Digital signage is completely changing the way businesses engage their customers and build brand image. From small retail shops to many multinational companies, everyone is switching to electronic signage to improve the efficiency of their operations.
Many business owners like you want to install digital signage displays to improve their overall business performance. But one question many business owners have is:
“What does digital signage cost, and is it worth the investment?”
If you are struggling with this same question, then this article is specifically for you.
In this blog, we will dive deeper into the cost components of digital signage. We will also try to understand the factors that affect pricing and show you how it can deliver a strong ROI for your business.
So, let’s dive in!
Digital Signage Cost Breakdown
The cost of electronic/digital signage is not fixed, it heavily depends on your business’s size, goals, and needs. Still, there are 4 main cost components which include,
- Hardware
- Software
- Installation
- Maintenance
For all small and large business owners, understanding these 4 components in detail is important as they are the key factors that affect digital signage cost. By understanding these components, you can budget effectively for your electronic signage project.
Let’s understand each component one by one.
Key Factors Impacting Digital Signage Costs
1. Hardware
Hardware includes various components such as displays or screens, mounting equipment, and media players. High-resolution LCD or LED screens can vary in price depending on their size and quality. For small businesses, a single-screen digital signage setup may cost between 25,000 to 50,000 rupees. Larger setups for malls and corporate offices range between 2,00,000 to 5,00,000 rupees.
Touch screen displays or interactive kiosks cost way higher as compared to other digital screens.
Mounting equipment is used to ensure the stability, visibility, and safety of digital signage screens. Wall mounts, stands, or ceiling mounts may add a few thousand rupees to your bill.
Also, you will need media players to power the content on your screen. You can get entry-level media players under 15,000 rupees; advanced media players may cost you around 40 to 50 thousand rupees. With advanced players you can get features like 4K streaming, increasing the quality of your content game.
2. Installation
The installation process includes labor, site preparation, and integration with existing systems. Installation charges depend on the size or scale of your order. Small cafes or restaurants needing a basic setup of single-screen digital signage may cost Rs. 9000/-.
If you are planning for multi-screen digital signage such as video walls or outdoor digital signage, you’ll need professional expertise. This may involve structural adjustments, electrical wiring, or even securing permits for outdoor installations.
For instance, a restaurant chain looking to install outdoor electronic billboards across various locations in a city might spend anywhere between ₹50,000 and ₹2 lakh on installation alone.
Similarly, specialized setups like touchscreens or interactive kiosks require precise calibration and can add to the labor charges.
Complex environments, wiring, power supply upgrades, or structural adjustments may add to installation expenses. May incur higher expenses.
3. CMS Software
Software is the most important part of your digital signage system. CMS software is like the brain of the system, as it allows you to create, schedule, and publish the content on your digital screen.
Many CMS providers charge a subscription fee. Compare pricing models carefully—some offer annual plans, while others charge monthly.
There are numerous CMS or digital signage solution providers in India with cheap subscription plans. But if you want advanced features like cloud management and multi-location management then look no further than Acumen CMS.
Acumen CMS has a user-friendly interface, allowing you to easily manage your content game even if you don’t have any technical background. Plus, limitless customization, live data, and API Integrations are some of the key features of Acumen CMS.
The subscription plan of Acumen CMS starts from Rs. 700 per month only, which is one of the most affordable options in the market. Also, you can create custom advanced plans according to your business needs and goals.
4. Ongoing Maintenance
The backbone of a successful digital signage system would be ongoing maintenance. It ensures that your investment continues to deliver results without any unexpected hiccups.
Often considered an afterthought, maintenance could make a huge difference between the lifespan and performance of your digital signage, thus being part of the overall cost.
For instance, updating software is a part of general maintenance. A good CMS will periodically update for functionality, security, and compatibility. Updates are crucial to ensure the smooth running of your displays without technical glitches.
Most CMS service providers include updates in their packages, while others charge extra fees, which may range between ₹1,000 and ₹5,000 per annum, depending on the provider and feature.
