There isn't one standard way to build a digital signage business.
One company may sell complete systems that include displays, media players, installation and software. Another may concentrate on recurring software and managed services. An AV integrator might add digital signage to projects it already installs, while a marketing agency could build its offering around content.
The technology can support several different business models, and many companies combine several as they grow.
1. Full-Service Digital Signage Provider
The provider may supply displays, media players, mounts, installation, software, configuration, training, support and content services.
This model can generate project and recurring revenue.
Good fit: entrepreneurs who want to own the customer relationship and existing AV, IT or technology companies.
Main advantage: several revenue opportunities from each customer.
Main challenge: coordinating more parts of the customer experience.
How to Bundle Digital Signage Software, Hardware and Installation
2. Digital Signage Software Reseller
A reseller works with an existing technology provider and sells digital signage to its own customers rather than developing a CMS.
It may also provide setup, training, support, player configuration, hardware or installation.
How to Become a Digital Signage Reseller: A Complete Guide
3. AV Integrator With Digital Signage Services
AV companies may already install commercial displays, video walls, mounts, cabling and networked equipment.
Adding software can extend the customer relationship after installation.
Digital Signage for AV Integrators: How to Add Signage to Your Business
4. Managed Digital Signage Service
The provider manages software, devices, users, support, content scheduling or account administration for a recurring fee.
This fits MSPs and IT companies that already manage customer technology.
How MSPs Can Add Digital Signage as a Managed Service
5. Digital Signage Installation Business
A specialist can provide site surveys, mounting, cabling, player installation, configuration, testing and hardware replacement.
Installation is primarily project-based, so recurring revenue requires ongoing services or partnerships.
How AV Installers Can Turn One-Time Projects Into Recurring Revenue
6. Digital Signage Content Management Company
The provider handles uploading media, scheduling campaigns, removing expired promotions, managing playlists and coordinating content across locations.
This can create recurring service revenue without physical installation.
7. Digital Signage Creative Agency
A creative agency can provide promotional graphics, menu content, motion graphics, video, branded templates and campaign creative.
Digital Signage for Marketing Agencies: An Additional Service to Sell Clients
8. Digital Signage for an Existing Sign Company
Traditional sign companies can add digital displays, software, installation and services to existing visual communication offerings.
How Sign Companies Can Add Digital Signage to Their Services
9. Vertical-Specific Digital Signage Provider
A provider can specialize in restaurants, auto dealerships, medical offices, gyms, retail, hotels, property management or corporate offices.
Specialization makes sales messaging, demos and service packages more specific.
10. Multi-Location Digital Signage Management Provider
Providers can focus on franchise groups, retail chains, restaurant groups, healthcare organizations, fitness companies, dealership groups and property managers.
These customers may need centralized control across locations, users and devices.
How to Manage Digital Signage Across Multiple Customers and Locations
You Can Combine Digital Signage Business Models
An AV integrator could sell hardware, installation, software and support, then add content management.
An MSP could offer software, device management and support while using an AV partner for installation.
A marketing agency could provide software, content creation and management and subcontract hardware deployment.
Start With the Capabilities You Already Have
AV integrators may already have technicians and customers. MSPs may already have support systems and monthly agreements. Sign companies may already have signage customers. Marketing agencies may already have creative teams.
An entrepreneur starting from scratch can assemble needed capabilities through technology and service partners.
How to Add Digital Signage to Your Existing Product Portfolio
Which Models Have Recurring Revenue Potential?
Software reselling, managed services, content management, device management and multi-location management can all create recurring revenue.
Recurring revenue also creates recurring obligations, so services need to be priced around actual costs.
How to Build Recurring Revenue With Digital Signage
Which Model Is Easiest to Start?
The answer depends on existing capabilities.
The best starting model is usually one that requires the fewest new capabilities while creating a valuable service for customers.
Should You Build Your Own Digital Signage Platform?
Building a platform means developing and maintaining CMS functionality, player applications, infrastructure, security, user management, media handling, scheduling, updates and hardware compatibility.
For companies focused on selling signage services, partnering with an existing technology provider can provide a faster route to market.
Build vs. Buy: Should You Develop Your Own Digital Signage Platform?
Build a Model That Can Be Repeated
Standardize common hardware, media players, installation procedures, setup, service packages, training, support and pricing.
How to Build and Scale a Digital Signage Reseller Business
Choose the Business Before Choosing Every Product
Decide who you want to serve, which parts of the solution you will provide and which services create project or recurring revenue.
Zoney provides digital signage technology for resellers, integrators and service providers that want to build their own customer relationships without developing the underlying platform.
Continue with How to Start a Digital Signage Business in 2026: A Complete Guide or How to Become a Digital Signage Reseller: A Complete Guide, or start a free Zoney trial or schedule a partner call.