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Read More >>Digital signage has become an innovative and powerful tool for communication and engagement. However, it goes beyond being just cool new technology; the best digital signage systems empower your business to connect with shoppers in fun and creative ways.
With panels making an appearance everywhere, from shopping malls to small-town bakeries, the question isn’t whether to adopt digital signage but how to do it right.
It’s also not just about choosing the most aesthetically pleasing or feature-rich solution. Instead, you should choose digital signage software that aligns with your goals, budget, and the unique aspects of your business.
In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we take a deep dive into the crucial steps of analyzing top digital signage systems and finding a solution that’s tailored to your needs.
Digital Signage Systems: Key Components
Before you start researching the top digital signage systems, first understand the key devices and software you will need. Complete systems will include:
1. Digital Signage Software – The best software solutions allow you to design, schedule, and manage your signage in one place. Costs can range from one-time licensing fees to monthly subscriptions.
2. Digital Signage Hardware – This includes the actual signage screens, digital signage media players, and any additional equipment like mounts and cabling. Costs vary, based on the quality of the equipment.
3. Content Creation Tools – Top digital signage systems include free design tools (as part of your subscription). However, you might also use a third-party tool like Canva or Photoshop.
How Much Does a Digital Signage System Cost?
Your biggest cost will be digital signage hardware (see our recommendations for budget-friendly and top digital signage displays below). Hardware costs range from $200 to $1500 for a display screen and media player.
Digital signage software, however, tends to be affordable. A cloud-based system allows you to start on a month-to-month plan, and top platforms offer free templates and design tools so you can keep content creation costs low. Software for digital signage typically starts at just $10-$25 / month.
Lastly, you’ll want to consider installation and ongoing maintenance. The best digital signage systems, particularly cloud-based systems, are plug-and-play and come with on-call support. This limits IT installation and maintenance costs. Installation costs, on average, about $100-$500.
Digital Signage Software: Features & Top Solutions
User-friendly software makes it easier for businesses to create and manage amazing marketing content.
To find the best solution, you’ll want to consider cloud-based vs. on-premise digital signage solutions:
- Cloud-Based: Known for its high flexibility and user-friendliness, cloud-based software is typically subscription-based. It suits businesses looking for a straightforward, ready-to-use solution that requires minimal IT support. Cloud-based digital signage is best for retail.
- On-Premise: Provides full control and can be more cost-effective over the long term for larger deployments. It’s the choice of businesses with specific security and operational requirements. On-premise digital signage is best for offices and event venues.
Fortunately, many of the top digital signage software platforms are cloud-based, which reduces costs and enables real-time remote management. We recommend cloud systems for retailers like vape shops, convenience stores, and grocery stores.
What Digital Signage Features Do You Need?
When you’re looking for the best digital signage system for your business, pay attention to these key factors:
- Check out content creation and scheduling tools that not only have user-friendly interfaces but also pack a punch in features to meet your needs effectively.
- See remote content management solutions that let you update and tweak things seamlessly without having to be near the screens, so you can control your content like a boss from wherever you are.
- Dive into different playback options, like single-screen, multi-screen, and playlists, to craft engaging visual experiences that keep your audience hooked.
- Keep user access control and top-notch security features in mind to protect your content from prying eyes and security risks.
- Also, think about software solutions with great integration capabilities. For example, FTx Digital Signage integrates with FTx POS, allowing retailers to manage their POS and digital signage from the same dashboard.
Best Digital Signage Software Platforms
Here are some top-rated digital signage platforms with the essential features businesses need:
1. FTx Digital Signage
FTx Digital Signage has an intuitive interface, making it easy for anyone to use, even without prior experience with digital signage. The software is user-friendly, featuring drag-and-drop functionality and a clear layout for easy access to features.
- Choose from thousands of free digital signage templates to customize or create your own designs from scratch.
- Ideal for multiple locations, it has a mass update feature to easily add or update promotions and ads in one click.
- No need for third-party integration! You can manage your POS and digital signage with the same login.
Cost: $25 per TV each month; $10 for each additional TV each month; $10 per customer-facing display each month
2. TelemetryTV
TelemetryTV has a user-friendly interface, which simplifies creating playlists, uploading content, and managing digital signage. It includes features like scheduling, remote management, and real-time updates. However, lower pricing plans come with limited support options and shorter phone support hours. Additionally, there are no discounts for managing a large number of screens.
Cost: Entry plan: $8 per device/month; Core plan: $13 per device/month; Elite plan: $16 per device/month
3. Yodeck
Yodeck is known for its easy-to-use interface and intuitive design, making it ideal for beginners and non-tech users. It supports various content formats like images, videos, social media feeds, and live streams. While Yodeck has a free tier, it only allows you to manage one screen; you’ll need to pay for more screens. Customer support is mainly via email, though some users might prefer phone or live chat options.
