Top applications of digital signage

1. Playing on shoppers’ impulse purchase behaviour

While shoppers might be inclined to tighten their belts at the moment due to the higher cost of living, in better times, we like to spend on impulse. A survey by Finder revealed that 64.9% of Brits admit to making impulse buys every month and 7.1% every day!

So, consumer budgets are up for grabs, and it all comes down to influence. Digital Signage can increase the chances of an impulse purchase by between 18% and 20%, according to Talk Retail.

Instead of simply promoting their brand, retailers are using their digital signage to repurpose social media content, highlighting new products and displaying helpful information in an entertaining way.

2. Reviving the in-store slowdown with experiences

It is no secret that bricks and mortar retail have had to compete with ecommerce shopping in recent years, having been impacted by the pandemic and the increasing ease of online shopping (free delivery, accessible reviews, discounts etc.).

Rather than compete with online shopping, brands are turning to digital signage technology to offer stand-out experiences beyond the purchase. From enabling customers to try on make-up digitally to transforming the retail space with huge video walls, brands are finding new and innovative ways to surprise customers.

At the moment, these kinds of experiences are usually saved for flagship stores. However, a time will surely come when retailers look to roll them out nationwide.

3. Engaging employees without adding to their email inbox

For so long, internal communications have relied upon emails and (often clunky) intranets – but it’s hit and miss as to whether employees actually see and process the information. Given the amount of information that employees are bombarded with, it’s hardly a surprise.

But employers have found a way of getting on their employees’ radar without adding to their perceived workload. Digital signage content is ambient – it’s discreetly in the background while they walk to their desk or fetch a coffee.

Digital signage isn’t just being used for crucial company messages. They’re doubling up as social media dashboards, meeting room booking systems and more. The key is to regularly change the content to ensure employees don’t become used to it.

4. Letting customers find their own way

Wayfinding or directional digital signage is more than just functional. As we saw during the past couple of years, it can help keep customers safe – or at least provide the reassurance they can go about their business with ease.

It’s not an exaggeration to suggest that adequate wayfinding can be the difference between acquiring a new customer or not. Take a gym’s free trial as an example – if the gym user doesn’t feel comfortable during training and can’t find the right machines, they might see it as a reason to try somewhere else.

Rather than have a staff member direct the user, digital gym signage allows them to take charge of their own journey.

5. Artwork for atmosphere

Digital screens are now being used in flagship stores and corporate spaces for the same thing- art. With endless digital possibilities at your fingertips, peaceful fields or rocking stadiums can change the atmosphere of a store or office.

As flagship stores and head offices begin to adopt standout screens, smaller spaces are expected to pick up the trend as the price of screens decreases. This new use also means brands can get creative with how they use screens, whether they have the budget for a full wall or a few screens dotted around. Of course, LED screens mean you can have any shape you require; wrap it around the corner if you wish.

This animated artwork should be changed occasionally to keep interest high, so speak to your artwork provider to ensure you have a content plan.

Linney – your full-service marketing partner

At Linney, we help brands make the best use of their digital signage technology. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your brand connect with your audience on a deeper level.