Digital Signage Done Right

10 Digital Signage Tips in Under 10 Minutes

10 Digital Signage Tips in Under 10 Minutes
EPISODE 104 | Guest: Ellyce Kelly, professional services consultant for Visix, Inc.

As we approach the year’s end, we’re giving you our quick countdown of 10 digital signage tips that you can start using right now. Or you can work these into your content strategy when you get back to the office in the new year. Either way, isn’t it worth just 10 minutes of your time to improve your visual communications?

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Get more advice in our free Masterclass Guide on Digital Signage Communications Planning 

Why Your Business Needs a Digital Signage System

Why Your Business Needs a Digital Signage System
EPISODE 103 | Guest: Debbie DeWitt, marketing communications manager for Visix

No matter what size organization you have, business digital signage is a necessary tool to engage employees, increase their productivity and further your business goals. This is just as true with a hybrid workplace as it is for someplace where everyone is on site all the time. 

In this episode, we talk about how digital signage can help unify a disparate workforce, enhancing their interactions with your company and reminding them that they’re still part of a team.

- Explore the difference between business digital signage and retail signage
- Hear different benefits for different sized organizations
- Learn how to include remote workers
- Understand how localization makes your content relevant
- Discover how simple managing a digital signage system can be

 

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For more ideas, get our free white paper: Employee Engagement in the Digital Workplace

9 Quick Digital Design Tips

9 Quick Digital Design Tips

EPISODE 102 | Host: Derek DeWitt, communications specialist for Visix

Whether you’re designing for digital signage software, PowerPoint presentations, social media or downloadable resources, you’ve got to nail the basics to break through to your audience. In addition to good graphic design, you need to understand your audience and the context of your messaging to communicate effectively.

In this episode, we give you nine practical digital design tips you can start using today to attract more viewers, engage them longer and ensure your communications are motivating them to act.

- Understand how knowing your endpoint resolution is crucial

- Explore six basic design principles (contrast, colors, fonts, etc.)

- Learn to organize visual information for more impact

- Hear how colorblindness, eye strain and ADA guidelines affect designs

- Discover multiple ways to get your audience to interact and provide feedback

 

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Download our handy infographic to take these tips with you.

Digital Signs for Hotels & Hospitality

Digital Signs for Hotels & Hospitality

EPISODE 101 | Guest: Dave Leo, region sales manager – North Central for Visix

Digital signs for hotels and other hospitality venues are the most efficient way to communicate large amounts of timely information to visitors in an environment that’s constantly changing. Anything from wayfinding to advertising and even flight information can be updated quickly and easily on screens to give people the best guest experience possible.

And today it’s even easier to use this technology. Cloud-hosted options mean no more server rooms, and events and other feeds can be pulled from elsewhere to populate displays with eye-catching content that people want to see. Weather, alerts and other streams can all be automated to save your staff time and free them up for more personalized guest service.

• Hear examples of how digital signs are being used by hotels
• Discover how seamless it is to integrate with scheduling systems
• Explore interactive wayfinding, emergency alerts and other content ideas
• Understand the power of under-the-hood analytics
• Learn how cloud solutions and third-party content can streamline system management

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For more information, download our free white paper: Maximize the Guest Experience with Digital Signage for Hotels and Resorts

Using Design Themes on Your Screens

Using Design Themes on Your Screens

EPISODE 100 | Guest: Debbie DeWitt, marketing communications manager for Visix

Design themes are super useful for both launching and maintaining momentum on a digital signage system. It helps you maintain consistency, helps reinforce your branding and it makes things a lot easier for multiple content contributors. Most importantly, it makes your screens look good.

In this episode, we’ll walk through the different element of a digital signage design theme, talk about why you need one, and give you lots of inspiration and links to get started.

- Understand what a design theme includes

- Learn the benefits of using themes for digital signage

- Get ideas for different types of design themes

- Discover where to find theme inspiration

- Hear about different ways to create a theme

 

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Get more screen design advice in our Masterclass Guide 4: Digital Signage Design

Digital Signage Analytics & Why It Matters

Digital Signage Analytics & Why It Matters

EPISODE 99 | Trey Hicks, COO & CSO of Visix, Inc.

A powerful tool for any communications efforts is digital signage analytics, which can not only give you an overview of how successful your messaging is but can also help drill down to something as granular as individual contributors. 

In this episode, Trey Hicks from Visix discusses why analytics matters, what to look at and how to use that data to help achieve your digital signage objectives.

