In the bustling world of hospitality, where the competition is as fierce as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, an optimised online menu can be your secret weapon.
Just like the physical menu that greets customers at your door, your online menu needs to captivate and inform. It should showcase your food, all while creating a seamless experience that leads customers effortlessly on a journey from browsing to ordering.
Whether you’re a quaint café or a vibrant restaurant, your menu should speak volumes about your brand, enticing customers with every click.
Mastering your online delivery menu
Now crafting an engaging and efficient online menu is both an art and a science, and with platforms like Doshii, it’s easier than ever to master.
Here are five industry secrets and tips to help you design an enticing online menu that delights your customers and streamlines your operations.
1. Curate a cohesive brand experience
Like we were saying above, your menu is an extension of your brand. It should reflect your venue’s personality and values. Even the way you describe your dishes and the images you use can effectively convey your brand’s essence, creating a lasting impression on your customers.
HOT TIP: Use high-quality images and engaging descriptions to bring your dishes to life. Consistency in design and tone will also make your menu more inviting and memorable.
2. Simplify menu navigation
Don’t let an overwhelming menu deter potential customers. Simplify. Simplify Simplify.
Group similar items together, use clear headings and ensure your menu is easy to navigate. Factor in both user needs and the different devices they could be using.
HOT TIP: Implement a logical hierarchy and organise items into categories. Use descriptive labels for sections like:
Starters | Mains | Soups | Grill | Burgers | Desserts
This helps to guide customers through your offering in the order in which they should be eating.
Even creating a clear menu key for users with dietary requirements can help reduce confusion (and boost their confidence) as to what dishes are gluten-free, vegan, spicy, may contain nuts etc.
3. Optimise for delivery partners
In today’s digital age, partnering with delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, Menulog and DoorDash is essential for reaching a broader audience. However, managing these menus can be a real pain. This is where Doshii comes in, streamlining the process by integrating your menu across multiple delivery apps.
HOT TIP: Use Doshii to manage your online delivery menus from a single platform, ensuring consistency and reducing the risk of errors.
Doshii allows you to update prices, item availability, and descriptions in real time, keeping your delivery partners in sync and your customers satisfied.
Now when a customer orders through a third-party app, the information they see is up to date with your restaurant’s offerings and pricing.
Remember: Menu accuracy is a big tick for customer satisfaction.
Doshii’s Menu Manager supported apps
4. Highlight popular and profitable items
Guiding customers towards popular and high margin items can significantly boost your revenue. By strategically placing these dishes at the top – or highlighting them with special markers – you can subtly influence purchasing decisions.
HOT TIP: Use emojis, icons or phrases like best-sellers or Chef’s specials.
SPICIER TIP: Consider offering combo deals or upsells to encourage people to spend more during every transaction.
You can also assess which items perform the best, and experiment with placement.
A/B testing can help you understand the effectiveness of special labels like Chef’s specials or placing high margin items at the top. This insight can help you continually optimise the menu for stronger returns.
5. Implement pricing strategies
How you price your menu items can significantly impact customer behaviour and perceived value. Implementing charm pricing can enhance the appeal of your offerings and encourage larger orders i.e. instead of charging $30, charge $29.90.
HOT TIP: Use charm pricing by ending prices with .90 to make items appear more attractive and affordable. This subtle pricing strategy can influence purchasing decisions, encouraging customers to add more to their carts.
Dynamic pricing is another strategy worth considering. This allows you to adjust pricing based on demand, time of day, or special events.
Our Surge Pricing feature makes this easy and simple across delivery platforms.
The role of Doshii in seamless menu management
Think of Doshii as your partner in hospitality software. By connecting your Point of Sale (POS) system with leading delivery partners, Doshii eliminates the hassle of managing multiple menus.
At the end of the day, you’ll not only save time, but also ensure your offerings are up to date across all platforms, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Ready to transform your menu into a powerful marketing tool? Get started with Doshii today. Alternatively you can contact our team for more information about taking the first step towards a seamless and successful online menu management experience.