What is Digital Signage? How to Design and Display Content

A detailed guide on What is Digital Signage along with the various benefits, scope of use, types, design, and display processes to easily communicate with your audience:

Digitization is dominating our world and has more or less overtaken the marketing industry. The overwhelming use of digital signage across the globe stands as a testament to this trend.

Digital signage has gained a significant boost in popularity over this decade. It is hard to walk the streets of a city today and not find digital displays.

What is Digital Signage – Comprehensive Guide

They are everywhere. Almost many businesses and industries are now employing such signs to advertise their products or communicate with their audience.

The same report also claims that this value will further balloon to a whopping $26.1 billion by the year 2028. Digital signage is a rage today and many businesses correctly consider it to be one of the best ways to captivate their audience and prospects.

If you are running any business, it is in your best interest to know what digital signage entails and how you can implement it for immense benefit. In this article, I will explain what digital signage is, what its uses are, and how you can employ it to communicate with your audience.

So, without much further ado, let’s get started.

Understanding Digital Signage

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Digital Signage can simply be defined as a sort of electronic display that conveys a message to its viewer. This message is typically informative and serves as an advertisement for a business’s brand, product, and services. Technology like LCD screens, projections, LED walls, etc., digitally displays this message.

Unlike static signage, digital signage displays a message that is more interactive and dynamic. Digital signage isn’t something new and has been used for decades now.

However, it has evolved considerably from simple image displays to more advanced multi-media presentations. There is digital signage software out there today that simplifies the creation and management of digital signs at the behest of their users.

Benefits

Digital signage offers a wide range of benefits, especially for marketing and advertisements. Some of its most prominent uses are:

#1) Boosting Customer Satisfaction: Employing digital signage is hands-down the best thing a business can do to improve its customer’s experience. Thanks to digital signage, customers in a store don’t have to wait in long queues to get their questions answered by a staff member. They can simply rely on the signage for the information they need.

#2) Better Engagement: According to a recent report, it is estimated that LED advertising signs pull in about 1000 impressions for $0.15. Furthermore, digital signs have a recall rate of 83%. People are more likely to be attracted to a dynamic digital sign than its static counterpart.

This essentially means that digital signage leads to enhanced engagement. Enhanced engagement could lead to more sales, which means more profit.

#3) Trigger Impulse Purchases: If your digital signage is visually stunning and designed the right way, it could persuade a customer to make an unplanned purchase. According to one study, it was found that 84% of shoppers confessed to making an impulse purchase right after they saw a digital sign.

#4) Time-Saving: The sheer presence of digital signage in any store or business complex can make the lives of both employees and customers very easy. For instance, digital signage can display relevant information in a retail store.

This means employees don’t have to waste time relaying this information to each customer walking through their store’s threshold.

Core Components

A typical digital signage system comprises various components, each working seamlessly with the other to produce and display content.

These components are as follows:

#1) Display Screens

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This entails physical screens, which will be used to display the digital sign. LCD panels, projection screens, and LED displays are good examples of display screens commonly used for digital signage.

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#2) Media Players

Media players playback content on display screens. These devices can either be standalone hardware or come pre-integrated with the display screen.

#3) Content: What is a digital signage system without content? Content lies at the very center of digital signage and takes a life of its own in the form of text, images, videos, and real-time data feeds.

#4) Connectivity: A strong network connection is essential for a robustly functioning digital signage system. Reliable internet connections can make the task of updating content and monitoring their status very simple.

#5) Content Management System and Digital Signage Software: If display screens and media players were the brawns behind a solid digital signage system, a CMS system is the brain bolstering the entire operation. CMS solutions like WordPress have long been used by various businesses to create, schedule, and manage their content.

On the other hand, we also have software today that is specifically designed to streamline the creation and management of digital signage. A good example of this would be the easy-to-use, cloud-based Yodeck digital signage software. I’ll talk about this software in detail later on.

What is Digital Signage Hardware

Hardware here would refer to physical components that get used in the organization and display of digital signage. It is impossible to have a digital signage system that works without proper hardware components.

