10 Tips For Creating Eye-Catching Real Estate Signs
Some businesses like real estate depend heavily on word-of-mouth advertising. Current or previous clients tell their friends and family members about the business, and those friends and family members turn into new clients. Thanks to these referrals offered by satisfied customers, the business grows and expands with the assistance of the very people it serves.
But what if your marketing strategy as a real estate agent is to capitalize on word of mouth referrals while also generating some leads of your own? Well, if that’s the case, then you might be looking to explore signage options to generate interest in your services. While word-of-mouth referrals may “talk you up” verbally, you want your signage to “talk you up” with visuals and text.
So let’s explore how you can create great real estate signs to help connect you with the people who need your real estate services.
1 – Time well
Time is a consideration when aiming to use your signs in the most effective way possible. For instance, try to leave your signs up for as long as appropriate. Additionally, install your signs in advance when necessary. For instance, in the case of an open house, you might want to get your signs out there before the actual open house date.
Another thing to remember—use your “under contract,” “pending,” and “sold” riders strategically so the community can get an idea of how effectively you work.
2 – Place your signs thoughtfully
Naturally, your signs look better in an aesthetically-pleasing environment. To the best of your ability, make sure that the yard your sign is placed in is well-maintained. For better or for worse, people will associate your sign with the yard they see it in. So make sure it gives a good impression.
3 – Leverage directional signs (several of them)
A directional sign pointing to the property you have for sale could be just as important as the for-sale sign itself. So be sure to have several directional signs leading to the property you’re selling.
4 – Remember your image is only as good as the quality of your graphics
Now, here’s a tip that you’ve heard us offer on the blog before. And it bears repeating because it’s important. You need high-quality graphics and designs if you want to end up with a high-quality sign. Poor visual design could drag down your sign even if the quality of your sign’s materials is top-notch.
Thus, if you’re not good at design yourself, consider hiring someone who is. Find someone who is good at mixing colors and fonts and at balancing the different sign elements. Your sign specialist may even be able to help with this.
5 – Keep it relatable
As a real estate agent, you’re in the personal service business. So try to foster a personal connection with people. A good photo may help with this. You’ll want to project an image of friendliness, professionalism, or whatever qualities your target client is looking for.
6 – Give an action step
Make sure that you clearly outline the action you want your target client to take. Are they supposed to call you and ask for a free home valuation? Or should they mail you for a free consultation? Should they text you to chat about the local market? Whatever it is you want viewers to do, make it obvious.
7 – Provide a way to get in touch
Just as you want to provide an action step, you also want to be sure that you’ve given your target market a way to take that action step. That’s basic, right? If they’re supposed to email you, provide an easy-to-remember email address. If they’re supposed to call, make that phone number easy to see.
8 – Use the channels your ideal client prefers
You also want your “way to get in touch” to be tailored to your ideal client. For instance, working with Millennials might call for being available via Facebook Messenger. Other people might prefer texting. And some people might like to reach you via email or phone messages. Try to discover what channels of communication your target market is likely to prefer. Then, make that communication method available on your signage.
9 – Promote specialization
You can even use your signage to set yourself apart from the competition. Certainly, that could include your design and visual appeal. But it could also include what you say about yourself. For instance, do you specialize and have plenty of experience in selling high-dollar value properties? Or maybe you have quite the record of successfully buying and selling manufactured homes. Whatever it is, considering getting the message out via your real estate signage.
10 – Be memorable. Be brand-oriented.
Craft your real estate signage to be visually and verbally memorable. If you have a slogan, consider putting it on your sign. Use the same terminology across your branding so that the community learns to recognize you and what you stand for.
If you’re using a photo of yourself or a logo or other graphic, use the same one (or a combination of the same ones) across your advertising and marketing channels. And this could even apply to your online channels as well as your physical marketing channels.
Plan for success
Get your real estate signage off to a great start by planning in advance. Don’t cobble something together at the last minute. Instead, prepare yourself by learning about your signage options. And give yourself enough time to get the job done right. Get started with The Small Business Owner’s Guide To Creating Your Own Unique Signage. Then take a look at How Your Business Can Take Advantage Of The Different Sign Types.
- Published in Advertising, Blog, Business, Outdoor Signs
10 Clever Uses For Golf Signs + Design Tips
Golf tournaments have long been a highly effective fundraising tool for organizations of all kinds. People are always eager to take part in the fun at one of these events. Besides this, it can be an excellent marketing opportunity for the sponsors and the host alike.
No matter your budget, signage is a crucial part of making an impact at these events. Golf signs are a staple and were clearly named specifically for this.
In this article, we will show you the clever uses for these products. And of course, give you some tips on how to create a unique look and design.
The “tee” on golf tournaments and signage
During spring and summer, hundreds of businesses, corporations, and organizations host corporate golf tournaments. You and your clients will get to have some fun in the sun while you:
- Build relationships with your customers and suppliers
- Raise funds for a charitable cause
- Advertise your business and build brand recognition
If you want to keep things simple, you can host the event in a traditional tournament format. But you can add extra fun to the day by including some custom games or scoring to the mix.
Golf tournaments might not work for all businesses and organizations. Overall, they usually work best for the following:
- Community-based organizations
- Charitable foundations like NPO’s and NGO’s
- Firms with a B2B component
- Organizations whose target market are middle-income individuals
This is because we often associate golf tournaments with attempts to raise money for good causes.
For this, you typically want to attract participants who have the time to partake and the willingness to spend money without necessarily getting a product or service in return. Remember that in many ways, this is not a typical business event.
If you already have strong ties with other companies through B2B sales, for instance, it can be much easier to attract sponsors.
Take a look here if you want to find out more about golf tournaments.
What are golf signs:
Usually, golf signs have a pretty simple format. Most sign-making companies build them from sheets of printed coroplast or other corrugated plastic. Thanks to this unique material, they are super lightweight and cheap to boot. So you can commission a whole range of signage for the event.
However, for a larger budget, you could ask your sign company for their custom options, like constructing them from wood or other pricier materials.
Most golf signs are easy to use and install. Some will have thin metal frames and legs which you can pop into the green. Others are freestanding and have an a-frame.
10 Clever uses for golf signs
Unfortunately, it’s easy for us to get stuck in patterns and habits. Many business owners and advertisers might only think of a few basic uses for golf signs. However, there is actually a long list of ways that you can successfully use these signs.
Generally, you are only limited by your creativity and ability to implement your ideas.
All in all, you can use signs at the event for a couple of key goals:
- Information
- Directions
- Organization
- Advertisements
Here are ten interesting and specific ways that you can use golf signs for your event.
1 – Hole sponsors
First off, we recommend that you commission golf signs for your hole-sponsor signage. The purpose of this is to recognize them for their contribution. Usually, this will be part of your agreement for their help.
Through this, you are both thanking them and creating an opportunity to advertise their business.
Above all, you want these signs to show off your sponsors. So you need to include elements of their branding. But they should also give information that’s specific to the event.
2- Other sponsors
For a big event, you will likely get endorsements for specific features of the day. For example, you can ask someone to sponsor the lunch, breakfasts, and snacks.
All of these contributors also need to be thanked and recognized.
3 – Directional signage
Have you thought about the ways people will move around the course?