- Learn what makes analytics data meaningful
- Discover data tools that may be already built into your system
- Understand the power of reports
- Explore how power users can help others in the organization
- Hear how to share analytics results effectively

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See our blog on analytics: The Value of Communications Analytics

Seven Principles for a Data-Driven Workplace

Seven Principles for a Data-Driven Workplace

EPISODE 98 | Sean Matthews, president & CEO of Visix, Inc.

Many of our clients use their digital signage software to show data and data visualizations on their screens. It’s a great motivator for your workforce and helps create a data-driven workplace for better decision making and higher productivity.

But how do you know what data to show and how to display it? Are you sure your employees understand it? Is it relevant and actionable? If not, you might need to rethink your strategy. Sean Matthews walks us through seven steps and real world examples that can help.

• Understand what we mean by data-driven workplace and why data matters
• Hear some surprising (and disappointing) workplace data literacy stats
• Discover how data affects everyday decisions and workloads
• Walk through seven principles of data literacy
• Find out about our digital signage data integration features

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Get content tips to motivate employees in our Masterclass Guide 3: Digital Signage Content Guide

Emotional Connections through Internal Messaging

Emotional Connections through Internal Messaging

EPISODE 97 |  Andrew Brown, co-founder of the Academy of Business Communications

It's not engagement, it's not communications, it’s not culture. Although each of these things play a part, none of them encompasses the whole idea nor the entire effort involved in forging emotional connections between an organization an its employees.

Andrew Brown walks us through what it takes to build emotional connections that benefit the wellness and success of both the organization and the humans involved in it. Whether or not you’re using digital signage, this is an episode that every comms and c-suite professional should listen to.

- Learn why it matters and who it matters to

- Understand the most common obstacles to connections

- Answer three questions to define your organizational culture

- Hear five key areas to focus on for building emotional connections

- Get real-world examples of what to do and what not to do

 

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Get more advice and free tools on the Academy of Business Communications website

12 Workplace Motivation Ideas

12 Workplace Motivation Ideas

EPISODE 96 | Guest: Debbie DeWitt, marketing communications manager for Visix

Attracting and retaining talent; employee health, wellness and satisfaction; efficiency and productivity – the success of your organization hinges on workplace motivation and how you’re engaging your workers, whether they’re in the office or working remotely.

In this episode, we cover some surprising stats that show employers are still falling short in the eyes of employees. We also give you some practical tips for what you can do to build a better culture with workplace motivation techniques and how that can translate to your digital signage system.

- Understand how workplace motivation affect the bottom line

- Learn what employees are saying they want from their workplace experience

- Get 12 easy motivation ideas you can start using today

- Discover how digital signage can supplement your HR and comms efforts

- Hear where to find inspiration and tools that can help ease workloads

 

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Get more content tips in our Masterclass Guide 3: Digital Signage Content Guide

Retail Digital Signs: Worth the Investment

Retail Digital Signs: Worth the Investment

EPISODE 95 | Guest: Jason Cain, region sales manager – South Central for Visix

From shops to restaurants, campus bookstores to zoos, hotels and casinos to car dealerships – retail digital signs are being used to improve the customer experience, motivate staff and increase sales.

In this episode, Jason Cain talks through how lots of different retailers are using digital signage to engage their audiences, whether it’s with a single screen or across a worldwide chain. We’ll explore popular content for each environment, and some of his best real-world examples.

- Learn the benefits of investing in retail digital signs for CX

- Explore how interactivity can engage customers and boost revenues

- Hear how retailers handle internal vs. public-facing communications

- Understand the benefits of CAP-compliant alerts and analytics

- Discover cool real-world digital signage applications and get tips

 

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Read our blog: 8 Benefits of Digital Signage for Retailers

 

Digital Signage Content 101: Getting Started

Digital Signage Content 101: Getting Started

EPISODE 94 | Guest: Debbie DeWitt, marketing communications manager for Visix

Your company or campus just bought and installed a digital signage system. Your boss then tells you you’re responsible for keeping your screens full of realtime, engaging content. Yikes!

It’s not as scary as it sounds. With some basic training and a little inspiration, anyone can creative good-looking content for digital signs. We’ll walk you through how to get started and give you easy examples you can put into practice right away.

