Top 5 Considerations When Implementing Digital Signage for Condos
Enterprises of all sorts are increasingly aware that they need to keep up with new trends in business technology–this includes places like apartment buildings and condominiums as well. As property managers have overcome some initial trepidation with technology, the trend of community associations swapping out cork bulletin boards for sleeker digital signage has become more and more common.
Establishing good communication channels is a priority for board directors and property managers, and traditional outlets like emails and community websites are no longer cutting it on their own. Digital signage for condos has become an integral part of association’s overarching outreach strategy because they offer vital information about the community directly to their target audiences.
This means that the audience sees what the community association wants them to see, because it is attractive, informational, and conveniently located. This is also important when it comes to cutting costs in residential properties. A resident may receive emails about certain property events or changes, but those messages are often ignored as spam messages. By displaying various messages with digital signage for condos, the tenants can see pertinent information about their lives in the areas that they spend time in, and the information is presented as new and essential.
Now that community associations have learned to leverage digital signs as part of their marketing toolkit, the next step is to learn how to make the most of the technology. Here are the top five uses for digital signage:
1. Advertising
Digital signs provide a perfect platform for advertising purposes. By combining audio and visual components to your displays, local businesses can share discounts or special deals exclusively within a condo development.
If a community association would rather keep the messaging strictly within the building, the displays can also advertise new building features like renovated lounge or pool spaces. The building managers can also share community events like networking nights or meetups for people with various hobbies.
Alternatively, residents could post their classified ads on displays, offering things like furniture they no longer need or specialized services like piano lessons.
The possibilities are endless when you combine marketing and digital signage for condos.
2. Content
As noted in the previous section, digital signage for condos offers excellent potential for audiovisual capabilities. The best thing is that most digital signage software platforms provide content that can be streamed or regularly updated from the Internet.
Instead of merely displaying the local news or weather on a TV, you can integrate dozens of different content apps. Try Uber/Lyft wait times, local traffic and transit information, scrolling news tickers, and selected YouTube clips.
Having a variety of content displaying on digital signage for condos is perfect in areas with high dwell times. You can address a broader array of audiences and your community will look much more informed and modern.
3. Communication
Property managers have their hands full at the best of times. When it comes to communication, they must focus on the basics that the management contract covers. It is time-consuming for property managers to reach out to all of their tenants with these updates.
A quick message via digital signage for condos would alleviate the problem immediately and keep residents informed.
Additionally, digital signage for condos can be a lifesaver in the event of an emergency. If there is a building fire or storm warning, community associations can rapidly deploy emergency alerts directly onto every display within the property and direct residents to safety quickly.
4. Hardware
Before making any decisions on hardware options, you must determine what hardware will be the most conducive to your messaging. Does the board wish to entertain residents or educate them? Does a giant video wall in the lobby make sense, or will individual displays throughout the facility be more appropriate?
Perhaps you want to opt towards a touchscreen device? Touch screens may provide interactive directories and general building information, but are subject to the whim of the resident, so the benefit of a captive audience may be lost. Touch screens can also lose their calibration over time, which can be frustrating. However, if the goal is to cut costs, opt for a non-touch display instead.
Define the purpose of your digital signage for condos and list some communications goals before selecting a digital signage platform.
5. Interactivity
Display interactivity can have different applications in the digital condo. Digital displays should be versatile enough to schedule different items at different times. They should go full screen with a straightforward message during an emergency. As well, they can interact directly and instantly with residents in an elevator if required.
The ability to schedule many notices in advance is a must (think fire alarm testing). Though rarely required, getting resident approval on things like carpet color can be achieved with a general text message.
The trend here is that community associations are beginning to see the vast potential of digital signage for condos. They are looking past the physical features and focusing more on the possibility of what they can do.
The future should see an even more proactive approach as boards and management identify vital issues. They can also initiate notice board campaigns with appropriate reach and frequency. This allows a measurable return on investment. For example, boards and management might run campaigns to reduce water use, provide conservation tips, and report results to owners.
Digital signage for condos is the gateway to a thriving and fiscally healthy community association. Communication is critical, no matter where people live!