Cost: Free plan: Manage one screen forever with access to all features (ideal for testing the platform before committing to a paid plan); Standard plan: $8 a screen/month; Premium plan: $11 a screen/month; Enterprise plan: $15 a screen/month
4. NoviSign
NoviSign offers pre-built templates and drag-and-drop functionality, allowing anyone to create displays without design experience. Its cloud-based platform lets you manage and update content from anywhere with an internet connection. However, some users find NoviSign’s interface outdated. While it’s user-friendly, those seeking advanced customization or in-depth editing features might find it limiting.
Cost: Business plan: $20 per screen/month; Business Plus plan: $29 per screen/month; Premium plan: $49 per screen/month; Enterprise plan: must contact NoviSign
5. OptiSigns
OptiSigns is known for its intuitive interface and user-friendly design, making it perfect for businesses with limited technical experience. You can use OptiSigns’ design tools or integrate with other design software. While easy to use, the design options are somewhat limited compared to more advanced signage software. It’s also been reported that features like managing news feeds or integrating external content may require more technical knowledge.
Cost: Standard plan: $10 per screen/month; Pro plan: $12.50 per screen/month; Pro-Plus plan: $15 per screen/month; Engage plan: $30 per screen/month; Enterprise plan: $45 per screen/month
Choosing Digital Signage Hardware: Types & Costs
Selecting the best digital signage hardware is crucial because it directly affects the appearance, performance, and lifespan of your digital signage system.
Types of Digital Signage Displays (with Recommendations)
Different display types are best for specific needs, and each has its own perks.
1. Consumer-Grade TVs
A budget-friendly choice made for indoor use, it gives businesses top-notch display features for vivid presentations, digital signs, and more.
Pros
- Variety of Screen Sizes: Consumer TVs come in a wide range of sizes to fit your needs.
- Excellent Picture Quality: Many consumer TVs offer high resolution and vibrant colors for a great viewing experience.
- Readily Available: Consumer TVs can be easily found in electronics stores or online retailers.
Cons
- Durability: Consumer TVs are not built for continuous use (24/7) and may not hold up in high-traffic areas.
- Limited Features: They typically lack features like scheduling and content looping specifically designed for digital signage.
Best Use
- Shorter-Term Content: Consumer TVs are suitable for temporary promotions or sales displays.
- Low-Traffic Areas: They are a good option for waiting rooms or other areas with minimal foot traffic.
Recommendation
- Insignia 55″ Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
- Samsung 65” Class Q80C QLED 4K UHD Smart Tizen TV
2. Professional-Grade Displays
They excel in high-demand environments where top-notch performance and reliability are supreme, making them the ideal choice for businesses seeking exceptional visual solutions.
Pros
- Built to Last: Designed for continuous operation without overheating or screen burn-in, ensuring long-term performance.
- Sharp Design: Slim bezels and an industrial aesthetic create a professional look suitable for commercial settings.
- Excellent Visibility: Maintain clear, crisp visuals even in brightly lit environments.
Cons
- Higher Cost: Typically more expensive upfront compared to consumer-grade TVs.
- Mounting Considerations: May require additional costs for specialized mounting solutions.
- Limited Size Options: May not offer the same variety of screen sizes as consumer TVs.
Best Use
- Professional Signage: Perfect for retail stores, lobbies, and other locations requiring long-term display operation.
- High-Traffic Areas: Engineered to withstand the wear and tear of high-traffic environments.
- Frequently Updated Content: Handles frequent content changes without issue.
Recommendation
- ENVISION Peripherals 55BDL3050Q Philips Signage Solutions Q-Line 55BDL3050Q, Black
- Samsung QET Series 65″ Display for Digital Signage (QE65T)
3. Tablets and iPads
Provide a flexible platform for interactive and touch-screen apps, boosting user engagement and improving the overall experience with user-friendly interfaces and smooth operation.
Pros
- Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than dedicated digital signage displays.
- User-Friendly: Easy to set up and use with familiar touch-screen interfaces.
- Flexible: Available in a variety of screen sizes to fit your needs.
Cons
- Durability: Not designed for continuous use like professional displays. May require screen protectors and more frequent replacements.
- Power Management: Requires careful power management to stay operational for extended periods.
- Security: May lack security features like those of commercial displays, increasing the risk of tampering or theft. Consider using a kiosk enclosure for added security.
Best Use
- Waiting rooms, break rooms, and lobbies
- Short-term promotions or campaigns
- Interactive displays in retail stores or trade shows
Recommendation
4. Video Walls
Offer a cool way to create immersive large displays that grab attention with stunning visuals, perfect for events, retail spaces, and eye-catching ads.