Golf signs can help you solve this problem. You can design a whole range of signs to direct attendants around the event. At the least, you need to point out the restrooms and other facilities.
However, you probably also want them to know where to find the registration table, the dining area, meeting points, and so on.
4 – Pre-event activities
On top of this, you need to create signs for all your pre-event activities. So to be clear, this will be all the proceedings before the main tournament starts. You can use golf signs for advertising features of the event as well as to help organize the activities.
A few popular options are:
- Opening ceremony
- Introductions
- Raffles
- Auctions
- Putting contests
5 – On-course events
Similarly, you need signs for the on-course activities. Why not use golf signs for this too? You need to inform the participants about all the contests, the prizes, and the rules. These events are all about maximizing the fun but also reaching your funding and advertising goals.
They include:
- Hole-in-one challenges
- Longest drive contests
- Closest to pin
6 – Rules for the day
Another clever use for golf signs is to print the rules of the event on them.
Whenever you host a large event, you will need to establish some ground rules. This is necessary to keep everyone safe and establish some order. In the end, this will improve the experience for all the attendants.
Luckily, because they are cheap and easy to make, you can produce more of them than you would be able to otherwise.
7 – Parking
Hopefully, your event will be packed. You probably want to attract as many customers as you can. However, this will come with some logistical issues. One of these is how to sort out the parking.
You need to get everyone to stop their cars in the allocated spots and not block each other in.
Golf signs can be an excellent low-cost solution for this. Among other things you can use them to:
- Point out where visitors can park
- Allocate spaces for suppliers, staff, and vendors
- Block out spots for VIP’s, like sponsors
- Show where no one is allowed to park
- Mark wheelchair parking
Plus, best of all, the signage will fit in perfectly with the rest of the event’s aesthetic.
8 – Caution and warnings
The best golf courses are often in unique environments. Because of this, they could have some unusual obstacles or require different precautionary measures. Besides this, you may also need temporary warnings for the event.
Once again, this can be the perfect use for your golf signs. Here are examples where you could use them to warn participants:
- Animals on the range
- Houses close to the course
- Parking areas
- Low flying aircraft
Check out this warning for lions on a golf course in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
9 – Top player updates
Much of the fundraising potential of a golf tournament depends on healthy competition. You want the players to hit as well as they can so that the sponsors can payout. So how do you encourage this?
Creating hype is usually great for competition. And this is where your golf signs can come in handy.
You can use the boards to give updates about the top scores and scores at the different holes. To do this, you can design them with an empty line to write or post updates. It will keep the excitement and competitiveness going.
10 – Welcome signs
Last but not least, you can always use golf signs to welcome guests to the tournament. Any event planner worth their salt can tell you that this is crucial. It’s a great way to greet all the visitors and sponsors and to kick off the day.
You should put them at the entrance to the golf course, the driveway, the registration tent, or the parking lot. In other words, wherever they will have the most impact on the site.
Tips for designing golf signs
Generally, these boards aren’t known for being flashy, nor should they be. Instead, the design should be uncomplicated and accessible. In this, their content needs to reflect their purpose. You should aim for a simple yet attractive look.
We’ve broken down the key aspects of this below.
Design an experience
Throughout the business world, more and more people are recognizing the importance of creating an experience for your clients. It’s not just about the pictures on your ad or so on anymore.
If you want your business to draw in the crowds in today’s market, customer experience should be your focus.
So ask yourself, what do you want the event to be like for your customers? And how can your golf signs help?
First, you don’t want to overwhelm guests and visitors with too much information, too many graphics, and a kaleidoscope of color. For most people, this will detract from the feel of the day.
Second, by including helpful information in your designs, you can help the event run more smoothly.
Besides these two, the tone of the signs can affect people’s moods. For example, they can be friendly, humorous, or playful.
Blend into the landscape
One popular idea for golf signs is to create them to fit in perfectly with their environment. You can work in elements like the colors green and blue. Or else you can use graphics that suit the theme, for example, pictures of grass.
If done well, this can make your sign aesthetically pleasing and can even add to the look and feel of the day.
But there can be some significant downsides. If the sign blends in too well, no one will see it! Or at least fewer people than would have otherwise. So you have to strike a balance.
Essentially, you want it to reflect the nature of the event. Yet it should still catch the eye. Therefore, it’s all about balance.
A pop of color
Overall, a critical design challenge is always how to make your sign stand out. A tried and tested method for this is to add some color to your palette.
For this specific purpose, you want to choose a shade that will contrast to the blue and green of your surroundings. Therefore, white is usually the best choice for background color. It will be visible in every season.
Pops of bright colors like red and yellow are also good choices for golf signs. You want just enough to draw the eye.
A note on branding
More likely than not, a variety of companies will be represented at your golf tournament. One of the crucial parts of acknowledging them is through signage. As we’ve said, this is typically part of the deal with sponsorship for these events.
That’s why you need to have all the branding on point. Your audience needs to be able to identify the different businesses involved correctly.
To do this, you should use unique elements of their corporate identity like the following:
- Logo
- Color palette
- Motto or tagline
- Name
These are the basics of visual branding.
Golf themed content
Golf themed content on a golf sign at a golf event might sound like overkill. But it works. Most of the participants are there because they love the sport. The additional references won’t bother them.
Instead, you can use them to contribute to and emphasize the spirit of the day.
Don’t complicate things too much. It can be as easy as including a golf ball or club in the design. Or you can use relevant jargon and jokes.
Another good idea is to design the sign in the shape of a golf ball.
Create a positive experience
You will find it helpful to think of the golf tournament as a holistic experience. All the tiny details will contribute to the success of the day. Therefore, your golf signs can have a significant impact on the atmosphere and need to be designed with care.
But this isn’t the only corporate bash where these products can be useful. Nor are they the only type of sign you can use. For more inspiration, take a peek at a portfolio of clever outdoor event signage ideas and creating & designing the perfect event registration signage.
- Published in Advertising, Blog, Business, Event Planning, Outdoor Signs
Show Your Gratitude With Creative Event Sponsor Signage
Whether you’re in the nonprofit world or the world of business, events are great ways to bring people together around a common cause or interest. And with a large (or small) group of people gathered in one place, signage simply makes sense. Naturally, event hosts might need promotional signs and wayfinding signs. But you’ll also want to remember event sponsor signage—signage that helps you draw attention to the people or groups that make your event possible.
So today, let’s check out some event sponsor signage options for your event. From napkins to floor graphics to banners to wall wraps, you have plenty of options to choose from.
To share or not to share
Sometimes your sponsors will be grouped together on your signage, essentially sharing the space. For instance, at a summit with 10-15 corporate sponsors, you might use a tradeshow display to promote their names and logos. They could be listed one after the other or displayed in a grid format. The same concept holds true for a 5K race. You might have numerous sponsors from the community, so it could make sense for them to share signage.
However, there are also times when you may want to promote one particular sponsor in a way that truly sets them apart. For instance, if your event has various levels of sponsorship, then your gold sponsor just might merit a higher level of promotion than a lower level sponsor.
Here are some options you can use whether you opt to have your sponsors share signage or not. Note that some might be more appropriate for promoting a single sponsor than others. So choose the option that best fits you and your sponsors’ needs.
