Product News | October 11, 2021

How DSP Sage+Archer leverages DOOH to its full potential

Though the COVID19 pandemic has had quite the impact on out-of-home advertising, if you ask Amsterdam-based DSP Sage+Archer, the value of a programmatic approach has never been more apparent.

From the flexibility it affords those working with limited budgets to the speed at which it targets the right audiences at the right places and times, it’s no surprise why a growing number of brands and agencies view programmatic DOOH as their strategy of choice.

From tech-driven media agency to self-serve platform partner

Launched by the Dutch mobile-first media agency MobPro, Sage+Archer was born out of a growing need amongst marketers to establish added control over their campaigns.

While the DSP was originally used internally by MobPro experts (and self-proclaimed data geeks), after a user-friendly overhaul, the powerful technology was rebuilt into an intuitive, easy-to-use self-serve media buying platform.

Today, Sage+Archer’s solution provides its clients with the technology they need to activate, manage, and monitor dynamic mobile, DOOH, and multichannel campaigns. This has enabled them to broaden their scope of clients, and also puts them in a better position to fulfil their international ambitions.

Harnessing the power of programmatic

Though their solution consists of a DOOH engine and a separate mobile engine, its underlying technology allows advertisers to seamlessly combine the two. The majority of Sage+Archer’s clients, which run the gamut from small local businesses to agencies and holding groups, use the platform to run high-impact multichannel campaigns.

What really sets Sage+Archer apart is their keen eye for leveraging data to help their clients create unique and impactful campaigns.

At a basic yet always relevant level, day-parting and location-based data is used to play DOOH ads at the right time and place, however, Sage+Archer uses almost any type data-stream to add context, flexibility and creativity to campaigns.

From a local museum’s use of live ticket sales to optimize foot traffic to a bank’s use of HTML5 to thank individual customers for their loyalty, Sage+Archer’s runs campaigns that are as creative as they are strategic.

Check out more from Sage+Archer in this interview with their co-founder, Diederick Ubels:

The company attributes much of its success in running such impactful campaigns to their mobile advertising roots, applying their in-depth knowledge of the medium to the larger DOOH landscape. From how they generate dynamic creatives to the ways they leverage mobile data to optimize campaigns that achieve both awareness and performance goals, Sage+Archer continuously pushes technological boundaries and tests their findings to see what works best.

Programmatic DOOH in an uncertain world

Although Holland wasn’t subject to the stricter lockdowns experienced by other European countries, changes in the market brought on by the pandemic’s first wave was felt across all digital aspects of their business. By summer, however, they noticed a considerable uptick in first-time users to their platform.

The added autonomy, flexibility, and control inherent to programmatic advertising and, by extension, Sage+Archer’s solution, allows marketers to be far more strategic about campaign spending. Clients working with tighter budgets can be far more selective about the types of inventory and data triggers they use, allowing them to pause, adjust, and optimize campaigns instantly, should they need to.

As the second wave of the pandemic looms closer, the company has seen an influx of programmatic campaigns being run through their platform.

Sage+Archer and Broadsign

Through its integration with the Broadsign Reach supply-side platform, Sage+Archer provides its clients instant access to a rich network of DOOH inventory that extends across the globe. What’s more, owners and publishers on the supply side are being introduced to valuable new markets.

In this way, the company’s partnership with Broadsign is helping them to establish a stronger international presence. No longer restricted to a single local market, Sage+Archer’s DSP acts as a springboard from which brands and agencies alike can launch targeted campaigns that connect them to international audiences in the freshest, most impactful, and contextual ways.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our blog post from last week where we showcase 4 awesome campaigns Sage+Archer helped their clients put together.

Product News | October 11, 2021

Putting people first: Why Broadsign was named one of Canada’s top employers

Recently, we announced that we have been recognized as one of Montreal’s Top Employers, and now, we’re thrilled to share that Broadsign has been named one of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers, too! This award recognizes small and medium-sized businesses across the nation that foster positive workplace cultures through progressive and forward-thinking human resources policies.

Seeing as we’ve put a lot of work into building a workplace where everyone feels welcome, achieving this honour for a sixth consecutive year matters greatly to us.

