Digital signage technology is a logical addition for many businesses, regardless of what they do or sell. Along with its numerous advantages, digital signage allows shops to attract and interact with customers in an eye-catching manner that also complies with pandemic rules.
As we are not handing out brochures and flyers as often, digital signage also provides a flexible approach to conserve scarce resources while providing visitors with information in an innovative way. However, can it replace old fashioned signage completely?
If you’re still wondering whether investing in digital signage would be worth it, this digital signage vs static signage comparison should help you out!
Types of Digital Signage
There are two types of digital signage: indoor and outdoor.
Indoor signage typically helps customers navigate a business location and aid in customer service.
Outdoor signage contains more eye-catching material to convince potential customers to take a chance on your business. Both are used at a variety of customer touchpoints and have virtually unlimited applications.
What Is Static Signage?
Static signs, also known as traditional signage, get their name from the fact that the information on them does not change and cannot be changed without replacing the sign. Static signs improve the user experience when they are created to complement the décor and placed in the appropriate area to convey information to the target audience.
Static signs are used to
- Provide instructions and information – directional signs
- Stop signs are used to control traffic.
- Floor decals serve as a warning about a potential hazard.
- A warning sign at a office with a specific performance message – office decals
- Pylon signs and the high-rise signage may reach a larger audience.
What is Digital Signage?
Digital signage is all around us, and you’ve probably encountered it in the last week if you went outside. From movies at the gas pump to programs in waiting rooms to airport check-in kiosks and hotel maps, with digital signage entertains you can enlighten consumers in companies of all kinds.
A digital signage is a type of electronic sign that is used to communicate information to in-store and outdoor audiences and consumers. With digital signage trends, an LCD, LED, or projection screen can be used to display films and images that need to educate, engage, and enlighten surrounding viewers.
Digital Signage vs Static Signage. 10 Key Differences of Traditional Signage vs Digital Display
Static signage has long served as a foundation of interior and outdoor signs. It has the ability to serve two primary functions: informing and adorning.
Digital signage, on the other hand, encompasses any electronic display that promotes and informs through voice, text, video walls, and animation.
The primary distinction between static and digital signage is that a digital signage solution content management system allows content to be changed, easily updated and tailored to provide particular information to the intended audience. Compared to static signs whose content can’t be changed, there is a vast range of applications for the signage you can also use, such as outdoor advertisements.
Below is a detailed look at the key differences between digital signage vs traditional signage.
1. Appearance
Digital signage has a clear, clean, and bright appearance. Unlike traditional signage, which fades and deteriorates over time due to exposure to the sun and other weather conditions, digital displays are well-protected and will not suffer the same wear and tear.
Adopting digital signage trends offers a touch of modernity to any setting. This communicates to customers that a company is forward-thinking and up to date on upcoming trends.
2. Durability
Because it is composed of rust-free materials, smart signage has become resistant to water and heat over the years. They may even use less energy than traditional signage boards.
Traditional signage signs often need to utilize materials such as aluminum, and LED lights for custom sign manufacturing. Because these materials are robust they can also have a long lifespan. Traditional sign material can also be recycled and used to create things like acrylic nails.
3. Cost
Depending on the sign project, there are static signs that are half the price of one of the digital signs. Once constructed and the sign erected, traditional signage will be used for many years to come. It is a low maintenance cost way to advertise.
Digital signs have a greater starting cost than most traditional signage choices.
Although digital signage is more expensive than traditional signage in the short term, you can save your business a lot more in the long run. Changing the message on the screen of a digital signage incurs no additional labor costs when compared to the work if you want to modify traditional signage.
4. Flexibility
Static signs will eventually wear out, while digital signage can constantly be updated with fresh material. For digital signage messages may be simply altered depending on the time of day or year.
Retail digital signage has the ability to display advertisements and information in real-time. You can make the best use of your space by displaying the digital content range of messages on a single screen.
The dynamic nature of digital signage solutions opens up a new world of possibilities in the digital world, with the option to change messaging based on anticipated audience, season, and time of day, or to best suit corporate objectives.
That digital signage control capability allows users to immediately update information for a single sign, a set of signs, or a whole network of signs throughout a building, campus, or several places. Going the digital way provides incalculable benefits in terms of infinitely customizable communications to digital people.
5. Versatility
Traditional signage is less versatile than digital signage since it does not have as many moving messages. Once the signage is correctly put, it will continue to market your message until it is removed.
