How to set up a digital signage business?

閱讀時間約 10 分鐘
I have constantly received inquiries from some who wish to build up a digital signage business in local during the past few months. After countless exciting discussions with passionate and professional individuals, I would like to share some steps we often take before getting into the digital signage business.
Please note that this is merely based on what I have experienced as a sales in Cayin technology, a manufacturer of media players and content management servers. Since I don’t personally handle physical documents or registration of a business, I will not cover this process here. On the other hand, will definitely appreciate if anyone has any different opinions and experience to share.
Let’s get started!

1. Choose the industries to begin with

Although all digital signage system set-ups contain hardware/software acquisition, configuration, content design, project planning, implementation and after-sales support, the concerns from different industries vary a lot. For example, in museum applications, the content design holds an important place while in government/corporate, system security might be the most important aspect they look at this.
Choose the industries that you have more understanding of, so it’s easier to plan your business target and get into this.

2. Position your business in the supply chain

The supply chain for digital signage varies in different markets. There are hardware manufacturers and software developers from upstream. Stakeholders in-between position their business according to their service and channel partners.
Here I have simply listed out two roles that I’m most familiar with, but I’m sure they're a lot of different work divisions according to the industry dynamic.
  • Distributor: a distributor understands thoroughly the capabilities and positioning of the brand(s) they’re representing, and manage the inventory and logistic of the products in local. They’ll be able to market the products and serve as a local touchpoint for the brands, providing pre and post-sales support for system integrator/installers.
  • System integrator: literally who integrates equipment as a solution and provides installation, system design, buying, and reselling service for end-user.
Vertical integration in some markets is very common, as more segmented work division exists as well. Observe and study the industry in your area, and think about your capacity.

3. Think about your service value and margin

Now you have an understanding of the clientele’s needs and the supply chain, the thing needed to think about is the service value to add. Do you want to take charge of official proposal drafting (for gov), sales activity planning (for retail), advertisement management (for advertising), content design, management, and hardware (including but not limited to digital signage, but also network design) installation?
This got back to my first point: you need to understand the market needs and opt in to your specialized system design, examples include integration with QMS, facial recognition, interactive screen, etc. You can get into one of these and make it your major business at a primary stage. Then, you could get on thinking about the margin you should get.

4. Find your channel partner and discuss

Get in touch with suppliers and talk with them about trade terms and the support they will provide. You should also seek those who will help deal with end-user if you’re not handling the job directly.
Finding partners can also be your first step if you don’t have much idea of your role and what you’ll be specializing in. Channel partners might share their idea and experiences with you. Learn from those discussions and choose the supplier that align with your business model the most. Simply put, it’s a step to build up a business channel for real and solidifying your business connection.

I hope this article serves as a reference for those who are interested in this business, and a basis for fruitful discussion for those who are already in the business.
Good luck with your business and project!
For any sales inquiry or partnership discussion, (or just to talk and make friends!) please contact me at nillachen@cayintech.com, or message me on LinkedIn. I’d be glad to know people from tech, marketing, writing, and any other sector.
avatar-img
0會員
26內容數
在一個風大的午後喝著果汁,毫無道理的創了這個帳號。// 原本在Medium,現在思考要不要轉戰方格子。
留言0
查看全部
avatar-img
發表第一個留言支持創作者!
On a windy, juicy day 的其他內容
A general introduction about digital signage — that TV-like thing
A general introduction about digital signage — that TV-like thing
你可能也想看
Google News 追蹤
Thumbnail
這個秋,Chill 嗨嗨!穿搭美美去賞楓,裝備款款去露營⋯⋯你的秋天怎麼過?秋日 To Do List 等你分享! 秋季全站徵文,我們準備了五個創作主題,參賽還有機會獲得「火烤兩用鍋」,一起來看看如何參加吧~
Thumbnail
11/20日NVDA即將公布最新一期的財報, 今天Sell Side的分析師, 開始調高目標價, 市場的股價也開始反應, 未來一週NVDA將重新回到美股市場的焦點, 今天我們要分析NVDA Sell Side怎麼看待這次NVDA的財報預測, 以及實際上Buy Side的倉位及操作, 從
Thumbnail
Hi 大家好,我是Ethan😊 相近大家都知道保濕是皮膚保養中最基本,也是最重要的一步。無論是在畫室裡長時間對著畫布,還是在旅途中面對各種氣候變化,保持皮膚的水分平衡對我來說至關重要。保濕化妝水不僅能迅速為皮膚補水,還能提升後續保養品的吸收效率。 曾經,我的保養程序簡單到只包括清潔和隨意上乳液
WFOE post-registration Previously, in our article ‘Opening a WFOE in China’, we have detailed the initial steps to incorporate a Wholly Foreign Owned
Previously, we introduced strategies for employers to fix their employee satisfaction in Hong Kong. In addition, when running a business, Hong Kong em
The Hong Kong company incorporation process has been well documented. However, a key aspect of this process is deciding upon a financial year end date
Oftentimes, one will incorporate a company in Hong Kong with the intention of conducting business but end up not doing so, their Hong Kong company bec
WFOE post-registration Previously, in our article ‘Opening a WFOE in China’, we have detailed the initial steps to incorporate a Wholly Foreign Owned
Thumbnail
In this article, we look at the incorporation steps that need to be addressed in the post-registration stage to start your business in China.
Thumbnail
In this article, we look to provide insight towards what dormant companies are, how one can be managed and the rules surrounding them.
Thumbnail
這個秋,Chill 嗨嗨!穿搭美美去賞楓,裝備款款去露營⋯⋯你的秋天怎麼過?秋日 To Do List 等你分享! 秋季全站徵文,我們準備了五個創作主題,參賽還有機會獲得「火烤兩用鍋」,一起來看看如何參加吧~
Thumbnail
11/20日NVDA即將公布最新一期的財報, 今天Sell Side的分析師, 開始調高目標價, 市場的股價也開始反應, 未來一週NVDA將重新回到美股市場的焦點, 今天我們要分析NVDA Sell Side怎麼看待這次NVDA的財報預測, 以及實際上Buy Side的倉位及操作, 從
Thumbnail
Hi 大家好,我是Ethan😊 相近大家都知道保濕是皮膚保養中最基本,也是最重要的一步。無論是在畫室裡長時間對著畫布,還是在旅途中面對各種氣候變化,保持皮膚的水分平衡對我來說至關重要。保濕化妝水不僅能迅速為皮膚補水,還能提升後續保養品的吸收效率。 曾經,我的保養程序簡單到只包括清潔和隨意上乳液
WFOE post-registration Previously, in our article ‘Opening a WFOE in China’, we have detailed the initial steps to incorporate a Wholly Foreign Owned
Previously, we introduced strategies for employers to fix their employee satisfaction in Hong Kong. In addition, when running a business, Hong Kong em
The Hong Kong company incorporation process has been well documented. However, a key aspect of this process is deciding upon a financial year end date
Oftentimes, one will incorporate a company in Hong Kong with the intention of conducting business but end up not doing so, their Hong Kong company bec
WFOE post-registration Previously, in our article ‘Opening a WFOE in China’, we have detailed the initial steps to incorporate a Wholly Foreign Owned
Thumbnail
In this article, we look at the incorporation steps that need to be addressed in the post-registration stage to start your business in China.
Thumbnail
In this article, we look to provide insight towards what dormant companies are, how one can be managed and the rules surrounding them.