- Get lots of examples of easy content for launch day

- Understand how content goes from your desktop to screens

- Explore auto-updating content, content kits and subscriptions

- Hear how to build a content plan and calendar

- Discover where you can find content inspiration and free content

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Get more tips in our Masterclass Guide 3: Digital Signage Content Guide

 

Digital Signs for Local Government

Digital Signs for Local Government

EPISODE 93 | Guest: Chip Kepner, region sales manager – West Great Lakes, for Visix

Government is all about people. Communicating essential information to both the public and employees can be a challenge with such a wide array of services and updates to convey. Whether it’s meeting agendas, wayfinding, weather or info boards, digital signs for local governments can help keep everyone informed and engaged.

In this episode, Chip Kepner gives us a quick overview of the way that digital signage is being used in city, county and local administrative offices to support both internal and public-facing communications:

• Learn about different types of government offices using digital signs
• Discover common content for both the public and employees
• Explore interactive options like wayfinding, directories and info boards
• Hear about messaging to mobiles, websites and public access channels
• Get info on CAP alerts, analytics, localization and scalability

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Get more content ideas in our white paper: Streamline Communications with Digital Signage for Government Agencies

The Power of Language

The Power of Language

EPISODE 92 | Guest: Jennifer King, performance coach with Stand & Deliver

Communication is about language. Words matter, but so does the intention behind those words, the feeling or action you want them to inspire, and the way you deliver them. This is true in any context, whether it’s digital signage messaging, email, Zoom meetings, one-on-one conversations or presentations to thousands.

In this episode, which marks our third anniversary, Jennifer King, theater veteran and performance coach, walks us through some tips for how to make your communications more impactful and inclusive:

• Understand how intention shapes your language skills
• Learn how to flip your mindset from yourself to your audience
• Appreciate the power of the pause
• Hear how to get to the point and ensure people will remember it
• Explore tips for writing, speaking, videoconferencing and Q&A

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Stand & Deliver is a consulting and training firm that primes organizations for high-performance communication and leadership.

8 Communications Trends for a Hybrid Workforce

8 Communications Trends for a Hybrid Workforce

EPISODE 91 | Guest: Debbie DeWitt, marketing communications manager for Visix

The hybrid workforce has changed the way organizations connect employees to the company, the mission and each other. Although new tech and tools are part of the equation, some good old-fashioned employee engagement techniques are evolving to take center stage in the battle to build community over distances.

In this episode, we look at eight trends that internal communications professionals are leveraging to ensure everyone feels informed and engaged in the modern workplace:

• Learn how a hybrid workforce has changed the way we communicate
• Understand that adopting new tech is essential, but not the end-all
• Explore using more visuals, mobile-first designs and distributed communications
• Hear how communicators are focusing on EX, recognition, wellbeing and participation
• Appreciate the importance of frontline managers for message reinforcement

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Get more tips in our Masterclass Guide 2: Digital Signage Communications Planning Guide

Free Digital Signage Software Isn’t Free

Free Digital Signage Software Isn't Free

EPISODE 90 | Sean Matthews, president & CEO of Visix, Inc.

Lots of people advertise free digital signage software on the web. But is it free? Do these apps come with hidden costs, limited features or lackluster support? Most importantly, will the free software you’re considering adapt to your needs or force you to adapt to it?

In this episode, Sean Matthews walks us through what to watch out for when considering a free CMS to manage your digital signs, what types of environments should and shouldn’t use them, and how to frame your software search to match your strategy.

- Hear the difference between free software, freeware and open source

- Walk through the pros and cons of free signage software

- Find out what “free” might mean (trial, demo, pilot, hosting, etc.)

- Consider how services, updates and security are affected

- Learn the questions to ask before downloading a free signage app

 

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Learn more about this topic in our Masterclass Guide 1: Digital Signage Systems Overview

What Does Digital Signage Cost?

What Does Digital Signage Cost?

EPISODE 89 | Guest: Trey Hicks, chief sales officer, Visix

What does digital signage cost? It seems like a simple question, but it’s not. Digital signage isn’t like buying a cell phone at a kiosk. It’s more like kitting out a smart home with phones for your whole family along with smart speakers and TVs, a cell and internet service package, as well as all the entertainment feeds you’ll want access to.

Digital signage isn’t a product. It’s a suite of products that includes digital signage software, hardware, services, subscriptions and more. We discuss six basic factors that can affect the cost of digital signage, so you can better plan your budget and shop with confidence.