What makes Broadsign such a special place? When employees talk about what they love most about working here, the answer is almost always the same: the team makes all the difference. But it’s not just about the colleagues we collaborate with—a people-first attitude is embedded into our company DNA. Whether it’s reflected in the perks that support a healthy work-life balance or in the managers who champion growth and encourage everyone to bring their best to the table, it all comes down to one thing at Broadsign: the people.

Don’t just take our word for it—some of our Broadsigners have shared what they believe makes Broadsign one of the top employers in Canada. Check out what they have to say below.

An emphasis on professional development and continued learning

Business Analyst Viraj Gandhi has been part of the Broadsign team for over six years. When he first joined, he was new to the world of finance, so he focused on projects and tasks that would help him gain a deeper understanding of how a finance team operates. Through this hands-on experience, he became familiar with customers and vendors, as well as key processes like accounts receivable and accounts payable.

Viraj quickly picked up the concepts and found himself increasingly drawn to the department’s work. Eager to grow, he approached his manager to express his interest in learning more and taking on greater responsibilities.

“In my day-to-day as a business analyst, the first thing is, of course, coffee,” he says, laughing. “But after that, it’s my job to shed a lot of light and provide as much information to various corners of the company as possible.”

So, what about Broadsign that makes it such a great workplace? For starters, it’s the company’s emphasis on well-being. The company’s leadership team understands that the best work happens when employees feel united and understood and operate under a shared mission.

But it goes beyond cocktail hours and good vibes. When Viraj began to express interest in his professional development, he felt supported. His manager encouraged him to take the leap.

“My manager gradually exposed me to more difficult reporting while always being available to answer and explain any questions I had along the way.” This little extra boost encouraged him to pursue a certification program (FMVA), propelling him to his new job title of Business Analyst.

“There’s a strong emphasis on professional development [at Broadsign] and to continue learning.”

Putting people first, every step of the way

Since joining the company in June 2022, Daniela Rousse, Human Resources Operations Specialist, has become part of a team committed to supporting its employees in ways that go beyond perks and payroll.

It’s not just the HR team—leadership across the company consistently prioritizes people in every decision. “Our team is passionate about our people,” Daniela says, describing Broadsign’s culture. “And our goal is ultimately to help them grow both professionally and personally.”

By actively listening and striving for continuous improvement, Daniela explains, the team works hard to ensure employees feel truly seen, heard, and supported.

Commitment to work-life balance

As a Technical Account Manager, David Muraca’s days are busy at Broadsign. On any given day, you can catch him guiding clients through technical walkthroughs and trainings, managing projects, and more. His role requires agility and an understanding of the products and clients.

Though the work is challenging, David says it isn’t just the work that keeps him motivated, he’s also driven by the corporate culture at Broadsign.

“I do find that Broadsign is competitive in terms of its benefits,” he says. As a father of two, ensuring he has enough work-life balance is important. But, he says, Broadsign lets him manage his schedule and be there for his children if anything comes up—which sometimes happens with two little kids.

Having the flexibility to balance his career and busy family life is part of what makes his life at Broadsign so rewarding.

Where passion meets purpose

Sabrina Allard, Director of Product Marketing, joined the Broadsign team in 2019. Back then, the product marketing team was one person—her. Fast-forward a few years, and today, the team consists of four individuals managing the company’s entire product marketing efforts.

Throughout her time at Broadsign, Sabrina has been involved with countless projects that have involved cross-collaboration with many different departments.

“Everyone is so passionate and driven. There’s so much energy and heart behind everything we do here,” she says. Ultimately, dedication and commitment are two elements that make working at Broadsign meaningful.

Working together to make great things happen

Broadsign is the kind of employer that empowers its team to speak up, take initiative, and grow professionally. This mindset is what drives us to keep raising the bar while staying true to our people-first values. We’ve always believed that great things happen when we prioritize our people, and earning this recognition is yet another reflection of that commitment.

If you’re looking for a workplace that empowers, supports, and uplifts you, check out our job openings here.

Product News | October 11, 2021

Unlocking the potential of in-store retail media: What we can learn from digital OOH

Last month, the Broadsign team attended the Path to Purchase Institute’s second annual Retail Media Summit Canada, which brought together industry leaders, innovators, and experts to explore the evolving landscape of retail media.

Retail media networks (RMNs) continue to evolve, with industry leaders emphasizing the importance of measurement, automation, omnichannel consistency, and monetization. As part of this year’s summit, Broadsign’s Global Head of Retail Media, Jonathan Franco, explored best practices and key lessons we can learn from digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising and apply them to the retail media landscape.

