Electronic signage has become ubiquitous in modern society, with screens and displays in retail stores, airports, hospitals, schools, and more. But what exactly is electronic signage, and how can it be used in businesses? In this article, we will explore the benefits, evolution, and future of electronic digital signage and provide tips on how to utilize it for your business.
What is Electronic Signage
Electronic or digital signage refers to LED and LCD displays strategically positioned to provide consumers, employees, and clients with valuable information. The technology consists of software to control the content and hardware to display the messages. Electronic digital signage can be seen indoors and outdoors, including heavy usage in restaurants, hotels, airports, car dealerships, museums, and events.
While Electronic displays have been around for decades, recent advancements have made the technology incredibly accessible for small to medium-sized business owners.
The Evolution of Electronic Signage
Electronic signage has come a long way since its inception in the 1960s. From simple monochromatic displays to high-resolution, interactive screens, the technology has evolved significantly. With the internet’s proliferation and digital display technology advancements, electronic digital signage has become an integral part of modern communication.
First Generation
The first electronic displays were monochromatic and used cathode ray tubes (CRTs) to display text and simple graphics. These displays were used mainly in industrial and military settings and were not widely available to the general public.
Second Generation
The second generation of electronic digital signs saw the introduction of color displays and the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and liquid crystal displays (LCDs). These displays are larger and more widely available, making them more accessible for commercial use.
Electronic Signage Today
With the internet’s proliferation and digital display technology advancements, electronic display has become a fixture of everyday life. Today, electronic displays can be found in a variety of settings and can range from small, single displays to large, interactive systems.
The Benefits of Electronic Signage
Electronic or digital signage is an essential component of the modern consumer journey. Information readily available saves operators valuable time and can offer a substitute for tedious, repetitive tasks. Below are three of the most significant benefits of electronic signage.
- Customization: Digital signage allows you to seamlessly update and customize your content, ensuring that your message is always current and relevant.
- Engagement: With interactive features, digital signage can engage and inform your customers, increasing their overall experience and satisfaction.
- Increased efficiency. By providing clear and concise information, digital signage can streamline processes and reduce the need for human interaction, resulting in increased efficiency
How to Utilize Electronic Signage for Your Business
Implementing electronic displays can be a game changer for business owners. Providing consumers with valuable information will immediately improve the customer experience, increase employee efficiency, and drive sales.
Below are just a few of the many ways you can utilize electronic signage for your business:
- Wayfinding: Electronic display screen can provide directions and information to help customers navigate your business or facility.
- Customer service: Electronic signs can answer frequently asked questions and assist with customer inquiries.
- Push featured products or sales: Signage is an excellent way to present sales or products without being pushy.
- Communicate company messaging/values: 78% of consumers make purchasing decisions based on values; bring yours to the forefront with electronic digital signage.
- 3rd Party Advertising: Digital signage can provide additional revenue streams by advertising other companies.
The Deployment Process
The deployment process for electronic digital signage will vary depending on the size and scope of your project. The four most significant steps to consider include the following:
- Content: Determine your goals for your digital signage and develop a content strategy to achieve those goals. Create or source the content for your electronic signage, ensuring it is clear, concise, and relevant.
- Hardware: Choose a display that meets your needs and budget, including size, resolution, and interactivity. Consider any additional hardware needed, such as cables or speakers.
- Software: Select a platform to manage and update your digital signage content. Various options are available, including cloud-based software and on-premise solutions.
- Installation: Consider the installation process, including any necessary regulations or permits. Hire a professional to ensure the proper installation and setup of your digital signage.
How Much Does Electronic Signage Cost?
Most business owners agree that electronic signage will add value to their business; however, they have a misconception regarding cost. Recent technological advancements have made Displays and the software to manage content extremely affordable.
The total digital signage investment will depend on various factors, including the size and type of display, the complexity of the content, and the installation process. On average, electronic digital signage can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a small, single display to several thousand dollars for a more extensive, interactive system.
Upkeep and maintenance for even a complex system are relatively inexpensive, and thanks to new content management systems the operations can be done internally.
Investing in an electronic signage system does require upfront costs; however, the expense is quickly returned through immediate added value.
The Future of Electronic Signage
As technology continues to advance, the future of electronic digital signs looks bright. In the coming years, we can expect to see more sophisticated and interactive displays and virtual and augmented reality integration.
Final Words
Electronic signage is a powerful tool to engage, inform, and streamline processes for your business. With its ability to customize and update content, electronic signage can give your customers a dynamic and interactive experience.
If you’d like more information on how electronic digital signage can add value to your business, please sign up for a free 15-minute consultation. One of our experts can walk you through the entire process, from content management to installation.
You can learn more about NexSigns’ Digital Signage solution and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube to get the latest info on digital signage!