Pros
- Attention-Grabbing: Their large size and high-quality visuals make them impossible to ignore.
- Content Versatility: Display images, videos, live feeds, and more, keeping your audience engaged.
- Stunning Picture Quality: High resolutions deliver crisp and clear visuals.
Cons
- Ongoing Maintenance: Video walls require regular cleaning and calibration.
- Content Creation: High-quality content can be expensive to produce and time-consuming to create.
- Portability: They are typically fixed installations and not easily moved.
Best Use
- Retail: Showcase promotions, product launches, and brand messaging.
- Events: Create impactful presentations and backdrops.
- Lobbies: Impress visitors and provide information.
Recommendation
Additional Digital Signage Hardware
In addition to the screen, you’ll also need these components:
- Media Players: These devices play your digital content. They range from simple media sticks to powerful PCs, depending on your needs. We recommend BrightSign, a dependable and user-friendly media player. These players come in various models to suit different needs.
- Mounts & Enclosures: These secure and protect your displays and media players. They come in various styles to fit different needs.
- Other Accessories: This includes all other essentials for setting up and using your digital signage system, like cables, adapters, and surge protectors.
Bottom line: A top digital signage system requires quality hardware, as that will ensure long-term performance.
Best Digital Signage Content Creation & Management Tools
Content creation is an ongoing process. Therefore, the best digital signage software includes content management and creation tools to help you get better results.
Choose a system with these features:
- Design & Editing: Built-in templates, drag-and-drop editing for layouts, and media libraries for easy image and video integration.
- Scheduling & Playlists: Ability to schedule content playback across displays, create playlists for sequenced content, and manage content expiration dates.
- Remote Access & Collaboration: Cloud-based access for creating and editing content from anywhere, with user permissions for team collaboration.
- Data Integration & Widgets: Tools to integrate real-time data feeds (e.g., weather, sales figures) and display them through customizable widgets.
- Content Analytics & Reporting: Track content performance metrics like impressions and engagement to optimize future content strategy.
Tips for Creating Better Digital Signage Content
With these features, you can take your digital signage to the next level. Here are some design tips for creating content:
- Short & Sweet: People glance at signs, so keep text concise and headlines clear. Benefit: Leverage the system’s content scheduling to ensure frequent updates with bite-sized info.
- Visually Stunning: Use high-quality images, videos, and animations. Benefit: Showcase the display’s resolution and vividness for maximum impact.
- One Message at a Time: Focus on a single clear message per slide. Benefit: Maintain a clean and uncluttered look, maximizing readability on any screen size.
- Big & Bold Text: Prioritize large, easy-to-read fonts. Benefit: Take advantage of the display’s scalability to reach viewers from afar.
- Contrasting Colors: Use high-contrast color schemes for optimal legibility. Benefit: Highlight the display’s vibrant color accuracy for a visually engaging experience.
- Calls to Action (CTAs): Include clear CTAs to prompt viewers. Benefit: Utilize the system’s content management tools to incorporate interactive elements like QR codes.
- Variety is Key: Mix up content types to keep viewers engaged. Benefit: Demonstrate the display’s versatility for handling text, images, and videos seamlessly.
Final Consideration: Digital Signage System Deployment & Installation
Choosing the best tools doesn’t guarantee success. You also need to plan your installation and deployment process. Fortunately, top providers can help with networking support.
Some installation considerations include:
Power and Network Connectivity
Ensure you have enough power outlets for the displays and any extra gear needed. For remote management and content updates, make sure the network connection is good. Think about using surge protectors or UPS to shield the system from power changes.
Mounting and Securing the Displays
Choose the right mounting hardware depending on the size and weight of the best digital signage displays for your business. Ensure the displays are securely fastened to the mounts to prevent accidents or theft. Also, make sure the mounting spot offers the best viewing angles for the audience.
Cable Management for a Clean and Professional Look
It’s smart to use cable management solutions like cable trays, raceways, or cable clips to tidy up cables. Planning cable routes to reduce visibility and tripping risks is key. And don’t forget to label cables for easy identification during maintenance or troubleshooting.
What Are the Costs of Digital Signage Installation?
Because most cloud-systems are plug-and-play, your biggest cost for installation will be mounting. This may include mounting hardware (if it’s not included with your displays), as well as labor for installation (on average about $50 / hour).
You may need some IT help as well to connect your displays and media player to your cloud-based system. However, if you pick a user-friendly platform, you will likely be able to do this in-house.
Next Steps: Request a Demo
Narrow your list down to platforms that include the digital signage features you need and hardware/software that fits your budget.