Getting creative with event sponsor signage
Can you print your event sponsors’ names on a simple sheet of white paper, hand out copies to each attendee, and call it your “event sponsor signage”? Certainly. But, why would you? Especially when you have other options that can offer a more eye-catching display.
Banners
Banners are a natural option, and one that may come to mind quickly. While they may sound like an overly simple solution, we contend that your banner can be top-notch—thanks to the quality of your materials and design. So choose a sign company that can create an excellent product and provide them with masterful graphics to get the banner off to a great start.
Countertop/tabletop displays
Remember that if you have a registration table at your event, that’s a prime place to catch the attention of your attendees. After all, if everyone has to head to the registration table on arrival, then everyone will get a chance to see your display. Make that count by creating event sponsor signage that can sit on the surface of your registration area.
Wall wraps
It’s easy to think of a wall wrap as a sign you would only use for your own company or organization’s branding. But actually, if you have an ongoing relationship with your event sponsors (or if your event spans a significant period of time), a wall wrap could function as interesting event sponsor signage.
Floor graphics
Just like wall wraps, floor graphics that promote your event sponsors could provide an eye-catching signage option. Design them well to truly delight your attendees and even your sponsors themselves.
Branded balloons
Balloons add an undeniable level of festivity and cheer to any event. But branded balloons? Now, that takes things a step further. They’re a way to promote an upbeat attitude and give a shout-out to your sponsors at the same time.
Printed napkins
Just like branded balloons, printed napkins may be small, but when it comes to event sponsor signage, they could pack a powerful punch. If your event includes food of any type, chances are people are going to want napkins. And that means you have those food consumers as a captive audience. They can refuel and be introduced to your sponsors at the same time—via the food and napkins it’s served with.
Branded tablecloths
Another great idea is to get tablecloths printed to display the names and logos of your sponsors. This could be great if your event includes food. But even if it doesn’t, you can use a stretch table cloth on the tables in a conference vendor hall.
Yard signs
Yard signs are one way to promote your sponsors outside your building. And just as we said with banners, your yard signs will be excellent if you begin with high-quality materials and top-notch graphics.
Vehicle wraps
When an event truly calls for taking your event sponsor signage to the next level, vehicle wraps are a perfect option for making an impression. And if your event involves traveling on major roadways, this could be a great way to go.
Something to bring home
It’s also a great idea to provide event attendees with information about your sponsors to bring home. This helps you honor and support your sponsors in an ongoing way. There are plenty of ways to do this.
T-shirts
Depending on the relative formality or informality of your event, T-shirts could be a great option. While you may not originally think of them as signage, if your event attendees wear them, then they’re mobile signage by default. Maybe they’re not as obvious as a sandwich sign, but they do function as a means of promoting the event.
Printed bags
Print your sponsors on event swag bags. That provides moving signage that can continue to promote both your event and your sponsors long after the event is over.
A sign is worth a million words
When you have great things to say about the groups that back you, you need to create great event sponsor signage to get the job done right. For more, learn how to choose colors for your signs with The Best Tips On How To Mix & Match Colors On Signs.
- Published in Blog, Business, Event Planning, Outdoor Signs
How To Create A Custom Trailer Banner That Gets Attention
Mobile signs like trailer banners are fantastic tools for maximizing exposure to your message. If you use them purposefully, they can give you the ability to reach an incredibly broad audience. But to make the desired impact, you need to pay attention to their design.
In short, this means customizing the sign from start to finish. To help you out, we will give a breakdown of how you can attract attention with your trailer banner.
What are trailer banners?
Trailer banners are a brilliant option if you are looking for a mobile advertisement solution. These signs are usually budget-friendly while still being great at what they do. Sign companies make them by printing banners that they span and mount on an empty metal trailer frame.
But you could also attach them to the body of the truck with tension rods.
Best ways to use a trailer banner
First, you need to decide what you are going to use the trailer banner for. You need to make this decision before you can get to anything else.
Signs aren’t only advertisements. You can use them for a variety of purposes. Or even combine a few in one. If you can think of it, you can probably do it with your trailer banner.
Among others, below are some of the uses that we recommend:
- Are you using your trailer as a pop-up store or stall at events? In this case, you can use the banner as a custom menu board for your products and prices. This saves you having to use an additional sign.
- As an alternative, you can use the trailer banner for promotional messages. You can advertise your business or specific products and services that you have on sale.
- Aside from this, you could potentially use the product as an informational sign at events at exhibitions. For example, you can use it to replace other more conventional conference signs. Note that this will probably work better outdoors.
- You could print directions for your storefront or office on the sign. This should form part of a more extensive wayfinding system. But it will only really work if you park it at a fixed location so that the directions will be accurate.
No matter what you want to do with your trailer banner, it’s important that you make it work for you. That’s where having a positive working relationship with your sign making company comes in. They will help you tailor the sign for your unique business or venture.
Top design tips for a trailer banner
Sometimes we all wish that creating a sign was as easy as copying and pasting a few bits and pieces together. But unfortunately, there’s more to it than that. Design is all about using distinct elements to create a coherent whole.
It’s both an art and a science. Luckily, there are many proven principles you can apply to attract viewers with your design and to tailor it for your trailer banner.
Visibility and readability
You should design trailer banners so that you can use them on the move and while standing still. Like all mobile signs, this means that you will face some unique design challenges.
One of these is to make sure that the critical details of the sign will be visible and legible in both situations.
Therefore, you should try to calculate the average viewing distance for most of your viewers. Once you know this, you can make sure that you use text and images that are large enough to be seen.
Informative graphics
You don’t want to overwhelm your audience with too much text. Doing this can only serve to confuse the viewers. As we’ve said, people don’t have much time to decipher the message, so you need to make the task easier for them.
Therefore, images can be a brilliant tool to help you communicate.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that graphics are only there for their looks. Yes, they should make the sign more interesting and appealing. But you should avoid using images only for their appeal. They should serve a more practical purpose too.
For example, if you own a construction company, use photos that help bring this across like scaffolding or bricks.
The choice of using a drawing or photo is up to your personal preference, your brand, and the design.
But whatever type of graphic you choose, one thing should stay the same. You should only use high- quality, high-resolution images to make them more effective.
Memorable message
Although you don’t want to cram the design with text, you still need to use some. Typically, most signs need at least a few lines of words to make the message clear. In some cases, all you need is to include the name of your company.
Instead of boring the audience with too many words, you want to use as little of them as possible. And you want to make those memorable and punchy. If your viewers can recall your ad, even vaguely, it’s far more likely that they will stop by your business or give you a call.
The key to this is rewriting. You should experiment with different ways to say the same thing and challenge yourself to make it shorter and shorter.
Think of this. The average adult reads about 250 words per minute. Roughly speaking, this means about 4 per second. Most people spend about 8 seconds looking at a sign. However, if they are driving or if the board is moving, this will undoubtedly be even less.
So even in an ideal situation, you can only use 32 words, about two sentences but preferably you want to use far fewer. Even these two sentences with 32 words seem long.
Effective layout
One of the most significant aspects of the design is the layout. In other words, the way the content on the sign is arranged or set out. Among others this includes the:
- Text
- Borders
- Images and graphics
- Empty space
- Shape and size of the entire sign
Thankfully, there are several golden rules that you can follow to help you organize the design.
