Menu Descriptions That Sell on Your Digital Menu

Your digital menu is often the first impression customers have of your food. Crafting enticing menu descriptions is crucial for attracting diners and boosting sales. Let’s dive into how you can create mouthwatering descriptions that will have customers eager to order.

Discover our:

–iPad Wine List

–iPad Food Menu

Ready to take your digital menu to the next level? Try eMenu’s innovative iPad menu solution today and see the difference it can make for your restaurant.

The Power of Words on Your Digital Menu

Your digital menu is more than just a list of dishes – it’s a powerful marketing tool. Well-written menu descriptions can increase sales by up to 27%, according to research from the Food and Brand Lab at Cornell University. This significant boost in revenue highlights the importance of investing time and effort into your menu writing.

Key Elements of Effective Menu Descriptions

Paint a Picture with Words

When writing menu descriptions, use vivid, sensory language that appeals to all five senses. Instead of simply listing ingredients, describe the flavors, textures, and aromas of each dish. For example, instead of “Chocolate Cake,” try “Decadent Dark Chocolate Cake with Velvety Ganache.”

Highlight Quality and Origin

Customers are increasingly interested in where their food comes from. Mentioning the origin of ingredients, especially if they’re locally sourced or organic, can add value to your dishes. For instance, “Grass-fed Vermont Beef Burger” sounds more appealing than just “Beef Burger.”

Incorporate Cooking Methods

Describing how a dish is prepared can make it more appealing and justify higher prices. Words like “slow-roasted,” “hand-crafted,” or “flame-grilled” add perceived value and help customers understand the care that goes into each dish.

Keep it Concise

While descriptions should be detailed, they shouldn’t be overly long. Aim for 2-3 sentences or 40-60 words per item. This provides enough information without overwhelming the reader.

Optimizing Your Digital Menu for Sales

Strategic Item Placement

The layout of your digital menu matters. Place your most profitable items in the “golden triangle” – the area where customers’ eyes naturally go first when looking at a menu. On digital menus, this is typically the top right corner.

Use High-Quality Images

A picture is worth a thousand words, especially on a digital menu. High-quality, appetizing photos can significantly increase sales of featured items. However, use images sparingly – too many can overwhelm customers.

Implement Easy Navigation

Ensure your digital menu is easy to navigate. Use clear categories and consider implementing search and filter functions to help customers find exactly what they’re looking for.

Writing Techniques to Boost Sales

Create a Sense of Exclusivity

Use phrases like “chef’s special” or “limited availability” to create a sense of exclusivity and urgency. This can encourage customers to order these items before they miss out.

Tell a Story

People connect with stories. If a dish has an interesting origin or is a family recipe, include a brief anecdote in the description. This adds personality to your menu and can make items more memorable.

Use Nostalgia

Tap into customers’ emotions by using nostalgic language. Phrases like “just like grandma used to make” or “classic comfort food” can evoke positive memories and increase the appeal of certain dishes.

Tailoring Descriptions to Your Brand

Your menu descriptions should reflect your restaurant’s overall brand and personality. If your restaurant has a casual, fun vibe, don’t be afraid to use humor in your descriptions. For upscale establishments, focus on sophisticated language that emphasizes quality and craftsmanship.

Keeping Your Digital Menu Fresh

Regularly update your menu descriptions to keep things interesting for repeat customers. This is especially important for seasonal menus or specials. Fresh, updated content can also improve your search engine rankings, helping new customers discover your restaurant online.

The Impact of Menu Descriptions on Customer Experience

Well-written menu descriptions don’t just increase sales – they enhance the overall dining experience. When customers know what to expect from a dish, they’re more likely to be satisfied with their choice. This leads to positive reviews and repeat business.

Leveraging Technology for Menu Success

Digital menus offer unique opportunities that traditional paper menus don’t. Consider implementing features like:

Customizable views (e.g., sorting by price or dietary restrictions)
Pop-up windows with additional information or images
Integration with online ordering systems

These features can make your menu more user-friendly and increase the likelihood of customers finding dishes they love.

The eMenu International Difference

Now, you might be thinking, “Sounds great, but where do I get these magical iPad menus?” That’s where eMenu International comes in. They’re the pros when it comes to iPad menus for restaurants.

Founded in 2014, eMenu International embarked on an ambitious journey, driven by a group of visionary founders. With an unwavering belief in the potential of touchscreen technology, they set out with a clear mission: to lead a revolution that would make touchscreen menus an indispensable asset for premier dining establishments worldwide.

A Decade of Innovation and Service

For nearly ten years, eMenu International has been at the forefront of bringing restaurants and hotels into the modern era. Through their pioneering technology and commitment to personal service, they have enhanced the dining experience for countless patrons and significantly boosted revenues for over 800 establishments.

Elevating Special Events

eMenu International doesn’t just change how menus are presented; it transforms how special events are catered to. From creating Monday night specials to tailoring menus for upcoming events, their technology ensures that every occasion is uniquely catered for.

Versatile Hours of Service

Understanding the dynamic nature of dining, eMenu International’s solutions adapt to show appropriate menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This flexibility ensures that establishments can always offer their guests the perfect dining options, no matter the time of day.

Championing Sustainability

In a world increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, eMenu International offers a path to go green. Replacing traditional paper menus with sleek tablets, helps establishments save on printing costs and significantly reduce their environmental footprint.

Efficiency Redefined

One of the key benefits of adopting eMenu International’s technology is the remarkable reduction in wait staff hours. Establishments have reported a 15% reduction in staff hours, attributed to more efficient time management, allowing staff to focus more on engaging with guests and enhancing their overall dining experience.

eMenu International stands as a beacon of innovation in the mining industry. With their revolutionary touchscreen menu technology, they have redefined how establishments serve their guests and played a pivotal role in making dining experiences more enjoyable, sustainable, and efficient. As they continue to lead the charge into the future, eMenu International remains dedicated to elevating the standards of dining around the globe.