In our ever-changing economic situation, cost reductions combined with the adaptability of a strong digital signage platform are the most significant characteristics. The capacity of digital signage to fulfill a range of demands is critical.
The initial case for signage may become obsolete, prompting firms to reconsider how they employ signs. It has never been more vital to have access to a platform capable of swiftly fulfilling these shifting demands.
6. Impact of Digital Display
Moving full-color graphics and films offer digital signage the greatest ability to capture the attention of customers. It increases the exposure of your company’s brand, raises awareness, and digital signage has the potential to impact consumer decisions.
Digital signage is more apparent and engaging than traditional signage because it may provide a dynamic assortment of the relevant messaging, amusing material, captivating multimedia, and interesting eye-catching pictures.
One of the outstanding features of digital signage is that movement alone sends a more attention-grabbing message than a static sign. In addition, the impact on customer engagement is given a huge boost.
7. Maintenance
When it comes to traditional signage it requires little to no regular maintenance: Once constructed and erected, the sign will be used for many years to come (as long as the message retains its value).
Digital signage acquired from a respected distributor, value-added reseller, or integrator has world-class support, including lengthy factory warranties and a selection of support contracts to give long-term peace of mind with all rights reserved.
You’ll have to schedule technical support consultations with your local digital service provider. Some issues like software updates might be able to be resolved over the phone or online chatrooms, while other issues require on-site consultations.
8. Targeting Ability
Investing in traditional signage implies that the content will become out of date over time. Businesses will then have to design a new campaign, commission the sign, and complete the process all over again in a short period of time.
Digital signage can be simply and immediately updated, ensuring that critical and relevant information is constantly shown. This is especially effective for advertising signage and limited-time bargains and promotions.
Thus, digital signage is the best form of signage and can be used repeatedly for your company. Content management software allows you to change your display content quickly. All you need is a few minutes at the computer.
9. Environmental Impact
Traditional signs banners, inks, and solvents, leave an increased greenhouse gas emissions, incineration and methane gas release, and transportation logistics are the primary environmental problems to address. The only plus point is that most of the impact static signage poses is in its generation.
While traditional printing and implementation need energy, digital also consumes energy and contributes significantly to carbon impact. Touch screen displays need considerably more energy to process touch-sensitive information.
However, digital signage can be considered more eco-friendly than its static counterparts, because it does not require regular bulk paper production.
10. Customer Experience
Traditional signage, which has a vast knowledge of how to increase consumers and grab attention, aids in the identification of a location. It establishes a brand’s voice and provides quick recognition.
Digital signage is a relatively new trend, and like with everything new, it draws greater attention to be itself.
So What’s the Verdict?
The difference between digital and traditional signage is so stark that comparing the two is difficult. While static signs have their place, they do not provide the same benefits and value as digital ones.
Consumers today are more tech-savvy than ever before, and they demand the same from the businesses with which they engage. Digital signage solutions enable businesses to satisfy consumer needs while also meeting the new norm of offering dynamic and easy tools that create a whole experience rather than serving a single function.
Digital signage is essential for individuals who wish to stay current in today’s competitive business climate.
How Should You Decide Which to Use? 4 Factors To Consider Before Getting Digital Display or Traditional Signage
If you’re still wrestling with the choices before you, you can take several factors into consideration. As we go through these factors, think about your business and see where you stand when it comes to the digital signage vs static signage debate.
– Budget
Instead of focusing just on price, it is preferable to select the package that provides the greatest long-term value while remaining within your budget.
– Type of Business / Industry
In today’s digital environment, traditional signage is quickly becoming obsolete (with the exception of wayfinding signs). If you are a merchant that still uses print signage in your store, it is time to look into digital signage software alternatives for your company.
– Targeted Users
Before you can select which option is ideal for you, you must first grasp the distinctions between the two forms of signage and what each can provide your consumers.
– Campaign Strategy
You’ll need to choose the best balance of material based on the goals of your marketing strategy. Are you attempting to amuse? Instruct? Promote?
This will no doubt influence your decision about the type of signage you use.
Final Word
In many ways, digital signage outperforms static ad alternatives. While the initial installation cost of new electronic signs might be costly, the returns on investment are certain. It also helps the environment, saves space, and offers an instant wow factor.
At REV Interactive, we provide multitouch technology solutions, if you are looking to invest in digital signage look no further.
Get in touch with us for a consultation about smart signage products for your business.