First, remember that as we’ve said, empty space is a crucial part of the layout. Less is more. You should never try to crowd every inch of the trailer banner with content. Doing this will only make the message less clear and the overall effect unappealing.
Second, you need to be clear about the focus of the sign, for example, a specific product. You need to make this the focal point. A few ways to do this is through using the relative scale of the elements, colors, and images.
Third, design experts recommend that you divide the layout into grids. You can use this to apply other principles. But importantly, it can help you to arrange the text neatly and with equal spacing.
Fourth, you can apply the rule of odds. Generally, appealing compositions tend to have an odd number of objects in the foreground.
There’s always more to learn about designing layouts. But with these principles, you should be able to create an impactful and appealing arrangement without much effort.
Palettes that pack a punch
Colors are a critical part of how most of us see the world. We can use them to communicate information and even affect people’s emotions. Therefore, it’s no surprise that they are critical resources for marketing and signage.
The requirements for choosing a palette are:
- The colors should catch the eye, perhaps thanks to their brightness, contrast, the combination, and so on.
- You should use some contrasting colors if only to separate the different parts of the sign like the text from the background.
- The palette should complement your branding even if it doesn’t match it exactly.
- Preferably, the color scheme should include 3 to 5 distinct colors or shades of different colors.
- Your choice of colors should facilitate the legibility and visibility of the content, not detract from it.
Before we go further, remember that this doesn’t mean that all the colors need to be bright and bold. You don’t want the design to be garish. And sometimes a soft and muted palette can be breathtaking.
Size and shape
Due to the nature of trailer banners, you have endless options when it comes to its size and shape. Depending on the situation, you can often customize the trailer for your requirements, otherwise you can more easily adapt the banner for the vehicle.
You could perhaps use one single banner all around the structure. However, it usually works better to create and install several smaller ones.
Generally, the most common shapes are rectangular and square because this will suit most trailers.
Things to consider when deciding on the size and shape of the trailer banner are:
- Cost of the product
- Total weight
- Mobility
- Visibility
- Sign companies capabilities
- Future location and use
- Amount of content
Placement of the trailer banner
The best part of vehicle ads is that they can go virtually anywhere you go. It can almost become like your shadow.
Are you going to the mall?
Or to the doctor’s office?
If you want to, you could always pull this ad with you as long as there is enough space at the destination. This will give you exposure for your business as you travel.
What more can you ask for?
Besides this, you can also leave the trailer banner parked somewhere as long as local rules and regulations.
No matter where you place it, you should be able to gain some benefits from it. But there are some locations where you can maximize its impact.
Although many people overlook this, deciding where and how to use a sign is a key part of the design process.
Here are some of the best places, times, and ways to use custom trailer banners:
- You can park the trailer in the parking lot of your office or storefront. Or even on the sidewalk in front of your physical location. This can be a great way to draw attention to your business and show people where to find you.
- Besides this, you can take the trailers with you to both B2C and B2B events like exhibitions. They can go towards making your stand more impactful. Or if you park it in front or in the parking area, you can inform viewers that you will be there.
- Drive around your local area with the trailer. This can form part of your neighborhood marketing strategy. Typically, most of your customers live nearby.
- Use busy roads like highways to your advantage. You can even drive around during peak hours in traffic for increased exposure.
Alternative solutions for mobile signs:
Trailer banners are undoubtedly one of the top options for mobile advertisements. For many business owners, these signs stand out thanks to their relative ease of use. Once you have hooked them to an appropriate vehicle with a trailer hook, you can simply pull them along.
There’s no need to set up when you have arrived at your chosen location.
But you might want to keep in mind that they’re not your only choice. Alternatively, you can use one of the following:
- Meeting and event signs
- Vehicle graphics or wraps
- Magnetic signs
- Tradeshow displays and exhibits
- A-frame sidewalk signs
Overall, it’s a great idea to combine different types of signage to optimize the effect. For example, you can use a custom trailer sign with a vehicle that has a matching wrap or graphic. Take a look at a similar job from our portfolio above.
Spreading the word about your business
Mobile signage, like trailer banners, can be brilliant resources for reaching out to your intended viewers. Their mobility can significantly improve the possible exposure and the potential size of the audience that you can reach.
Yet, as with any type of sign, you probably shouldn’t rely on one alone. Instead, it should form part of your broader marketing or informational campaigns.
To find out more about your different signage options, you can take a look at choosing the best sign material for an outdoor sign as well as a portfolio of clever outdoor event signage ideas.
- Published in Advertising, Banners, Blog, Outdoor Signs
Creating & Designing The Perfect Event Registration Signage
Creating the perfect event registration signage is a critical step in putting on a successful event. You know it needs to be visually appealing, but it also needs to be informative and have easy-to-follow instructions on where to go and what steps guests will need to take to properly register. On a practical level, if guests can’t find the registration desk, well, they won’t be able to attend the event!
Creating the perfect event registration signage
First, let’s address the all-important (and often confusing) subject of creating the right signs to steer people in the right direction – toward the registration desk.
Outdoor signs for event registration
Especially if your venue is large, you’ll need plenty of signs to hail your guests even before they park their cars. Setting up A-frame sidewalk signs on the curb outside and on the street corners will help direct your guests to the right building.
Next to the door you should set up another sign to assure people they are at the right place. This sign can and should be tall and imposing, with the basic and essential information about your event.
Indoor signs for event registration
Indoor signage – a lot of it – is important if the venue is large or the registration desk is down the hall or in an entirely different part of the building. Put a sign at every corner with arrows showing which direction to go. But first, when people walk in there should be a sign giving them a little more information and pointing them to the registration desk.
Finally, set up the perfect event registration signage near the desk itself! If you’re expecting large crowds, putting up signs that will direct guests to line up in an orderly fashion can be a huge help. Next to the door you can put up a tall sign that provides even further information on the event. And above, you might consider hanging banners that confirm that this is indeed the registration area.
To the best of your ability, barring any personal mistakes the guests make, you’ll need to make sure that their registration experience is smooth and easy to understand. Having the proper signage can take a lot of the weight of the responsibility off of you and your staff.
Designing the perfect event registration signage
Now let’s take a look at some examples of event registration signage to get you inspired.
Go bold or go home
Big, bold colors go a long way when designing event signage. Large signs that have bright, clean colors will help draw the guest’s eyes. It’s also best to go minimalist. You want your signs to provide guests with the info they need, but too many words or (worse) tiny print will slow people down. This could only lead to more confusion if they decide to skip reading the information altogether. Words need to be easily seen from a few feet away.
Minimalism is key
See how this convention sign is wonderfully minimalist, while still being eye-catching? People can clearly read the text, follow the arrows, and the bright, almost cinema vibe makes it hard to miss.
Creating a minimalist infographic feel for your signage can also be helpful. However, remember that minimalism is important, and don’t stuff your sign full of information. Keep it clean and sharp. Also, remember to use modern fonts that make your brand look as professional as possible.
Represent your brand
Let your event registration signage represent your brand. This advice is helpful whether your event is a business conference, a school conference, or anything in between. If people know your logo and they see it on your signs, they’ll immediately make the connection. Even simple things like certain color combinations help define your brand. If you’ve created a hashtag on social media for your event, make sure to include that on your registration signs so people will know to use it when they post on social media.
