Don’t believe the hype – Digital Signage Displays for businesses are still one of the most effective ways to get the word out about your brand or products. And with the right combination of placement, design, and materials, you can create eye-catching and memorable digital signage displays that grab attention.
But which type of Digital signage display is right for you? Should you go with traditional outdoor signs – the ones made of metal, wood, and other non-digital materials? Or should you opt for the newer digital signage display instead? And if you were to opt in for Digital Signage, what kind is best for your business, church or establishment?
In this guide to traditional outdoor signs vs. digital signage display, we’ll cover the pros and cons of each option. We’ll also provide advice on how to best use each type to get maximum visibility and impact.
What Are Traditional Outdoor Signs?

For years, traditional outdoor signage has been the go-to option for businesses looking to make a statement. From billboards and banners to street signs, traditional outdoor signs are typically made of non-digital materials like wood, metal, paper, or plastic. They’re often large in size and can be printed with clear visuals that can be seen from afar.
And traditional signage can be quite versatile. You could opt for large billboards that can be seen from the road, or you could choose smaller signs to hang on buildings themselves. You’re even able to customize the look of your signage with vivid colors and high-resolution images. And when placed in the hands of a skilled designer, traditional outdoor signage can be incredibly effective.
The Pros of Traditional Outdoor Signs:
- Cost-Effective: Traditional outdoor signs are typically more cost-effective than digital displays since you only need to purchase the materials and design up front.
- Versatile: Traditional signage is highly versatile – you can use it indoors and outdoors, on buildings, or on the side of a road. It’s also easy to customize with vivid colors and high-resolution images.
- Visibility: Traditional outdoor signs are highly visible – they can be seen from afar, and when placed in prime locations, they can really draw attention to your business.
- Power: There is no electricity involved with traditional wood, metal, or stone signs, its a one and done type of deal.
The Cons of Traditional Outdoor Signs:
- Not Future-Proof: While traditional outdoor signs can look great, they’re not future-proof – if trends or regulations change, you may have to invest in a new sign rather than simply update your existing one.
- Limited Impact: Traditional outdoor signs are limited in terms of how much information they can convey – after all, you’re limited by the size and shape of the sign. And when you’re competing against digital displays, it can be difficult to stand out.
- One-Use Only: Once you’ve printed your sign, it can be difficult to update or change the information. You may need to invest in a new sign if you want to convey something different.
What Are Digital Signage Displays?
Digital Signage Displays are becoming increasingly popular as businesses look for ways to stand out from the competition and keep customers informed. Digital displays use a combination of LED or LCD screens, videos, and other interactive elements to display messages in real time. Other words that can be attributed to a Digital Signage Display can be Outdoor LED Signs, Digital Signs, and Indoor Video Walls.
Businesses can choose from various Digital Signage Display solutions – from full-motion video signs to digital billboards showing information about their products and services. And with the right placement and design, you could create a memorable and eye-catching display that grabs attention.
Digital Signage Displays, when used outdoors, can also be interactive – allowing customers to interact with the sign and gain more information about your business.
The Pros of Digital Display Signage:
- Future-Proof: Digital displays are future-proof – meaning you can update your message as often as you like or even easily switch out the content. This means you can keep up with the latest trends and regulations with minimal fuss.
- Highly Visible: Digital displays are highly visible, even from a distance – when used with the right lighting and placement, they can really draw attention to your business. And with brighter colors and eye-catching animations, you can stand out from the competition.
- Wider Reach: Digital displays allow you to convey much more information than traditional outdoor signs – meaning you can reach a wider audience. You can also update your message in real-time, allowing for a more dynamic approach to advertising.
- Cost-Effective: Digital displays can be cost-effective in the long run since you only need to invest in the hardware upfront. You can then easily update and change your content without any additional cost.
The Cons of Digital Signage Display:
- High Upfront Cost: While digital displays are cost-effective in the long run, they may require a higher upfront investment, as you’ll need to purchase the hardware and design elements. If you choose to install it professionally, you may also need to pay additional fees.
- Technical Issues: Digital Signage Display are reliant on technology, which means they may be subject to technical issues or malfunctions that can disrupt your message. While uncommon when installed by professionals, technical issues can occur if you don’t maintain your equipment or use it incorrectly.
- Require Constant Updating: While the ability to update your message in real-time is one of the advantages of digital displays, it also means that you’ll need to constantly update and maintain your content. This can become time-consuming and costly if not managed properly.
Which Option Is Right for Your Business?
Ultimately, traditional outdoor signs and digital displays have advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to consider all the factors before making a decision, such as budget, visibility, and long-term objectives.
Here are some questions to ask that can help you decide which option is best for your business:
1. What is the purpose of the sign? Is it to provide information or attract customers?
Different types of signs are better suited to different purposes, so make sure you know what you need the sign for. For instance, digital displays are more suited to providing information, while traditional outdoor signs may be better for attracting customers.
2. What is your budget?
Digital displays can be more expensive than traditional outdoor signs, depending on their complexity and size. Consider how much money you have to invest in a signage solution before making a decision.
3. How long do you need the sign to last?
Traditional outdoor signs are often more durable and can withstand the elements for longer than digital displays. But Digital Signage Displays may be a better option if you need an easily updatable solution.
4. What impact do you want the sign to have?
Digital Signage Displays can be much more eye-catching and visually appealing than traditional signs, so they may be the better option if you want to make a big impact.
Considering all these factors can help you decide which type of signage is best for your business. Researching current trends in outdoor advertising can also give you an insight into how other companies are using signage and can help you make an informed decision.
No matter what option you choose, it’s important to make sure that your message is clear and concise – as this will have the biggest impact on the success of your outdoor advertising efforts. By understanding the differences between traditional outdoor signs and Digital Signage Displays, you can ensure that you choose the right signage solution for your business.
Find The Right Digital Signage Displays with MEGA
Are you looking for custom Digital Signage Displays to attract customers and drive sales? Contact us today for more information about our digital display signage solutions. We can help you create a custom solution that best suits your needs, budget, and objectives – so you can start seeing results as soon as possible.
Get in touch to learn more about how we can help you reach your outdoor advertising goals! Investing in quality digital display signage ensures that the right people see your message and make an impact.
You made a good point that most signs don’t have to last forever. I’d like to find a good custom sign maker soon because I want to open a bookstore later this year. Being able to have proper signage in there will make it easier for customer to navigate around the shelves.