If you own a restaurant or food service business, having an effective and attractive menu board is crucial to your success. A menu board is often the first thing that customers look for when they enter your establishment, and it plays a crucial role in influencing their purchasing decisions. But an outdated and poorly designed menu board can turn customers away and negatively impact your sales, and the traditional printed menu board is starting to become obsolete.

In recent years, many businesses have switched from traditional static menu boards to commercial-grade digital signage. This technology has made a splash in the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry. Digital menu boards offer a number of benefits over static boards, including the ability to easily update and change the displayed menu items to have more accurate information, more attractive and engaging designs, and the ability to display additional information such as promotions and specials.

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of switching from a static menu board to a digital signage solution and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do so.

Assessing the needs of your business

Before you start looking for a digital menu board provider, it is important to assess the needs of your business. This will help you determine the type of digital menu board that would best suit your business and ensure that you choose a provider that can meet your specific needs.

First, consider the size of your menu board. Digital menu boards come in a range of sizes, from small boards that can be mounted on a wall or stand to large, freestanding displays. Choose a size that is appropriate for your space and will be easily visible to customers.

Next, think about the location of your menu board. Will it be placed indoors or outdoors? If it is placed outdoors, you will need to choose a digital menu board that is weather-resistant and able to withstand sunlight and other elements.

Consider your target audience as well. If your business caters to a younger, tech-savvy crowd, you may want to choose a digital menu board that offers additional features such as touchscreen functionality or the ability to display social media feeds.

Choosing a digital menu board provider

Once you have assessed the needs of your business, you can start researching and comparing different digital menu board providers. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a provider, including cost, customer support, and design options.

First, consider the cost of the digital menu board and any additional services or features that you may need. Make sure to compare prices from multiple providers to ensure that you are getting a good deal.

It is also important to choose a provider that offers good customer support. You want to make sure that you can easily get help if you have any issues with your digital menu board, such as technical problems or questions about how to use it.

Finally, look for a provider that offers a range of design options for your digital menu board. This will allow you to customize the appearance of your menu board to match your business’s branding and aesthetic.

Choose Your Digital Signage

Even if you are completely set on a digital menu board, you still have choices to make. In addition, you might want to invest in other models of digital signage as well. Here are a few examples of the type of digital signage installations that will be available to choose from:

• Digital menu board: These restaurant menu boards are the perfect upgrade for businesses that have been relying on traditional menus for years. Your customers will thank you when they can properly see your updated menu items in a more appealing digital display.
• Drive-thru menu board: Similarly, good outdoor digital menu boards make the digital experience more enjoyable for on-the-go customers.
• Self-service kiosk: Perfect for a fast-casual restaurant where guests want to get their food and go, interactive touchscreen kiosks allow customers to place their own orders without waiting to be served by an employee.
• LCD Video wall: While video walls may not be your first choice for fast food restaurants, they can provide an undeniably immersive digital experience that customers will not forget.
• In-window unit: Digital window signage is an effective way to get people from the sidewalk inside your restaurant. Eye-catching digital signage with a good menu design that showcases your best food items can be irresistible to passersby.

Implementing the new digital menu board

Once you have chosen a provider and the type of digital displays you want to invest in, it is time to implement it in your business. This process typically involves installing the digital menu board and ensuring that it is functioning properly, as well as training staff on how to use and maintain it.

First, carefully follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for installing the digital menu board. This may involve mounting the board on a wall or stand, connecting it to a power source, and setting up any additional features such as touch screen functionality.

Once the digital menu board is installed, test it to make sure it is functioning properly. This may involve displaying sample menus, promotions, and other information to ensure that everything is displayed correctly.

It is also important to train your staff on how to use and maintain the digital menu board. This should include how to update the information displayed on the menu board, as well as how to troubleshoot and address any issues that may arise.

Maintaining and updating the digital menu board

Once your digital menu board is installed and functioning properly, it is important to regularly maintain and update it. Staying on top of new menu changes will ensure that the information displayed is accurate and up-to-date and that the menu board continues to function properly.

First, regularly update the menu content displayed on the menu board, such as the items on your menu and any specials or promotions. As a brand, it’s important to continually redevelop and refine your messaging strategy as times change, your business grows, and your customer base expands. Your business may also start developing a more updated online marketing strategy. When that happens, it’s important to ensure that your in-restaurant digital signage content is aligned with the online branding. It’s important to reach everyone, and updating your branding and messaging is an effective way to do so. This can typically be done easily through software provided by the manufacturer. At Keyser, we help you find the best Content Management Software for you.

In addition to keeping your digital content current, you should also regularly check the digital menu board for any issues, such as technical problems or damaged hardware. If you notice any problems, contact the manufacturer or provider for assistance in troubleshooting and fixing the issue.

Get Started with Keyser Today

Upgrading from a static menu board to a digital one offers several benefits for food service businesses. Digital menu board solutions are more attractive, more engaging, and they allow for easy updating and customization of the information displayed.

To summarize, upgrade to a digital menu board by first assessing the needs of your business to determine the type of digital menu board that would be most suitable. Next, choose a provider that offers the features and support you need at a good price. Finally, implement and maintain the digital menu board to ensure its continued effectiveness.

Making the switch to a digital menu board can help improve the customer experience and increase sales for your business. Considering upgrading your outdated static menu board to a digital menu board? Contact Keyser today.