Is Digital Signage Worth the Investment?
Wikipedia defines digital signage as “A sub-segment of electronic signage. Digital displays use technologies such as LCD, LED, projection, and e-paper to display digital images, video, web pages, weather data, restaurant menus, or text.” In short, you can network just a couple of displays to thousands of displays that can be remotely managed with the objective of connecting, engaging, and informing your customers both on and off-premise.
Digital signage can be found all around you, taking on many uses. But according to Digital Signage Certified Experts, it consists of the following concepts:
- Replacing a static sign with an “electronic” display can present dynamic messages, either singly or in multiples, connected to a network either wired or wireless.
- The capability of management in real-time, distributing, and adapting or altering content as required.
- Digital signage may feature interactivity, as well as collecting and analyzing data about the viewers.
- Digital signage may include mobile applications.
What’s the difference between digital signage and a TV displaying images or videos? Simply put, a lot. Digital signage comes with content management software (CMS) that allows you to control the content remotely, from anywhere at any time, plus, allows you to schedule the content at the right time to speak to a particular audience. A TV displaying images and video can be run by a USB stick and requires you to pick up the device, change the content, and reconnect to the TV. Not only is this not efficient, but it can also be quite time-consuming.
Common Uses and Applications
Digital signage helps you connect and engage with your customers. No matter what industry you’re in, there’s an excellent use for digital signage.
The options and uses for digital signage are endless.
- Retail – Grab your customers’ attention and influence purchasing decisions where they are shopping.
- Government or Public Facilities – From state licensing departments to public transportation facilities deliver information quickly and clearly to your visitors.
- Healthcare – Whether you’re a small clinic or a large hospital, it’s never been easier to communicate with patients and staff.
- Education – From emergency notifications to sporting event scores, communicate quickly and effectively with your entire campus.
- Corporate and/or Manufacturing – Communicate with employees and visitors from the lobby to the factory floor.
- Hospitality – From advertising to menu boards and video walls, connect and engage with your customers where it matters the most.
The Benefits
Just like with most advertising channels, you get what you put into it. Digital signage can deliver a significant return on your investment and in a quick manner when you set objectives. Read more about the benefits of digital signage and the many ways it will pay off here.