Create an event to be remembered
Pull off your event registration with efficiency and great visual appeal and guests will remember your event with pleasure. And if your event is annual, they’ll want to come back next year! Step out of the box, design something really special for your event, and make it unique and practical. But don’t forget the basic principles of creating and designing compelling event registration signage that will guide and help guests along the way!
If you want to read more, check out unique designs for every kind of sign with tips to get the look and the best tips on how to mix and match colors on signs.
- Published in Blog, Business, Education, Event Planning, Indoor Signs
Your Guide To Routed Signs: From Design To Installation
Are you looking for a cost-effective sign that you can customize to your heart’s content?
In this case, we recommend that you consider routed signs. These boards are incredibly useful. You can get them in a variety of shapes, sizes, and sign types.
To help you make your choice and streamline the process, we’ve written the ultimate guide to routed signs. You can find out everything you need to know from start to finish.
What are routed signs?
The best place to start is by figuring out what exactly you’re dealing with.
In the industry, there are many popular methods for creating signage. Each of these is better suited for specific materials and end results.
One of the most popular types is routed signs. Fabricators make these products with a specialized type of router table. The ones that are typically used by sign companies are made specifically with this in mind.
The equipment is used to cut and carve shapes out of the material being used. Aside from this, people often use the equipment to engrave the surface.
You can create the entire sign using this method. However, in some cases, people prefer to cut letters, numbers, or other graphics out of one material and mount it on another board.
All in all, routed signs are one of the most varied signage types. One crucial dimension on which they differ is the material for the sign.
Among the materials you can choose from, you’ll typically find:
- Aluminum
- Wood
- Acrylic
- Dibond
Experts use a computer to create the design. They will then upload the file into CNC software, which cuts the images out of the material. Thanks to this, the equipment engraves the signs with precision, which results in a sleek and elegant aesthetic.
Another reason they are so varied is the fact that you can create almost any kind of sign using this method.
Different types of routed signs
Depending on the material and the finish, routed signs are usually pretty durable and weatherproof. This means that you can use them both indoors and outdoors.
Some top uses for routed signage are:
- Lobby signs
- Nameplates
- Monument signs
- Business name boards
- Walls of fame
- Donor recognition walls
- Wayfinding signs
- Plaques
Routing can be a convenient method if you’re looking for any of these options.
Consult your sign company about the options that are available to you.
How much do routed signs cost?
The question of money is always a crucial one. Any business owner needs to work with a budget to make sure the project stays within reason.
Mostly, you can calculate a financial plan based on the amount of money you have available, your goals, and the average cost of the product.
But estimating the costs of your routed signs beforehand can be a bit tricky.
There are a few reasons for this. First, as we’ve said, many sign-making companies offer a range of materials from which they could construct these signs.
Second, the dimensions of the products can vary from minuscule to enormous. Router tables come in many different sizes, resulting in a range of sign sizes. For example, our equipment allows us to route boards of up to 53.5″ x 101″.
Third, much of the price will depend on how you choose to customize the sign. For example, your specifications will influence the amount and type of material needed. As you might expect, these options are available at widely different costs.
Significantly, the more complicated the structure and aesthetic, the more challenging it would be to create. In the end, this means that the sign makers will need to spend far longer on each piece. Therefore aspects like labor costs will need to be taken into account.
At Signarama, we’ve made a variety of routed signs to suit different project requirements as well as budgets. Overall, most of them fall into the range of $300 to $4000.
Examples of sign budgets:
Here are some examples of what you can get for different budgets:
Constar commissioned the nameplates above for $300. We created these routed signs from a 3mm DiBond substrate with colored graphics over a brushed silver surface. There is velcro on the back to stick them to cloth cubicles.
On the other hand, the sign above was commissioned for $4000. We created this sign to be incredibly durable. It is made of High-Density-Urethane or HDU. In the industry, people often use this material as an alternative for wood.
Aside from this, we painted the sign in a variety of colors and mounted it on two sturdy posts.
Guide to designing routed signs
Design can be intimidating for anyone. But even more so if you don’t have much experience. The key is not to overcomplicate things and not to bite off more than you can chew.
In this section, we will look at some of the basics of designing routed signs. Start at one end and work your way through, and before you know it, you’ll have a design.
Remember that in the end, you can always ask for an expert’s help or even consult the practiced eye of your sign maker.
Size and dimensions
Your sign company should be able to create routed signs of almost any sign type and dimension. This will only be limited by the specifications of the router table or other equipment that they use.
Generally, deciding on a size is a crucial part of the design.
Your decision needs to be informed by several criteria, including:
- The amount of content that you want to print or, in this case, carved onto the surface. You don’t want your sign to look cramped.
- Your measurements of the space available to hang or mount the sign.
- From how far away the content needs to be visible or has to be read.
- Any local or building regulations restricting the size of signs.
Besides this, you have to consider the total weight of the product. Materials like wood will undoubtedly be heavier than others like acrylic. So if the structure won’t be able to handle the weight, you don’t have to compromise on size. Instead, you can swap out the material.
Shape
Likewise, you should be able to customize the shape of the sign to a significant degree. Industrial router tables should be able to cut almost any pattern.
Doing this can be a fantastic way to make your signage, and as a result, your business will stand out from the rest.
Standard signs come in a rectangle or square shape. Overall, this can be a very neat look and can make it easier to design the content for the sign and make it easier to produce. But you can try something different as well.
One great design tip is to carve the sign or part of the sign into the shape of your logo. For example, a garden store can commission a sign that is shaped like a flower or a tree.
Or take a look at the example of the sign for the Clawson Historical Museum. In this case, the specialized shape helps to create a rustic and antique feel.
Colors
Next, one of the critical choices you need to make is the color palette of the sign.
One of your main concerns should be to find a scheme that is consistent with your branding and message.
You also don’t want to choose too many colors. Instead, pick a handful of colors that complement each other and are easy on the eyes. Color wheels can be nifty tools to help you assemble a palette.
Another unique aspect of routed signs is the way many designs include natural textures. If you choose to use wood, you could paint over it. Or you could go all out and show off the natural appearance and grain of the wood.
You could also combine this with painted graphics or text.
3D effects
Another possibility to keep in mind is that routed signs give you the chance to play around with 3D elements. This can be the perfect way to add something unique to your board and help it catch the eye.
It can be as simple as deeply carving out the letters, numbers, borders, or graphics and adding some curves. Or you could cut out a shape and fix it to the face of the sign.
A sign with depth will typically look far more interesting than one with a completely flat surface.
All in all, this is one of the most significant benefits of routed signs.
Graphics
Graphics are optional on many types of signs. Typically, the words are more important for conveying the message. However, well-chosen and designed images can undoubtedly boost the effectiveness of a sign.
For the most part, people tend to prefer to use simple graphics for routed signs like logos. Once again, you can have fun with carving out shapes from different materials and in different colors to highlight parts of the content.
Text formatting
Last but not least, you need to pay attention to the formatting of the text on the sign. The copy is an essential part of conveying your message to the audience.
Generally, the formatting includes the following:
- Font
- The style of the text, for example, is it bold or italic
- Font size
There are three factors that you need to consider when making a decision.
