As a small business owner, you’re always on the lookout for fresh, affordable ways to engage customers and grow your brand. With a plethora of marketing tools available, it is not uncommon to struggle with which solution to adopt. One tool that is increasingly being used in small business digital signage is an accessible, cost-effective way to capture attention and enhance customer communication.
But what exactly is digital signage, and how do you take advantage without breaking the bank? This guide aims to help you with everything from A to Z; hardware, software, real-world applications, costs, and so on. We’ll also take a closer look at Yodeck’s Intelligent platform to show how easy it is to get started.
What is digital signage?
Digital signage is defined as the use of digital screens to display promotions & sales, announcements, real-time updates, and other types of dynamic content. Whether you own a restaurant advertising your daily specials, a retail store promoting a new product, or a gym sharing the different classes offered, digital signage does the work of traditional signs and posters but with more engaging, eye-catching visuals.
For small businesses, digital displays are a powerful way to communicate with customers. Unlike static signage, digital signage can be updated on the fly, allowing businesses to respond quickly to promotions or seasonal changes while cutting printing costs.
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Why digital signage is a game-changer for small businesses
Here’s why digital signage makes a big impact for small businesses:
More time
With digital signage, your staff won’t need to spend time explaining daily specials, promotions, or events. The screens handle routine communication, so your team focuses on delivering better customer service.
Affordable marketing
Once your digital signage system is up, change your content anytime without reprinting signs or buying new materials. This keeps costs low while giving you flexibility.
Boosted customer engagement
Digital signage grabs attention. Whether you’re promoting special offers, displaying customer reviews, or introducing new products, digital displays help your message stand out.
Adaptability across industries
Digital signage is incredibly versatile. Whether you run a restaurant, retail shop, fitness center, or office, customize it accordingly to meet your business needs.
The essentials: What you need for digital signage
Implementing digital signage is easier than you may think. It involves two basic key elements: hardware and software.
1. Hardware: What you’ll need
Let’s analyze this step by step:
- Digital displays: These are the screens that show your content. Small businesses often use LED or LCD screens, starting at around $200. For bigger spaces or a more high-end look, you can go for 4K displays, but the entry-level options work just fine for many businesses.
- Media players: A media player stores and plays your digital content. Some screens come with built-in media players, but standalone devices offer more flexibility and control. These typically range from $100 to $300.
- Mounting equipment: Whether you want to mount the screen on the wall, suspend it from the ceiling, or place it in a freestanding kiosk, you’ll need the right mounting tools for the best customer visibility.
2. Software: The engine that runs your content
Design, schedule, and manage what’s shown on your displays with digital signage software. Here’s what you have to consider when choosing software:
- Ease of use: Look for a user-friendly interface like Yodeck that offers drag-and-drop tools that require no technical skills. This will make it simple for anyone on your team to update content.
- Cloud-based management: Choose software that offers cloud-based solutions and allows you to update and manage your content from anywhere, anytime. All you will need is an internet connection.
- Customization options: Your software should allow you to easily customize your content to reflect your brand. At Yodeck, you will find templates and scheduling tools to help you personalize your signage and make it work for your specific needs.
Four real-life digital signage applications
Looking for practical examples of how a business should implement digital signage? Here are some interesting and useful ideas:
- Retail stores: Display flash sales, showcase product reviews, or highlight best-sellers. With Yodeck, you even integrate your social media feed to keep customers engaged in-store.
- Restaurants & cafes: Update digital menu boards instantly to reflect daily specials or changes in pricing. To increase sales, promote high-margin items or limited-time offers.
- Gyms and fitness centers: Display class schedules, fitness tips, or upcoming events on screen to keep members informed. Motivate clients with videos or quotes.
- Offices: Use digital signage to welcome guests, share company news, or communicate important updates to your staff. Yodeck’s cloud-based system lets you update content in multiple locations from one central platform.
How much will it cost?
One of the main questions small business owners often ask is; How much does it cost? Fortunately, digital signage has become much more affordable. Here’s a rough idea of what to expect:
Hardware costs can start at around $200 for displays, and media players typically range from $100 to $300. Though Yodeck offers a free media player with an annual subscription. For software, Yodeck provides pricing plans tailored for small businesses, starting with a free plan for one screen, or you can upgrade to paid plans that begin at $8 per month for additional features. Installation can be done on your own if you’re handy, but professional installation may cost between $200 to $500. Maintenance is usually minimal, requiring regular updates and cleaning
How Yodeck makes digital signage easy for small businesses
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at Yodeck, a top choice for small businesses looking to implement digital signage without any hiccups.
- Easy setup: Yodeck offers plug-and-play functionality. Our media players come pre-configured, so all you need to do is connect them to your screens. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, the setup process is simple and fast.
- User-friendly software: Yodeck’s cloud-based software lets you create, schedule, and update your content from any device. Also, drag-and-drop content easily into pre-built templates, making it a breeze to get your signage up and running.
- Affordable pricing: One of our strengths is its cost-effectiveness. We offer flexible pricing plans, including a free plan for one screen. Paid plans start as low as $8 per month, making it accessible even for businesses with tight budgets.
- Powerful features: Create engaging, professional displays using videos, slideshows, menus, social media feeds, and more. Plus, schedule content to change automatically based on the time of day, season, or special promotions.
Start using digital signage today
Digital signage is a cost-effective, powerful, and adaptable tool that can assist your business in making its mark. Whether you are promoting products, improving customer experience, or simply easing internal communication, the right digital signage system makes you stand out.
Platforms like Yodeck make implementation of digital signage for a small business as easy as 1, 2, 3. Ready to give it a try? Start exploring Yodeck today and change the way you connect with your customers!
Stop wasting your time. Get started with Yodeck and see how digital signage can lift your business without the complexity or high costs.