How Electronic Message Centers Drive Business Growth: An ROI Breakdown

For many small business owners, electronic message centers (EMCs) are an appealing but seemingly expensive investment. That opinion would change if business owners found that these digital signs don’t just pay for themselves, they can significantly increase revenue. In this article, we share examples, tools, and research that may help unlock the mystery of growing revenue with an EMC.

Why Businesses Hesitate to Invest in Electronic Message Centers

The biggest roadblock to purchasing an EMC isn’t effectiveness, business owners know that signage works. The main concern is budget. Most business owners want a high-impact digital sign but worry about whether they can afford it. That’s where a proper Return on Investment (ROI) analysis tool comes into play. This tool doesn’t just provide numbers—it helps business owners see how an EMC may generate more revenue than it costs.

The best way to use the EMC Digital Sign ROI calculator is to have the business owner input their data. This accomplishes two things:

Psychological Buy-In: When they see their actual numbers, they trust the results more.
Decision-Making Support: Many business owners have partners or spouses who weigh in on big purchases. This tool helps justify the investment with clear, data-driven insights.

If the SBA Says an EMC Has Compelling ROI Maybe They Are on to Something?

A study by the Small Business Administration (SBA) revealed that businesses that invest in electronic message centers experience a 15% to 150% increase in revenue. That’s a staggering statistic that begs the question: Can any business afford NOT to invest in an EMC?

“…no other form of advertising comes close to matching the efficiency and cost-effectiveness, dollar for dollar, of an electronic message [center] display.”

-the SBA on EMCs

With the cost per one thousand impressions can be as low as fifteen cents. That outperforms virtually every other advertising medium, exponentially. For example cost per one thousand impressions, radio averages $5.47/1,000, television $7.39/1,000, and digital advertising is in the range of $3-$10/1,000 impressions. This study can be found here:  Electronic Message Center Small Business ROI Study.

Combined with the ability to make real-time updates, it is guaranteed to be seen by every passer-by whatever their form of transportation might be as frequently as they pass. Through all hours of the day and customized in minutes for current sales and opportunities that require an immediate message.

Breaking Down the ROI of an Electronic Message Center

Let’s break down the numbers with a simple ROI analysis and see why an electronic message center is one of the smartest business decisions you can make. In this example, we will use a car wash that’s considering a $50,000 EMC sign investment.

Input Business Data for an EMC ROI Analysis

Growth Scenarios for EMC ROI Case Studies

Here is the summary of the returns an EMC can have on a business’s overall revenue. Any small business owner cannot deny the impact these numbers could have on their business.

Payback Period for EMC Investments

With even the minimal growth scenario, the sign pays for itself quickly. That means after the payback period the business is in pure profit mode, generating additional revenue every year, all thanks to a one-time investment in a quality EMC.

Why Electronic Message Centers Are a Must-Have for Most Any Organization

Proven Revenue Booster

The numbers speak for themselves—whether you’re running a restaurant, convenience store, car wash, or retail shop, digital signage leads to more visibility, more foot traffic, and more sales.

Immediate ROI

Unlike traditional advertising, which requires ongoing spending, an EMC is a one-time investment that continuously generates revenue.

Increased Customer Engagement

With customizable messaging, promotions, and real-time updates, EMCs allow businesses to attract new customers and retain existing ones like never before.

Calculate your EMC ROI here

Every sign company wants to help its customers grow because this builds a partnership that can last for years. One way to support a customer is to do more than quote a sign but help them see the possibility of exponential returns if they choose to invest in an electronic message center versus a conventional sign.

We all know a great atmosphere, food, drinks, shopping deals, location, and sales help an average business do well. Why not let the world know, those possible customers that drive by every day, that there is a sale and the deals that can be had? Quite likely an electronic message center investment may be the difference between stores that do well and those that experience above-average success for years to come.