Top Digital Signage Tips for Creating Unique Content

Digital signs have the power to stop people in their tracks. A vibrant image, a clever message, or a well-timed animation can turn an ordinary moment into something memorable. That's the true potential of great digital signage. But creating that kind of impactful content isn't always straightforward. This guide offers digital signage tips to help craft unique, engaging content that resonates with audiences.

More Than Just Words on a Screen

Digital signage is like having a visual conversation with an audience. Instead of just words, it uses visuals, movement, and carefully crafted messages. It's about creating moments that stick with people long after they've walked away from the sign.

Consider an experience in a busy airport. Amidst the stress and rush, a screen showing a serene forest scene with gentle movement can be like a breath of fresh air in the middle of chaos. This illustrates how digital signage can be more than just information – it can be an experience.

Crafting Your Message: What Do You Want to Say?

When it comes to digital signage, the message is the star of the show. No matter how sophisticated the screens or prime the location, if the content doesn't connect, the signage won't work. Here are some signage tips to help create content that grabs attention and conveys messages effectively:

Keep It Simple and Clear

One of the most valuable digital signage tips is to keep things simple. There are usually only a few seconds to catch someone's eye and get the point across. If the content is too cluttered or complicated, people might just tune it out.

It's worth considering what really needs to be said. Can it be boiled down to one main idea or image? Sometimes, a single powerful statement or picture can be more effective than a screen full of information.

Use Great Visuals

People are naturally drawn to interesting visuals. A striking image or a well-designed graphic can convey a lot of information quickly and leave a lasting impression. But not just any picture will do. The key is to choose visuals that really fit the message and will mean something to the audience.

Take, for example, a digital menu board in a farm-to-table restaurant that shows beautiful images of local farms where they source their ingredients. It's not just a list of dishes – it tells a story about the food and makes diners feel connected to what they're eating.

Play Around with Text

The way text looks can make a big difference in how a message comes across. Different fonts can set different moods for content. Experimenting with various styles, sizes, and layouts can help find what works best for the intended message.

But readability should always be the priority. Even the coolest-looking font isn't worth much if people can't read it from across the room.

Bringing Your Content to Life

Beyond the basics, there are ways to make content really stand out.

Tell a Story

People love stories. Even with digital signage, where there might only be a few moments of someone's attention, storytelling can make content more interesting.

For instance, a hotel might use their lobby screens to show "A Day in the Life" of different staff members. This approach goes beyond announcements or ads – it gives guests a peek behind the scenes and makes the whole place feel more welcoming.

Use Movement Wisely

Moving elements can be great for catching the eye, but too much can be overwhelming. A little animation can draw attention to important points or make transitions between content smoother. The key is to always consider: does this movement make the message clearer, or is it just distracting?

Think Outside the Box

Digital screens provide ample room for creativity. Content could be designed to look like things are popping out of the screen or to play with the space around it.

A creative example is a bookstore that made its digital sign look like a magical bookshelf, with titles that seemed to float off the shelves. It was a simple but eye-catching design that perfectly captured the feeling of getting lost in a good book.

Know Your Audience

Understanding who will be seeing the digital signage is key to making content that works. Here are some factors to consider:

• Location: A sign in a busy area needs to get the point across quickly, while one where people will be waiting can have more detail.
• Viewing time: This helps determine how much content to include and how to pace it.
• Viewer demographics: What do they care about? How can the content speak to their interests or needs?
• Accessibility: Ensuring everyone can easily read and understand the signs, including people with visual impairments.

Keeping Things Consistent

While it's beneficial to try new things with digital signage, having some consistency helps build a strong brand image. Digital signs should feel like they're part of the overall brand identity.

This doesn't mean everything has to look exactly the same. But having some common elements – perhaps certain colors, fonts, or design styles – can tie everything together and make the brand easy to recognize.

The Challenge of Keeping Content Fresh

One of the trickiest aspects of digital signage is coming up with new content regularly. Unlike a traditional sign that might stay the same for months, digital signs need frequent updates to stay effective.

This need for new content can feel overwhelming, but it's also an opportunity to keep the audience engaged and respond to what's happening in real-time.

Here are some ideas for managing ongoing content creation:

1. Plan ahead: Create a content calendar to help prepare in advance.
2. Reuse and recycle: Look for ways to update or adapt existing content.
3. Create templates: Develop a set of designs that can be easily updated with new information.
4. Rotate content: With a large content library, setting up a rotation can keep things fresh without constantly making new material.
5. Seek inspiration: Paying attention to interesting signs in daily life can spark ideas for new content.

Wrapping Up: The Digital Signage Journey

Creating unique, effective content for digital signage is both an art and a science. It requires creativity, strategic thinking, and a good understanding of the audience and goals. But with these digital signage tips, anyone can create content that not only catches the eye but also makes a real connection with viewers.

Curiosity and willingness to try new things are key in working with digital signage. Keeping the audience in mind helps develop a good sense for what works best for a brand and its viewers.

These signage tips are just a starting point. The real magic happens when they're applied and adapted to specific situations. Who knows? The next digital sign might be the one that makes people stop, look, and remember the message long after they've walked away.