All You Need to Know About Content Strategy

Most digital signage providers will tell you that developing content strategy is an essential step in a successful digital signage project. They are right! However, the content strategy is often misunderstood by customers, but also, by suppliers.

Let us set the record straight and share with you the important elements of content strategy to consider when planning your digital signage project.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Digital Signage but Didn’t Think to Ask

What is Content Strategy?

First, it’s important to understand the role of content strategy in digital signage: it’s the result of the analysis of your company’s communication goals. The content strategy is developed to effectively meet the diverse needs of a company. Concretely, the process involves determining how the content will be displayed on the screens; what kind of content will be displayed in the different parts of the screen depending on the location of the screen, the target audience and the time of day.

Moreover, it is at this stage of your digital signage project that you will decide on the ideal location to install your screens. Remember that the installation of screens outside the establishment serves a completely different purpose than the installation of screens inside.

How does outdoor digital signage survive Québec’s winter ?

Developing a content strategy is a crucial step in planning a digital signage project. The strategy will provide a guideline to your messages: what to publish, to whom, when, where to install the monitors, etc. The strategy will also allow you to determine the font size of the text. Make sure the messages you broadcast are easily readable from where the screens are installed.

If you want to set up your digital signage project without a content strategy, you will not be as successful as you expect. Think about it, how do you capture attention and engage a target audience if the messages you broadcast are inappropriate, inadapted, or worse, uninteresting? Depending on the industry and the sociodemographic profile of the employees, their interest varies greatly. You will lose time and resources in communicating messages that are not personalized and do not have a target audience.

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A good content strategy will allow you to establish the specific content you want to broadcast on a particular screen in order to trigger a change in behaviour in a particular group of employees.

This is why this step requires a great deal of thinking. It is best to write the messages first, and post the content later. Knowing the target audience of each screen installed in different locations of the company will allow you to broadcast the right messages to those concerned.

How to Develop a Content Strategy?

Developing a content strategy, as mentioned previously, requires a great deal of thinking. The majority of our customers do not know where to start or which direction to take to begin with their project. That’s why we suggest you get help from content strategy experts to support you. They will help you analyze the communication needs of your company.

That being said, you can already begin the reflection process on your own before getting help from an expert. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help guide your thinking process:

  • What are the important messages you would like to communicate?
  • What kind of information would capture the attention of my target audience?
  • Where would be the best location to install screens based on the movements of the target audience?
  • How much time is needed to understand the content?
  • What performance indicators could be used to motivate the target audience?

What Content is Interesting to Broadcast?

Depending on the location of the screen and the target audience, it is possible to broadcast several types of content. Here are some examples of interesting content according to the location:

At reception areas or in waiting rooms, you can capture the attention of clients with the following content:

  • Capsules “Did you know …”?
  • Real-time statistics on health and safety at work
  • A corporate video
  • A calendar of upcoming public events
  • Current projects and mandates
  • News and weather forecasts

In office spaces, a cafeteria or an employee lounge, you can motivate employees with the following content:

  • Educational videos to perfect knowledge
  • Real-time statistics on health and safety at work
  • Key performance indicators
  • Birthdays of employees
  • Ongoing projects
  • Special Mentions
  • Upcoming social events

5 types of messages you should communicate now to improve your internal communications

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4 KPIs your Employees Need to Know

In conclusion, it is essential to develop a content strategy before diving head first in a digital signage project. You can determine the strategy yourself, but make sure you still get the advice of an expert in order to achieve the best results.

With a good content strategy, your digital signage project will be successful!

How EBI has improved internal communications

Project Description

The waste management and recycling company EBI has decided to implement a digital signage network in order to improve its internal communications. As Caroline Ouellet, the company’s occupational health and safety manager, said: “It was very difficult to reach employees,” She also says that employees are often outdoors and spend very little time in the company’s offices. Management needed a dynamic way to communicate with them.

The objectives of the project

  • Efficiently communicate important messages from different departments of the company;
  • Share prevention messages on occupational health and safety;
  • Communicate performance indicators in real time.

Sujet: Caroline Ouellet, Responsable santé et sécurité au travail, EBI

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Video Transcription

At EBI, we have been thinking about this project for 2 years.

When I arrived at the health and safety department, I discussed with the director of operations and we immediately established that it was very difficult to communicate with employees.

