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Day by day, digital signage is becoming more and more popular, with businesses of all sizes investing in it and including it in their marketing strategies. And without a doubt, digital signage is thriving in everything! It can boost your profits, engage your audience, and improve communications in the workplace, transforming it into a more enjoyable environment. With digital signage, you can show content in a dynamic way and display your advertisements, announcements, or interactive media in a better and more engaging way that will lead to enhanced customer experiences.
But how much does it cost? Is it really an option for everyone?
Well, yes! Digital signage can be a great ally for small or large businesses, offering multiple options for costs. With careful planning, you can find the right solution that will fit your needs and budget.
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How and from where to start
It may seem like a large labyrinth, and you feel lost at the beginning with all multiple questions wondering in your mind. What screen size is the best? What features are necessary and unnecessary? What hardware do I need? Let’s try to breakdown everything with detailed information and help you with how to get started.
First step you must think about is the purpose of your digital signage. Are you looking to display digital menus, advertisements, wayfinding maps, or you’ll use it for your internal communications? Identifying the primary use of your displays will help you determine what type of display, software, and hardware you’ll need.
What do I need, and how much does it cost?
1. Displays
Know your budget, needs, and goals
Start by understanding your main needs and set up a budget that is comfortable for you. Think also about the maintenance costs for your digital signage displays. This way you’ll have a starting point that will rule out some options and will guide your decisions regarding the display type and size you need to have. If you’re a small business and you have a limited budget, try to prioritize features that are directly impacting your goals, like screen resolution and connectivity options.
High-impact location
Regarding the location, try to find one that will maximize visibility and offer high levels of impact. This will help you determine the size of the screen you need, considering the room size, wall space, and viewing angles. Some examples of high-traffic areas are lobbies, waiting rooms, and retail spaces.
Best-performing TV display brands
There are so many brands in the market that choosing the best one for you can be a little overwhelming. Keep your budget always in mind, and look for brands that offer high performance. Most top digital signage TV displays today offer various features and price points. Additionally, apart from the budget, consider factors such as brightness, contrast ratio, and viewing angle, especially if your displays will be in a well-lit area.
Choosing screen
Another thing you need to decide is whether you’ll opt for commercial or consumer displays. While commercial displays are more expensive upfront, they offer longer warranties, longer lifespans, and greater processing power. The cost for a commercial display is around $2,000, while high-resolution consumer TV screens can range from $500 to $1,500. In addition, commercial screens are designed for extended use, often running 24/7, which is ideal for most business applications.
Display types
If you opt for commercial digital signage, you have a couple of options:
- Touch-Screen Displays: Interactive displays that allow users to engage with the content. These are particularly useful in settings like retail stores, museums, and informational kiosks.
- Video Walls: Multiple screens combined to display a single image. Video walls create a larger-than-life viewing experience and are often used in control rooms, large venues, and advertising installations.
Advanced digital signage options like these can cost between $10,000 – $20,000, depending on the features and size. Remember to factor in the costs for installation and any additional hardware needed to support these setups.
Size
The size you decide to choose for your screen will significantly impact its cost. Larger screens naturally cost more, but they also offer better visibility and attract viewers in a better way. Determine the optimal size by considering the viewing distance and the detail of the content you plan to display. For instance, a screen in a large lobby may need to be 55 inches or larger, while a smaller screen can suffice in a confined space.
2. Hardware
Media players
A media player is essential for streaming or displaying content on the screen. Your budget, preferred operating system, and required capabilities will influence your choice. Media players come in various forms, from compact devices to more robust units designed for heavy use. Here are some options:
- Fire OS: $30 – $80. Ideal for smaller displays and less demanding applications
- Raspberry Pi: $35 – $160. A cost-effective, customizable option for DIY enthusiasts
- Chrome OS: $150 – $700. Known for its simplicity and integration with Google services
- Windows: $50 – $300. Offers versatility and compatibility with a wide range of software
- Android: $25 – $700. Provides flexibility and supports various apps and content types
Mounts
The cost of mounts can widely vary based on where and how you plan to install your digital signage. There are many options available, such as wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or freestanding, each with different price ranges. As regards mounts, you must invest in high quality to ensure that your displays are securely installed and optimally positioned. Depending on the complexity and quality, mounts can range from $50 to $500.
