images or colors can distract customers.
Make sure your logo is easy to spot for brand recognition.
Highlighting Specials
Specials and promotions deserve extra attention. Use slow, subtle animations to draw the eye without causing distraction. Label daily deals as “Special of the Day” or “Chef’s Recommendation” to create excitement. Add countdown timers or “while supplies last” messages to encourage quick decisions. High-quality images and bold fonts make specials stand out.
Update specials often to keep your menu fresh.
Use icons for dietary needs, like vegetarian or gluten-free.
Feature combo deals with bright colors or animated callouts.
Menu Management
Real-Time Updates
Manage your digital menu board with powerful menu management apps. These apps allow you to instantly change prices, add new items, and update specials. You don’t need to print new menus or wait for changes to take effect. This means your menu always displays accurate prices and available items. Use a calendar to schedule the right times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, helping your staff and customers quickly see updates.
Remote Control
You can control your menu boards from any location. Centralized dashboards let you update content across all your stores at once. You save time and keep your brand consistent. Remote control features allow you to schedule promotions, change prices, and fix issues without visiting each site. You can monitor screens, check for errors, and even add new displays with a few clicks.
Update menus and promotions instantly across all locations.
Schedule content changes in advance for holidays or events.
Troubleshoot problems remotely to minimize downtime.
- Use a simple interface that does not require technical skills.
You can transform your business by switching to digital menu boards. Start by reviewing your current menu and sales data, then choose hardware and software that fit your goals. You will see fewer order errors, faster service, and happier customers. Many restaurants report higher sales and better efficiency after making the change. If you want to improve your operations, consider these steps or reach out to vendors for expert advice.
FAQ
How much does it cost to set up digital menu boards?
You can expect to spend $700 to $2,000 for each screen, including hardware and software. Prices vary based on screen size, features, and installation needs.
Can you update your menu using your phone?
HUSHIDA digital menu board software, XIAODA Smart Display, allows you to make changes using your phone or tablet. You can update prices, add specials, or change images at any time.
What if you have more than one location?
You can control menus at all your locations from one dashboard. Many platforms let you schedule updates, track sales, and keep branding consistent across every store.