We put a digital screen at the entrance of the cafeteria, next to the punch machine.

This way, employees notice the screen when they come in to work.

At EBI, we decided to automate certain sections of our digital display like employees’ birthdays.

We also automated complaints from customers, as well as our health and security projects.

We can see the evolution of our health and security projects in the form of a graph.

Job offers are also displayed automatically on the screens. Several components are automated.

Statistics on injuries, first aid and car accidents are presented graphically.

Actually, we haven’t finished compiling all the data in order to analyze the profitability of the project.

However, I know that I can now communicate 50 times more prevention messages on health and safety than before.

So, if we manage to prevent one accident, we will have make this project profitable.

At first, I decided to manage the whole project. Now, the human resources department is also involved in the broadcast of messages. They have access to the ITESLIVE software.

The ITESLIVE software is very easy to use. I just log in the to interface and choose which screen I want to modify.

Then, I just add new content. I only need fifteen minutes a week to prepare and post my messages.

At the beginning of the project, we decided to meet with several digital signage suppliers.

We finally selected ITESMEDIA because they offered the possibility to automate messages. We were really interested in how fast it was to modify content and in the flexibility of the software.

Cost wise, we didn’t have to pay for each template. Rather, they offered a global package that included content strategy and great technical support.

For all these reasons, we chose ITESMEDIA.

Why ArcelorMittal uses dynamic digital signage?

Digital signage is increasingly used to contribute to the internal communication process in manufacturing companies. It is a fast and flexible communication tool because the content of the screens is easily modifiable. It is possible to easily adapt the messages according to the time of day, the shift or the location of the screen.

How does dynamic digital signage help ArcelorMittal?

The goal at ArcelorMittal was to improve their internal communication process to reduce workplace accidents and increase employee engagement. The company uses dynamic digital signage for:

  • Do prevention in occupational health and safety
  • Communicate performance indicators in real time
  • Communicating important messages

The video here below shows ArcelorMittal’s digital signage project:

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Dynamic Staking Montreal City

In 2017, the City of Montreal has decided to move to dynamic staking to support its smart mobility efforts. In 2019 the second phase of the project took place. It is now close to 400 displays, powered by the ITESLIVE software, which are installed in the metropolis in various sectors, such as:

  • Le Quartier des spectacles
  • Le Quartier international
  • Le Vieux-Montréal
  • Le Quartier chinois
  • La Cité multimédia

In the end, we do not know how many more dynamic monitors will be added, but we can certainly expect an increase.

Dynamic staking

The dynamic staking of parking allows users to know in real time the number of places available and get directions to easily get to the desired parking. These screens also display important information, for example: road work areas, slowdowns, closed streets and tourist information during festivals.

For Montréal, this is an important step towards smart and sustainable mobility

-Aref Salem
Transport Manager on the Executive Committee of the City of Montreal

 

Here is a video taken on the YouTube channel of the City of Montreal which explains what the project is.

Why is RE/MAX using dynamic digital signage ?

You may have noticed when passing by a real estate brokerage that many of them now have digital signage screens and interactive kiosks. These screens make listing modern by displaying real-time information about properties: new properties, price updates, sold properties. With a touch-screen kiosk, it’s also possible to capture leads and send their information directly to the right broker.

Real Estate Case Study: RE/MAX L’Espace

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McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)

Description of the project

The goal of the McGill University Health Centre was simple: be at the cutting edge of technology to effectively communicate with their users. After taking into consideration the client’s needs, we were able to present a personalized content strategy. Afterwards, in order to ensure fast information update and the possibility of managing their entire display network, we implemented our centralized management software. Security is also an important concern for this contract, which is why our software was directly installed on-site at the MUHC. Since it’s a cloud-based platform, it is therefore accessible by persons in charge from any workstation. Their dynamic digital signage network now includes more than 70 screens such as large screen monitors, interactive terminals, and video walls. This network lets the MUHC communicate essential information such as signage, important news, the wi-fi network, social medias, cafeteria opening hours, and much more.

