What is a digital signage solution?
Widely adopted by businesses as a powerful marketing tool, digital signage is a centrally controlled system that presents digital content on one or more displays or screens. Projection, LED walls and LCD monitors are some examples of digital signage. Also known as electronic signage, digital signage is often visible in public spaces and retail stores. It relays information like news, menus, calendars and live weather, to name a few.
Though there are different digital signage solutions available in the industry, all are generally made up of the same basic components. Listed below are the five components of a complete digital signage solution:
1. Digital displays
Displays are required to implement digital signage solutions. Today, choosing and purchasing any form of display is made easy, even if some digital signage companies do not provide you with any. You may choose from a wide range of digital displays such as TV screens and video walls. Majority of digital signage solutions support any resolution of HDMI-equipped digital displays.
2. Digital signage player
It is the “hardware” that delivers content to a digital display. Content is fetched through most digital signage players connected to the internet. If the player is not linked to the internet store, your content will be kept in the hard drive. On the contrary, if a cloud-based solution is adopted, the player will retrieve your content stored on the internet. The content is accessible via the internet through a web-based content management system. You may either use the player provided by digital signage companies or purchase it yourself.
3. Content management system (CMS)
Making up the software portion of digital signage solutions, this “back end” platform manages and configures your content, allowing you to control what is being displayed on your screen. Real-time updates, multiple user accounts, and content scheduling are some of the many features offered in a CMS. If you adopt a cloud-based digital signage solution, your CMS will be complemented with an online interface for remote accessing.
4. Content
Content is what you present on your displays. It can come in different forms, from social media feeds, videos, images, to directories. Content is the most impactful component that enables you to communicate with your audience.
5. User
As a user, you are in charge of the management and customisation of content to be presented through digital signage solutions.
What is digital signage content?
Digital signage content captures the attention of the public and helps businesses to convey branding information. It can be customised in real time through integrations with back office systems. You may easily arrange your branding content into layout templates to create an appealing presentation.
Engaging content plays an essential role in disseminating information. There are factors to be taken into account in order to create insightful digital signage content for your target audience.
Here are the 8 tips to take note of successful digital signage content creation.
1. Focus on the timing
If you present your content through a slideshow-type screen with scrolling images, slow down the timing so that your audience can access and digest the information. It is recommended for each screenplay time to be less than 7 seconds.
2. Use impactful visuals
Add dynamic text and images to make your content stand out. If you are using brand imagery, make sure the usage of the brand icon is consistent with other media.
3. Use clear and simple text
Black-and-white text should be used for optimal legibility, while colours can be introduced through headlines and images. Avoid using all capitals for your text because this would come across as aggressive.
4. A call to action
Always include a call to action. You may start it with a verb and keep it close with the subject.
5. Minimise the use of motion
Keep movements and motions to a minimum as too much graphical effects may distract your audience from your core message. Key features should remain static and use a logo or text box as a grounding point on the screen.
6. Content control
Leveraging digital signage with remote management capabilities enables your content to be updated anywhere. Web browsers, social components and custom insertion are some of the additional digital signage features offered by digital signage companies today.
7. Variety of content
Ensure a wide variety of content depending on the proposed use and the location of your digital signage. Making use of videos, advertisements, new headlines and stock updates is a great way to maximise your digital signage.
8. Messaging
When delivering a message through digital signage content, the use of rhyme and alliteration can create an impression and retain audience attention. Clear and concise messages work better because they can be easily absorbed.
Deemed as an effective, new-generation interactive marketing means, digital signage enables businesses to create value for their brand by incorporating digital interactions that customers desire.
At Big Image Group, we provide high-quality signages to help you garner more clients in the long run. Contact us today to boost your brand image.