What is Digital Signage? [How to Implement in Your Business?]

What is Digital Signage
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In a mall, you might have seen a bright screen showcasing the latest sales or billboards that change advertisements every few seconds on highways. This is the answer to your question, “What is Digital Signage?”. These billboards or screens are nothing but Digital Signage. 

Digital signage is a modern way of grabbing the attention of your target audience and sharing information.

Digital signage is also known as “digital screens” or “digital billboards,” which is an excellent way for businesses to communicate with their potential customers. 

In this tech-driven world, many businesses, such as coffee shops, restaurants, retail stores, and even corporate offices, are using digital screens to stand out. 

If you are running a business and don’t know what digital signage is, then this article is especially for you. 

In this blog, you will learn everything about electronic signage, including how it works, its advantages, and how it can help you achieve your business goals. We have also added some real-life examples to deepen your understanding.

So, let’s dive in!

What is Digital Signage System? [Simple Explanation]

Digital signage is a system that uses electronic screens to display information, advertisements, or any other content. These screens can be found in shopping malls, airports, restaurants, hospitals and even at small stores like coffee shops and food stalls.

Unlike traditional banners and posters, digital screens allow you to change the content in real-time with just a few clicks.

For example, a coffee shop can use a digital screen to highlight “special offers” or discounts. It will help coffee shops to communicate with their customers effectively and turn potential consumers into actual customers. 

Popular Types of Digital Signage

There are various types of digital signage or screens designed for multiple purposes. We have listed some of the most popular and effective digital signage that helps businesses grow more. 

Let’s have a look at them.

1. Outdoor Digital Billboard

These are the large digital screens placed in high-traffic areas, such as streets, and highways, and near transportation hubs. These billboards are generally expensive compared to other digital signage, but they are highly effective in attention-grabbing. 

Outdoor Digital Billboards are great for mass communication and large-scale advertising.

2. Indoor Digital Signage

The digital screens you see in malls, airports, offices, and gyms are only indoor digital signage. Their size ranges from smaller screens to large video walls. 

Nowadays, many retail businesses, such as Shoppers Stop or Lifestyle, use digital screws to display product offers, promotions, or seasonal collections.

3. Digital Menu Screens/ Boards

As the name suggests, Digital Menu screens are used by restaurants, cafes, and food courts to display menus, prices, and offers. You must have seen these digital menu boards at McDonalds or Burger King while ordering your food. 

You may have also noticed how cleanly these food chains display their extensive menu without clutter or jumble. If you operate a food business, consider installing digital menu boards.

4. Corporate Digital Signage

Corporate digital signage is typically used for internal communications or for displaying operational information by business organizations. It helps firms to keep their employees informed about projects, ensuring all the stakeholders are on the same page. 

In short, corporate digital signage is a great tool to reduce communication barriers and enhance a company’s overall performance.  Many business organizations also use digital screens to display employee achievements and team performance, improving the work environment and culture.

So, these are some of the types of widely used digital screens. Apart from these 4, there are also other types of digital signages, which include- Interactive Kiosks, Video Walls, Digital Window Displays, and Queue Management Displays. 

How Digital Signage Works? [For Non-Techie Business Owners]

If you’re not tech-savvy, don’t worry! Managing digital signage is way easier than you think. 

You can manage your digital signage using an SD card, Bluetooth connectivity, or custom solutions like coding or programming. 

However, the simplest and most effective way to manage digital signage is with Content Management System (CMS) software or digital signage software.

But what is CMS?

CMS is software that acts as the control hub where you can create, manage, and schedule content displayed on digital screens or billboards. It is like the brain of a digital signage system, enabling you to control what appears on their screens from a centralized platform.

With CMS, you can: – 

  • Upload images, videos, or text
  • Schedule content to play at specific times or days.
  • Customize layouts for different screens or locations.

Apart from this, you can monitor and update content anytime from anywhere. 

Let’s understand this with an example.

Imagine you have a gym with a digital screen in every corner, including the reception, workout zone, locker room, and lobby. With CMS, you can easily display various types of content on different screens such as  – 

  • Flash the sale of “50% off” for new members on the reception
  • Play motivational videos or music on the screens placed in the workout zone
  • Post hygiene tips, diet plans, or announcements on the locker room screen.

And the best part? You don’t need to hop around to update these screens. 

From one simple dashboard, you can control everything, ensuring every screen is synced with the vibe of your gym.

Digital Signage vs.Traditional Advertising: Why the Shift?

According to the ASDR report, businesses in India are moving from static posters to digital signage due to several compelling reasons. The major reason behind this new trend is digital signage’s advantages over traditional advertising. 

Here are some of the top advantages of digital/ electronic signage.

  • Cost-effective: Reduces long-term marketing costs.
  • Real-time Updates: Allow users to update content in real-time with just a few clicks
  • Eco-Friendly: Reduce paper waste or reprint every time you need an update.
  • Modern Appeal: Enhances brand perception with a professional, innovative look.
  • Better ROI: Drives sales, improves targeting, and allows for ad revenue generation.

Why Choose Acumen CMS for Your Digital/  Electronic Signage Needs?

Managing digital signage doesn’t have to be complicated, and that’s where Acumen CMS steps in. It doesn’t matter how big or small your business is or in which industry is your business operates, Acumen CMS is the solution for all.

With Acumen CMS, you can easily streamline your content management process, saving you time, energy, and money. 

Acumen is a trusted CMS software that helps businesses master their content game and achieve business goals. Coca-Cola, eClerx, Aditya Birla Capital, and Continental Coffee are some industry leaders who rely on Acumen CMS for their content needs. 

Key features of Acumen CMS 

  • User-Friendly Interface
  • Unlimited Customization
  • Live Data & API Integrations
  • Effortless Content Management
  • Efficient Location Management
  • Unlimited Scalability

Schedule a Demo Right Now to take your content or marketing game to the next level. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who uses digital signage?

Businesses, schools, hospitals, retail stores, and transportation hubs use digital signage to share dynamic information. It’s ideal for advertising, announcements, and enhancing customer engagement.

What is digital signage used for​?

Digital signage is used to display content such as advertisements, announcements, or menus on screens. It helps businesses improve customer engagement and communicate messages effectively.

What is the difference between digital signage and TV?

 Digital signage delivers customizable, scheduled content for engagement, while TVs primarily provide entertainment. Signage screens integrate with CMS for updates, unlike TVs designed for traditional broadcasting.