How Much Does Digital Signage Cost?

More than just a billboard. Digital signage has rapidly become a tool for everything from displaying menus or promotional content to internal communications.

TV screens displaying all manner of content are now almost everywhere. But if you're considering using a digital signage system for your business, whether that's a logistics warehouse, a hotel resort or a coffee shop, there's probably one question on your mind....

How much does digital signage cost?

When setting up digital signage, you need to factor in the price of the screen, the media player (if using an external player), and the software running it. You might also want to factor in things such as hardware installation and pre-installation strategy.

There are hundreds of digital signage software solutions available, with prices ranging from free to over $100 per screen per month - and all points in between.

Here at ScreenCloud, we offer digital signage software starting from $20 per screen per month. But just because a digital signage system costs a little more than the competition, this doesn't necessarily mean it's a no-brainer.

The variation in cost often reflects the flexibility, scalability and features of the software.

For example, a free digital signage software tool might cost nothing to start using. But it will likely be limited in how you can use it, how easy it is to connect and often with minimal support if you run into problems. Likewise, if you do need to expand your signage across multiple sites, or if you want advanced features such as remote management or enterprise grade technology, you might find the free or cheap solutions are less adaptable.

The hardware for digital signage can also vary hugely, depending on your requirements. A typical TV screen used for digital signage can start from as low as $200. You can also spend many thousands of dollars for an LED video wall or larger screen for commercial displays.

You'll also need to factor in the controller and operating system that your digital signage solution supports. In most cases you can plug in a consumer grade media player such as an Amazon Signage Stick or Google Chromecast. This will allow you to remotely manage your signage content, which can be especially useful if you have multiple sites with multiple screens.

Cheaper digital signage solutions might require connections with HDMI cables, or even USB drives - which can be frustrating and fiddly when it comes to updating content.

Read more: What is digital signage?

Digital signage: The cost breakdown

Hardware

You can connect any consumer grade TV screen or tablet to digital signage software. This means that you could, in theory, use a TV under $100.

However, in the name of better performance, efficiency and longevity, you should look at TVs which are made for commercial displays. These will cost anything upwards of $200, depending on factors such as size and display technology.

Some of the best options for digital signage display screen include:

• Iiyama ProLite
• Samsung The Terrace Outdoor TVs
• Philips professional display screens
• Hisense Commercial Displays
• LG digital signage screens

This is just a small selection of the brands and product lines available for TVs for digital signage - and whatever your budget there are lots of options.

Average cost: Around $500 per screen

Digital signage software

You will need some kind of software to manage your digital signage content and displays. Some digital signage software is relatively simple, and just allows you to connect your controlling device (eg. a laptop or mobile phone) and upload your screen designs.

Made for purpose digital signage software such as ScreenCloud doesn't just allow you to network your devices and screens. You'll also be able to do advanced management tasks such as content creation, display zoning (i.e; displaying different stuff in different areas), content scheduling and remote management.

Truth be told, the list of cheap and free digital signage software is long. But is free digital signage worth it?

In theory, you could set up one to three TV displays and pay nothing for the software.

But if you're looking for top-tier support, glitch-free operation, high performance, remote operation and best in class security, you'll need to pay a monthly package price.

ScreenCloud starts from $20 per screen, per month. Try us out for free with a 14 day trial.

You'll find other software packages offering monthly digital signage pricing starting from as low as $3 per month. However, ScreenCloud is one of the most powerful signage solutions on the market, with a user friendly interface, great tech support and functionality across all types of hardware from consumer grade to high end professional screens.

Read More: These are the Best Digital Signage Companies

Media players

To connect wirelessly to your screens, you'll need a media player. Popular consumer grade media players can be picked up for as little as $25 or purpose built signage players for $60. These include:

• ScreenCloud's Pixi
• Amazon Signage Stick
• Amazon Fire TV stick (now superseded buy the Signage Stick)
• Google Chromecast
• Raspberry Pi
• Chrome OS/Chromebox
• Windows
• Brightsign
• ScreenCloud OS
• Tizen

Consumer smart TVs also come with in-built media connection players, allowing you to connect easily from your laptop, phone or other device. While these are very useful for simple signage, for more complex networking they don't offer the reliability and stability of made for purpose digital signage players such as ScreenCloud OS.

Average costs: Between $25-$250

Find out more about ScreenCloud OS.

Installation costs

Beyond your hardware and software, you'll also need to factor in your installation costs. This will of course depend on numerous factors such as:

• Number of screens
• Screen locations
• Your location and local costs

Installing menu board signage in a single restaurant might cost you just a few hundred dollars, whilst adding a network of screens across a hotel resort, healthcare facility or various retail shops could stretch into the multiple thousands.

Check local installers before budgeting your digital signage installation costs.

Average costs: Between $500 - thousands...

Ongoing maintenance

While digital signage is a cost effective communication tool, you do need to ensure you manage regular maintenance to get the best out of your signage setup.

With regards to the software, this is usually automatically updated. But it is worth checking that you are running the latest version of the software, which should also include security patches and performance upgrades.

With hardware related maintenance, make sure to check your screen mounts, any cables or electrical inputs and the screen casing on a regular basis. Ideally every six to 12 months. This is especially important for screens in public spaces, those mounted at height or screens which are exposed to the elements.

While it can be a simple process to audit a few screens in an office every few months, a larger setup might require a professional service.

Maintenance costs can range from around $200 for a one off service on a small setup, to $2000 or more on a larger digital signage network.

Supporting software and services

Creating and managing great digital signage displays is something that can require additional skills. Especially if you need regular content creation, for example for D2C marketing or a public facing messaging service.

