Outdoor digital signage is an important tool for any U.S. business today. Whether you’re introducing a new product, sharing announcements, or just creating brand awareness, effective digital signage can bring your business to life by catching the attention of a targeted customer at the right time. Again, though, to get the most from your outdoor digital signage, planning and attention to best practices are in order. Let’s dig into the essential do’s and don’ts that can help you create powerful, memorable outdoor displays.
1. Highly Visible and Readable
The purpose of an outdoor digital sign is to attract attention immediately. A sign in a high traffic area needs to be easily seen from a distance. Some of the ways you might maximize its visibility are:
Font size and style: Bold fonts that can be easily read from afar.
Contrast and Color Choices: High contrast between text and background assures your message will read under any light condition.
Height above Location: Position sign at an eye level suited for your audience based on foot or vehicle traffic
Pro Tip: Test reading distance and angle for greatest readability.
2. Choose Rugged, Weather Resistant Hardware
Outdoor digital signage is more vulnerable to the various conditions of weather, including bright sunlight, rain, and snow. For better durability and performance:
Weather-Proofing: Choose displays with enclosures that are IP rated for protection against moisture and dust.
Temperature Control: Ensure that the signage contains a built-in cooling and heating system to avoid overheating or freezing.
Anti-Glare and Brightness Adjustment: Use an anti-glare screen along with adjustable brightness settings to view in bright sunlight.
Pro Tip: If possible, seek location options with a little natural protection–like overhangs or awnings.
3. Keep it BRIEF and Engaging
Outdoor signage only gets for a few seconds of notice, so you want your message to be kept super short and effective. How?
Focus on Key Messages: Don’t clutter the space. Use engaging images, bold headlines, minimal text.
Animation/Video Clips: Use them sparsely, not too long that you confuse the audience.
CTAs- If Appropriate: Ask viewers to click on your website or follow you on social media
Pro Tip: Share your content at right traffic times. Shorter messages are more suitable near highways. Slower traffic can be used with longer messages.
4. Regularly Update and Refresh Content
To keep refreshing your content for viewers, ensure that you update your digital signage. Use the following tips to keep up with your content:
Use seasonal or timely updates with content related to seasonal promotions, holidays, or events that will interest your audiences.
Automated scheduling – A CMS can automatically put up your content and make it display at specific times of the day in front of specific audiences.
You should analyze and adjust often through analytics (if available) on viewership engagement, and make sure to give your content the best possible value.
Pro Tip: A cloud-based CMS lets you access and update information from anywhere you can get a connection, thus allowing you to make real-time business-driven changes.
5. Comply with Local Regulations
There are specifics on digital signage in each U.S. state and locality. Keep updated on what these rules dictate:
Permits and Permissions: Contact your local governmental offices and ask them about permits for digital signage, especially for outdoor displays.
Brightness and Safety Requirements: Some cities may also have regulations about brightness, animation, and proximity to traffic lights or pedestrian crossing.
Environmental Requirements: Consider whether there are any environmental requirements or restrictions that will attract fines or penalties
Pro Tip: When partnering with a digital signage vendor who has experience working under U.S. regulations you won’t have to be bothered about non-compliance that might attract legal problems
6. Connectivity and Security Requirements
Most outdoor digital signage requires robust connectivity to work proficiently. Here’s how you can keep your connectivity safe and stable:
Network Reliability: Ensure a reliable and secure internet connection by having some backup options for network failures.
Data Security: Ensure that your signage system cannot be hacked through secure login credentials and constant software updates.
Remote Management: A cloud-based CMS with access remotely allows you to monitor and control your signage from anywhere, hence responding promptly to any possible issues.
Pro Tip: Security audits and network checks at frequent intervals can help safeguard your signage from potential threats.
Utilize outdoor digital signage to create the dramatic effects that can dramatically impact your business’s visibility and engagement. Demonstrate how following best practices ensures your signage grabs attention, communicates your message, and endures any environment. Ready to elevate your business’s outdoor presence? Contact SkyMedia today to learn more about our outdoor digital signage solutions specifically designed for the U.S. market.