Measurement and attribution: The backbone of retail media success

One of the biggest lessons we can take from OOH is that measurement is everything – and brands won’t invest unless they can clearly see the impact of their campaigns. Yet, measurement remains a challenge for in-store media, particularly when connecting performance to overall campaign effectiveness. “There are now over 250 RMNs globally, and we need to find a way to connect the dots across the omnichannel journey,” notes Jonathan.

Consistent measurement is a non-negotiable for brands, and retailers can’t operate in isolation by measuring in-store, off-site, and on-site channels separately. When these touchpoints are connected, they provide advertisers with a complete picture of performance, making it easier to justify ad spend.

Retailers can also help brands reduce waste by enabling real-time decision-making based on triggers like audience insights or campaign performance—tools already available for in-store environments. Ultimately, retailers who prioritize transparency and standardized metrics will gain the trust of advertisers, leading to stronger, longer-term partnerships.

How retailers can improve measurement and attribution:

Standardize measurement across channels to ensure brands can confidently invest. Without consistent metrics, brands will struggle to justify ad spend.
Prioritize privacy-first attribution by using anonymized, aggregated data instead of personally identifiable information. This ensures compliance while delivering valuable insights.
Ask the tough questions, such as: Would my company invest in this offering if I were the one being pitched on it? Forward-thinking retailers are now focusing on true closed-loop attribution in-store to answer this critical question and meet brand advertiser demands.

READ ALSO: Discover how the OOH industry is leveraging technology to achieve more measurable campaign outcomes in our guide to out-of-home measurement, attribution and audience extension.

Strategic screen placement and content strategy

In retail media, success goes beyond simply placing screens in high-traffic areas—it’s about crafting meaningful touchpoints throughout the customer journey. “The OOH market has taught us that success isn’t just about having screens in impactful locations; it’s about playing the right content in the right place at the right time.” When looking at digital screens in retail environments, retailers should focus on strategic intent rather than just hardware specifications. Location matters, but it should be about the intended purpose of the screen.

For retail media networks, that means thinking beyond ad placements and considering how in-store screens complement the full shopper journey. Retailers should leverage real-time data, like weather, promotions, and inventory, to ensure messaging is always relevant, just like many successful OOH campaigns do.

Jonathan also highlights the importance of tailoring implementations to each location’s unique environment, noting that every store has a different soul and retailers should adapt to individual stores rather than deploying identical setups everywhere.

Monetization: Striking a balance between advertising and shopper experience

For retailers looking to scale their RMNs, monetization is a key goal — but it can’t come at the expense of the brick-and-mortar shopping experience. Instead, it should complement and enhance how shoppers engage with products. The most effective RMNs go beyond advertising, incorporating category-based content and educational opportunities that help shoppers make more informed purchasing decisions while still offering valuable ad inventory to brands.

The most effective RMNs go beyond advertising, incorporating category-based content and educational opportunities that help shoppers make more informed purchasing decisions while still offering valuable ad inventory to brands. For example, digital screens can be used to educate shoppers on topics like skincare routines, influencing purchasing decisions across multiple products and increasing basket size. This approach not only provides value to consumers but also creates new opportunities for brands to connect with their audience in meaningful ways.

How retailers can maximize revenue while enhancing the shopper experience:

Diversify revenue streams. Successful networks don’t rely on just one monetization method, and RMNs shouldn’t either. Instead, you should leverage internal sales teams, third-party agencies, and programmatic ad delivery to drive revenue.
Automate pricing and inventory management. With multiple stakeholders (category managers, retail media sellers), manual management is not sustainable. As Jonathan put it, “If you don’t automate this, it’s going to be complete chaos.”
Offer transparency to advertisers. Brands want real-time performance insights and clear attribution models, so invest in a digital signage platform that offers precise, data-backed campaign insights and flexibility.

Retail media requires internal change management

Retail media isn’t just a new revenue stream—it requires a fundamental shift in how retailers approach operations. Success hinges on breaking down silos, rethinking business models, and fostering cross-team collaboration. While technology plays a critical role, true adoption depends on organizational alignment and a well-planned change management strategy. Many retailers mistakenly see retail media networks as just installing screens, but the real challenge is integrating them into broader business strategies for long-term scalability.