- Understand perpetual licenses versus software subscriptions

- Hear the benefits of cloud and on-premise servers

- Consider whether to buy media players or use your own PCs

- Discover how endpoints, users and data options can affect pricing

- Explore services you may not have factored into your budget

 

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Grab our handy infographic with 10 Questions to Ask When Shopping for Digital Signage

Using Digital Signage in K12 Schools

Using Digital Signage in K12 Schools

EPISODE 88 | Guest: Ilyse Johnson, region sales manager – Mid-South for Visix

Schools have a unique challenge of communicating across three very different audiences – students, teachers and staff, and parents and visitors. Finding easy ways to engage and inform all of these folks can be tricky, but digital signs in K12 schools can unify and streamline both messaging and workflows.

Ilyse Johnson walks us through different methods to attract and motivate everyone in a school or school district, what schools have found to work best and some of the most popular things to show on screens.

- Learn how to unify school messaging while still targeting different groups

- Understand how digital signs get more buy-in than printed or audio announcements

- Explore popular content for school screens and how students can get involved

- Hear how automated data, content feeds and approval processes ease workloads

- Find out how schools are using menu boards, interactivity and wayfinding for higher engagement

 

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See how one school district is using digital signage in our case study with video: Hall County School District Soars with Digital Signage

 

Overcommunicate at Your Own Peril

Overcommunicate at Your Own Peril

EPISODE 87 | Guest: Andrew Brown, co-founder of the Academy of Business Communications

Email, chat, WhatsApp, Zoom, Teams, town halls, meetings, intranets, digital signage – it can all feel overwhelming. As the number of messages we receive every day grows, as well as the number of technologies and channels we have to master, it’s more important than ever that organizational communications be deliberate, well planned and focused on outcomes. Companies that overcommunicate, though well intentioned, risk demotivating or alienating their employees.

 Andrew Brown from the Academy of Business Communications takes us through some of the most common traps that companies fall into, and explains that overcommunicating is about much more than just volume.

 - Understand why people feel you’re overcommunicating (it’s not just volume)

- Learn how trust and authenticity can cut the number of communications needed

- Hear what executives, supervisors and employees need to do better

- Discover how crucial listening is – both one-on-one and in groups

- Get tips on how to make your communications more impactful

 

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Get more advice and free tools on the Academy of Business Communications website

6 Collaboration Skills & Why They’re More Important than Ever

6 Collaboration Skills & Why They’re More Important than Ever

EPISODE 86 | Guest: Ellyce Kelly, professional services consultant for Visix

Collaboration has always been a buzzword in the workplace, but it’s come to the forefront lately with more people working remotely because it’s an essential tool to streamline and motivate processes and people. And it’s not a top-down initiative anymore – employees are begging for better collaboration skills, tool and technologies to help them do their jobs and balance their work/life habits.

In this episode, we talk with Ellyce Kelly about which collaboration skills can make the biggest difference to your teams, practical tips to encourage collaboration and how digital signage can help.

• Learn what collaboration is and why it matters to people and profits
• Understand the benefits of good collaboration and the dangers of ignoring it
• Hear real-world stats about how collaboration is affecting workforce dynamics
• Get practical tips to bolster good collaboration in your organization
• Discover how digital signage managers can apply and support collaboration

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Download these tips in our handy infographic: 7 Tips for More Effective Collaboration

Digital Signs for Hospitals

Digital Signs for Hospitals

EPISODE 85 | Guest: Steve Lainer, region sales manager – Northeast for Visix

Healthcare facilities need to communicate everything from entertainment for waiting rooms to critical care notices at nurses’ stations. Digital signs for hospitals have become the leading solution to engage and inform everyone on site, and to broadcast the most current information as things change quickly.

In this episode, Steve Lainer walks us through how hospitals are using digital signs for critical communications with visitors, staff and patients. He’ll also explain how screens are reducing the burden on staff while simultaneously improving the visitor and patient experience.

- Learn how digital signs contribute to hospital safety, wellness and workflows

- Discover how wayfinding, CAP alerts and room signs can extend the impact of digital signs

- Hear how donor boards, menu boards and queuing info can better engage hospital visitors

- Understand how digital signage can help alleviate healthcare staff burnout

- Explore the cost and time savings of digital signs versus outdated posters and plaques

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Learn more in our white paper: Build Community and Empower Staff with Digital Signage for Healthcare

Purpose-Driven Content

Purpose-Driven Content

EPISODE 84 | Guest: Maliha Aqeel, independent communications consultant, founder & CEO of the Ideas Collective

Word of mouth has gone digital and in the age of the empowered consumer, it’s vital for brands to offer purpose-driven content. This means everything must tie back into the stated purpose and values of the organization apart from profit statements. But make sure you mean what you say and be prepared to show proof that you do what you promise to do.

