Advertising has changed; the job used to simply designing an ad and finding the space for it. Now, the digital age has ushered in a deluge of different formats and techniques. Advertising still has the same purpose, to inform and persuade consumers, but the way it’s done is different.
Now, ads are displayed digitally. They can be anything from high-quality images to videos with fully developed narratives. Digital signage has enabled advertisers to use more creative tools than ever before.
Yet, knowing exactly what is digital signage isn’t easy. Digital signs can take on many forms, and it takes a lot of experience to understand how they impact a specific business. The easiest thing to understand about them is that they are a vital part of any modern marketing campaign.
Keep reading below to learn what a digital sign board is, and how it can help your company.
What Is Digital Signage?
Digital signs are hard to understand, but they’re easy to define. A digital sign simply any screen which has the capability to digitally display an advertisement. That can include billboards, personal computers, cell phones, or almost anything else.
The sheer amount of differences between screen types has made designing advertisements a bit more complicated. Advertisers need to take into account dimensional and quality differences between devices. You can learn more about these differences by clicking this link.
Digital Signs Are the Future
The most important thing you need to know about digital signage is that it’s the future. Those science fiction shows with holographic advertisements and responsive billboards will soon be a reality. In fact, digital sign use is expected to double by 2025 from 2014.
That just means that now is the time to adapt to the digital advertising landscape. Develop your skills in this new frontier of marketing so that you will be more prepared for a future where still ads are no longer used. You’ll become a more effective advertiser, and will be able to do more for your company.
Why Design an Ad When You Can Film One?
There was once a time when you could advertise just by designing a still image. That would be enough to inform and persuade consumers. Now though, they demand more of their advertising.
Video advertising has become the norm throughout the industry. And it’s become so common for a good reason.
With video advertising, you can tell compelling narratives about your company and your products. You can inspire people to use products in new ways, and show what your company is doing to benefit the world. Video helps boost your overall public opinion while also giving you an edge in specific advertising.
And without digital signage, advertisers would never have been able to do their jobs so effectively.
Advertising in Live Motion
Digital signage doesn’t necessarily need to host narrative videos. There’s a middle ground between traditional advertising and narrative-based ads that you can take advantage of. You can see some examples on many business’s landing pages.
Advertisers are crafting ads that are full of motion and lifelike situations which demonstrate how products can be used. They show people in real-life situations which most consumers can relate to, without a narrative. And without needing a narrative, these advertisements can be created quicker and easier than traditional videos.
Not only do they relate to consumers better, but they also boost the company’s reputation. It makes the company as a whole seem more relatable, which will drive more traffic.
They Can be Used in Many Places
Digital signage isn’t limited to digital billboards. Digital signage can be found almost anywhere there’s a digital screen. That means most consumer computers can be used as digital signage, as well as commercial screens.
Keep reading below to learn more about the two different kinds of digital signage.
Consumer Screens Bring Your Company to People’s Homes
The screen you’re reading this on can be used as digital signage. Chances are, you’re either reading this on a desktop or a smartphone. And right beside these words are advertisements.
Some of those ads may show gifs of products being used, or they may be full-fledged videos. They’re designed to be engaging. The advent of desktops and smartphones have enabled advertisers to place ads right in the palm of your hand.
Commercial Screens Show Off your Business
One of the most common kinds of digital signage can be found by just walking around in the city. Storefronts have adopted them to allure customers into the stores. They’ve started replacing mannequins in clothing stores, and do more than any regular sign to resonate with consumers.
For example, Apple embraced digital signage early on its own storefronts. Rather than just place a paper ad in front of Apple stores, the company decided to make visiting the store an experience. And to do that, they embraced digital signage.
These signs depict people using their products in live motion. People listen to music and sway to the beat, or take messages off their iPhones. These sings help bring their products to life.
Rather than leave it to the consumer’s imagination to see the value in a product, they demonstrate using an interactive touch screen for presentation and make it a reality.
Digital Signage Isn’t Just For Businesses
Digital signs aren’t just for businesses. Part of the reason they’ve become such a popular tool is that they allow all kinds of organizations to connect with consumers. Nonprofits and government agencies can connect with audiences as deeply as companies can.
This can lead to more social good down the line. With digital signage, you may see advertisements for movements or non-profit goals that you would have without them. And since these are naturally emotional organizations, they can resonate with people more.
They can tell a deeper narrative than any regular advertisement can. And that means the goals of an organization can be communicated more effectively. That is more important for socially-focused organizations than regular companies.
Get Used to Seeing Digital Signs
No matter what you think of digital signage, you should get used to seeing it around. As screens get cheaper to buy, and more billboards are replaced with digital screens, you will see more moving ads in public. Expect more video ads to appear on your computer and phone as well.
That time is still a bit far off, though. Most advertisers are still wondering exactly what is digital signage. It’s difficult to fully understand the potential it has to connect with people, and it’s harder to develop ads that fully use that potential.
All advertisers can use tips on how to improve their craft for digital signs, and for that, we’re here. Keep reading here to learn how to refine your skills. Our website is constantly updated so you can create ads that resonate with your audience and make an impact!
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