Digital transformation is changing the service industry for good, and that certainly includes restaurants. Businesses of all sizes are going digital, making things run much more smoothly in a variety of ways.

Not only that, many customers actually prefer the use of digital technology in restaurants, cafes, and bars. Digital signage in particular is an extremely useful and powerful tool for communicating with customers. 

So in this article, we’ll discuss some of the many benefits of digital signage software for restaurants and why you should consider adopting a digital signage system now. 

Digital Menu Boards

On the surface, static signs seem to be much more affordable. But when you factor in things like printing and re-printing costs, employee bandwidth to change out signs, and the inability to update menus automatically, it becomes less clear. 

Then, you have to consider the potential boost in sales and increased operational efficiency that comes with a digital signage system. With that, the initial investment of a digital signage system will more than pay for itself in a short time. 

Top features of digital menu boards

One of the most important features of digital menu boards is their ability to present information in a much more engaging way. Digital content grabs potential customers’ attention and keeps it for longer than a poster board can. 

That’s because digital signage supports video content and moving graphics which attract the eye, and allow you to deliver a richer, more complete message. 

When it comes to managing your digital screens, restaurant digital signage software allows you to update playlists remotely. With a few clicks, you can do things like add or remove menu items, update availability, or adjust pricing. 

You can even set content to change at specific intervals—perfect for switching out menus from lunch to dinner for example. 

Outdoor Digital Signage 

Attract passersby with lively digital content that draws them in. Outdoor digital signage can inform people about your promos and specials. That way you’ll be spreading the word to people in your area about your best deals. 

Outdoor digital signage for restaurants can also direct people to your parking area or drive-thru lane, inform them of hours of operation or holiday closures, and much more. 

Tablet Ordering

Another great option is to incorporate touchscreen menus in the form of tablets. Waiters can bring a set of ordering tablets over to customers’ table as they’re seated. Then customers can choose what they want and even place their order without the need to wait for their waiter to come back. 

This streamlines orders straight to kitchen staff. Meanwhile, any self-conscious customers don’t need to feel embarrassed for ordering another of your delicious appetizers or desserts. 

How to Get Started with Restaurant Digital Signage

All you need in order to have an effective digital signage system is three components: digital signage software, a few displays, and a few media players. Here’s how it all works. 

Restaurant digital signage software

Once you have your digital signage software, you can simply use the food and drink templates to craft your own playlists. The included content editor makes things easy enough for total beginners to create beautiful slides in minutes. 

This will allow you to get started with your restaurant digital signage immediately, as long as you have the right hardware. 

Displays for digital signage

If you already have some displays, you can use them for digital signage. However, consumer displays, like the ones you might have in your home, aren’t designed for 24/7 use. 

Commercial displays, on the other hand, are designed specifically for use as digital signs. They can be left on as long as they need to be without ever being turned off and function without any issues. 

If you’re planning to use your screens for years to come and want something that will last, you should consider opting for commercial screens—especially for your outdoor signage that will likely be running even when your restaurant is closed. 

Digital signage media players

You have a wide range of options when it comes to media players. In fact, your TV itself could be used as the media player if it’s a smart TV that supports the installation of apps from the Google Play Store. 

But if you have basic displays, you’ll need to buy your media players separately and connect them. The good news is that they’re cheap and really easy to set up. We recommend using Amazon Fire Stick or Chromecast for digital signage if you want something affordable that you can plug and play.. 

For entry-level digital signage system on a small scale, it’s a great option. It’s ideal for small businesses that are just getting started. 

Creating Your Digital Signage Content

As we mentioned earlier, using templates is a great way to save time. But there are a few rules of thumb you should 

keep in mind along the way. 

Here are a few key tips for crafting digital signage playlists: 

Keep text limited

Long blocks of text will go largely unread. Keep text short and sweet. And make sure it’s highly legible, which brings us to our next design tip.

Use the 60-30-10 color rule

When designing content, there’s always room for creativity. Having said that, it’s generally best to stick to having a base color of around 60% of the slide, a complementary color representing approximately 30% of the slide, and a highlighting color used for around 10%. 

This will make your content easier to read at a glance, which is essential for attracting people’s attention and keeping it for as long as possible. 

A video is worth a million pictures

Video is king when it comes to marketing, and that certainly holds true for restaurant digital signage. Tempt potential customers into placing an order with mouthwatering 4K shots of food being prepared and served. 

Video clips will be far more effective at demonstrating the care put into making your food, and the richness of your dishes. 

Keep content fresh

It’s a good idea to update your digital signage playlists every so often. Especially when you have new menu items or specials to promote, you should use your digital signs to create awareness and demand.

Conclusion

Restaurant digital signage can be a true game-changer when used the right way. If you follow the tips above, you’ll be able to check most of the boxes right off the bat. Then, all you have to do is maintain your digital signage content and you’ll be able to start reaping the rewards immediately. 

Try Luna Screens restaurant digital signage software and get everything you need in one place, including free templates, a robust content editor, and a powerful content management system that will allow you to make the absolute most out of your digital signage. 

Download it now and see for yourself!