Next, you should request demos or a free trial. You want to access the user interface and see if it will fit your team’s tech expertise. Here are some tips:
- Schedule a demo to test drive the software and ask your most helpful questions
- Review any trainings or videos to determine if it’s user-friendly and does what you need it to do
- Understand if the software works with your existing hardware (if applicable)
- Ask for and access pricing
Try FTx Digital Signage Today
Choosing the best digital signage system is a significant decision. You need to find a platform that aligns with your budget and that offers the software and hardware options you need to maximize your efforts.
Add FTx Digital Signage to your short list. Here are some of the reasons we’re a top digital signage software for retail:
- Free access to AdPro – Design tool with 1,000 free templates and drop-and-drag editor
- User-friendly scheduling tools – Create in real-time, or schedule days, weeks, or months in advance
- Simplified day-parting – Easily schedule cycles throughout the day
- Stock photo library – Access quality images in AdPro
- POS integration – Manage your digital signage and POS from a single login and use price and product data in your POS
- Multi-store support – Scale infinitely. Manage 1 or 100+ screens with ease
Ready to get started? Get in touch with FTx POS today to schedule a consultation and experience a demo!
FAQs
Reduced Costs for Printing and Materials
One of the major benefits of digital signage is the substantial reduction in costs associated with traditional printing and materials. By eliminating expenses for printing, distributing, and replacing physical advertising materials like posters, menus, and flyers, businesses can experience cost savings that contribute to overall efficiency and sustainability.
Boosted Sales and Revenue
Digital signage provides a platform to effectively promote products, special offers, and upselling opportunities. By leveraging visually engaging content, businesses can capture the attention of customers and influence their purchasing decisions positively. This targeted approach to showcasing promotions can lead to increased sales and revenue generation.
Stronger Customer Engagement
Engaging customers through dynamic content is key to building brand loyalty and recognition. Digital signage allows businesses to create immersive experiences using videos, animations, and interactive elements that resonate with their target audience. By enhancing customer interaction, businesses can establish a deeper connection with customers, driving brand engagement and loyalty.
Improved Customer Experience
Enhancing customer satisfaction is crucial for fostering long-term relationships with customers. Digital signage plays a vital role in improving the overall customer experience by providing real-time updates on wait times, product information, and service details. This level of transparency and convenience contributes to a seamless and positive customer journey, ultimately leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.
How well it works really comes down to how it fits your business and target audience.
Start by doing your homework. Look into how digital signage is used in your industry online. Consider who your audience is and how they like to see content to figure out if they'll like visually engaging stuff.
Also, see if your competitors are using digital signage and how well it's working for them.
Here is a breakdown:
Budget
Low Budget
- Tablets or iPads for indoor signage
- Low-cost monitors can also serve as a good choice for basic indoor signage
Mid-Range Budget
- Commercial-grade TVs
High Budget
- Professional-grade digital signage displays (great for demanding applications, like outdoor signage or large indoor displays)
Location
Indoor
- Tablets, monitors, commercial-grade TVs, and professional-grade digital signage displays
Outdoor
- High brightness displays that can endure weather conditions
- LED video walls for large outdoor displays
Desired Features
- Commercial-grade TV to showcase static images, videos, and basic animations
- Touchscreen display or tablet for interactive use
- 4K resolution display for high-quality visuals and text
- Integrated digital signage software for remote content management
What you need all comes down to your specific goals. However, it’s important to focus on these key features:
- User-friendly interface for seamless content creation and editing
- Drag-and-drop feature for efficient content assembly
- Scheduled delivery for timely content distribution
- Centralized content library for convenient access and version control
- Multi-screen compatibility to customize messages for diverse audiences
- Offline playback for displaying content without an internet connection
- Remote monitoring and control for centralized display management, issue resolution, and content updates
Even if you're not a graphic designer, you can whip up cool content for your digital displays.
Here are some tips to jazz up your content and catch your audience's eye:
- Keep your messages short and sweet to make it easier for your audience to get the gist.
- To ensure folks can catch your message from afar, go for big fonts and eye-catching visuals.
- When it comes to visuals, stick to images and videos that tie into your message.
- Mix it up! Combine still images with captivating videos and animations to hold your audience's attention.
- Get to know your crowd. Tailor your content to what clicks with them. Think about their demographics, interests, and what matters most to them.
Beyond the initial cost, it's important to consider the ongoing expenses linked to running a digital signage system.
These may include costs for content creation and management, software updates, maintenance, technical support, and potential upgrades to keep the system running smoothly and effectively.
Considering these factors will help you plan and budget for the long-term success of your digital signage deployment.
