Understanding Digital Signage

Digital signage is a form of electronic display that is used to communicate information, messages, videos or presentations to an audience. It’s grown to become a powerful tool that can be used to engage customers, inform employees or promote products and services. 

This form of signage has become popular with businesses who want to help customers wayfind throughout buildings, reach out to target audiences or relay information to internal teams. Find out more about how digital signage works.

Types of Digital Signage

There are a number of core types of digital signage, each with its own unique features and benefits. The most common types of digital signage include:

  • LCD displays: These displays are commonly used in retail stores, airports, and other public spaces. This style is versatile and can be used to display a wide range of content. 
  • LED displays: These displays are often used in outdoor settings and are known for their bright, clear images. They’re also energy-efficient and long-lasting. 
  • Video walls: Video walls are made up of multiple displays that are arranged in a grid-like pattern. You’ll often find this type of digital signage used in large public spaces like shopping malls and convention centres. 

Components of Digital Signage Systems

The most important components of a digital signage system are:

  • Displays: Displays are the most visible component of a digital signage system. They can be LCD, LED or projection screens. 
  • Media players: Media players are the devices that deliver content to the displays. They can be standalone devices or built into the displays themselves. 
  • Content management system (CMS): A CMS is the software that allows you to create, manage and schedule content for your digital signage system. 

Content Management and Scheduling

Content management and scheduling are also critical components of a successful digital signage system. A good CMS should allow you to:

  • Create and edit content: A CMS should allow you to create and edit content easily, using a range of media types including images, videos and text. 
  • Schedule content: A good CMS should allow you to schedule content to play at specific times or on specific days. 
  • Monitor performance: A CMS should provide analytics and reporting tools that allow you to monitor the performance of your digital signage system. 

Creating effective digital signage displays that use the right messaging & content can take time, but the return can be significant. Whether you’re trying to attract new customers into your retail location, relay important information to employees, or showcase your deals & offers to customers in-store, there are huge benefits to crafting the right combination of design & messaging.

 

Benefits of Digital Signage

Enhanced Customer Experience

Digital signage is a useful tool for improving your customer experience by providing real-time updates, wayfinding, and targeted messaging. For example, in a retail environment, digital signage can be used to display promotions and product information, making it easier for customers to find what they’re looking for. It can also be used to display relevant information based on customer demographics, helping to create a more personalised experience.

Effective Communication and Branding

Digital signage can help you effectively communicate your brand messaging and improve your brand awareness. By using digital signage to display your brand identity and messaging, you can create a consistent brand experience across all of your locations.

Operational Efficiency and Analytics

Digital signage can help improve your operational efficiency by providing real-time updates and analytics. For example, digital signage can be used to display KPIs and other key metrics, making it easier for you to monitor your performance and make data-driven decisions. Companies will also often use digital signage to display real-time updates on inventory levels, which can help you & your team to manage your stock levels more effectively.

 

Implementing Digital Signage Solutions

When it comes to implementing digital signage solutions, there are a few key factors to consider. By taking a strategic approach, you can ensure that your digital signage is effective and delivers results.

Strategic Placement and Content Creation

One of the most important aspects of implementing digital signage is strategic placement. You need to make sure that your digital signage is located in a place where it will be seen by your target audience. This could be in a public space like a shopping centre, your company’s head office, an educational or healthcare facility (if used for wayfinding), or more.

Alongside targeting a  strategic placement, you also need to consider your content creation. Your signage content should always aim to be engaging, informative, and visually appealing. Most businesses will use multimedia content, interactive displays, live feeds, and more to grab attention and convey their message effectively. By creating content that truly resonates with your target audience, you can increase engagement and drive results.

Integration with Technology and Interactivity

Another important aspect of implementing effective digital signage solutions is integration with the right technology. This could include touchscreen displays, menu boards, video walls, and more. By integrating your digital signage with technology, you can create a more interactive and engaging experience for your audience.

As well as having the right technology in place, you also need to consider interactivity. Interactive digital signage can be used to create games, provide patient communication in healthcare facilities, and more. By creating interactive content, you can increase engagement and create a more memorable experience for potential customers.

Flexibility and Remote Management

You need to be able to easily update and manage your digital signage content, regardless of where you are located. This can be achieved through the use of remote management tools, sensors, and more. If you can easily and routinely update your signage content & displays then you can make sure that you’re always communicating the most up-to-date and effective messaging to your employees or customers.

 

If you need support with digital signage and ensuring you’re getting the best return for your investment, speak to the Smart Inc team today. With almost 20 years experience working with businesses across the UK we know exactly what your business needs to boost your marketing success. 

Contact us on info@smart-inc.co.uk or 01992 410 960 today.