Hardware repair and replacement is also an important aspect. Components of digital signage, including screens and media players, are bound to wear and tear, especially in busy environments like retail stores or transportation hubs.
For example, a screen used for 16–24 hours a day may suffer from pixel burnout, backlight failure, or connectivity issues at some point in time. The cost of repair of such issues can be as low as ₹5,000 to ₹20,000, while replacement can cost much more.
Ongoing maintenance also includes support services. Many providers offer customer support as part of their service package, allowing troubleshooting help whenever needed. Such services will save time and ensure that the system is operational, thereby preventing downtime.
Support costs can be bundled into CMS subscriptions or charged separately on a per-incident or annual basis, usually costing ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 for comprehensive plans.
ROI on the Installation of Digital Signage
When considering digital signage for your business, understanding the return on investment (ROI) is just as important as knowing the upfront costs.
Digital signage isn’t just an expense—it’s a tool that can drive sales, enhance customer engagement, and streamline operations, ultimately offering significant returns over time.
According to Screencom, dynamic displays showcasing daily specials can boost customer engagement by up to 30% for small businesses, such as cafés or boutiques.
For small to medium-sized businesses like restaurants or retail stores, ROI would come in terms of customer experience and efficiency in operations. Digital menu boards can hasten the service time since customers can view options faster and decide on them quickly.
In the same way, promotional displays can feature seasonal products or combos, leading to a higher average order value. Businesses have experienced up to a 20% increase in customer satisfaction scores after the installation of digital signage.
For example, McDonalds installed digital menus or digital signage kiosks and saw a 3.5 % increase in sales and a 12% reduction in customer complaints.
Large-scale businesses, whether malls or corporate offices, find brand reinforcement and even save on cost.
Instead of constantly printing promotional materials or posters, digital signage permits the update of content instantly and, of course, at a considerable cost savings.
Further, interactive displays of malls or showrooms have been known to attract customers, helping make their shopping experience enjoyable and memorable.
Digital signage also has indirect returns in the form of improved efficiency of employees. In warehouses or manufacturing units, digital signs can be used for up-to-date information, safety instructions, or performance metrics.
Finally, digital signage provides long-term returns on investment. Properly maintained, a digital signage system can last from 5 to 10 years, providing continuous returns.
When calculated over the operational life of the signage, returns from increased sales, reduced costs, and increased customer engagement far outweigh the investment.
Why Acumen CMS is a Complete Solution for Your Signage Needs
When it comes to digital signage CMS software, no one comes closer to our Acumen CMS. It is packed with modern and advanced technology specially designed for Indian Businesses.
Many large and multi-national business organizations such as Coca-Cola, Continental Coffee, and eClerx trust Acumen CMS for their content management game.
Acumen CMS range of Digital signage for your business needs
- Customizable Solutions: Whether you’re running a small store or a multi-location enterprise, Acumen CMS scales to your needs.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easily manage and schedule content with an intuitive platform designed for Indian business owners.
- 24/7 Support: Enjoy peace of mind with dedicated customer support for troubleshooting and updates.
- Affordable Pricing: Get high-end features at budget-friendly rates, ensuring maximum ROI.
Acumen CMS is your trusted partner in leveraging digital signage for better business outcomes. We have installed more than 30,000 digital screens across 6,000 locations in India, helping businesses grow more and earn more.
Book a Demo Right Now to enhance customer experience and boost sales.
Conclusion
Digital signage is a mighty tool to elevate the business of your communication, branding, and efficiency. It may be highly priced, but with that breakdown and focusing on ROI, you will be more than confident about your investment. With solutions such as Acumen CMS, you can ensure that your digital signage strategy delivers measurable results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The cost ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹5 lakh, depending on hardware, installation complexity, and business size. Larger setups or outdoor signage may incur higher expenses.
Yes, digital signage enhances customer engagement, increases sales, and reduces operational costs. It’s a long-term investment offering measurable ROI for businesses of all sizes.
Yes, dynamic digital signage can boost sales by up to 30% by attracting attention, promoting offers effectively, and creating engaging customer experiences that drive conversions.