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Client comment

«Our business relationship with ITESMedia began with the implementation of the dynamic digital signage network and interactive terminals in the MUHC’s different units during its inauguration. We discussed our needs and expectations with their digital signage specialists. Afterwards, they presented us with a content strategy that was directly linked with our objectives. We wanted a modern and effective internal communication tool that would have an impact on our visitors. It has indeed worked, visitors stop in front of monitors and take the time to read the important information continuously displayed. The communications department handles modifications. They use the Studio software supplied by ITESMedia, which is simple and easy to use, to change messages on our video walls, interactive kiosks, and digital signage screens. If the team has any questions, they communicate directly with ITESMedia by email or by phone. Richard and his team have developed a relationship of trust with us which we are encouraged to maintain.»

Julia Asselstine Manager, Communications platforms, Public Affairs and Strategic Planning, MUHC Business relationship with ITESMedia

bornes interactives étude de cas CUSM

mur vidéo étude de cas CUSM

kiosque interactif étude de cas CUSM

étude de cas CUSM demo screen

Industry 4.0: are you an innovative manufacturer?

The Québec Government calls them “innovative manufacturers”. These companies have decided to lead a whole new industrial revolution. According to Dominique Anglade, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, an innovative manufacturer is one who highly prioritize computerization, automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. Is this the case of your company?/p>

A factory 4.0, also known as a smart factory, has, over time, adapted to new technologies. Technology 4.0 consists of productivity growth, lower production costs and increased quality. Productivity is increased due to the availability of multiple new resources.

Why so many changes in production?

The factories 4.0 have screens everywhere. In fact, each worker has a screen at his workstation, on which the statistics and the stages of production yet to be accomplished are presented. By showing these statistics, the goal here is not to criticize workers. On the contrary, we want them to rely on the steps and to ensure that production is carried out effectively. This technique is used to avoid oblivion, since the production is sometimes quite complex. Moreover, the screens indicate whether the steps have been successfully performed, thereby reducing production errors. Companies can thus guarantee a higher level of quality than before.

Digital signage to improve internal communications

In addition to production advances, digital signage will help you automate your internal communications. Prevention messages, for example, could be displayed across your network of screens or in an area of your plant. Moreover, if you have a message to send to all of your employees, you can now do so from your workstation. Digital signage has many advantages in the manufacturing industry, click on this link to learn more on the subject.

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digital signage congradulations

What about the monetary aspect?

Of course, keeping up with technology means significant expenditures in the short term, which sometimes can make factory managers hesitate, especially the ones who have not yet made the 3.0 technology turn. A factory wishing to computerize and automate its technologies sees this expenditure as a long-term investment for several reasons: data flows are automated, steps are clearly communicated to the worker and operations are analyzed in order to maintain high quality. Here are some arguments that will convince you to take the 4.0 technology turn to increase the productivity and profitability of your factory.

Obviously, when companies decide to invest in 4.0 technology for their plants, they make a significant investment for their future. Indeed, the figures show that companies that have taken the 4.0 turn are increasing their turnover faster and hiring much more new employees than their competitors.

To financially help factories wishing to integrate 4.0 technology, the Government of Québec has decided to invest $ 825 million dollars over the next 3 years. In addition, several other financing options are available. Factories wishing to innovate and harness new technologies can also benefit from Investissement Québec’s Innovative Manufacturer Financing program. Now that you know that the resources are there and are accessible, all is left to do is request financing!

Digital signage: An innovation for manufacturing companies?

Manufacturing companies have experienced a bit of struggle in recent years. Globalization and instability in some parts of the world have forced them to get ahead of the game on the productivity level as well as staff management. However, getting ahead of the game or innovating, often entails high implementation costs and for this reason, corporate leadership can be reluctant to invest, afraid that the risk would not pay off. Therefore, it is important for business managers to analyze the different solutions offered in order to make an informed decision.

Are you familiar with digital signage? If not, check out this page of our website which clearly explains what it is.

Companies like Arcelor Mital and Domtar have chosen to make this technological turn and it might as well be a feasible solution for your manufacturing company. In this article, we will present you with the many reasons why this technology could help and allow you to innovate.

Data automation

affichage numérique tableau de production

In business, time is a rare commodity. Leaders are often running out of time and as a consequence, communication with the staff becomes almost inexistent. A digital display allows you to communicate multiple messages and performance metrics in an automated way. In fact, since your digital display screens are directly connected to your databases, it is possible to communicate, for example, the number of products delivered today in real time. Thus, anyone who does not necessarily have access to a computer will be able to see the results. Employees will be aware of their performance in real time without any human intervention.