This hardware could entail the following:

• Display screens like LCD, LED, Projections
• Content players that are responsible for rendering content
• Media players that support various media formats
• Connectivity devices like HDMI, and DisplayPort
• Sensors and Cameras
• Audio equipment like amplifiers and speakers

Now that you know what digital signage entails and what components it comprises, let’s understand what it takes to create compelling digital signage content.

Tips on How to Design and Display Digital Signage for Your Business

Designing digital signage is a creative endeavor. You need to remember that the core purpose of digital signage is to capture the attention of your prospects. So when you are designing digital signage content, keep certain factors like location, objective, and target audience in mind.

Further Reading => Top Corporate Digital Signage Solutions

How to Design Digital Signage That’s Compelling

#1) Acknowledge your Target Audience: First and foremost, identify who your audience is. This will help you create content that is guaranteed to resonate with them. When crafting a message, understand the preferences, behaviors, and demographics of your core audience. Doing so will help you tailor content that specifically appeals to your audience.

#2) Keep the Message Concise: Digital Signage is supposed to grab your audience’s attention on the go. You need to keep your message restricted to a few words and images. Make sure you are using language that is clear and makes its points. Your message must be accompanied by relevant visuals.

#3) Use Quality Visuals: When it comes to digital signage, the visual appeal of your content is fundamental. I highly recommend using high-definition videos and images to breathe life into your digital sign. Use vibrant colors without any hesitation. Also, make use of fonts and colors that can grab the attention of your reader even from a distance.

#4) Leverage Animation: As I said before, people are attracted to signage that is dynamic rather than static. So try to incorporate animation into your digital signs. However, try to be modest with the animation you implement. Anything flashier might overshadow the message you are trying to convey.

#5) Maintain Your Brand’s Image: Digital signage is ultimately an extension of your brand’s identity. So it only makes sense to have the digital signage reflect your brand’s identity in both aesthetics and messaging. Ensure the sign features the colors, fonts, and design that you want associated with your brand.

#6) Context Matters: The content displayed in a retail store will differ from the content displayed in a hospital’s waiting room. Context matters. You need to tailor content based on the location where it will be displayed and the purpose it needs to serve.

#7) Incorporating Interactivity: It is quite common today for major fast-food chains to have touchscreen displays that customers can interact with. Such displays and content do a great job of boosting engagement and customer satisfaction. So if you can, try to incorporate interactive elements like apps and QR codes with your digital sign to make it even more compelling.

#8) Test before Deployment: Once you’ve designed your content, it is important to test it in the environment where it will eventually be displayed. Pay heed to visibility, lighting, and viewing angles. Deploy the sign if everything seems fine.

How to Display Digital Signs Efficiently

Creating digital signs is just one aspect of the puzzle. Once you have good content, you’ll need to work on how to display it effectively.

Here are a few things you can keep in mind for the best results:

#1) The Location: Where your digital sign is placed will matter a lot. Pay heed to factors like foot traffic, potential points of obstructions, and sightlines. I would suggest placing your display screen at eye level to ensure everyone in your store can see and read the sign.

#2) The Lighting: Lighting inside or outside your business premises will affect the visibility of your content. Try to adjust the contrast and brightness of your display screen accordingly. If you are placing the display screen outdoors, then consider the effect sunlight can have on its visibility.

#3) Content Scheduling: The content you create must be scheduled in an organized manner so it can be displayed at the right time. Scheduling content is very easy with digital signage software like Yodeck. This software will ensure that your content is displayed in a timely fashion during the right event.

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#4) Hardware Quality: The display screen you use will considerably influence the quality and visibility of your digital sign. I would strongly advise investing in good-quality hardware, something that offers optimal color production and high-resolution picture quality. These screens will be placed where the foot traffic is unusually high. So make sure they are durable.