There are also many excellent software tools which make it easier than ever to create eye-catching signage, for example Canva.

Tools such as ScreenCloud feature a suite of apps and templates so you don't need to hire a professional team of graphic designers or pay for additional apps.

With that being said, creating regular great quality displays can take time, even if you have access to our excellent templates. Many companies already hire graphic designers and content managers, so these teams can easily be repurposed to create signage too.

Factor in the time and skills required for your digital signage design. While many organizations have the manpower available, consider whether you will need to add an extra employee to manage your network.

The cost-benefits of digital signage

Factoring in all the digital signage costs, what benefits do you actually get from using it? While this might depend on your industry, signage use and your business goals for your digital signs, these are some of the common benefits of using digital signage.

Improved message recall

Do people remember the messages they see? Well, with email, the recall rate is about 40%, and with printed media it can be up to 77%. With digital signage, our own data shows that the recall rate can be up to 83%.

So whether you're using public facing retail digital signage, or internal office digital signage, it seems like digital signs are best to ensure everyone gets the memo.

Better employee engagement

Deskless workers make up 80% of the global workforce. And while these essential workers can make or break a business, being able to communicate with them can be a challenge - as they don't have access to company email.

Various studies show that digital signage improves a broad range of employee related statistics, including:

• Staff productivity improved by an average of 25%
• Improvement in quality output by 41%
• Accident and sickness rates reduced by 20%

More sales

We're bombarded with ads and marketing messages in our daily lives. But studies show that digital signage is a powerful tool for retail or customer facing businesses.

• 8 out of 10 customers admit entering a store because of digital signage
• 30% increase in return customers with digital signage
• 59% of retail customers believe that digital signage influenced their buying decisions
• Digital signage helped to improve sales by 30% in one specific retail setting

Better customer experience

While the customer or visitor experience can be hard to quantify or value, it shouldn't be overlooked. And digital signage can offer a number of benefits when it comes to the perception of your visitors or potential clients.

• Digital displays can improve perceived waiting time for customers by 35%
• 94% of customers rely on user generated content to help make a purchasing decision
• 55% of travelers prefer hotels with self check-in kiosks

But that's just the tip of the iceberg...

Read more: Digital signage statistics.

Is digital signage easy to set up?

Yes. Connecting digital signage hardware to your software solution is simple and takes just a few minutes. And, with ScreenCloud, you don't need any technical skills to get your digital displays running.

Here's how easy it is:

1. Install your TV screens or other display devices in your required locations
2. Add your media player devices, if required
3. Install your digital signage software
4. Connect your devices in your digital signage software
5. Create your zones
6. Create and deploy your digital signage content
7. Update as required

While this might sound relatively technical, with ScreenCloud it's as simple as setting up your home cinema. And once you've set up and connected your screens, managing your displays on an ongoing basis is incredibly straightforward with no IT skills needed.

Read more: IT Teams guide to digital signage roll outs

Common use cases for digital signage

There are many ways to use digital signage in almost every business. Some of these usages are suited for promotions, marketing or generally increasing revenue; others are more focused on information and communications.

So while a digital signage investment might not always focus on improving revenue, there can be other benefits associated with using screens to communicate.

Retail and Catering

• Promotions and Offers: Quickly updating and deploying new promotions, price changes, or special events.
• Menu Boards: Display dynamic menus with eye-catching visuals or additional information to improve your upsell.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Using interactive kiosks for product information, availability, or virtual try-on.
• Social Media Promotion: Expand the reach and power of your social media to in-store, and get more followers and engagement.

Hotels, Resorts and Events Venues

• Event Scheduling: Displaying schedules for events, conferences, or promotions in communal areas.
• Guest Information: Providing check-in instructions, facility maps, or concierge services via touch screens.
• Video Streaming: Stream live events, breaking news or other video content directly to screens.
• Welcome Boards: Extend a professional welcome and display important information on your welcome screens.

Healthcare

• Patient Communication: Showing wait times, health tips, or self-service checking.
• Staff Coordination: Displaying shift changes, emergency alerts, or internal messages.
• Safety and Protocols: Highlight hygiene and safety information so that everyone follows the rules.

Industry and Logistics

• Safety Information: Real-time updates on safety protocols, hazard alerts, or operational changes.
• Inventory Management: Integrating signage with real-time inventory systems to streamline processes.
• Display Data and Dashboards: Stream important data directly from your software dashboards to improve logistics and communications.

Real Estate

• Property Showcasing: Dynamic displays of property listings, virtual tours, or agent details.
• Market Data: Providing real-time data on market trends or investment opportunities.

Education

• Campus Alerts: Critical updates, event announcements, or closures.
• Wayfinding: Assisting with navigation around complicated campus layouts.
• Events and Schedules: Promote up and coming events, or highlight important schedules.

Business and Consumer Services

• Queue Management: Reducing perceived wait times by engaging customers with content.
• Service Offerings: Detailed descriptions of services, special terms, or client testimonials.

Travel

• Transit Information: Updates on arrivals, departures and gate changes.
• Tourist Information: Local attractions, promotions, or cultural norms.
• Wayfinding and Directions: Help people navigate busy transit halls, locate the bathrooms or escape to the premium lounges.

The best digital signage solution?

Choosing the best digital signage software can be challenging. Some offer a free digital signage software package for one to three screens, some are under $10 per month for a screen. But if you've got a digital signage budget and you just want the BEST solution, there is only one choice.

And that's ScreenCloud.

Customers rate us top for ease of use, features, support and scalability. Whether you're looking to improve communications with deskless workers on a construction site or in a logistics center, or you need menus and promotional boards for a restaurant chain, try ScreenCloud for free. Or, book in a demo to find out more.