How to Create and Share Your Restaurant Menu Online

Why is posting a menu online so popular with restaurateurs?

In today’s digital-first world, the way customers interact with restaurants has changed dramatically. Gone are the days when diners would simply walk into a restaurant and ask for a physical menu. Now, they expect to browse your offerings online—before they even step through your door. This shift has made digital menus not just a trend, but a necessity for restaurateurs who want to stay competitive and meet customer expectations.

The Rise of Digital Menus

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital solutions across industries, and the restaurant sector was no exception. With safety concerns and contactless interactions becoming a priority, many restaurants turned to online menus as a way to serve their customers better. But even as the world has returned to normal, the popularity of digital menus has only grown. Why? Because they offer undeniable benefits for both customers and restaurant owners.

Convenience for Customers

Let’s face it: today’s diners are busy, tech-savvy, and always on the go. They want to know what you’re serving before they decide to visit. A digital menu allows them to browse your offerings at their own pace, whether they’re at home, at work, or on the move. It’s a seamless experience that puts the power of choice in their hands—and that’s something they’ll appreciate.

Benefits for Restaurant Owners

For restaurateurs, the advantages of going digital are just as compelling. First, there’s the cost savings. Printing physical menus can be expensive, especially if you frequently update your offerings. With a digital menu, you can make changes in real time, without worrying about reprinting costs.

Second, it’s a huge time-saver. Instead of manually updating and distributing physical menus, you can upload a new version online in minutes. And let’s not forget the environmental benefits—going digital is a small but meaningful step toward reducing paper waste.

A Powerful Marketing Tool

But perhaps the most exciting aspect of digital menus is their potential as a marketing tool. Your menu isn’t just a list of dishes—it’s a reflection of your brand. A well-designed digital menu can entice customers, highlight your specialties, and even drive upsells. Plus, when your menu is easily accessible online, it increases the chances of attracting new customers who discover your restaurant through social media, search engines, or word of mouth.

In short, posting your menu online isn’t just about keeping up with the times—it’s about creating a better experience for your customers and unlocking new opportunities for your business. And the best part? It’s easier than you might think.

How to Create a Digital Restaurant Menu Step-by-Step

Creating a digital menu for your restaurant might sound like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a clear plan and the right tools, you can design a menu that not only looks great but also drives customer engagement. Let’s break it down into manageable steps.

Start Thinking the Process Through

Before you dive into designing your menu, it’s important to take a step back and think about your goals. What do you want your menu to achieve? Is it meant to be simple and straightforward, or do you want it to be a creative showcase of your restaurant’s personality? The answer will depend on your restaurant’s style and the experience you want to create for your customers.

For example, if you run a cozy neighborhood café, a clean and minimalist menu might work best. On the other hand, if you own a trendy cocktail bar, you might want to go all out with bold colors, unique fonts, and eye-catching visuals. The key is to align your menu’s design with your brand identity.

Next, consider your target audience. Who are your customers? Are they young professionals looking for quick lunches, families celebrating special occasions, or tourists exploring the area? Understanding your audience will help you tailor your menu to their preferences. For instance, if your restaurant is located in a tourist-heavy area, you might want to include descriptions of local ingredients or highlight dishes that reflect the region’s cuisine.

Finally, think about the practical aspects. Where is your restaurant located, and when do your customers typically visit? If you’re in a busy urban area, your menu might need to cater to fast-paced diners who value efficiency. If you’re in a more relaxed setting, you can take your time to tell a story through your menu.

Gather Your Crucial Information

Once you’ve defined your goals and audience, it’s time to gather the content for your menu. Start by listing all your dishes, along with their prices. This might seem obvious, but it’s worth taking the time to double-check for accuracy. Nothing frustrates customers more than discovering that the price online doesn’t match the price in the restaurant.

Next, think about how you describe your dishes. A good menu doesn’t just list items—it sells them. Use descriptive language to highlight what makes each dish special. For example, instead of writing “Grilled Chicken,” you could say “Juicy Grilled Chicken Marinated in Herbs, Served with Seasonal Vegetables.” This not only makes your dishes sound more appealing but also helps customers understand what to expect.

If possible, include high-quality photos of your dishes. Visuals can be incredibly powerful in enticing customers, especially if you’re sharing your menu online. Just make sure the photos accurately represent what you serve—no one likes to be disappointed when their meal arrives looking nothing like the picture.

Don’t forget to add essential information like your restaurant’s name, contact details, and location. If you offer delivery or takeout, include instructions on how to place an order. This is also a good opportunity to highlight any special offers, such as happy hour deals or seasonal promotions.

Now It’s Time to Design and Create the Menu Itself

With all your content ready, it’s time to bring your menu to life. The design phase is where your menu starts to take shape, so it’s important to get it right.

First, choose the right tools for the job. If you’re not a professional designer, don’t worry—there are plenty of user-friendly tools available that can help you create a stunning menu. One of the most popular options is Canva, a free online design platform that offers a wide range of templates and customization options.

