While design in your digital signage layout is important, you also need to consider how the content you publish will engage your audience. When you keep in mind proper design elements with engagement-focused content, viewers will be more likely to notice your content and take the message seriously. You often do not have that much time to get your message across through digital signage. Hence, clear, concise communication always prevails. If the intended message is hidden behind scrolling news feeds, weather updates, or poor design, your intent will be lost on your audience. A message that is distinct and offers clear communication is often the most appealing. When coupled with attractive imagery, you have an even greater chance of drawing a wider audience.
Let’s draw a similar example. Have you ever seen handwritten notes on a wall? It often looks sloppy and is hard to read. Oftentimes posted urgently in a rush, they also often carry a negative undertone. However, a well-laid-out design has a more positive emotional effect. The exact same rules apply to digital signage content. Thankfully, you do not need a graphic design degree to engage your audience through content. Adhering to the following tricks will keep your signs lively and entertaining for years.
However, the first step to drive engagement is finding a software provider you trust. Thankfully, you’re already in the right place. When you partner with REACH Media Network, an install coordinator will walk you through each step of the way, working with you and our design team to create starting layouts, set up integrations, and get the software online. If you need hardware, REACH Media Network also has you covered there. As a BrightSign Bright Alliance partner, we have plenty of powerful BrightSign media players that are some of the most reliable players on the market. We have also recently launched our very own DS3 player, which comes preinstalled with our software at an affordable price. Once your network is set up, an account manager will be assigned to you and will act as your point person for all things REACH related moving forward. You will always have access to our 24/7 support team, as well as free creative design services moving forward. If you’re ready to start your digital signage journey, click the button below to begin talking to an expert!
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RELEVANT CONTENT
Maintaining relevant, up-to-date content is extremely important. Unfortunately, not everyone will care about your business news or updates. However, current events, sports highlights, and other sources of news are relevant and consumed by everyone. If your business offers promotional deals or sales, that information would be important for your audience to know and may even drive some conversions. Keeping your content fresh and constantly updated will keep your audience drawn to your signage.
CLEAN, CONCISE COMMUNICATION
If the message is lost, what is the point? Here’s a tip — look at your content for three seconds. Often, it also helps to read it out loud. Did you see the message you want your audience to receive? Did it flow naturally when you spoke? If not, you may need to rethink your message. Most viewers will only glance at your content, rather than stand there and absorb it. Think of your digital signage as billboards. Limit each announcement to one idea and keep the text to two short sentences. Use multiple slides to communicate if one isn’t enough, rather than squashing everything onto one.
CONSISTENT UPDATES
An important piece of keeping digital signage entertaining is keeping the content fresh and updated. If you don’t have a new message, even small changes such as sentence reworks or image updates can become more appealing than a stale display. Changing colors, videos, and even minor changes can go a long way.
APPEALING PHOTOGRAPHY
As the cliche goes, images can speak a thousand words. Using photography to enhance your message could be the difference that makes the audience engage and receive your message, rather than ignore it. If you don’t have your own pictures, our stock photos contain hundreds of images to choose from in every category imaginable. Just remember not to go overboard; your message is still number one.
DYNAMIC MOTION
Adding motion can help grab attention for longer periods of time. This can be done in a few different ways: Adding animation to your images or text can spice up your typical static image. Relevant videos can increase your audience’s dwell time at your signage. It gets better; according to the Association of Online Publishers, 80 percent of users recall a video ad they viewed in the past 30 days.
INTERACTIVITY
Including a call to action is the best way to drive engagement. Ask yourself: What do you want your target audience to do with the information you are posting? Respond? Repost/share the info? Make a purchase? Let them know exactly what to do so that they can get involved (For example: “Like us on Facebook!”). If there isn’t a direct action to take, at least point your viewers to where they can learn more about the topic of your message.
When creating announcements, just keep these rules in mind. By following these guidelines, your digital signage will attract more viewers and increase your facility’s communications.
READY TO START YOUR DIGITAL JOURNEY?
Discover how digital signage can transform your communication strategy. Reach out to REACH Media Network today to learn more about our solutions, explore custom integrations, and see how we can help you connect with your audience in meaningful ways.
