Digital Displays That Sell: Real Ways They Influence Buyer Behavior

Walk into any modern store, quick-service restaurant, or hotel lobby, and you’ll see screens everywhere. Do they really work? Do digital displays actually influence what people buy or how they behave?

Yes, if they’re used correctly.

Digital displays are now central to how businesses inform, influence, and convert foot traffic into revenue. When placed strategically and backed by the right content, they capture attention and influence decisions in real-time.

In this article, we’ll break down how digital displays impact purchasing behavior, common mistakes to avoid, and how to ensure your signage actually drives results.

What We Mean by “Digital Displays” (And Why It Matters)

“Digital display” refers to any commercial screen used to guide, inform, or influence customers in physical spaces. Common examples of digital displays include the following:

• • Digital signage like promotional displays, menu boards, in-store product screens
  • Video walls in entrances, lobbies, or feature walls
  • Interactive kiosks, or self-service systems for browsing, check-ins, or wayfinding
  • Window or shelf-edge displays designed to pull in attention and highlight promos
  • Wayfinding or directory screens that help users navigate large spaces with ease

These displays can show real-time promotions, high-margin items, how-to content, or seasonal messaging. When done right, they show and sell.

5 Ways Digital Displays Influence Purchase Behavior

Here are five key ways digital displays influence decisions:

1. They Grab Attention Where It Matters Most

People notice movement and light on instinct. Digital displays catch the eye much more effectively than static signage, particularly in high-traffic areas.

For instance, your convenience store may place a display at the entrance with rotating promos. Foot traffic toward featured products increases immediately, with no extra sales training required for your staff.

CGS Tip: Motion, contrast, and strategic placement are more important than screen size.

2. They Trigger Impulse Buys

Well-timed messages prompt fast decisions. A “limited time offer” or “buy 2, get 1 free” message displayed right at the point of decision can instantly shift your customers’ behavior.

For example, your QSR can offer three high-margin combo deals during the lunch rush. Your upsell rate will jump just by showcasing what to add.

CGS Tip: Place promotional content close to where people wait, pause, or pay.

3. They Educate Without Needing Staff

Screens can fill in the gaps when team members are busy. By showing specs, benefits, or demo videos, digital displays reduce confusion and help buyers feel confident.

Picture this: Your hardware store displays how-to videos near power tools. Customers browse for longer periods and ask fewer questions, which leads to more self-led purchases.

CGS Tip: Use screens to answer the questions your staff hears most often.

4. They Reinforce Brand and Environment

A consistent visual experience makes your business feel more premium and trustworthy. Whether across locations or within a single space, digital signage helps maintain polished, up-to-date messaging.

For instance, your hotel can use screens to display branded visuals, local event info, and check-in tips. Your guests will feel welcomed before they even reach the front desk.

CGS Tip: Sync your display content with your overall marketing calendar and branding.

5. They Let You Adapt in Real Time

Digital displays let you react fast. Whether it’s a rainy-day offer, a sold-out item, or an event promotion you want to make, content updates can be made instantly without printing new signage.

For example, your pharmacy can utilize digital endcaps to promote seasonal products, such as cold medications or sunblock, based on the weather and time of day.

CGS Tip: Use scheduling tools to automate changes during your peak sales windows.

Common Digital Display Mistakes That Limit Their Impact

Here are a few of the most common mistakes that hold businesses back from seeing real ROI:

Mistake #1: Treating Displays Like Static Billboards

If your content never changes, it gets ignored. Screens lose their edge when used like posters.

Mistake #2: Placing Screens Where No One Looks

Displays hidden behind counters or facing away from customer flow won’t get seen, and can even create visual clutter.

Mistake #3: Showing Content That’s Off-Message or Irrelevant

Outdated pricing, generic videos, or content meant for a different season can confuse customers or harm trust.

Mistake #4: Lack of Strategy Behind the Screen

Many systems are installed without a plan for the content that will be placed on them, how often it will change, or who will manage it.

CGS Tip: Think of your digital display as a salesperson. It needs to give the right message, in the right place, at the right time.

What Digital Display Success Looks Like (Mini-Case Examples)

Here are a few real-world examples that show what intentional digital signage can achieve:

Boosting Product Visibility in Retail

Regional clothing and retail chains can use digital displays at the front of the store to promote weekly deals and spotlight slow-moving inventory. They typically see a 20%+ increase in featured product sales during promotional weeks.

Increasing Ticket Size with Smart Menus in QSRs

Fast-casual restaurant chains are upgrading to digital menu boards featuring rotating lunch combos and upsell suggestions. Their average order values tend to increase by 15% or more, with minimal staff training.

Reducing Front Desk Load in Hospitality Establishments

A hotel can add lobby screens that show event schedules, local attractions, and digital check-in instructions. They typically get fewer repeat questions at reception, shorter lines, and higher guest satisfaction scores.

Streamlining the Patient Journey in Healthcare

A pharmacy group can deploy wayfinding screens and health tip content across locations. This typically improves patient engagement during wait times.

How to Get Started (Without the Guesswork)

Digital displays don’t need to be complex, but they do need to be intentional. Here’s how to make sure your investment drives real results:

Start with Your Business Goals

Are you trying to increase your average order value? Reduce customer confusion? Drive more upsells? Your goal should guide your screen placement and content strategy.

Map Your Customer’s Journey

Walk through your space the way your customer would. Where do they hesitate? Where do they decide? Those are your high-impact screen zones.

Choose the Right Locations First

Start where they’ll have the most influence, like entrances, menu boards, waiting areas, or checkout lanes.

Keep the Content Fresh and Useful

Plan for regular updates. Utilize scheduling software to efficiently rotate promotions, seasonal content, and timely messages with minimal effort.

Work with a Partner Who Gets It

At CGS, we don’t just install hardware. We help businesses design smart, scalable digital display systems that serve your purposes and grow with you over time.

From site walkthroughs and system design to installation, CMS setup, and support, we’re your partner in making digital signage work for you, not just in your space.

Start Influencing Purchase Decisions Now

Digital signage is all about creating better customer experiences that lead to better business outcomes. When placed and programmed strategically, digital displays help customers feel more informed, more confident, and more ready to take action.

Whether you’re looking to boost sales, streamline operations, or modernize your space, the right digital signage system can do all three without adding complexity to your team’s plate.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s walk through your space, discuss your goals, and develop a signage strategy that drives results. Schedule a free digital display consultation with CGS today.