Digital signage is a powerful way for private businesses and public entities to relay information, increase revenue, and create a better customer or student experience.
From elementary schools to higher education, the task of communicating with current students and attracting new ones can be difficult. Any business that serves a large community is constantly faced with the challenge of determining how best to distribute relevant information in a timely manner. This is especially true in educational settings, such as college campuses, where large groups of individuals rely on an institution to share messages about everything from upcoming events to local advisories.
To the general population, the purpose of digital signage may seem purely advertorial. While it is true that digital signs are great for marketing purposes, they can do much more than bring in revenue, including helping keep communities safe, informed, organized, and happy.
In this article, we will discuss the most important benefits of utilizing digital signage in an educational setting. This applies to schools that serve all ages and demographics, including public and private K-12 schools as well as both community colleges and four-year universities.
1. Digital signage eliminates paper waste
Digital signage can help schools go green and reach sustainability goals. Implementing digital signage reduces the need for signs made of other materials, which are simply thrown out after use. This is especially effective in a classroom or other indoor setting, where posters and other signs may be traditionally used to convey information. Replacing all that paper waste with digital signage is an eco-friendly solution that demonstrates a school or university’s commitment to the environment.
2. Electronic signs reduce clutter
In addition to its environmental benefits, digital signage has aesthetic benefits. In an office or public-facing indoor space, digital signage can create a streamlined look that eliminates the clutter created by handouts, flyers, and other notifications. A single well-placed digital sign can replace the need for many scattered paper signs. This makes for a more organized, clutter-free setting.
3. Disseminate information to large populations
On educational campuses, the need to disseminate information to hundreds — or even thousands — of individuals is ever-present. Whether a school needs to communicate exam dates, scheduling for campus athletics, weather advisories, or reminders about an upcoming deadline, digital signage is an eye-catching way to convey relevant details to the target population. Because digital signage can be updated easily, it provides a strategic way to ensure messaging remains relevant and up to date.
4. Enhances curb appeal
Businesses use digital signage to create a better brand experience. Educational settings can take a cue from this and use digital signs to display the school logo, mascot, or other illustrations or text that are important to the community. This communicates the brand to the community in an attractive, colorful way that enhances curb appeal.
5. Boosts school spirit
Schools can use digital signage to remind students and the surrounding community about upcoming games and other events. Whether the sign conveys a game schedule, inspirational quote, or message of support, digital signs are a great way to boost school spirit and bring the campus together.
6. Shows the institution values technology
Today’s students and their parents want to support educational environments that focus on preparing the younger generation for jobs in the digital age. It is important for schools to demonstrate that they utilize and value technology. Digital signage is a conspicuous way for academic institutions to signal that they embrace technology.
7. Improves safety
Because digital signage can be updated quickly and remotely, it is a powerful tool for maintaining safety in school settings. Increased concern about active shooters is one of the many reasons digital signage is more important than ever for campus security. Digital signs improve safety by instantly disseminating urgent warnings about current and potential threats along with actions the community must take to remain safe. Digital signs also improve safety around other hazards by communicating information about weather-related cancellations, construction in the area, and health concerns.
8. Revenue drivers
Whether a school needs to sell tickets for an event or boost enrollment, digital signage can drive revenue in the same way it would for a business. This tool can be especially effective in recruitment strategies.
Tips for implementing digital signage
When using digital signage in an academic setting of any size, it is key to consider placement. Digital signage must be positioned in locations that are relevant to the audience in mind. “Right-sizing” is a crucial part of using digital signage. It is also important that messaging is created by someone who understands the content that needs to be conveyed and is familiar with the voice that must be used in conveying it.
Contact Unisol to learn more about digital signage and how to install it for maximum effectiveness.
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