One of the most commonly asked questions regarding digital signage – especially from business owners who have just been introduced to it – is ‘’what is the signage cost for business?''
Similarly, a second recurring question is whether or not digital signage is more expensive or yields a higher ROI than traditional print media.
These are both excellent questions that are well worth answering.
In this guide, we’ll be discussing the answers to both, as well as:
- What digital signage is
- The benefits of investing in digital signage
- What you need to get started using digital signage
- How to get started using digital signage for your business
Let’s dive in!
What exactly is digital signage?
Digital signage (or electronic signage) refers to the display technologies such as TVs, LEDs or video walls – essentially any type of projection or monitor – that is designed to display content.
The purpose of digital signage varies by industry but can involve elements of entertainment, education, marketing, customer service, wayfinding and more.
However, the main aim is usually to engage with the customers in a way that’s both entertaining and valuable.
But as great as this all sounds, you may be wondering what makes digital signage so different from other solutions. What’s the hyper about?
And as a business owner, you’re probably also asking – how exactly does digital signage benefit my business?
Great question. Let’s explore some of the key benefits.
What value does digital signage bring to a business?
There are a variety of ways digital signage impacts your business, from attracting customers, revenue generation and the freedom to show valuable and impactful content.
Here are some key ways digital signage can add value to your business:
Improve your customers’ recall rates
Have you ever been on the phone with the agent of a brand, and somehow they feel the need to tell you all about their special offers and discounts?
It is usually a lot and, unfortunately, the attention span of an average human being is just 8 seconds.
No doubt, there are probably a lot of things you’d like your customers to know about your business. It may be your special sales, offers, discounts, new available stock, etc.
When you cram all of that info into the traditional posters, flyers and static media, you risk losing the attention of your customers.
Digital signage that uses videos and slides is not only 43% more persuasive than print content, but customers are more likely to remember messages communicated through videography.
Increase exposure and brand awareness
Branding is an essential part of any business, and as a business owner, you get to decide the kind of way or angle you’d like your brand to be identified with.
The problem with that is it's not about you, and it is not actually up to your brand for people to resonate and connect with it.
It all depends on the channels and methods you use to portray your brand.
So your brand may be one of the best. You may have a grass-to-grace story that can touch the customers and appeal to their emotions. But if you don’t find creative ways to communicate that to the customers, then they’re unlikely to remember it — let alone return to your business.
This is one of the most interesting things about digital signage. Visual aids through catchy videos and slides are scientifically more catchy than static content.
Creating a brand message that people resonate with is directly linked to an increase in sales, with 13% of people stating they would buy 50% more if they resonated with a brand.
The power to display effective custom marketing campaigns is one of the best and most effective ways you can use digital signage to promote brand awareness.
Converting wait time to money for your business
Nobody likes waiting. And a waiting room with nothing to do? That can make waiting even more of a chore.
With digital signage, you can strategically place screens in your waiting room, lobby, or even store to help prevent customers from getting bored while they wait for your service.
Whether it’s a LED menu display in a restaurant, an entertainment channel on view as customers stand in line in a store, or motivating and educational content in a gym’s lobby, digital signage is a great way to keep customers engaged and interested while they’re inactive.
If you’re offering a product, then it’s key to know that the more time customers spend in your venue, the more likely they are to buy more.
Optimizing on waiting time can be a great strategy since your customers are not otherwise occupied, and can give your content or campaigns their full attention.
The real cost of digital signage for business
Image source: UPshow
Here we are – the question of cost.
The short answer to this is that like almost every other element of a business, there is no one-size fits-all regarding digital signage cost for business.
The cost implication here depends on your industry, the category of customers you’re targeting and even the location or size of your place of business.
However, here’s a list of what you’ll need to get started:
- TV screens or digital displays
- Media player(s) (if your screen doesn’t connect to the internet)
- Digital signage software (such as UPshow)
- Content to display
There’s a lot more than meets the eyes in digital signage, so you’ll need the right digital signage partner to help you achieve your goals.
The success of any digital signage campaign is in the excellence of its execution.
How to get started with digital signage with UPshow
Step 1: Install your screens
The first step is to ensure you have the right screens set up for your digital signage needs. You could utilize existing TV screens, add new ones, or invest in smart screens. There’s a variety of choices to pick from, but the main thing is to consider what your goals are for integrating digital signage into your business, and then make sure that the screens you choose will help you achieve this.
Typically, you’ll want the screens to be large enough to be easily visible and positioned so that they are viewable from all areas of your business.
Step 2: Connect UPshow’s software to your screens
Next, you’re going to want to connect your UPshow digital signage software to the screens.
This is easy to do whether you’re using a screen with a direct internet connection or whether you’re connecting to the internet via a media player.
Details on the connection process are included during the sign-up process for UPShow, and our experts will be on hand to help you every step of the way.
Step 3: Start showing your custom content
Now you’re ready to start showing your content! Whether you want to entertain, educate, or share campaigns with your customers, UPshow has the tools you need for the job.
Offering over 500 channels including news, sports, viral content and entertainment, as well as games, music, live streaming, and social media integration, you can rest assured that your customers will be anything but bored.
Insert custom campaigns or educational content on your schedule, and experience the freedom of zero external advertising requirements. With UPshow, the power is truly in your hands to entertain your customers in whatever ways you want.
Step 4: Track your progress + make improvements
Finally, be sure to keep track of your progress by monitoring key metrics through our analytics offerings.
This can help you to iterate and improve on your content, taking your digital signage investment to the next level.
Looking to invest in a digital signage solution for your business?
If so, congratulations!
Investing in digital signage for your business is a great decision, and the right partner can help to ensure your digital signage investment goes that bit further.
Here at UPshow, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with a diverse range of features to help them achieve their digital signage goals with ease.
To experience the UPshow difference for yourself, reach out today to ask any lingering questions or to schedule a free, custom demo.