#5) Data Source Integration: A very effective way to grab and hold your audience’s attention is by offering dynamic content in real-time. This is possible if you have a digital signage system that integrates with popular data sources. These data sources could be weather updates, social media feeds, etc.

#6) Monitoring the Displays: Once you have the displays up and running, you’ll need to supervise them frequently to ensure everything being displayed is accurate. You can have a dedicated staff to ensure your digital signage displays function properly.

Alternatively, you can take a hassle-free approach to remote monitoring of displays by using digital signage software like Yodeck.

How to Design and Display Content Using Digital Signage Software

In today’s day and age, you don’t have to employ time-consuming tactics to create digital signage and have them published. There is dedicated software that can do the job for you. One such software would be Yodeck.

About Yodeck

=> Read Through Yodeck Detailed Review Here

Yodeck makes the task of creating digital signage very simple. The software empowers you to manage digital signage across multiple screens in multiple locations remotely from your personal computer or mobile. You sign up for the service, customize your display sign, and push the content to the screen when done.

You can schedule the content so it can be displayed automatically on a specified date and time. You can even create playlists to create digital signage that runs on a loop with relevant information.

How to Create Content using Yodeck:

#1) Sign up and create your Yodeck account.

#2) The registration will grant you access to Yodeck’s online portal.

#3) Get the Yodeck media player and plug it into your screen. The player comes pre-configured and will connect to your Yodeck account automatically once plugged in.

#4) Navigate to the layout section and choose a template you deem fit for the digital signage you wish to display.

#5) Once done, you can customize this template by adding text, images, video, audio, and more elements.

#6) You can also adjust the aspect ratio of your signage.

#7) Once done, click save and hit the “Push to Players” button. Your content will now be displayed on the display screen connected to the Yodeck portal.

Must-Have Features

Yodeck isn’t the only digital signage software out there that can help you create and manage displays. However, there are numerous options out there, enough to overwhelm anyone.

So if you do encounter digital signage software that you find interesting, I would suggest looking for the following must-have features:

#1) Remote Management: The software must allow you to manage digital signs remotely. The software should allow you to manage signs across multiple display screens with ease. You should be able to remotely troubleshoot any issue found or stop the display if you wish.

#2) Custom Layout Templates: Templates save you a lot of time and effort. With these templates, you’ll be able to create and customize the layout of your digital signage to serve varying purposes.

#3) Royalty-Free Media: The software should feature a sizeable gallery of royalty-free images, videos, and audio files that you can add to your digital signage with just a single click.

#4) Scheduling: The software should facilitate seamless content scheduling. Once created, you should have no issue with when and at what time particular digital signage will be displayed.

#5) Playlists: The software should make it very simple to create playlists and manage them. It should be easy to sequence the content to be displayed.

How to Find a Digital Signage Solution

Besides features, there are other things you should look out for to make the right decision regarding digital signage software. They are as follows:

#1) Media Support: Make sure your software supports a wide range of formats. It should have no issue handling images, video, audio, web feeds, and other multimedia elements.

#2) CMS: Every digital signage solution needs a robust content management system. This system ensures seamless organization, scheduling, and publishing of digital signage content.

#3) Design Tools: I would suggest going with software that makes customization very simple. For this reason, go for a tool that offers drag-and-drop interfaces. They should offer a plethora of customization options to make the task of creating digital signage very simple.

#4) Scalability: Scalability is crucial when establishing a digital signage system. You should have no problem from 1 to multiple screens with your digital signage software as your business grows.

#5) Compatibility: Go for software compatible with your computer’s OS and display screens of all types. It should be compatible with projections, LED, LCD, and other types of hardware.

#6) Cost: Opt for digital signage software that is reasonably priced. Many tools offer flexible subscription plans that cater to businesses of all sizes and types. Some even offer a free trial and demo of the tool. Make sure the tool is worth the price it demands.

Applications

Digital signage serves a wide range of purposes for a diverse range of industries. Here are a few examples of Digital Signage at play:

#1) Retail

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Retail stores are fertile ground for the display of digital signage. Retailers use it for promotions, advertisement, and other informative purposes. The retail stores we find today are also using interactive screens that can be used by customers for virtual try-ons and product browsing.