Communications consultant Maliha Aqeel walks us through the Four As of purpose-driven content: how Authenticity, Accountability and Action create consumer Advocates that promote your brand and help you differentiate yourself from competitors.

- Explore how to align the messaging of your organization with your purpose

- Get practical examples of how to apply the Four As in communications

- Hear how consumer experience and consumer empowerment are driving change

- Understand how to use Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle for decision making

- Learn the importance of social listening, research and validating using data

 

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Discover more content tips in our Masterclass Guide 3: Digital Signage Content

 

W.A.T.A! An Energizing Approach to Communication Projects

W.A.T.A! An Energizing Approach to Communication Projects

EPISODE 83 | Guest: Roxy Tomacder, senior internal communications specialist

W.A.T.A! is an easy-to-remember mindset and roadmap that will help you approach all of your communication projects with more energy and more confidence. Who is the message for? Does it Align with your overall goals? Are you building Trust with your audience? And are you bringing Artistry to the project?

Roxy Tomacder, writer, speaker and senior internal communications specialist walks us through the tactics and applications of W.A.T.A! for higher employee engagement.

- Understand how to go beyond demographics to better know your audience

- Explore how to better align the goals of both sender and receiver

- Learn how to build trust with your audience

- Discover the importance of artistry in omnichannel communications

- Hear real-world applications for W.A.T.A!

See the full transcript HERE

Get more tips in our Masterclass Guide 2: Digital Signage Communications Planning Guide

Cloud Digital Signage vs. On Premise

Cloud Digital Signage vs. On Premise

EPISODE 82 | Guest: Sean Matthews, president & CEO of Visix, Inc.

If you’re shopping for a content management system, one of the first things you’ll have to ask yourself is whether you want cloud digital signage or an on-premise solution. The answer will depend on more factors than you may have considered. How many people need access and where are they located? How much data will you be pulling in and from where? Is it a budget issue?

In this episode, we walk you through the pros and cons of cloud digital signage vs. an on-premise server to give you a head start on evaluating your options.

• Understand the difference between cloud and on-premise solutions
• Discover the advantages and disadvantages of each
• Learn which solution is best for which types of organizations
• Explore how cloud affect feature sets and desktop apps
• Hear how digital signage vendors are adapting to a hosted world

See the full transcript HERE

Learn more in our Masterclass Guide: Digital Signage Systems Overview Guide

Using Color Theory & Psychology in Digital Signage Design

Using Color Theory & Psychology in Digital Signage Design

EPISODE 81 | Guest: Debbie DeWitt, marketing communications manager for Visix, Inc.

Digital signage is all about attention and impact, and color is one of the most powerful and flexible tools in your design arsenal. But you have to choose hues that are both appropriate and engaging for the target audience. Knowing how different groups perceive and react to different colors is an important part of crafting quality designs, and can either boost or torpedo your messages.

In this episode, we’ll talk about color theory and psychology, step through some of the most common color associations, and give you practical tips and links that can help you design better content.

- Learn the difference between color theory and color psychology

- Explore common color associations

- Understand how cultural differences can affect color perception

- Tips for making color count in digital signage designs

- Get links to color palettes, generators and more articles

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Get more screen design advice in our Masterclass Guide 4: Digital Signage Design

 

Why Visix Software Training Is Essential to Success

Why Visix Software Training Is Essential to Success

EPISODE 80 | Guest: Jill Perardi, director of professional services, Visix, Inc.

Digital signage software is like any other business app – you have to learn how to use it before you can excel at it. All too often, people by a digital signage system and then just import PowerPoints. If that’s you, you’re missing out on a lot of features that can make your workload easier and your screens more appealing.

Jill Perardi walks us through the benefits of Visix software training and how it can impact your day-to-day operations and audience engagement.

- Learn why neglecting training can be a waste of money

- Explore how training can help boost digital signage adoption

- Understand the different training options tools from Visix

- Discover how knowledge sharing can boost productivity

- Hear how to sign up and the best way to get started

See the full transcript HERE

Get more information about this topic on our training page here.