As a fellow restaurateur, I know you want to attract droves of hungry customers. An online menu on your restaurant‘s website is one of the most powerful tools to make that happen.
During my 15 years as a webmaster, I‘ve seen firsthand how an online menu increases traffic and revenue for restaurants. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to easily create an online menu with WordPress.
Let‘s dive in!
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Online Menus Drive Orders and Improve Customer Experience
The data speaks for itself – online menus pay off:
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82% of diners view a restaurant‘s menu online before dining there. An online menu is often the deciding factor whether customers visit your restaurant. [1]
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Restaurants with online ordering enabled see over 20% more takeout orders. Online ordering makes it easy for busy customers to order from you anytime. [2]
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65% of consumers say they are more likely to return to restaurants if nutrition information is available online. An online menu gives health-focused diners the info they need. [3]
Beyond numbers, an online menu improves customer experience:
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Customers can access your menu anywhere via mobile device rather than relying on an outdated paper menu.
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Food photos help customers visualize your dishes and entice them to order.
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Descriptions give diners a glimpse into flavors, ingredients and preparations.
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Customers appreciate businesses utilizing technology to better serve their needs. An online menu checks this box.
Bottom line – integrating your menu online provides convenience for customers and opens up more ways to drive orders.
Two Easy Ways to Add Menus in WordPress
WordPress makes it simple to get your menu online. Here are the two best options I recommend:
1. Use a Page Builder Plugin
For restaurants with basic one-page menus, a WordPress page builder like Elementor is my top choice.
With drag-and-drop simplicity, you can quickly:
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Add menu section headings like "Starters", "Mains", etc.
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Insert menu items with photos, descriptions and pricing.
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Customize the design including colors, fonts, layouts and more.
The benefit here is flexibility to make your online menu look fabulous with complete design control.
The drawback is most page builders lack built-in functionality for online ordering. You‘ll need to setup or integrate a third-party service for that.
2. Leverage a Menu-Focused Plugin
If providing online ordering or advanced menu features, a dedicated menu plugin is the way to go.
As a webmaster, I often use Food Menu, Restaurant Menu, and Easy Food and Drink Menu.
These plugins pack powerful functionality including:
- User-friendly admin to add, edit or remove menu items
- Drag-and-drop reordering of menu items
- Mobile responsive layouts out of the box
- Nutritional info and allergy labels
- Robust design and display options
- SEO optimization
- Integration with online ordering platforms
So if online ordering or special menu functionality is important, lean towards a purpose-built menu plugin. It will save you time and development costs.
Expert Tips for Designing Your Online Restaurant Menu
When adding your menu online, keep these tips in mind:
Highlight Signature Dishes
Draw attention to items you‘re famous for. Give these dishes prime placement at the top of sections or call them out with badges like "House Specialty".
Include Relevant Keywords
Optimize menu items for SEO by working in relevant keywords. For example, name a dish "Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw" rather than just "Fish Tacos".
Take Photos from a Customer‘s Point of View
Angle shots from above the plate to show the food as diners will see it. Close-up photos that showcase textures also look mouthwatering.
Minimize PDF Menus
Avoid linking to PDF menus which are difficult to read on phones. List key info like your address and hours, but point customers to your online menu.
Reorder Items Based on Popularity and Profit
Place your best sellers and most profitable dishes near the top. This increases likelihood of customers ordering those items.
Refresh Seasonally
Update your online menu as you add seasonal specials or dishes. Time-limited offers create a reason for locals to return frequently.
Spread the Word About Your Awesome Online Menu
You invested time in creating an online menu. Now it‘s time to promote it!
Here are my top marketing tips:
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Email Campaigns – Send emails to your customer database announcing new menu additions or seasonal specials. Include a link to view the full menu online.
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Social Media Contests – Run a Facebook contest for a free dessert. To enter, customers must share a link to your online menu.
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Wait Staff Suggestions – Train staff to highlight new dishes and recommend customers view the complete menu online.
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Digital Ads – Run Google and social media ads targeted locally with your online menu as the landing page.
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Signage and Decals – Add your website URL and "Menus & Online Ordering" to outdoor signage, windows and takeout bags.
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Partner Promotions – Ask complementary businesses (hotels, shops, etc.) to promote your online menu to their customers.
The opportunities are endless. Be creative and consistent in getting the word out. Your online menu allows customers to discover and order dishes anytime, anywhere. Take advantage of this 24/7 visibility and your restaurant will thrive.
I hope this guide gave you ideas and confidence to create an awesome online menu. Please reach out if you need any help bringing your menu online. I‘m happy to help fellow restaurateurs succeed!
