Getting started with digital signage might seem intimidating, but it’s actually a straightforward and streamlined process. All you need to get going is a few bits of hardware, the right digital signage software, and a solid content strategy. In this brief article, we’ll review exactly what you need to get your digital signage up and running, and how you can set yourself up for success.
Getting started with digital signage: three key components
Setting up your digital signage is usually fast and easy, you’ll just need a screen, a media player, and your digital signage software (sometimes called a “Content Management System” or “CMS,” to get started).
Display screen (plus an internet connection and a power source):
You’ll need to choose your physical screen before getting started. You can use a digital signage TV, a Smart TV, a computer monitor, or even a tablet as your display. Just make sure that you have access to a strong, reliable internet connection and a power source before you start mounting your screens.
It’s important to choose a screen that can display content around-the-clock – many Smart TVs, computer screens, and tablets aren’t programmed to continuously run, which means that they might suffer issues if you use them for hours, days, or weeks on-end. But depending on how you intend to use your digital signage, this might not be an issue. If you’re using digital signage in an office or restaurant which is open from 8AM to 5PM, for example, you probably don’t need to worry about playing content for more than one day at a time. In this instance, Smart TVs and computer screens should work just fine.
You should also take into account whether the screen you’ve chosen can be mounted in either a portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) position. Not all Smart TVs are built to support portrait mode, so this is an important question to ask when you’re shopping around.
It’s also important to check whether the screen you’ve chosen has a sufficient brightness ratio, particularly if you intend on placing screens in bright or outdoor areas. It’s also a good idea to find a screen that’s fingerprint-resistant and designed with a super-slim bezel. The slim bezel (or ‘frame) will allow you to position multiple screens next to each other without large gaps between the displays – this is very useful for creating walls or menu boards.
Finally, you should make sure that your selected screen will support the media player that you choose to power your digital signage.
Media player
A media player is the device that connects to your screen and plays your content. You can think of it as the ‘brain’ of your digital signage, and you’ll have a few options when it comes to choosing a player that works for you. Some devices have built-in media players, and some consumer devices – like a Fire TV Stick – can be adapted for digital signage. External players, such as Raspberry Pi, connect to your monitors via an HDMI port. External players are usually small, powerful, compatible with many different screens and softwares, cost-effective, and easy to use, making them a very popular choice.
Once you’ve chosen your screens and your media player, you’re almost ready to deploy your digital content. You’ll just need to choose a digital signage software that can help you get your messages across.
Digital signage software
Your digital signage software (sometimes called a “Content Management System” or “CMS”), is the technology that you’ll use to create, schedule, and manage your digital signage content. There are many digital signage softwares available on the market, and choosing the right one can be difficult. It’s best to look for solutions that streamline the end-to-end content creation and management process by offering a wide range of templates, a variety of apps, and flexible subscriptions. You should also look for a solution that minimizes or eliminates the need for IT intervention: the best digital signage software doesn’t require any technical expertise, and empowers anyone on your team to create and manage high-quality, impactful digital content.
You can check out this article for more tips on how to choose the right digital signage software.
Bringing everything together: setting yourself up for success
The key to being successful with your digital signage isn’t just about choosing the right hardware and software. You also need to make a plan.
By setting up a solid content strategy, you’ll put yourself in the best position to succeed. To ensure that your messages get through, you must build a strong foundation to work from. This includes identifying your target audience, creating a strong visual identity, refining your core messages, planning your content and campaigns in advance, and determining how you’ll measure the performance of your content.
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Digital signage is an incredibly powerful tool for creating connections and building a memorable brand, but it requires a thoughtful approach to make an impact. By investing in the right hardware and software, and by formulating a clear content strategy, you’ll have the best chance of seeing success with your digital signage.
Yodeck is the first and only intelligent digital signage platform. Cloud-powered and incredibly easy to use, Yodeck is designed to help you transform your screens into dynamic displays that grab attention and drive engagement. With a huge library of free, customizable templates, Yodeck makes it possible for teams to create incredible content that resonates with your audience, all without the need for IT support or expertise.
To explore the best-in-class features that Yodeck offers, you can sign up for free or you can explore this page.
*Katie Rose Hester is a senior content strategist and writer working with product-led businesses bringing interesting, helpful innovations to market.