First is the visibility of the text. You don’t want to choose a format that is too small to see.
Second, is the readability of the text. Some fonts are more challenging to read, specifically if they are ornamental or script. Generally, sans serif is also better for signs than serif.
Third, is the appearance of the copy. The formatting should be appealing and should suit your brand’s identity. For example, a law firm should use a font that is neat and formal, like Helvetica or Gothic.
The “where” and “how” of installing routed signs
As you can see from the top sign types, there are a variety of options when it comes to routed signs. This means you can install them almost anywhere, both outside and inside. But there are a few spots where signs are more common.
Routed sign boards are more prevalent in lobbies and reception areas, the front face of a building, or on the sidewalk or yard in front of a building. Aside from this, businesses favor them as nameplates inside the office.
Here are some key features to consider when choosing the location:
- Once again, research local and building regulations about signage. Different states and municipalities have their own policies. For example, there is a guidebook available for the regulation of signs in Michigan.
- Check whether there is anything that can obstruct the view of the sign like trees.
- You need to consider what the optimal spot would be, which would be where the maximum number of people would be able to see it.
- Make sure that the structure can support the weight of the sign.
There are just as many ways to install routed signs as there are ways to design them. Installation might feel like the last step in the creation process. However, we recommend that you keep this in mind from the start to make sure everything goes smoothly.
You need to pick an installation method that will suit the location, weight and shape of the sign, as well as the type of weather conditions you need to contend with.
Among others, you can install the routed signs using the following methods:
- Secure them with screws
- Attach them to posts or poles
- Stick smaller ones with velcro
- Mounting them on a monument sign base
Put quality first
Routed signs stand out for their versatility and flexibility. Thankfully, the construction process allows you much freedom to create the perfect signs for your business’ needs. On top of this, they are typically very budget-friendly.
But no matter what sign you get, remember that quality always comes before quantity. Generally, this is what your clients and audience will be looking for. Consult with the experts to make sure that you get the most out of your signage.
Several different aspects can contribute to their impact and effect. For more information, you can read ten professional sign fonts + the meanings behind them and a guide on where & how to install signs around your business.
- Published in Blog, Business, Indoor Signs, Outdoor Signs
How To Incorporate Signs Into Your Business’ Interior Design
We often think of business signs as plaques, posters, letters, and panels that appear on the outside of buildings. And it’s true that those are often prime examples of business signage. But businesses don’t have to be constrained to showcasing their brand on the exterior of their location. In fact, signs are perfect candidates to become part of a building’s interior design, too.
Tailor to your building
Of course, not all buildings are created equal—on the outside or the inside. So it makes sense that different buildings will require different types of interior signs.
Some buildings have an unfinished, industrial appearance on the inside. Think of manufacturing plants, for instance. Others are high-tech and high-fashion. Like a Silicon Valley startup, perhaps.
That’s why we suggest that your interior signage journey should begin with taking stock of your building’s interior design and of its particular offerings. There could even be unique architectural features that would suit your building perfectly for a certain type of sign.
Get started
Certainly, a natural starting point is thinking through the issue from all sides. A lot of this can be done from your chair, walking around your building, or even while driving your daily commute. Gather ideas from other companies’ interior signage. You’ll also want to take stock of your strategic aims for the sign—identifying things like your target audience and your intended message. At this stage, getting an idea of your budget parameters should also be helpful.
Talk it out
After you think through some ideas on your own, it’s a great time to get your sign specialist involved. And don’t think that you have to come to them with a fully formed idea at the ready. Instead, you can actually have them help you with designing your sign in addition to manufacturing it.
Wrapped pillars
If your building has pillars, they can become a natural signage asset. Square or round pillars can be enveloped in signage. Use them to promote an ongoing initiative, support key concepts, or even advertise an upcoming event.
Lobby signs
Once your customer or client finds your building, they may still need to make it to your office suite within the building. And you want it to make a good impression once they do. That’s why you want to mastermind a lobby sign that projects a positive company image. And you also want the sign to blend well with the design of its surroundings. Check out our Arslanian Law Firm sign to see what we mean—some signs need to exude classy professionalism.
Wall mural
What better use of an open wall than to display something relevant about your business? Check out wall murals if you need signage that lends an air of permanence and commitment to your space. And, if you’re like Thunderbird Lanes, you can even use a mural to promote connection with your customers. Who wouldn’t want to see their own name take a place of honor on your business’s wall?
Wall banners
Wall banners are another possibility when it comes to interior signage. Not only can they promote who you are and what you do, but they can also function as wayfinding signs. Like this sign for Pizza Peddlers, they can help point customers in the right direction.
Floor graphics
There is so much to love about floor graphics. Not only do they put an easily underused space to great work, but they’re also fun in their own right. If you’re an ice cream parlor, why not place an ice cream cone icon right on the floor and surround it with comfy chairs in corresponding colors? Fascinatingly, the floor can also provide you with a canvas to promote your core values. That way your tangible foundation actually reflects your company’s intangible foundation.
Wall signs
With wall space available, there’s no limit to the messaging you can share. Routed signs like this one for Midpoint Construction are a perfect way to radiate quality while getting your message across. Even channel letters can take their place on your interior wall—adding depth and color.
Custom Clock
Here’s another wall fixture that can be personalized for your company needs—a clock. To see what we mean, check out this custom wall clock for TI Automotive. What time is it? It’s TI Automotive time!
How to incorporate signs into interior design
When it comes to the general question of how to integrate signs inside your business, here’s another thing to keep in mind. You are not limited to your logo. While a logo is often a natural subject of a sign, it is not the only appropriate subject of a sign—not by a long shot.
As we mentioned earlier, you can use your signage to promote your values—either explicitly or implicitly. For instance, a doctor’s office could use an open wall to feature core values like “compassion,” “knowledge,” and “time.” Or a gym could spread an inspirational quote across an open wall with a wall wrap.
Choose wisely
Take your time to select the sign that’s just right for the inside of your building. Check out A Guide On Where & How To Install Signs Around Your Business to learn more about the signs that your company might need. And if you’re curious about wall wraps and what you can do with them, take a look at Creative Uses For Interior Wall Wraps With Design Examples.
- Published in Blog, Business, How-Tos, Indoor Signs
Unique Designs For Every Kind Of Sign With Tips To Get The Look
The best signs are usually the ones that are demonstrably unique. They are attention-grabbing and stick in your mind like nobody’s business. A good designer knows how to showcase the features that make a company special.
But often, saying that you want to make your design unique is much harder than it looks. Now and then, all we need is a bit of inspiration to get the creative sparks flying. So, here are examples of every type of sign and some tips to make your signs distinctive.
A-frame sidewalk signs
A-frame sidewalk signs can go wherever you do, indoors, outdoors, at your storefront, or an exhibition. Therefore, you need to optimize the content for its planned use.
Critical tips for creating a unique sign are:
- Work specific call to actions into the design to encourage the audience to react to the sign.
- Adapt the layout of the sign so that it’s spread out across the rectangular board.
- Use the natural order in which people read to direct them towards the most important message first.
- By using several different colors, you can break the monotony of the sign and keep people’s attention for longer.