When designing your menu, keep these principles in mind:

• Readability: Your menu should be easy to read, even on smaller screens. Use clear fonts and avoid cluttering the page with too much text or too many images.
• Aesthetics: A well-designed menu is visually appealing. Use colors, fonts, and images that reflect your restaurant’s style.
• Consistency: Your menu should feel like a natural extension of your brand. Use the same colors, fonts, and tone of voice that you use in your other marketing materials.

If you’re using Canva, start by selecting a template that matches your restaurant’s vibe. Canva offers a variety of menu templates, from elegant and formal to fun and playful. Once you’ve chosen a template, you can customize it by adding your own text, images, and branding elements.

How to Use Canva to Design a Menu

Let’s take a closer look at how to design a menu using Canva. Even if you’ve never used the platform before, you’ll find it intuitive and easy to navigate.

1. Choose a Template: After signing up for Canva, search for “restaurant menu” templates. Browse through the options and select one that fits your restaurant’s style.
2. Add Your Content: Replace the placeholder text with your own dishes, descriptions, and prices. You can also upload your logo and photos to personalize the design.
3. Customize the Design: Play around with fonts, colors, and layouts until you’re happy with the look. Canva makes it easy to experiment with different options, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
4. Optimize for Mobile: Since many customers will view your menu on their phones, make sure it looks good on smaller screens. Use Canva’s preview feature to check how your design will appear on mobile devices.
5. Download and Save: Once you’re satisfied with your menu, download it as a PDF. This format is ideal for sharing online, as it preserves the design and ensures compatibility across devices.

Posting and Sharing Your Menu Online with Doksly

Now that your digital menu is ready, it’s time to share it with your customers. But why settle for just uploading a PDF to your website or emailing it out when you can do so much more? Enter Doksly—the easiest way to share your menu online while gaining valuable insights into how it’s being used.

Doksly is the Easiest Way to Share Your Menu Online

Posting your menu to Doksly is a simple three-step process:

1. Upload: Log in to Doksly, upload your PDF menu, and let the platform store it securely in the cloud.
2. Generate Link: Doksly creates a unique, shareable link for your menu. You can customize it with password protection or expiration dates if needed.
3. Share: Copy the link and share it anywhere—your website, social media, email campaigns, or even in your Instagram bio.

That’s it! Your menu is now live and accessible to your customers with just a click. No downloads, no hassle—just a seamless experience for your audience.

Where to Share Your Menu

Once you’ve generated your Doksly link, the possibilities are endless. Here are some of the best places to share your digital menu:

• Your Website: Add the link to your homepage or create a dedicated “Menu” page. This makes it easy for visitors to browse your offerings before they even step through your door.
• Social Media: Share the link on your Facebook page, post it in your Instagram bio, or include it in your Instagram Stories. Social media is a powerful tool for reaching both existing and potential customers.
• Email Campaigns: Include the link in your newsletters or promotional emails. This keeps your customers updated and encourages them to revisit your menu.

By making your menu accessible across multiple platforms, you’re not only improving the customer experience but also increasing the chances of attracting new diners.

What Doksly Tells You: The Power of Knowledge

Here’s where Doksly truly stands out. When you share your menu through Doksly, you’re not just putting it out into the world—you’re gaining valuable insights that can help you make smarter decisions for your restaurant. Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Who’s Viewing Your Menu: Are your customers locals or tourists? Are they browsing during lunch hours or late at night? This information can help you tailor your offerings to your audience’s preferences.
• Where They’re Coming From: Did they click on the link from your Instagram bio, your Facebook page, or an email campaign? Understanding which marketing channels are most effective allows you to focus your efforts where they matter most.
• How They’re Engaging: Which pages of your menu are they spending the most time on? Are they clicking on links that lead to your reservation page or special offers? This data can help you optimize your menu to drive more conversions.
• Device and Location Insights: Are most customers viewing your menu on their phones, or are they using desktops? Where are they located? This can inform decisions about everything from menu design to targeted promotions.

For example, if you notice that a particular dish is getting a lot of attention, you might want to feature it more prominently in your marketing. Or, if you see that most of your traffic is coming from Instagram, you can focus more on that platform to reach even more customers.

Real-Life Applications: Turning Data into Action

Let’s say you’ve shared your menu using Doksly, and the analytics show that a significant number of customers are clicking on the link to your reservation page. This tells you that your menu is not just attracting interest—it’s driving action. You can use this information to optimize your menu further, perhaps by adding more calls-to-action or highlighting your most popular dishes.

Or, imagine you discover that most of your menu views are coming from a specific neighborhood. This could be a sign that your marketing efforts are resonating with that audience, and you might want to target them with special promotions or events.

In short, Doksly doesn’t just help you share your menu—it helps you understand your customers and make data-driven decisions that can boost your restaurant’s success.

Conclusion: Take Your Restaurant’s Online Presence to the Next Level

Creating and sharing a digital menu is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity for restaurants that want to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. By going digital, you’re not only making it easier for customers to discover and engage with your offerings, but you’re also opening up new opportunities to grow your business.

So, what are you waiting for? Start creating your digital menu today and watch as your restaurant reaches new heights. Whether you’re a cozy café or a high-end bistro, the tools and insights are at your fingertips. The future of dining is digital—and it’s time to embrace it.