A super-cool and exciting future is in the cards for our industry – just take a look at these awesome digital signage trends we’ve got for you. And I know, you’re probably rolling your eyes and shaking your head at all the latest hype. Implementing every new feature and capability just isn’t feasible or even necessary. But these three trends? They’re certainly worth it. And the hassle of extra cost and deployment pales in comparison to the benefits they’ll bring to your digital signage strategy.

IoT: One of the digital signage trends you can’t afford to miss

IoT sounds like an acronym for something that’ll die a fast but fashionable death. Remember 3D TV? Yeah, IoT (or the Internet of Things) is nothing like the 3D TV fiasco. It’s feasible, practical and promises impressive profitability.

1. IoT and Digital Signage: not as complicated as it sounds

I hear y’all saying you’ve got a simple clothing store/bar/restaurant/insert retail outlet of your choice. And there’s no way you can get all connected, IoT-style. It’s too complicated in terms of tech.

2. IoT for Digital Signage: Something you can take to the bank

So you upgraded and got the tech you need. Now what? What will IoT even look like in the real world of digital signage? Well, think of it this way. Your customer picks up a shirt, scans it, and the RFID smart label activates the nearest digital signage screen. And like magic, you give your customer extra info they’ll appreciate – and your bottom line will do cartwheels for. Show them that great matching skirt, a perfect pair of shoes or a discount coupon. Upselling and cross-selling has never been easier. Throw in all the extra info about shopping habits, likes and comments the IoT gathers from social media? And you can certainly offer a personalized shopping experience on your digital signage screens.

Big Data & Facial Recognition: Digital signage trends for deep personalization

You’ve all got excellent content, right? It’s valuable and exclusive; it’s fresh and interesting. But haven’t you ever wondered how it can personally impact all viewers equally? Truth is, it can’t. You do your best. You try to figure out your target customers. And you create content that addresses their needs. But with so many thousands of people marching past your digital signage screens, you really can’t please everyone. So what do you do?

Big data helps you customize digital signage content

Out of all the digital signage trends out there, facial recognition powered by big data wins the big bucks. And it’s especially true when we’re talking personalized content. Why? Because interests differ. And sure, you can’t crawl out of your digital signage screen and into everyone’s brain to figure them out. But you can use facial recognition to determine mood, age and gender. And before that even occurs, you can see if they’re even looking at your screen.

And how does it help your digital signage content strategy?

Because once you know demographics and mood, you really narrow down that specific customer’s likely product preferences. You know your products, services or merchandise. You know which ones appeal to which customers. Create content for that specific shopper. And then sit back and let facial recognition and big data figure out which playlist, video or show to display based on who walks by. A middle-aged professional would definitely perk up with a playlist featuring designer suits. A buy one get one free sale on cheap tees is perfect for struggling college students. If you customize digital signage content to the specific shopper passing by your screen, you’re much more likely to spark a sale.