How Smart Cities Can Generate Extra Revenue Using Outdoor Kiosks

by | Mar 27, 2023 | Destination Marketing, Touch Kiosks

smart information kiosk

As our cities become smarter, outdoor kiosks are becoming a popular way to generate extra revenue for local governments. Outdoor kiosks are interactive digital displays that can provide useful information, offer advertising space, and generate revenue through fees and sponsorships. In this blog post, we will explore how smart cities can use outdoor kiosks to generate extra revenue.

Outdoor Kiosks are a Popular Way to Communicate

Outdoor kiosks are interactive displays that can provide a range of services to the public. They can be used to provide wayfinding information, public transportation schedules, or even weather updates. Additionally, they can display sponsorships and advertisements, generating revenue for the local government.

Outdoor kiosks are becoming popular and have many uses cases outdoors including:

  • Tourist attractions: Outdoor kiosks can provide visitors with information about nearby attractions, helpful tips, and even discounts.
  • Shopping malls: Outdoor kiosks can direct shoppers to their desired stores or restaurants, and display ads for local businesses.
  • Public parks: Kiosks can provide park visitors with maps of the area, safety notices, and other helpful information.
  • Transit stops: Kiosks can display public transportation schedules and real-time transit updates, as well as give commuters access to digital ticketing or loyalty programs.

outdoor digital wayfinding

Generating Advertising Revenue

One of the primary ways that outdoor kiosks can generate revenue is through advertising. Smart city governments can sell ad space on the kiosks to local businesses, generating extra revenue that can help with civic projects.

According to TechCrunch, when people use the kiosks, they use them for up to 4 minutes on average. Using targeted advertising can be an effective way for businesses to reach potential customers.

Some of the most popular ways to use outdoor kiosks for advertising include:

  • Out-of-home ads: Ads can be served based on a user’s location. This allows for more targeted advertising that is tailored to the specific needs of the area.
  • Interactive ads: Kiosks can feature interactive or multimedia ads with games, videos, or quizzes to engage users and generate interest in products and services.
  • Sponsorships: Companies can be sponsored on the kiosks with their branding, helping them to build goodwill and recognition in the local community.
  • Local & regional ticket sales: With Outdoor Touch Kiosks, you can get tickets to all your favorite local events. No more waiting in long lines – just find the kiosk near you and get your tickets quickly and conveniently. Plus, by purchasing through a touch screen kiosk, you’re supporting local businesses and helping our city thrive. 
  • Hyperlocal ads: Touch Screen Kiosks are a great way for local businesses to get the word out. Use your local outdoor touch screen kiosk to discover the best our city has to offer. Businesses can create fun and interactive digital experiences that engage visitors and encourage them to patronize local businesses. 

advertising image

Providing Useful Services

Outdoor kiosks can also be used to provide useful services to the public. For instance, kiosks can be used to provide public transportation schedules and wayfinding information, making it easier for citizens to navigate the city. Additionally, kiosks can provide city event schedules and emergency alerts, providing important information to the public.

Ways that this can generate extra revenue include:

  • Fee-based services: Kiosks can offer fee-based services such as digital ticketing or loyalty programs. These services can generate extra revenue that can be used to fund civic projects.
  • Product sales: Outdoor kiosks can also be used to sell products, such as tickets for city events or merchandise from local businesses. This is another way for cities to generate extra revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can outdoor kiosks be used to generate revenue for smart cities?

A: Smart cities can generate revenue through fees, sponsorships, and advertising sales.

Q: What types of information can outdoor kiosks display?

A: Outdoor kiosks can display a range of information, including wayfinding information, public transportation schedules, and weather updates.

Q: How does advertising on outdoor kiosks work?

A: Smart city governments can sell ad space on the kiosks to local businesses. This can be an effective way for businesses to reach potential customers.

Conclusion

Smart cities are facing many challenges, including a lack of funding to support civic projects. Outdoor kiosks can help generate extra revenue for local governments while providing useful services to the public. By providing wayfinding information, public transportation schedules, and weather updates, in addition to displaying sponsored content, outdoor kiosks can improve quality of life and provide needed funding for important civic projects. Outdoor kiosks can provide all manner of valuable services — including WiFi access, translations, and even health check-ups — while still earning their keep. Overall, outdoor kiosks are a smart and innovative way for smart cities to generate revenue while providing useful services to the public.

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