A successful digital signage project is mostly about planning. The screens and software matter, but the projects that work best are the ones where the business knows what it wants to achieve, has checked its sites and has a plan for keeping content fresh. Use this checklist to plan your rollout, whether you are installing one screen or equipping every branch.
1. Define your goals
Start with what you want screens to do. For example:
- Increase sales of particular products or services.
- Bring more people in from the street.
- Reduce printing and the time spent changing posters.
- Keep customers informed while they wait.
- Improve communication with staff.
Clear goals make every later decision easier, from screen placement to content.
2. Decide who owns it
Name a person or team responsible for the project and, later, for content. Decide who can publish to which screens: head office, regional managers, branch staff or a mix.
3. Survey each site
Walk through each location, or ask your supplier to carry out a survey. Note:
- Where customers enter, queue, wait and make decisions.
- Viewing distances and angles.
- Natural light and glare, especially near windows.
- Wall construction and ceiling heights.
- Existing power sockets and network points.
- Any listed building, landlord or shopping centre restrictions.
4. Choose the right screens
Match each screen to its location:
- Window displays for shopfronts that face daylight.
- Wall-mounted displays or menu boards behind counters.
- Digital posters or A-boards for entrances and shop floors.
- Video walls or LED displays for large feature areas.
- Touch screens for interactive content.
- Outdoor screens for external use.
5. Choose your software and players
Decide on the content management software and media players at the same time as the screens, so everything works together. Check scheduling, user permissions, offline playback and how easy it is for your team to use.
6. Plan connectivity
Each player needs an internet connection to receive updates. Decide whether to use wired network, Wi-Fi or mobile data, and check with your IT team about any firewall or security requirements.
7. Create your content plan
Before installation day, prepare:
- Brand templates for each screen type and orientation.
- Launch content for each location.
- A calendar of upcoming campaigns.
- A routine for reviewing and refreshing content.
Our guide to designing content that gets noticed has practical tips.
8. Run a pilot
Install screens in one or two locations first. Use the pilot to check viewing positions, content readability, staff routines and how the software works day to day. Fix any issues before rolling out further.
9. Schedule installation
Agree installation dates with each site, ideally outside busy trading hours. Confirm access, parking, out-of-hours working and who will be on site to sign off.
10. Train your team
Make sure the people updating content know how to log in, use templates, schedule playlists and check that screens are online. Keep a short written guide for new staff.
11. Measure and review
After launch, check against your original goals. Compare sales during promotions, ask staff for feedback and review which content performs best. Adjust and improve.
12. Plan for the long term
Agree how maintenance, support and software subscriptions will work, and when screens will be reviewed or replaced. Keep a simple record of every screen, its location and its player.
Getting started
SignageTec supports businesses from the first conversation to installation and beyond, supplying displays, players and cloud software. See how screens are used in your sector on our industries page, or talk to us about your rollout.