Channel letter
Channel letters are three-dimensional characters that you can illuminate with LED bulbs. For a good reason, these signs are incredibly popular, so it’s even more vital that you use all the tricks of the trade to make yours stand out.
- Combine the letters with custom capsules for additional visual elements.
- Use a font that is consistent with your brand’s visual identity.
- Experiment with lighting options to find what will work best.
- Use bright, vibrant colors that are associated with your brand.
Lightbox
Undoubtedly, illuminated box signs are OG’s of the industry. These products are as relevant as ever and can be extremely useful marketing tools.
The following are some tips for making your sign box unique:
- Play with 3D elements that add some depth and unconventional touches to the sign.
- Focus on using high-contrast color combinations, for instance black on white, to improve the sign’s visibility and legibility.
- Combine minimalist graphic elements with text.
LED message center
An optimized LED message center is worth its weight in gold. These signs stand out both in terms of their use for advertisements and to convey practical information.
But just like any other type of sign, they are as good as their design and content. You can get the most out of these boards with the following tricks:
- Build a unique base or structure to mount the center on.
- Combine the board with other types of signs for maximum effect.
- Craft clear and unambiguous messages to display.
- Above all else, choose a font that is legible even at a distance.
Magnetic vehicle sign
Aside from wraps, there’s another option for signage for your vehicle. Magnetic signs are typically a less expensive product. Moreover, because they are easy to remove and place, you can easily replace them.
Here are guidelines for making the most out of these signs:
- Rounded corners create a less severe aesthetic and give a more refined impression.
- The goal of magnetic vehicle signs is to keep the content simple. You want anyone looking to understand and absorb the information immediately.
- Don’t use too many different colors. Instead, stick with two to three primary shades.
Monument sign
Ground signs are a cornerstone of advertising, particularly at a business’ storefront or offices. Unfortunately, many brands rely solely on tired and cliched looks for their monument signs.
But you can add some novelty to yours with a few strategies:
- Create a custom structure for the signs. For example, you can choose a personalized multi-tenant monument like Clinton Valley plaza.
- Use channel letters on the sign.
- Make visibility and legibility a priority in the design.
- If you choose a multi-tenant sign, use different fonts, colors, and styles to distinguish the individual departments or companies.
Yard sign
In most cases, sign companies produce yard signs from coroplast. All in all, this is one of the most cost-effective signage products out there while still being durable and high-quality. It’s no wonder then that they are one of the most common types of signs.
In particular, they are favorites with real estate agents and political campaigns.
Because they are so prevalent, you have quite a challenge ahead to make sure yours stand out. A few tips to get the look are:
- Standard coroplast signs are 18″ x 24″. But for a unique look, you can change this up. You can make the sign bigger or smaller to suit your purposes.
- Aside from this, they are usually rectangular. However, you can consult your sign company for custom options. For example, the sign above has an additional arrow-shaped board.
- Keep the graphics or images simple on the design.
- If you want to make your sign easy to spot, use bright and contrasting colors.
Tradeshow displays & exhibits
Tradeshow displays and exhibits are an effective tool for both B2C and B2B marketing. And generally speaking, your booth is just as good as your signage. Luckily, there are many options to choose from in terms of materials and constructions.
Here are several tips to help you create the perfect design:
- Combine text and images to get your message across clearly.
- If you are commissioning more than one sign, keep the design consistent and make sure they work well together.
- Your brand’s visual identity should be showcased to full effect in terms of images, colors, logos, and more.
Banner
All in all, banners are an industry favorite. Flexibility, versatility, and cost-effectiveness are fitting terms to describe these vinyl signs.
To get the most out of your banner, you can try these tips:
- Use bright and contrasting colors to make your sign stand out.
- Choose high-resolution graphics for the centerpiece of the banner.
- Carefully consider how you will hang or mount the sign. This can significantly impact its overall impact. Therefore, you want to make sure the installation is tailored to the environment and show off the design to full effect.
ADA signs
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, there are strict rules and regulations that businesses need to follow. In the case of ADA compliant signs, the standards are aimed at making them and your building more accessible.
But just because they are regulated doesn’t mean they can’t be creative or even appealing. You can have just as much fun with these signs.
Top tips to try when creating ADA signs are:
- Design the boards with color schemes that fit in with your branding.
- Generally, you want to stick only to the ADA approved graphics. So one way to add some interest to the sign is to play with alternative visuals like variating colors as with gradients or splitting the board into sections.
- Customize the shape, dimensions, and materials for the sign.
Menu boards
Unsurprisingly, menu boards are one of the essential pieces of signage for any restaurant or cafe. They are of both practical and aesthetic importance, so you should ensure that your boards represent your business positively.
To achieve this, you should consider the tips below:
- To keep the sign up to date, design it with reusability and adaptability in mind. For example, like the board above, you can choose a product which can be written on and then erased.
- Alternatively, you could use slots into which you can slide cards for new menu items and prices.
- Or your signature look can be to use digital boards.
- The design should highlight the name of your restaurant or cafe.
- Keep decorative features to the minimum so that the focus stays on the menu items.
Lobby sign
Notably, lobby signs are often the first thing a customer sees when they walk into your business. Therefore, they play a crucial role in welcoming visitors and representing your brand.
Be sure to design these signs with care so they convey the right message. The following tips can be useful:
- Use lighting to highlight the sign and add a bit of flair.
- Choose a color scheme that matches the interior decor.
- Bold fonts can improve both the sign’s legibility and its visual impact.
- A matte finish, such as in the example, reduces the chance of glare, and the textured look can be very appealing.
Dimensional letters
Generally, sign companies will have custom options available for dimensional letters. First, you can usually choose between a range of materials like foam, PVC, and metal. Second, you can customize the shape and dimensions of the letters.
Here are some critical tips for designing distinctive dimensional letters:
- Note that you don’t only have to use letters. Graphics like your logo are a great way to make your sign more noteworthy.
- Use different fonts for the main heading and subheading.
- Three-dimensional letters pack a punch in terms of catching attention and leaving an impression.
- Painting specific parts of the sign can help draw the eye to the entire composition.
Window graphics
On the whole, window graphics are a fantastic way to utilize all the space at your disposal. This handy invention is made from perforated vinyl that can be applied to the surface of the glass.
To get the look, you can:
- Design the window graphics to complement its surroundings. For example, the dark green of the Reptarium signs above blends in well with the wood and stone facade around it.
- Use attention-grabbing images to show what type of business you’re running.
- Keep the text minimal and straightforward so as not to overwhelm the audience.
Wall murals
Another way to use all the surfaces in your building to your advantage is by applying wall graphics. In most cases, the sign company will make these murals out of vinyl too.
When creating wall graphics, keep these principles in mind:
- Stick with a coherent theme or visual style. You don’t want the graphics to clash with each other or any other elements in the space.
- Make sure the content suits your business. For instance, exciting and colorful graphics are ideal for a company like Gates. On the other hand, calming images will work better for a yoga studio.
- Use the murals as a critical part of your decor and make sure it suits the rest of the interior.
Floor graphics
Likewise, you can experiment with floor graphics as a way to creatively utilize your space.
A few tips that can be handy are to:
- Combine the floor graphics with another type of signage, such as the above example.
- Print the decal with a glossy finish to make it more visible.
- Find fun ways in which the audience can interact with the sign.
