What is Digital Signage?

Digital signage uses technology like (LED) video walls, projection displays, and LCD monitors to vividly display weather forecasts, websites, videos, directions, restaurant menus, advertisements, images and more.

This technology has transformed how businesses communicate with customers, employees and prospects, while also enhancing engagement and streamlining information dissemination. As the digital signage market continues to grow, its capabilities are evolving to connect, interact and pull content from diverse sources in real-time.

If you're considering this as a marketing and information solution for your business, you're probably asking yourself what makes it worth investing in, how it will improve your customers' experience and whether it is a good way to share information with your employees and representatives. 

Digital displays attract four times as many views compared to static displays. Additionally, the recall rate for digital advertising signage is 83%, which is twice as high as that of traditional advertising. If your business is service based and has a waiting area, placing digital screens that include queue-management information such as estimated waiting times in waiting areas can help lower anxiety, alleviate frustration and reduce the perceived wait time by as much as 35%.

In an era where 73% of people prefer to watch a short video to learn about a product or service, digital signage also allows a company to display video content in a space off social media. 

So how do you get started with digital signage? Let's talk about the components of setting up a system. 

At its core, digital signage consists of three key components: content, hardware, and software.

• Content includes videos, images, text and animations designed to engage your audience. Effective digital content can be personalized, localized or regionalized and is essential for capturing attention and conveying messages.
• Hardware refers to the physical devices used for display, such as televisions, screens and projectors. This equipment varies in size and type to meet different business needs.
• Software is the infrastructure that enables you to create, manage and analyze digital content, making it a crucial element in deploying a successful digital signage strategy.

Where Can I Use Digital Signage?

Digital signage can be implemented in a variety of settings, enhancing communication and customer interaction. Here are some common applications:

• Retail Stores: Showcase promotions, product information and advertisements to attract customers.
• Restaurants: Utilize digital menu boards and self-order kiosks to improve customer experience.
• Corporate Offices: Display internal communications, meeting schedules and wayfinding information.
• Educational Institutions: Use digital displays for teaching, announcements and event schedules.
• Public Spaces: Inform visitors about news, weather and local events.

You've also probably seen digital signage in healthcare waiting rooms, airports and salons. 

What Are My Options for Digital Signage Displays?

When considering digital signage, it is essential to choose the right display type for your needs. Depending on your budget, there are a multitude of options, including televisions, laptops and old tables. Other options include:

• LCD/LED Panels: Commonly used for static and dynamic content, and available in various sizes and resolutions.
• Interactive Touchscreens: Allow users to engage directly with content, ideal for kiosks and information centers.
• Projection Systems: Suitable for larger displays, such as presentations or events.
• Outdoor Displays: Designed to withstand weather conditions while showcasing advertisements or information.

How Do I Know Which Type of Digital Display Is Best for My Use Case?

Choosing the right display depends on various factors, including your target audience, location and intended message. Consider the following questions:

1. What content will you display?
2. Where will the displays be located?
3. How interactive do you want the experience to be?
4. What is your budget?

Assessing these aspects will help you select the most suitable digital signage solution for your business.

What is Digital Signage Software?

Once you've chosen where you want to display digital signage and what technology you want to use, the next step is to choose a software program to manage the content on your chosen digital displays. Digital signage software is the backbone of your signage system, enabling the creation and management of content. It should support multimedia formats including still images and video, allow for interactivity (if desired), and enable real-time integration with third-party data sources. Key functions of effective digital signage software include:

• Content Creation
• Content Management, Distribution and Scheduling
• Device/Player Management
• Performance Measurement

What Should I Expect from a Complete Digital Signage Solution?

A complete digital signage solution typically includes hardware, software and ongoing support. Expect the following components:

• Installation and Setup: Professional installation to ensure your system operates smoothly.
• Training: Guidance on using the software to manage and update content effectively.
• Ongoing Support: Assistance with troubleshooting and system maintenance.

However, hardware can be very expensive, especially if you plan to cover a lot of areas/locations. There are many digital signage solutions that integrate with third-party solutions, such as Amazon's Fire Sticks/TVs, Apply Play and more. These options can save time and money by integrating with technology that may already be available/on-site.

Why Digital Signage?

Digital signage offers numerous benefits for businesses, including:

How Can We Help

At AKC Marketing in Johnston, Iowa, we specialize in providing comprehensive digital signage solutions tailored to your business needs. Our expertise ensures that your digital displays are effective and engaging.

We offer a full range of services, including consultation and ongoing support for your digital signage needs. Our team will work closely with you to develop a strategy that aligns with your goals. We also employ a full-service graphic design department to support customer content creation. 

If you’re ready to elevate your business with digital signage, contact us! Let us help you create impactful visual communications that engage your audience and drive results. 

Get in touch by emailing content@akcmarketing.com.