How powerful is your digital menu?

More specifically, how important is it to have an accurate form of your menu on your website, as well as your Facebook page? The answer to this question has progressed quickly over the last few years, but in short, the answer is: Very important. ​

As consumers continue to increase their dependence on mobile devices for internet activity and connectivity, the reliance on digital information has skyrocketed.  85% of people claim they find local businesses through online search (Reach Local). When it comes to restaurants, consumers are looking for key information to solidify their decision making. Instead of having a handful of options, the internet can source hundreds of local restaurants in seconds, leaving the consumer with more choices that will be swayed by the depth of information they find. This information may come in the form of happy hour specials, restaurant hours, limited time offers, menu lists, menu pricing, specialty/ seasonal beers, etc. The more "knowns" the consumer finds, the less likely it is to be gamble when they decide to head in the direction of a dining option.

Another statistic that shows a greater reliance on digital information states that social media users (37%) search apps and websites before they complete a purchasing action (eMarketer). It is common for consumers to research apps for restaurant options on app platforms such as websites, Yelp, Instagram, and others. Facebook seems to have a higher volume of interest, with about 49% of people searching Facebook to find restaurants (Mashable).

All of this means that your digital menu is very powerful due to the nature of its popularity. With these digital platforms gaining higher volumes of traffic each year, it is vitally important to have a digital representation of your menu online. Although, many restaurants simply post a PDF of their menu online, it is important to note that PDFs are not searchable by Google. Learn more here regarding the downfalls of PDF online. 

With DailyMenus, you have the ability to create a menu through online software. Once you have completed the menu, you can download it for print in a PDF version, or you can publish it to digital outputs such as the examples below:

Digital Link: http://local.dailymenus.com/westport/brookside
Facebook Menu: https://www.facebook.com/dailymenus/app/1548392871942666/

These digital representations of your menu can be shared and searched across social platforms, Google, and your website. It is a simple way to keep your menu up-to-date, and presentable for the growing digital audience.

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