How to make dazzling digital signage window displays

Traditional static displays will always have their appeal. But when it comes to standing out on the high street or in a crowded retail setting, they are no longer enough.

Think about how many ads we see every single day (up to 10,000 according to Red Crow Marketing.) To stand out in a retail, service or hospitality setting, businesses increasingly need something dynamic and eye-catching. 

Digital signage changes how we are able to tell a story, showcase products, and engage the audience in ways static displays simply can't. And with more high street windows than ever containing highly engaging screen based advertising or displays, knowing how to deliver your message using technology is no longer a luxury for the high end market.

Why you should create a digital window display

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of using digital signage is that it gives you the flexibility of adding a more dynamic window display.

Bold images, vibrant colors, animations or videos, and much more creative freedom makes your shop much more visible, and with the potential to increase footfall through passing trade.

As an advertising or attention building solution, there are other benefits too.

1. Cost-effective marketing

Traditional window display methods can be quite costly to produce, especially if you tend to run several campaigns in any given year. With digital window displays, you only need to invest in your screens once. After that, you can update signs, create new designs and launch new campaigns in your digital displays at minimal additional cost.

Plus, digital signage software usually has plans that let you pay according to the number of screens you use, so you can find savings on that front as well.

2. Improved messaging

One of the things about using digital signage in your shop window display is the opportunity to create more varied and dynamic messaging. With a single window display, what you see is what you get. Some specific products, a banner highlighting your sales or new products.

Using digital window displays allows you to rotate the information: For example playing an image of one product in use, moving onto content that promotes your upcoming event and then another screen highlighting your social media.

Say more with less by using digital signage for your window display.

3. Instant adaptability

Imagine being able to change the messaging of your window displays on the fly based on current events around your store. You can use your storefront digital signage to talk about current promotions, seasonal themes, or trending topics, keeping in sync with your marketing strategies.

Incorporating daily conversation into your signage can boost conversions and catch the attention of passers by.

This might depend on your brand or your local environment, but being able to change your message on the fly can be a game changer in some locations.

4. ​​Competitive edge

Most window displays compete with several others in the same space, and installing a digital window display can give your business a modern and tech-savvy image. 

This bold and visible element can be used to push promotions, exclusive offers or highlight some of the great products in store that don't quite make it into your physical window display.

This can also be great if you're operating a service such as real estate or hospitality. You don't always have the products on display in the window, but with a digital window display you suddenly have a platform to improve your messaging and attract more attention.

5. Online/offline brand cohesion

With many businesses focusing on their online marketing, it makes sense to create a cohesive brand message between your digital world and physical presence.

Using a window digital signage display, as well as your in-store digital signage, you can create a message that incorporates elements or offers from your website or social media.

6. Visualize a product or service

Another great use for digital window displays is that they can be used to help visualize a product in-situ. An example of this is with bathroom fittings, or furniture. If you're selling flat pack furniture, use video to show what it looks like once assembled.

Or, if you're selling package vacations, feature highlights of the hotel, spa or resort that's on offer.

This also works with anything from fashion, technology or toys; to food and drink.

How to make eye-catching window displays with digital signage

Lets look at how you can create digital window displays that stand out from other stores in the area. While our tips will focus on two major industries – retail stores and the hospitality industry - they can also be applied to broader high street based sectors.

So whether you're selling physical products or a service, or you're looking to use your position on the high street to build brand awareness, these are all ways you can promote yourself using digital screens.

Highlight featured products 

You can use the flexible nature of digital signage to highlight your star products. Consider telling a story about the product, demonstrating its benefits, or creating a sense of urgency - for example counting down to daily deals.

The beauty of this approach is that you can highlight new high-ticket items every week to promote the best products in your store. You could also do this during a sale or new product release to captivate your audience with compelling visuals.

Create seasonal themes

Mix things up by making your displays fresh and relevant to the times. Consider incorporating seasonal themes into your storefront so it’s always in sync with the time of year. 

Whether it's holiday promotions, back-to-school specials, or summer vibes, a digital window display allows you to tap into all these seasons, capturing the spirit of the moment and keeping your displays engaging.

Use interactive elements

Want to make your digital window displays truly engaging? Think about adding interactive elements. That way, people aren’t just looking at what your store offers; they are actually able to influence the content they see.

Some great examples include:

• Adding QR codes for unique promos and discounts
• Feature a hidden element in store (or Easter Egg as gamers say) - for example, spot a specific item to get a discount or freebie
• Facial recognition screens or motion sensors that trigger a message or visual

Share real-time updates 

Your business can stay ahead of the curve by using digital signage to provide real-time updates. Whether it's live social media feeds, customer testimonials, or even weather forecasts, updating your displays in real-time can create a tap into the need for information with customers. 

This can work well for catering or hospitality based businesses. Expecting rain within the hour? Traffic looking bad? Why not come in for a cup of coffee while you wait for things to improve...

Local content

Appealing to the local audience can work especially well for larger brands looking to appear more in touch. Whether it's referencing a local landmark, using local slang in your messaging or focusing on a success from the local sports team, local content can be a great way to catch the eye.

Of course, be careful to use local content correctly (nothing like annoying the locals for some negative press) and avoid any polarising topics.

Promote special events and offers 

If you have special events like end of day/month clearance sales, happy hour, live entertainment, or exclusive discounts, digital window displays are an excellent way to spread the word. Use vibrant colors and bold text to attract attention, convey a sense of excitement, and make your message almost impossible to miss.

Show off menu highlights

Restaurants, cafes, and bars can use their digital signage storefront to showcase menu highlights. Get high-quality images and let passers-by know that you carry the local favorite. 

And because you can display menu items and prices in real-time, people can always know what to expect before they walk in and smooth the journey to making sales.

You can also use your digital window display to share other details like opening hours and endearing facts about your business.

Display user-generated content

Digital window displays can also help you maximize your user-generated content. Positive reviews and customer posts aren’t just for social media anymore; now, you can show them to everyone who walks by your store.

This will not only encourage your existing customers to keep showing your brand love, but it will also prompt new customers to join in and become part of the experience.

Click and collect/interactive reservations

Looking to make your customer experience even better? Then it’s time to include interactive elements in your digital window display.

Use a touchscreen display or QR code to direct customers to an online ordering or reservation system. That allows them to find their product, or secure a spot quickly and without hassle. This interactive reservation system also increases the chances that window shoppers become patrons.

Video walls

A video wall is a very eyecatching form of digital display, often used to great effect in places such as flagship stores or at large events. However, a large screen video wall can be used to great effect in window displays or shop entrances.

Because these are often OLED or LCD displays, the technology is usually designed to be visible in direct sunlight, or from a distance. This makes these forms of display perfectly visible in all kinds of light, whether thats in sunlight, at night or any other time of day.

While video walls aren't for everybody, if you're looking for a bold statement visual display, they can make a relatively affordable and engaging option.

Make eye-catching displays with ScreenCloud

ScreenCloud is a digital signage software solution that takes the hassle out of setting up and managing your window displays. Create and manage content about your product and services using a wide range of design templates in our CMS, cast it across many screens, and actively monitor your campaigns all from a single point.

You’ll also have access to 80+ apps and integrations, as well as support available around the clock.

Book a demo today to discover just how much ScreenCloud can transform your digital window displays.