Digital kiosk advertising is an interactive digital advertising medium that uses digital touchscreen kiosks and computers with Wi-Fi capability to display ads to consumers in public spaces. It is mostly used in airports, shopping malls, train stations, and bus stops. Digital kiosks are a good option for reaching potential customers. They offer a lot of convenience and entertainment to consumers.
Today, digital kiosk advertising is popular because it is an affordable and convenient way to advertise a business to a larger population. It also allows businesses to target specific locations depending on consumer demographics. This provides better ROI for the companies who use this type of advertising than traditional forms like newspaper ads or TV commercials.
How Do Digital Kiosks Work?
Most kiosk screens have been designed to be “plug-and-play”, but not all devices are compatible with all screens. Devices that can be plugged into any screen are often labeled as “universal,” while those designed for certain screens are labeled as “specific”
The main difference between specific and universal devices is that specific devices have been optimized for their designated screen size and resolution while universal ones work on any type of kiosk screen.
And it appears the people want kiosks. In 2017, in a Bouncepad survey of 1,000 consumers, 61% of them stated they preferred self-service tools instead of finding a store assistant. Kiosk use has grown and so has the demand. Market Analysis Report estimated that kiosk growth will increase by 6.1% from 2021 through 2028. Demand and growth both mean that kiosk use is here to stay.
Software
In recent decades, digital kiosks have become an item that is essential in businesses, for both their promotional and operational purposes. Kiosk software either makes or breaks the overall success of a kiosk.
What is the best digital kiosk software? The answer to this question depends on what your current business goals and needs are. This is why knowing the best software for your touchscreen systems is important. Here’s a list of the most popular software on the market to help you decide what your needs are and what software would best suit them.
Two of the main types of digital kiosk software are:
– Digital Signage Software: Software with pre-configured content modules that can be used for display screens or digital signage displays.
– Social Media Engagement Platforms: Tools that allow users to engage in social media-related activities such as sharing photos and videos while on-site at a specific location.
Key Kiosk Factors for Success
Ultimately, your software should be well-integrated, sustainable, scaled for potential growth, and compliant with any necessary government regulations. Most importantly though, the software must fit user needs perfectly, to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Your kiosk must comply with any necessary regulations based on whatever country it’s located in. In the United States, your kiosk must comply with regulations such as HIPAA and the ADA, among others.
- Sustainable kiosk solutions offer a high success rate, because the software is virtually fail-proof and requires minimal upkeep. Such software gives the kiosk the ability to check and run troubleshooting to fix minor errors. In the case of serious errors, the kiosk system should notify a maintenance team who can work towards finding a solution based on error logs.
- Growth and scalability. As kiosks become more popular, kiosk software should be prepared to scale for increased growth. Additionally, the software needs to be programmed to adapt to users’ needs. This can be best exemplified in the current pandemic crisis, where kiosks offer increased advertising opportunities, scaled up from pre-pandemic uses.
Types of Digital Kiosks
There are several different types of digital kiosks available for advertising these days, and each serves a different purpose.
- Freestanding interactive kiosks: These kiosks are interactive and typically reduce the needs for in-person assistance. From airport or doctor check-ins to product catalogues, these kiosks seek to improve a user’s experience.
- Freestanding non-touch displays: These kiosks are typically seen in malls and airports and offer supplemental information such as directions or advertising. They are generally tamper-proof, allowing for more longevity and uses.
- Outdoor digital kiosks: Located outdoors and often considerably larger than the previously mentioned kiosks, these advertise products and services, and range from interactive to non-touch displays. Also used as city signage, public transport information, and information hubs, outdoor kiosks improve a user experience by supplying vital information or advertising applicable to locals and tourists alike.
Digital kiosks offer a wide range of advertising options and opportunities. Due to current trends, understanding appropriate kiosk advertising wants and needs is vital to adaptation and growth.