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Employee motivation at Domtar

Domtar, a Québec paper company, uses digital display screens inside its factory to broadcast personalized messages, to remind employees of the company’s culture and to show performance indicators. Domtar notes that digital signage plays an important role in the factory, as employees are more motivated and, as a result, more productive. Indeed, being aware of the periodic performance of the company, employees feel more involved and thus more motivated.

What relevant information and data should you display on your screens?

The data presented on your screens may seem trivial to you, but your employees like to see the concrete result of the work they perform day after day. An employee involved is certainly a more efficient one.

More dynamic communications

Here is a demo that shows what can be displayed on a screen

A digital display is much more dynamic than a paper display. Your screens will catch everyone’s eye because you can integrate colors, movements, videos, photos, etc. The possibilities are endless!  Given the speed, simplicity and easy updating, you will be able to change the content of your screens, as you deem necessary.

The renewed content will contribute to the enthusiasm of your audience. Your employees won’t get tired of seeing the same image when entering their department, on the contrary. They will be much more receptive to your messages because they will be dynamic and ever changing.

Reducing your ecological footprint

By using digital display screens, you will inevitably reduce your ink and paper consumption. This will help reduce your company’s ecological footprint.  Most companies want to go green for a multitude of reasons. For many, a green shift is synonymous with modernity and contributes to the well being of society. Reducing paper consumption as well as the use of other natural resources is part of that initiative. For others, it is a long-term economic investment. Of course, digital signage requires a greater investment to get started. However, it does not require buying new equipment later on to make your screens work.

Prevent costly work accidents

previent-accident

According to IRSST (Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail), a work accident costs on average $ 35,000 to a company. Consequently, it is important to procure a safe work environment to prevent work accidents. By using digital signage screens, you can spread prevention messages that can help reduce the number of work accidents in your factory. Remind your employees of the basics of safe work and always show them new ways to work safely an efficiently. Show them videos on a variety of topics (such as how to lift a heavy load). It will also allow you to quickly communicate an emergency message across the factory through your display network.

Don’t hesitate to include a chart with the number of days since the last work accident occurred in the factory. This will motivate your employees to be more careful in order to increase accident-free workdays on the chart. It’s a healthy competition and everyone is a winner!  

Read our full article on injury prevention at work

Finally, just like all communication tools, the purpose of digital signage is to convey information. Whether you want to use your screens to motivate your employees, dynamize your communications or reduce your company’s ecological footprint, digital signage can help you innovate and make you stand out from your competitors! So tell us, which technology are you using to innovate on a communication level with your staff?

Feel free contact us to discuss your digital signage project. We would be pleased to answer any questions you may have!

By phone (toll-free): 1 866 553-5462 ext.: 251

By email: Click here

The Six Benefits of Digital Signage in a Real Estate Agency

The management of a real estate agency requires good communication with both clients and brokers. A well-worded message will reach its recipient almost effortlessly. If you are looking for new ways to communicate, have you thought about using digital signage? This tool could help you reach your communication goals. In this article, you will learn the benefits of using digital signage in real estate agencies.

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1. Gain the confidence of your customers

First of all, digital screens can be used to communicate customer feedback. Set them up inside your office to motivate your brokers: mention their work and let them know that it is recognized and appreciated, and encourage them to become more involved in your agency. Also, display the same comments on the screen installed in the office window; Passers-by will see that other customers have been satisfied with the service they have received and this will certainly make them consider your offer.

vitrine immobilière
 

2. A modern image

A digital screen installed in your office window will help modernize the image of your agency. In addition, the screen will help attract potential customers inside. You will then have a first contact with customers, which will give you the opportunity to establish a trusting relationship with them, all thanks to your screen.

3. Highlight your properties

It is essential to showcase properties on your digital screens, both for brokers and for customers. Diffuse the new properties on the market, the ones that have undergone a price change, those that must be sold quickly, those that are to be rented, and so on. Don’t forget to provide the contact information of the brokers who sell these homes to facilitate first contact. Finally, if you have videos of new properties, it would be appropriate to show them on your digital screens to better show their full potential.

