TLDR Key Takeaways
You see it at airports, restaurants, offices, and even bus stops - those sleek screens showing menus, dashboards, or ads. That’s digital signage. But how exactly does it work, and why should your business care?
Let’s break it all down.
Digital signage refers to the use of digital screens - like LCD, LED, or projection displays - to share information with an audience. This content is managed remotely using a content management system (CMS) and typically includes graphics, video, or real-time data.
Instead of printing signs or posters, you can update digital signage instantly from anywhere. That makes it ideal for dynamic communication in public spaces or business environments.
Here are a few reasons digital signage stands out:
Whether you run a retail store or a hospital, digital signage can help you connect with your audience in a faster, smarter way.
A digital signage solution has three main components:
This includes screens, media players, mounts, and any accessories used to display content.
The CMS is your control center. It’s where you create, schedule, and manage what shows up on each screen.
Internet connections, Wi-Fi routers, switches, and extenders allow remote management and content delivery.
Media players are the bridge between your content and your screen. They store and play your content based on the instructions from your CMS. The more advanced your content (think 4K video or dynamic playlists), the more powerful your media player needs to be.
Recommended options:
You can use LCDs, LEDs, video walls, SoC's (System-on-Chip) or even projectors depending on your setup. The right screen size and resolution will depend on your location, distance from viewers, and budget.
Popular formats include:
SoC (System on Chip) displays combine the screen and media player into one device. They’re ideal for simpler deployments or locations with limited space.
Why businesses choose SoC displays:
Recommended SoC manufacturers:
Mounting your screens securely is just as important as choosing the right display. Look for heavy-duty mounts designed for commercial environments.
A digital signage CMS is where you:
Some CMS platforms (like Wallboard) offer drag-and-drop editors, real-time content syncing, and support for multiple user roles. That means anyone on your team can update content without IT support.
All your hardware and software needs to connect via the internet or local network.
Depending on your setup, you may need:
With everything online, your signage network can scale to hundreds - or even thousands - of screens globally.
Static images or slideshows loop on-screen - ideal for menus, ads, or announcements.
Examples:
Read more: What are digital posters and how can you make one?
These use video, animation, or real-time data to draw attention. You’ll find them in airports, malls, and transit hubs.
Examples:
Touchscreens or sensors let users engage directly with the screen.
Examples:
Built to withstand the elements, outdoor displays appear on buildings, streets, and transit systems.
Examples:
Hospitals use signage to improve communication, guide patients, and ease wait-time frustration.
Common placements:
Read more: Digital Signage for Healthcare
Retailers use digital signage to influence customer behavior, highlight deals, and streamline navigation.
Use cases:
Read more: Digital signage for Retail
Hotels, resorts, and casinos use signage for check-in help, event info, and guest services.
Seen in:
Read more: Digital singage for Casinos
Digital menu boards, self-order kiosks, and promotional displays are now standard in QSRs.
Locations:
Read more: These menu board ideas can help you get the most out of digital signage
Banks use digital displays to share real-time rates, broadcast news, or improve branch efficiency.
Examples:
Read more: Digital Signage for Banks and Financial Institutions
Schools and universities use signage for announcements, scheduling, and wayfinding.
Spots to install:
Read more: Best Quotes to use on your School Digital Signage
Digital signage helps churches and community centers communicate updates, service times, and fundraising goals.
Typical usage:
Read more: Digital Signage for Churches
Transit hubs rely on digital signage for wayfinding, real-time departures, and advertising.
You’ll find it in:
Read more: Digital Signage for Airports
Effective signage content isn’t just pretty - it’s purposeful.
What makes content effective?
Your CMS should let you:
Interactive signage adds another layer - like product selectors, maps, or check-in systems.
Pro tip: Think of your content like a mini billboard. Grab attention fast, then deliver value in seconds.
Ask yourself these questions:
If you said “yes” to most of these, digital signage could be a strong investment.
Step 1: Define your goal
Do you want to drive sales, improve internal communication, or enhance customer experience?
Step 2: Choose your screen locations
Think high-traffic areas—lobbies, dining areas, storefronts.
Step 3: Pick the right hardware
Use commercial-grade displays, players, and mounts built for 24/7 performance.
Step 4: Select a CMS that fits
Look for one that’s easy to use, scalable, and integrates with your existing tools.
Step 5: Start small, scale smart
Launch a few screens first. Test content. Refine. Then expand your network.
Wallboard is a cloud-based digital signage CMS built to make content creation and device management easier - no IT team required.
Here’s what you get with Wallboard:
We support a wide range of hardware, including BrightSign, Android, and SoC displays - giving you total flexibility for your setup.
Digital signage isn’t just a flashy screen - it’s a smarter way to communicate. Whether you're a restaurant owner, IT manager, or corporate comms director, there’s a way to make it work for you.
Let’s talk about your goals and help you build the perfect signage solution.
👉 Schedule your free consultation with Wallboard today
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