How to put your menu online

Most guests look at a menu on their phone before they visit, while they wait for a table, or when they decide what to order for delivery. A PDF that needs pinching and zooming is hard to read on a small screen. A structured online menu fixes that: sections, clear prices and a button to order or book.

1. Start from what you already have

You do not need to retype anything. A clear photo of your printed menu, the PDF your designer made, or a spreadsheet of dishes and prices is enough to start. Photograph each page straight-on in good light, without glare, and keep the whole page in frame.

2. Organise dishes into sections

Use the sections customers expect — starters, mains, breads, desserts, beverages. Keep section names short so they fit as tabs on a phone. If a dish appears in two places on paper, list it once and feature it instead.

3. Get prices and variants right

• Put half and full portions, sizes or weights as variants of one dish rather than separate dishes.
• Add-ons such as extra cheese or a choice of bread work best as option groups.
• Double-check every price after importing — a wrong price is the fastest way to lose trust.

4. Label dietary information carefully

Veg, non-veg, egg, vegan and Jain labels help customers filter quickly. Only list allergens you have verified with your kitchen — if you are unsure, leave it out and invite guests to ask.

5. Add photos where they help

You do not need a photo for every dish. A handful of good photos of your signature dishes does more than many dark or blurry ones. Natural light near a window works well.

6. Decide how guests should act

Choose the main action for your page: ordering on WhatsApp, booking a table, or simply calling. One clear action converts better than five competing buttons.

7. Share it everywhere

• Table QR cards and the counter.
• Your Google Business Profile website field.
• Instagram bio and WhatsApp Business catalogue link.
• Delivery bags and printed takeaway menus.