4. Facilitate presence management

Brokers can indicate their whereabouts via the interactive screen. This attendance chart is reproduced on the receptionists’ computer. So when a customer comes in unexpectedly to talk to his broker, the greeter can, at a glance, find out if the agent in the office at this moment. If it is a potential customer who arrives without an appointment, they can quickly see which broker is available to serve him.

écran de présence

 

5. Real estate market news

Other types of information can be disseminated on your screens such as news, weather, or news directly related to the real estate field. Passers-by do not necessarily know all the laws and all their rights with respect to the purchase or sale of a property. Inform them of the resources and financing options available to them and the steps they should take as future buyers. Disseminate relevant information for both first-time buyers and regular market participants.

6. Automatic update

In addition to bringing potential customers inside your office and encouraging your employees to get more involved in your agency, using digital signage displays will save you a lot of money as the whole process up to the dissemination of information is computerized (making you save considerably in printing and distribution costs). You will equally save in time; Updating your screens is simple and fast. You can change the content instantly. In fact,  is very important that the content be updated regularly to ensure that the properties showcased are indeed available and not already sold.

Digital screens are definitely very useful when you own a real estate agency. The screens can be used to attract customers inside the office and to motivate your brokers by communicating positive testimonials of satisfied customers.

We invite you to contact us if you would like to learn more about the benefits of digital signage for your real estate agency. We can give you an online demonstration!

Do not hesitate to contact us; We will be happy to answer your questions:  

By phone (toll-free): 1 866 553-5462 ext.: 251

By email: Click here

How do you encourage your brokers to get more involved in your real estate brokerage?

Have you ever wondered how to encourage your brokers to get more involved in your real estate brokerage? Despite a decline in the number of potential buyers, brokers continue to come to the office and work on various files. The previous article discussed the different uses of digital signage for potential buyers. This time, we will discuss the benefits of using digital signage for internal communications with your brokers and brokerage staff.

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1. Real-time listings

The first advantage of using digital signage within your real estate brokerage is the ability to give information on real-time listings. Entries will be automatically posted and updated on your screens; you can classify them as you see fit. It is also possible to make a list of all the brokerage new listings as shown on the image below.

immobilier 4 agents affichage numérique

You can display the listings that have undergone a price adjustment as shown with the four properties at the bottom of the image. This way, brokers will be able to share with their clients, new properties that may interest them.

As you already know, the real estate market is changing rapidly; new listings come and go very quickly. Therefore, brokers should always be aware of any changes in their sector.

Take a look at a live screen by clicking here.

2. Attendance management

gestion des présences affichage numérique immobilier

Another use of digital signage is the management of brokers and brokerage staff. They can update their status in the software to signify their presence at the office or to let you know if they are meeting with a client or visiting a property. As an brokerage manager, you must be aware of the whereabouts of your brokers in order to facilitate staff management. This technique will help you establish the right moment to organize a team meeting. It will also let you know which brokers are available to meet with a walk-in client.

3. Publishing office messages

Feel free to use your brokerage screen to share messages with your brokers. This will help improve internal communications. Announce the arrival of a new broker and welcome him / her through a message on the screen or send motivational messages to your brokers.

Your message can be as simple as wishing them a great day, highlighting their participation in a fundraising event, mentioning their children’s sporting performances, etc. Take interest in your brokers and make them shine within your brokerage!

More formally, let your brokers know about the warranty programs they have access to and share all news related to the brokerage; Use the banner to share a new point of service.

4. Sharing social media posts

Most real estate brokerages are now using social networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin. Feel free to share your social media posts on the brokerage screen. This way, brokers and brokerage staff will be aware of everything that is going on.

Also, more and more brokers are active on social media, so it would be a good idea to share their posts on your screen and vice versa.

In conclusion, digital signage within a real estate brokerage helps to modernize and dynamize your working methods. Manage the attendance of your brokers at the office, post daily messages such as motivational messages and finally, share information about your brokerage listings.

Make sure your digital display screens match your needs. For this reason, we suggest that you consult with an expert in the field who will answer all of your questions.

If you have any questions regarding the installation of a digital display screen in your real estate brokerage, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would like to help you achieve your goals!

By phone (toll-free): 1 866 553-5462 ext.: 251

By email: Click here