Cabling
Lastly, do not forget about the cost of cabling which includes the wires that need to connect the display to the media player and power sources. The price on that can vary based on the length and the type of cables required. For high-definition displays, HDMI cables are essential, and for longer distances you might need signal extenders or special cables to maintain quality.
3. Software
Digital signage software is crucial for content management. Costs can vary significantly based on the features offered:
Basic Software: Free to $50 per month. Suitable for small businesses or simple displays.
Advanced Software: $50 to $150 per month. Offers features like remote management, content scheduling, and analytics.
Look for software that will provide you with easy content updates, scheduling, and remote management capabilities. Ensure it is user-friendly and offers good customer support. Some software solutions also offer templates and design tools to help you create professional-looking content without needing a graphic designer.
4. IT support
Effective digital signage requires IT support for provisioning, integration, software onboarding, and ongoing maintenance. Budgeting for IT support is essential:
Provisioning and integration: $100 to $500. This involves setting up the hardware and software, ensuring everything works seamlessly together.
Software onboarding: $50 to $200. Training your team to use the software effectively.
Troubleshooting & maintenance: $100 to $300 per month. Regular check-ups and support to fix any issues that arise, ensuring minimal downtime.
Having reliable IT support can prevent technical issues from disrupting your digital signage, keeping your content displayed as intended and ensuring your investment is protected.
5. Content creation
Content is king in digital signage. You may need to hire a designer or use content creation tools:
Professional design services: $100 to $1,000 per project. Professional designers can create custom content tailored to your brand and message.
Content creation tools: $10 to $50 per month. These tools allow you to create and update content in-house, saving time and money in the long run.
Regularly updating your content keeps it fresh and engaging, which is crucial for capturing and maintaining your audience’s attention. Consider allocating part of your budget to periodic content updates and seasonal campaigns.
6. Life cycle costs
Consider the long-term costs of maintaining and upgrading your digital signage system. This includes software updates, hardware replacements, and potential expansion:
Annual maintenance: $200 to $1,000. Regular checks and updates to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Hardware upgrades: Every 3-5 years. Technology evolves rapidly, and upgrading your hardware can ensure you benefit from the latest features and improvements.
Planning for life cycle costs helps you avoid unexpected expenses and ensures your digital signage remains effective and up-to-date.
7. Hidden costs
Be aware of hidden costs such as software licenses, additional features, and unexpected repairs. These can add up, so it’s important to plan for contingencies:
Software licenses: $20 to $100 per year. Ensure you understand the licensing terms to avoid surprise fees.
Unexpected repairs: Varies. Accidents or technical issues can arise, so having a contingency fund is wise.
Other potential hidden costs include network security measures, backup solutions, and potential increases in electricity usage.
How much does outdoor digital signage cost? Does it differ from indoor?
Outdoor digital signage often costs more than indoor due to the need for weatherproof displays and enclosures. Outdoor displays must withstand various environmental conditions, which increases their cost:
Outdoor displays: $3,000 to $10,000. These displays are built to handle extreme temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight.
Weatherproof enclosures: $500 to $2,000. Protects the display from the elements and potential vandalism.
Additional costs may include higher installation fees due to the need for specialized mounting solutions and power considerations. Outdoor digital signage can be a significant investment but offers high visibility and engagement opportunities in public spaces.
Is digital signage worth its price?
If you want to create maximum engagement, communication efficiency, and great brand visibility, then the answer is yes. By choosing the right setup and managing costs effectively, digital signage can be a powerful tool for your business. You can use it to drive sales, enhance customer experience, and streamline internal communications. Additionally, you have the ability to measure the return on investment (ROI) by tracking metrics that will help you evaluate the effectiveness of your digital signage.
Final thoughts
Digital signage can offer many choices that will match your specific needs and budget. From displays and hardware to software and IT support, each component has its associated expenses. If you make the right planning you can implement an effective digital signage system that will fully meet your goals and will provide you with a strong return on investment. Just remember to consider all aspects, from initial setup to ongoing maintenance, to ensure your digital signage remains a valuable asset for your business.