5 Ways to Increase Average Order Value With Your Digital Menu
Your Menu is Your Best Salesperson
A well-designed digital menu doesn't just display items — it strategically guides customers toward higher-value orders. Here are 5 proven techniques.
1. Use High-Quality Photos for Premium Items
Items with photos get 30% more orders. Be strategic about which items you photograph — focus on your highest-margin dishes. A stunning photo of your premium steak is worth more than a photo of a side salad.
2. Strategic Item Ordering
Place high-margin items at the top of each category. Research shows customers are more likely to order items they see first. Your best sellers and highest-margin items should always be front and center.
3. Upsell with Variants and Modifiers
Make it easy to upgrade:
- Size options (Regular → Large for just $2 more)
- Premium add-ons (Extra protein, premium toppings)
- Combo deals (Add a drink and side for $5)
Digital menus make this seamless — customers just tap to add.
4. Create "Chef's Picks" or "Most Popular" Categories
Social proof drives decisions. When customers see "Most Popular" or "Chef's Recommendation" badges, they're more likely to try those items — which should be your highest-margin offerings.
5. Seasonal and Limited-Time Specials
Create urgency with special categories:
- "This Week's Special"
- "Seasonal Menu"
- "Limited Edition"
Digital menus let you rotate these frequently without any printing costs.
Measuring Impact
With Menuy's analytics, you can track:
- Which items get the most views
- Average time spent on your menu
- Most popular categories
Use this data to continuously optimize your menu layout and item positioning.
The Bottom Line
Even a modest 10% increase in average order value translates to significant annual revenue. If your restaurant serves 100 customers per day with a $25 average order, a 10% increase means $91,250 more revenue per year.
Your digital menu is the most powerful tool you have — use it strategically.