5 ways to tell when it’s time to update your LED sign display content

With more than 40 years of experience to our name here at Scanlite, you can count on us to understand the power of digital signage to get your message out to your audience. Like any form of communication though, the medium only works as well as the message – in other words, if your content stays fresh and relevant to your target audience.

Outdated content not only undermines your performance, but it can even be actively damaging to your brand, and undermine the wow-factor of your display. Thankfully, it’s an easy enough problem to prevent – here are five clear signs that it’s time to refresh your LED sign display content!

Your message is no longer relevant

In short, when the information on your LED display no longer reflects the reality of life for your audience, it’s time for an update. Outdated promotions, expired sales, or event details from months ago can look careless, which has undesirable implications for the rest of your brand. A sign advertising a “grand opening” from last year or a Christmas deal in March are two examples – and as well as looking unprofessional, they could even confuse potential customers.

Beyond promotions, external events can also make a once-relevant message inappropriate. A tagline or slogan that once seemed catchy might now carry unintended connotations due to recent news or social changes. (To take an extreme example, the abrupt onset of the coronavirus pandemic led to a very strange period in which very few marketing campaigns were prepared for the possibility nobody would be allowed to leave the house.)

If your content no longer fits the current landscape, reviewing and updating it should be a priority. A sign that seems out of sync with the times can put off customers and damage your brand’s credibility, making you appear disconnected from current trends and customer expectations.

Customers are not engaging with your content

Your LED display is meant to attract attention and encourage action. If foot traffic hasn’t increased, sales haven’t improved, or customers aren’t responding to the message, the sign may not be doing its job. Engagement isn’t just about visibility – it’s about relevance. If customers are seeing the sign but ignoring it, the message might not be compelling enough. A lack of interaction could indicate that the content is too generic, too cluttered, or simply not suited to your audience.

There are plenty of ways you can go about tackling this – observing customer reactions, gathering feedback, and testing new content can help you determine what works best. It’s also worth considering how often your display changes. If people see the same message every time they pass by, they’ll stop paying attention altogether. Frequent updates keep people interested and more likely to engage.

The visuals are looking outdated

Trends in design and branding evolve quickly. What looked sleek and modern a few years ago might now seem dated and uninspiring. If your LED display uses old fonts, colours, or low-resolution graphics, it could be failing to make the impact it once did.

A fresh look can make all the difference. Modern LED screens allow for crisp, dynamic visuals that can captivate an audience. Updating your content with bold, clear text, engaging animations, and high-quality images can help your business stay visually appealing. A clean, professional design will not only attract attention but also reinforce your brand’s credibility.

It’s also worth taking a moment to think about how digital advertising has advanced – customers are used to sleek, polished visuals. If your LED sign doesn’t match that standard, it could be making your business look behind the times.

Your competitors have moved ahead

If other businesses in your industry are using their LED signage more effectively, your outdated content could be making you fall behind. A competitor with eye-catching, regularly updated messaging will naturally draw more interest than a sign that looks neglected.

Paying attention to what others are doing can provide valuable insights. Are they using more engaging visuals? Are their messages clearer or more relevant? Updating your LED sign isn’t just about staying modern – it’s about staying competitive. Ensuring your display is just as striking and informative as those around you will help you maintain your presence in the market. Customers naturally gravitate towards businesses that appear more professional and forward-thinking, so if your competitors are putting effort into their LED signage and you’re not, you could be losing business without even realising it.

The content is not seasonal or event-specific

We’ve touched upon this briefly already, but it’s worth going into a little more detail. Seasonal promotions, local events, and timely campaigns are excellent ways to keep your LED sign fresh and engaging. If your display is still promoting summer offers as autumn rolls in, it can give the impression that your business isn’t paying attention to the details.

Updating your LED content to reflect annual holidays, weather changes, or major events in your area shows that your business is active and responsive. Even subtle adjustments can make a big difference in maintaining customer interest – such as adapting colour schemes to match the season or highlighting limited-time specials. A well-timed message can also create a sense of urgency, encouraging customers to take action before an offer or event ends. If your competitors are running seasonal campaigns and your sign is still showing last year’s general promotions, you could be missing out on valuable sales opportunities.

Those are just a couple of our key suggestions – you may well be able to think of plenty others yourself! If you have any questions, or need any further information on specific benefits, we’re here to help at Scanlite. We have more than 40 years of experience to our name, and have completed tens of thousands of installations up and down the UK, so you can always rely on us to provide answers in as much or as little detail as you need.

To find out more on how we can help you, feel free to give us a call today on 01253 302723. We’re always happy to help!