Digital signage uses LED screens or LCDs to feature multimedia content. This allows businesses to communicate with customers using various images, videos, or animations. The media can be updated in real-time to keep up with current information and be customized for time, location, and demographics. Additional features like touchscreens and QR codes amplify the experience for the target audience. Although they are versatile enough to be used in any industry, they are popular in retail stores, corporate settings, and transportation hubs.

Traditional signage has one static display made from materials like vinyl, wood, or metal and is commonly used for banners, posters, billboards, and shop signs. Some traditional signs can be backlit with LED lighting to showcase the business at night and gain the attention of drivers or pedestrians. Despite their simplicity, static signage can be very effective, especially for fixed messaging like store names or permanent wayfinding.

Traditional signage tends to have lower initial production and installation costs plus needs minimal maintenance due to its durability. Making it ideal for outdoor settings.

• Digital signage installation can vary in complexity, ranging from wall-mounted displays to large-scale video walls. Professional installation is often recommended to ensure safety and proper connectivity. Maintenance involves occasional software updates, hardware checks, and ensuring displays remain functional. Additionally, businesses must consider energy consumption, though modern LED displays are significantly more energy-efficient than older technology.
• Traditional signage installation is typically straightforward. Whether it’s a banner, billboard, or shopfront sign, setup often involves mounting or hanging the display. Maintenance usually consists of occasional cleaning and ensuring the sign remains weather-resistant. Traditional signage increasingly uses LED upgrades to enhance visibility and longevity, offering bright illumination without the complexity of digital content management.

For businesses not ready to install digital signage, LED upgrades can be done to static signage to offer a modern and aesthetically pleasing look to attract attention. Illuminated signs can be done through LED strip lighting or backlit panels to enhance visibility at night and inclement weather. LED upgrades also extend the lifespan of static signs and reduce energy consumption compared to traditional incandescent lighting.

• Digital signage requires a higher initial investment for hardware, software, and installation. Ongoing costs may include software subscriptions and energy use. However, these systems offer a higher return on investment over time through flexible content updates, dynamic promotions, and audience engagement that static signage cannot match.
• Traditional signage offers a more affordable upfront cost and minimal ongoing expenses. However, each content update requires reprinting and reinstalling the signage, which can become costly if frequent changes are needed.

Digital signage captures significantly more attention due to its moving images and interactivity. Studies show that digital signage can capture 400% more views than static signage and increase purchase likelihood by up to 68%. Interactive elements like touchscreens and QR codes further enhance engagement.

While less dynamic, traditional signage remains effective for quick communication through clear and bold design. It excels in simple, permanent messaging where consistent visibility is key.

The main perk of digital signage is being able to frequently update and change content as needed without the cost of maintenance. Meanwhile, traditional signage provides a permanent, static message. This is the perfect option for storefront signs, wayfinding, and environments where frequent updates are unnecessary. For many businesses, a hybrid approach works best. Digital signage can be used inside to engage and guide the audience, and traditional signage can be used as exterior signage to attract customers.

Action Services Group offers national installation and upgrades for digital and traditional signage. Together, we can decide which signage options are ideal to reach your goals. Contact us today by calling 610-558-9773, email [email protected], or schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below.