#2) Entertainment

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Digital signage has played an instrumental role in bolstering the entertainment industry. Digital signage is common in sports events, theaters, and concerts. Show organizers use digital signs to enhance the overall experience of their attendees.

#3) Healthcare

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In hospital and clinic settings, digital signage can help with queue management, navigation, and patient education. These signs are typically placed in waiting rooms and can be used to convey appointment reminders, real-time updates, and health tips.

#4) Education

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Colleges and schools use digital signage for efficient communication within campuses. Digital signs can serve as campus maps, display event schedules, and broadcast important announcements. Such signage has become an integral part of America’s educational institutions.

#5) Transportation

Digital signage plays a critical role in airports and railway stations. Through these displays, transportation hubs can keep travelers informed about arrivals, departures, and delays in real-time. Digital signs can also function as wayfinding maps for passengers as well.

#6) Hospitality

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Many hotels, restaurants, and especially fast food chains use digital signage to communicate with their guests. It is very common to find display screens displaying menus and promotions in eateries today. Most hotels also use it to inform their guests about events, amenities, and local attractions.

Different Types of Digital Signage

As you can tell by now, digital signage comes in various forms to serve various purposes. Here are a few prominent examples you can find easily:

#1) Wayfinding Signage: This type of signage is commonly found in airports, railway stations, and even shopping malls. They display directions, maps, and other information that makes navigation easy.

#2) Healthcare Signage: This type of signage is found in hospitals and clinics. They display patient information, appointment wait times, and health tips.

#3) Menu Boards: Digital signage is a mainstay of restaurants and fast-food chains. The display here involved dynamic menu items, promos, and rates. People today can also interact with these menu boards and place an order for food without actually interacting with the staff.

#4) Educational Digital Signage: Colleges and schools employ digital signage as wayfinding maps or to display crucial announcements to students and staff members.

#5) Transportation Signage: These are also signage found on airports, railways, and bus stations. They display information on arrivals, departures, and delays in real-time.

#6) Digital Posters: Digital Posters are often used by retailers and movie halls to display dynamic art and promotional content.

#7) Interactive Kiosks: Touchscreen interactivity is becoming more common with each passing day. You can find such kiosks at transportation hubs, retail stores, and even eateries.

#8) Trade Show Displays: These signage are used by exhibitors to display their message related to product demonstrations, interactive content, and promo videos.

Future of Digital Signage Software

Amidst the rapidly digitizing landscape of today, the possibilities for digital signage software seem endless and exciting. For starters, we could see interactivity becoming the new norm with more displays employing touch-screen technology. You can also expect digital signage to interact more seamlessly with IoT tech.

Both AI and ML will play a significant role in optimizing the display of content. You can expect smart algorithms to help in adjusting content and automating various aspects of content creation. Furthermore, we could see AR and VR tech gaining prominence as well. This could lead to digital signage delivering a considerably more immersive experience.

Display technology is also expected to become more advanced. We could see foldable screens and transparent displays being used more widely shortly. The employment of voice and facial recognition could also help with personalized advertising.

You can also expect internet connectivity to improve considerably as well. This could lead to seamless content updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

As modern communication continues to evolve, digital signage has emerged as an effective tool for advertisement and marketing. Everyone from retailers to healthcare professionals is now using digital signage to grab the attention of their audiences with great success.

That said, digital signage will only have its desired impact if designed appropriately. It is a creative endeavor that demands a cerebral approach. I suggest you know your audience, keep the message concise, incorporate high-quality visuals, and optimize the content to create compelling digital signage.

If you adhere to the suggestions and tips I’ve provided above, you’ll have no issue creating a digital sign that captivates, informs, and engages your audience. If you are still confounded with the prospect of creating a digital sign, I would suggest you opt for digital signage software.

Currently, Yodeck would be my number one option. This cloud-based software is affordable and easy to use.