Digital signage is a form of electronic signage that uses display technologies such as LCD, LED, projection, and more to display information to passersby. This information can be fixed, such as a restaurant menu or business hours, or static, such as the weather report for a surf shop or a greeting that changes in front of a school.
Digital signs can be found in a myriad of public spaces, including train stations, sports stadiums, stores, hotels, restaurants, and even office spaces. The beauty of digital signs is that they can be easily changed, making them cost-effective. Although the initial installation costs might be higher than for a traditional sign, you can think of it as a one-time cost — you pay upfront for a sign you can update endlessly. You will never need temporary signage again!
Where to Use Digital Signage
Digital signage has a wide range of business applications, from enhancing the customer experience to alerting people to the status of their reservations.
Restaurants
Digital signage is becoming increasingly common in restaurants. Menus can be displayed simply yet beautifully on the wall. This is particularly useful for bar or appetizer menus — you can even use them to display daily or weekly specials, thanks to their constantly updating nature! In drive-through situations, digital signs are often used in pre-ordering and ordering kiosks.
Restaurant signage can also enhance profits. According to one survey, over 20% of restaurant operators experienced a 5% increase in sales after adding digital signage to their businesses.
Malls and Shopping Centers
Digital signage is incredibly important for wayfinding. Shopping centers use digital displays to display their directories or maps. Allow your customers to navigate their shopping experience more seamlessly by guiding them through an interactive touchscreen.
Additionally, these signs can be adapted to display local events or sales, enhancing traffic to individual stores. Furthermore, they are often made interactive through touch screens to add to the hype around the event or sale being advertised.
Hotels
Hotel lobbies have adapted to modern times by using digital signage as virtual concierges. Guests can skip the line and check in virtually, or even order room service virtually.
And because conference room usage is flexible, digital signage could be used in hotels to help guests find the proper location for their conference or event.
Education
Educational institutions use digital signage extensively. In primary schools, cafeterias display the day’s lunch menus, or outside signs boast high attendance counts.
Universities are using these options even more, with digital signage installed throughout campus. The University of Minnesota, for example, has installed more than 300 digital signs throughout its campus that can be updated in real time.
Why use digital signage?
Digital signs have the power to make your life, as well as the lives of your clients, easier. As we all know, creating a seamless client experience increases customer satisfaction and ultimately increases repeat business. In short, better signs can lead to more revenue for any business!
Interactivity
Interactive digital signage goes a step beyond visual displays. Some signs are even so high-tech that users can interface with them by connecting to smartphones! Users can send text messages to displays or use Bluetooth to interact with a digital map displayed on a sign. Rather than having a single sign that users take a photo of or remember for future use, you can provide real-time feedback through digital signs.
Adaptability
Many digital signs can be programmed to adapt to their surroundings. High-tech LED screens can offer users an experience that changes colors based on the time of day or the brightness of a given location. This can enhance user experience and increase the overall appeal of the location.
Elevated Look
Digital signage elevates curb appeal, making a business look sleek and modern. By eschewing traditional signs in favor of ever-evolving digital signage, a business will demonstrate a commitment to progress.
How do I house digital signage?
Although digital signs can be housed sleekly on their own, businesses often consider monument signs to enhance the look of their digital signage. Monuments are freestanding signs that are usually situated on the ground. They may be crafted in the same architectural style or made from materials similar to those of the building where they are located, which helps create a consistent look for a business.
Get Custom Digital Signage from Starfish
Reach out to Starfish Signs today for custom, digital signs to promote your business. We are proud to offer custom, high-quality work tailored to your specifications. Our designers and project managers are pleased to help with the project from start to finish, including design, city permitting, fabrication, installation, and programming. Reach out today. We’d love to hear from you!