When a small business plans its first digital signage deployment, business owners are typically bombarded with a variety of different options and functionality to choose from. Originally, business owners think that displaying content on a screen is a relatively simple task. It is, however, to do it right there are several features a deployment must have. Read below to learn more about important feature considerations when launching small business digital signage.
Integrated hardware and software
To run a digital sign, you need both hardware and software. Each digital sign requires a TV screen as well as a digital signage player. A digital signage player is a small, physical device that renders digital signage content to your TV screen.
In addition to the necessary hardware, it is important to have an integrated software solution. Digital signage deployments that have “run on anything” software can get into trouble when it comes to reliability and security. With an integrated digital signage management software solution, user can manage their digital signs and the content on their digital signs from anywhere.
Easy content management
One key feature for small business digital signage is easy content management. Users need to be able to quickly change and update digital signage content in just a few clicks.
Modern digital signage software makes it easy for small business owners to schedule content to run and organize content into ordered playlists. These features allow business owners to take care of digital signage content weeks in advance so that their digital signs can assist them in doing business rather than act as an additional task that gets in the way.
Content Caching
When digital signs go down, it looks bad on the business. Small business digital signage solutions work best where there is some form of content caching. This functionality means that content is saved locally on the digital signage player device. In this case, even if the internet goes down, the small business’s digital sign will still display content. When the internet connection is restored, the digital signage player can then source any new content or playlist changes.
Portrait and landscape mode support
Some businesses use landscape oriented displays to display product offers in their windows. Other businesses use portrait oriented displays to display digital menu boards. When selecting a digital signage solution, it is important to make sure that the solution can support the landscape or portrait orientation that your business needs. Screenly supports 9:16, 16:9, and all content aspect rations.
Customizable integrations and digital signage apps
Digital signage is much more than displaying images and videos. Small businesses can integrate digital signs with their existing business apps and tech stacks to create unique customer and employee experiences. For example, digital signs can display calculated live wait times. Additionally, digital signs can display current inventory levels and alerts when items need to be restocked.
This functionality is possible with digital signage applications. Screenly makes it easy for teams to get started with Screenly Edge Apps. Edge Apps can work out of the box, and they can also be fully customized by an in-house or third party developer. Our goal is to take all the complicated leg work out of digital signage app development so that developers can focus on only the parts that drive business value.
Getting started with small business digital signage at Screenly
Getting started with small business digital signage at Screenly is easy. The best first step is to see inside Screenly right now with a 30-day free trial. You can try out Screenly without hardware by using our free virtual screen functionality.
