5 practical tips for a visual menu that can increase sales by 20%

Did you know that a well-designed menu is more than just a list of dishes and prices? Various studies show that atmospheric visuals and consistent branding can increase sales by around 20%. After all, a menu is a powerful tool to enhance your guests’ experience, guide their choices and let your brand shine. But how do you do that?

Menus that create experience
At Menuez, we see the menu as an extension of a brand. Think of recognisable colours, typography, logos and of course attractive atmospheric images that are emotional and inspiring. A professionally designed menu:

• Increases the perception of quality: Guests associate beautiful visuals with higher quality and willingness to spend more.
• Increases emotional involvement: Atmospheric images and photos of dishes invite them to order extra.
• Boosts the brand experience: Consistency in your corporate identity – from menu to website – gives guests confidence and puts your brand more strongly in the market.

And how do you translate these insights into a menu? Below you will find five practical tips:

Tip 1: Use atmospheric images

• Quality and freshness: Professional photos of your brands inspire confidence. Guests can taste the quality (so to speak) from the paper.
• Connection to atmosphere: Choose images that match the appearance of your business, for example smiling guests or a nice cocktail.
• Keep it clear: Don’t overdo it with photos; a proper balance between image and calm on the menu works best.

Tip 2: Create a clear brand image

• Consistent branding: Incorporate your logo, color palette and typography into the menu. This looks professional and strengthens your brand.
• Uniformity in all your expressions: Make sure the menu matches your website, social media and other offline materials. This creates one familiar overall image.

Tip 3: Structure your menu

• Logical layout: Present your menu in a logical order (hot drinks, soft drinks, beer, wine) or according to theme (cocktails, liqueurs, non-alcoholic). This way, guests will quickly know where to look.
• Readability: Use clear headings, subtitles and possibly short descriptions. A guest who can find everything clearly, will order more.
• Highlight specials: Make special items stand out with a separate frame or colour accent. This way, you draw attention to products that you want to promote extra.

Tip 4: Focus on experience and story

• Short and attractive descriptions: For example, describe the origin of ingredients or the preparation method. This enhances the experience.
• Stimulating language: Words such as “fresh”, “fruity” and “homemade” invite tasting.
• Seasonal additions: Change per season or theme, so that guests can always discover something new.

Tip 5: Price psychology and positioning

• Clear, but subtle: State prices in a way that is not immediately noticeable (smaller font, less emphasis).
• Offer combinations: Think of combination deals or menus that allow guests to order more at once.
• Upsells and suggestions: Add small tips, such as “Delicious with a locally brewed beer” or “Combine with freshly baked bread”. This will increase the average spend per guest.

Menuez helps you put your brand on the menu
With a collaboration with Menuez, we ensure that your brands are well-positioned, which increases your sales from 15% to 400%. We make creating local brand expressions easy and accessible, so that your brand is visible anytime, anywhere. With smart solutions and reliable service, we ensure that your brand message ends up in the right place. We simplify your working method and relieve you of the burden of daily operations, so that you can focus on strategy.

Curious how our templates can help your hospitality partners get more out of your menu? Feel free to contact us. Together we will see how we can lift your brand visually and commercially to a higher level!