PHOTOGRAPHERS. Here’s a splendid example of how a marketing-savvy photographer is cooking up a new niche for his photography business.
In an online press release, George Soules Photography announced a new service to create online interactive menus for restaurant websites.
Interactive menus let people view mouth-watering photographs of the food items that interest them. For example, when they select “Veggie Sandwich” 0r “BBQ Burger” on the menu, an image pops up showing exactly how the restaurant serves the sandwich. The interactive menus can also display detailed descriptions, ingredients, and prices.
Showing food images online can help restaurants attract new clients and remind regulars why they should return.
People can view the interactive menus on their iPad, iPhone, or other mobile devices when they are making a decision about where to go for lunch or dinner.
Pricing starts at $299 for an interactive menu with up to 50 photos (not including the photography). Restaurant owners can provide George Soules with existing images of menu items or hire George to shoot new ones.
According to Soules, adding the interactive menu he creates to a website is as easy as pasting a few lines of HTML into a web page. Restaurants that don’t have a website can use the interactive menu as a standalone site.
“Adding enticing food photographs to an online menu helps convince customers to walk through your doors,” says Soules. “Combining beautiful images with an easy-to-use interactive experience is one of the best ways to make your restaurant stand apart.”
The January 2012 Restaurant & Foodservice Industry Review conducted by AlixPartners found that 42% of customers now rely on digital media to make dining-out decisions. And that percentage will continue to increase. Consumers want to be convinced of the value of what they are paying for and want to be assured of a first-rate dining experience. Offering excellent food photos and an interactive menu gives restaurant owners a good way to connect with customers and increase sales.
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