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In the competitive high street, especially here in London and the UK, retail businesses are constantly vying for consumer attention. And with the economic challenges in the UK being felt acutely felt in the retail sector, with growth slowing or receding, retailers are looking for ways to engage customers and boost sale.s
One effective tool to capture and hold that attention is digital signage.
What is digital signage?
Digital signage refers to displays often on TV screens, but also on any form of digital screen such as tablets, billboards and video walls. While this has often been seen as an inaccessible medium for small businesses, more and more companies are springing up offering affordable digital signage.
With its vibrant displays and dynamic content, digital signage not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a store but also serves as a powerful marketing and sales instrument. By leveraging these digital marvels, studies show that retailers can significantly improve footfall and engagement, thereby boosting sales and customer loyalty.
So, whether you’re opening a new store or looking to upgrade your existing setup, how can you harness the full potential of digital displays?
1. Dynamic Window Displays
First impressions count, particularly in the retail industry. Transform your shop front into an eye-catching multimedia experience with dynamic window displays. Use high-resolution screens to showcase trending products, special offers, or even the weather, thus engaging passersby and enticing them into your store. Remember, the goal is to stand out from the competition and captivate potential customers from the moment they see your storefront.
2. Share Video Ads
Video content is king in capturing interest and retaining attention spans. Implement digital displays inside your store to share product videos, advertisements, or behind-the-scenes content that adds depth to your brand’s story. This not only enhances the shopping experience but also helps in communicating complex product details in an easy-to-digest format.
3. Level Up Your Socials
In today’s digital era, social media presence is crucial. Why not bring that social buzz into your physical store? Display live social media feeds on screens throughout your shop to highlight customer testimonials, share real-time updates, and promote online contests. This strategy not only builds your community online and offline but also encourages shoppers to engage with your brand on social media platforms.
4. Highlight Product Reviews
Customer feedback can significantly influence purchasing decisions. Dedicate a section of your digital displays to showcase real-time customer reviews and ratings for your products. This transparency builds trust and credibility, persuading potential buyers about the quality of your offerings.
Most digital signage tools will let you integrate reviews from sites such as Facebook, Google and TrustPilot, among other.
5. Point of Sale Displays
Digital displays at the point of sale can be a game-changer. Use these screens to introduce customers to new products, upsell services, or remind them of needed extras. This last-minute engagement can effectively increase the average transaction value.
Stream videos or highlight the best deals on your products just before people pay.
6. Click and Collect Order Tablets
Streamline your click-and-collect services by integrating order pickup with digital tablets. This setup allows customers to check in and confirm their orders electronically, reducing wait times and enhancing customer satisfaction. Furthermore, strategically placed digital promotions can upsell products during the pickup process.
7. Digital Posters
Replace traditional printed posters with sleek digital versions. Digital posters offer the flexibility of quickly updating content and can be synchronized instantly across various stores. Whether it’s launching a new product line or announcing a flash sale, digital posters ensure your marketing messages are current and impactful.
These can be a great way to promote your own products and services, or even upsell a partnership or monetise your wall space.
8. Create a Video Wall
Make a bold statement within your store with a video wall. This larger-than-life display can serve multiple purposes— from creating an immersive environment to showcasing key marketing campaigns or live events. Video walls are particularly effective in large spaces, drawing customers in and creating memorable in-store experiences.
9. Browse Your Catalogue
Give your customers the power of choice and convenience by setting up interactive catalogues through digital kiosks. These kiosks can be used to view out-of-stock items, explore product features, or even place orders directly. Interactive digital displays are especially beneficial in providing personalized shopping experiences to customers.
10. Connect with Digital Assistants
Enhance customer service by integrating digital assistants with in-store digital displays. These AI-powered assistants can help answer customer queries, provide suggestions, and guide users through your product range, offering a futuristic and streamlined shopping experience.
Integrate your AI chatbots from sites such as Intercom and your customers can get answers for common queries, saving your staff time.
11. Queue and Order Management
Long queues are often a deterrent for shoppers. Employ digital queue management systems to keep customers informed about their waiting times and streamline checkouts. Additionally, digital displays can entertain and engage customers while they wait, which might reduce perceived waiting times.
12. Dynamic Art and Engaging Content
Finally, use your digital displays to create an engaging atmosphere in your store. From displaying dynamic art pieces to sharing interesting facts or interactive content, these displays can significantly enhance the ambiance and make shopping a delightful experience for your customers.
How can you get started with digital signage?
These days there are numerous digital signage companies offering affordable ways to setup your signage network. And whats more, almost all of them work with consumer grade technology such as TVs and readily available media players. It’s actually possible to get your digital signage network started for just the cost of a TV screen and a media dongle.
Some of the best digital signage software includes companies such as ScreenCloud, AbleSign, Optisign, AppSpace, Yodeck and Pickcel. These offer monthly subscriptions to connect your devices, create content, schedule your displays and even manage your digital signage remotely.
You will need a media player to connect your TV screens to your digital signage, and some of the best are the Google Chromecast (£30) and the Amazon Signage Stick (£100).
Whether you’re setting up a shop, or expanding a coffee shop to sell more products, we hope you’ve found these tips about how to use digital signage in retail helpful.