How retailers can successfully manage internal change:

Challenge legacy structures. Success in this space requires collaboration across sales, category management, operations, and technology—not just marketing. As media buyers shift to hybrid digital teams, retail media strategies must be cross-channel and cross-departmental.
Redefine success metrics. Move beyond impressions and clicks to track sales lift, brand engagement, and ROI.
Foster a test-and-learn culture. Implement iterative approaches that allow your team to experiment, gather real-world shopper data, and rapidly adjust strategies based on actual consumer behaviour rather than assumptions.

By aligning people, processes, and technology around a unified retail media strategy, retailers can transform what could be a disjointed set of digital screens into a cohesive, revenue-generating network.

Building sustainable in-store media networks: The power of strategic partnerships

How retailers build and operate their in-store media networks can make or break their success. The traditional “build vs. buy” dilemma has evolved into a more nuanced decision with long-term implications for flexibility, control, and revenue potential.

“In OOH, we’ve learned that partnering with best-in-class, open-integration providers drives better long-term performance compared to locking into one-size-fits-all solutions. Why? Because the landscape is always evolving,” shares Jonathan.

Retailers who build closed, rigid networks can struggle with scaling efficiently, as they can’t easily integrate new technologies that emerge. These same retailers also typically face data and measurement limitations that negatively impact both ad performance and attribution capabilities. Additionally, they miss valuable revenue opportunities since brands increasingly prefer to work with platforms offering greater transparency.

Instead, we need to advocate for a more flexible approach. “By embracing plug-and-play partnerships, retailers can stay agile, future-proof their networks, and maximize value for both brands and shoppers.” This partnership model allows retailers to maintain control while accessing best-in-class technology without the heavy lifting of building everything in-house.

How retailers can build scalable networks while maintaining control:

Leverage third-party partnerships. Partnerships provide agility, scalability, and access to best-in-class technology—crucial for long-term RMN success. Instead of building in-house, an open-integration approach gives retailers flexibility without the overhead.
Prioritize interoperability. Select partners and platforms that offer robust APIs and established integration pathways with other retail media technologies to ensure your network can evolve with changing needs.
Start small and scale strategically. Begin with focused pilot programs that deliver quick wins before expanding. This approach allows you to test partnership dynamics, refine processes, and demonstrate value before committing significant resources.

Technology tip: Just as programmatic has revolutionized digital media, dynamic content scheduling and automated inventory management are key to scaling in-store media efficiently. Make sure to choose intelligent in-store retail media software that includes these capabilities.

The future of in-store retail media

Looking ahead, the retail media landscape will continue evolving, requiring retailers to adapt quickly to stay competitive. A major shift in the industry is the unification of RMNs, as smaller retailers will need to join forces to remain viable.

With over 250 retail media networks globally, brands can’t stretch their budgets across all platforms, making consolidation inevitable as retailers compete for advertisers’ limited dollars. Despite foot traffic at top Canadian retailers surpassing pre-pandemic levels, many still aren’t fully leveraging in-store engagement opportunities.

Strategic recommendations to stay ahead:

Consider unification strategies. Smaller retailers should explore partnerships with complementary, non-competing brands to create unified retail media offerings with broader reach and stronger audience data.
Focus on monetizing in-store traffic. Retailers with physical locations have a unique advantage in the omnichannel landscape but must act quickly to develop and monetize their in-store retail media assets.
Prioritize flexibility and automation. As the retail media landscape evolves, the ability to quickly adapt to new technologies, measurement standards, and advertiser demands will separate leaders from followers. Automation is key to scaling efficiently.

“The most successful networks will be those that embrace internal change, challenge the status quo, and continuously optimize,” concludes Jonathan. The future belongs to retailers who can balance innovation with execution, creating retail media experiences that benefit brands, shoppers, and retailers alike.

Explore our latest RMN insights and best practices for building, scaling, and maxing the impact of a retail media network — whether you’re a retailer monetizing your retail assets or a brand investing in RMNs.

Looking to elevate your in-store retail media network?

At Broadsign, we help retailers and brands seamlessly integrate in-store digital signage, automate content management, and optimize retail media monetization.

Whether you’re looking to build your in-store retail media network or scale an existing one, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about how Broadsign can power your in-store retail media strategy.