Menu Design Tips that Work
An off-putting or improperly designed menu could turn away loyal customers. Menu design can be tricky because there are a number of important considerations to make such as font style and size, the placement of images, and overall layout. Whether you are a brand-new café or an established restaurant, the following menu design tips may help point you in the right direction.
6 Helpful Menu Design Tips
#1 Focus on Readability
Overly complicated and busy menus can be a real drag for your valued customers—especially those who aren’t regulars at your restaurant. A readable menu is one that is intuitive so that customers can quickly find what they’re looking for. Blocking items into categories, like appetizers, salads, and sandwiches make for much easier ordering. Readability is also helpful for encouraging existing customers to try new items in the future.
Since readability is incredibly important, we recommend working with an experienced graphic designer. A graphic designer can help ensure that your layout, font style and size, and headings are on point for maximum readability and mass appeal.
#2 Ensure that Your Menu is Washable
If you incorporate laminated or bound menus, it’s important to ensure that the materials used for your menus are washable between customers. Cafes and restaurants that offer outdoor dining should also design menus that are durable enough to handle some precipitation and wind. The printing pros at Pel Hughes can help you select the right materials for your business.
#3 Consider the Texture of Your Menu
The way your menu feels matters. Using low quality, thin stock could turn off customers. Adding embellishments like raised varnish or foils can make a splash with patrons. The materials from which your menu is made can make a lasting impression on your customers because human beings’ sense of touch is quite powerful.
#4 Know that Accessibility Matters
It might be tempting to use only QR codes for menus but this presents an accessibility problem. Differently-abled and mature patrons may find digital menus inaccessible, confusing, or cumbersome. While you can also use QR codes for menus, it’s wise to keep printed menus in stock so that you can properly accommodate as many people as possible.
#5 Send Menus in Direct Mail Campaigns
If you offer take-out or delivery, sending menus via direct mail campaigns can help boost revenue. Pel Hughes makes direct mail campaigns remarkably easy. We offer online client portals, up-to-date consumer databases, and USPS Every Door Direct Mail to ensure that your direct mail campaigns are as effective as possible.
#6 Remember the Power of Persuasion
Sadly, the power of persuasion is often overlooked when designing a menu. This is a faux-paus that could cost you customers, though. Most menu items—aside from common beverages like iced tea or soft drinks—deserve a compelling and tantalizing description. Moreover, the menu items that are most popular or creative should have enticing photos to accompany the copy on your menu. If you’re not a whiz with food photography, we encourage you to hire a professional. Similarly, consulting with a seasoned copywriter can help ensure that your menu descriptions pack an enticing punch.
If it’s time for a professional menu, Pel Hughes can help. Give our printing experts a call at (504) 486-8646 to request a quote. We offer full-service printing, graphic design, online ordering, and direct mail.