Routed signs
Manufacturers produce routed signs by cutting out letters, symbols, characters, or custom shapes out of a solid material. You can choose between multiple materials like wood, foam, or aluminum.
Significantly you can use these hints to customize a routed sign.
- Use colors and contrast to get the sign to stand out from its environment. As an example, we painted the RGBSI logo to make it visible against the wall.
- For a full-bodied effect, you could use a panel out of which shapes have been cut. Or else you could use characters that you’ve cut out on their own or mounted on another board.
- Use a textured material to create an interesting look.
Vehicle graphics and wraps
First and foremost, vehicle graphics are an ideal tool to spread the word of your business around town. As mobile advertisements, there are specific principles that can help you create exceptional designs:
- Bold and bright colors will be more eye-catching, particularly on a moving object.
- Don’t use too much advertising copy on the design. Instead, emphasize the visuals and the name of the brand.
- Design the wrap specifically for the shape of the vehicle and its panels.
- In the case of these graphics, animated, drawn, or cartoon graphics often look better than a photo.
- Above all, only use high-resolution images.
Your unique footprint
Remember, when you’re creating signs, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Instead, like many of these examples, you can use the aspects that make your business unique as inspiration.
On top of this, you should strive to use and adapt tried and tested principles of design to stun your audience. If you want to find out more, take a look at these tips on designing signs for winter and the best tips on how to mix & match colors on signs.
- Published in Advertising, Banners, Blog, Business, Indoor Signs, Outdoor Signs, Vehicle Graphics
Important Trends In Digital Signage + Tips To Implement Them
You don’t have to be a genius or a specialist to know that the field of communications is a rapidly changing one. We use forms of communication today that didn’t even exist in our grandparents’ era (or our own parents’ earlier lives, for that matter).
Yes, the way that we communicate is often subject to trends—cultural elements that experience dramatic shifts in popularity over time. So, let’s take a look at changes that may affect digital signage and explore ways you can tap into these changes for your business, nonprofit, or organization.
1 – “Smarter” signage
There’s a lot of talk these days about artificial intelligence (AI). But exactly what artificial intelligence is—that’s not always well understood. When it comes to digital signage, artificial intelligence may have a role to play.
However, it’s important to realize that this does not mean you should anticipate human-like digital billboards that are equipped to take over the world. No, not all. If you’re thinking full-size cutout signs are going to evolve into humanoid robots and take over the world, then we can see why you might panic. But that’s not actually what we’re talking about.
Instead, we’re talking about what Lamasa Tech meant when they wrote, “AI will decide whether certain content should be shown to a specific customer after analysing many databases and indicators. It will analyse a person’s goal when he or she is in front of the screen and determine the appropriate advertisement for that particular moment.”
And we also find the same idea in this statement from Digital Signage Today, “Luckily better analytics are now on the way thanks to new technologies like AI. Deployers can now use AI to analyze historical customer data to deliver more effective, personalized content.”
Pull those two ideas together and what you do you get? The idea of leveraging computing power to help spread the right message at the right time. In other words—let computers do what computers do best to help signs do what signs do best. Head over to Digital Signage Today to learn 4 ways AI is transforming digital signage.
Tap into it
If this is the wave of the future, then you surely want to be a part of it, right? However, you might be wondering how to go about taking AI-inspired action for your own digital signage. Here are a few ideas.
- Educate yourself – Learn all you can about artificial intelligence and how it may relate to your business or organization.
- Talk with others – Begin polling others in your industry for advice and ideas about using artificial intelligence. Are they tapping into it already for their business or organization? If so, how are they using it and what kind of results are they seeing?
- Consult the experts – Talking with experts in the field could get you started on an effective partnership—you know your business and experts know theirs. Find a way to combine these two deep wells of knowledge to take your business to the next level.
In this vein, you can always think of hiring a consultant. But if money is tight, consider reaching out to a local university to learn if a partnership is a possibility. The school may have information technology students who would be happy to use your real-world business as part of their final project—a win for both of you.
2 – Better-looking signage
Now, let’s pivot and look at a trend that isn’t necessarily backed up by external data. Instead, it’s a personal perspective on what we think should be a trend in digital signage. Will it grow in popularity? We certainly hope so!
Why do so many digital signs look B-grade? Sure, you’ve seen them as you pass by schools, churches, fire stations, and business. Signs that are simply lackluster or visually unappealing. We can call it the “scourge of ugly digital signs.”
Possible culprits
So just what are we talking about here? Well, for one thing, digital signs with garish colors can sometimes look less-than. Otherworldly turquoise on a flaming yellow background—not the greatest idea. Radiant ruby and glowing evergreen—those colors may be a little more appropriate for a holiday display than for year-round digital messages.
Of course, dead pixels are another culprit. So are fonts and sizes of text that are difficult to read. And, certainly, another bad strategy is digitizing any marketing image—text, photos, or a combination—that was poorly designed to begin with. Let’s face it, not all visuals are created equal. And there can be a vast chasm between “good enough” marketing visuals and stellar ones.
Tap into the power of well-designed signage
Begin your journey toward a top-level brand image by using only the best visuals to represent your company, nonprofit, or organization. Here are several ways to get started.
Think long-term
Ask yourself what you want people to think about your company, not just now but also five years from now. If you want to be viewed as professional, expert, and trustworthy, craft your signage with those values in mind.
Invest
Sure, some signs are cheaper than others. But remember that in most industries, you get what you pay for.
Get expert assistance
Experts can weigh in on more than sign construction and installation. Some even offer design services. Ask to see any expert’s portfolio so you know if partnership will be a good fit.
Study up
The internet offers a vast array of resources for learning about how you can best reach your customers. Try out free classes about marketing, advertising, and graphic design. Plus, read all you can. And watch videos too. Take a look at our Tips & Tricks To Designing Eye Catching Business Signs and browse 10 Professional Sign Fonts + The Meanings Behind Them.
- Published in Advertising, Blog, Business, Outdoor Signs
The Benefits Of Using Digital Signage For Your Business
Digital signs are one of the newest kids on the block. If you start looking into advertising, you will hear about these products everywhere. And for good reasons. These boards highlight many of the best features of signage.
Whenever you’re making any type of sign, you must weigh the pros and cons and decide what works for you. So before you start creating, read below for the most important benefits of using digital signage for your business.
1 – Plenty of content
Digital signs are fantastic tools for communication. You can use them to communicate with both your customers and staff effectively.
Standard printed signs hold a central position in promotional and other types of signage. However, they are generally limited to one static design that you choose to print on the surface. The same doesn’t hold for digital signs.
Their medium allows you to use content in a variety of formats. They include the following:
- Pictures
- Video
- Music
- Sounds
- Slideshow
- Pictures
- Text
- Social media feeds
- Animations
Sometimes you need more than just a static image to get your message across. You can say much more by combining the different formats.
All in all, digital signs are one of the most customizable products in the industry, although note that different ones have different capabilities.
2 – Grabbing attention
Overall, digital signs are brilliant tools to catch a potential customer’s eye. There is a sense of novelty that comes inherent in these products that people are drawn to.
Aside from this, the screens usually score very highly on visual appeal. The colors are often much more vibrant and bright than they would be on printed signs. So much so that you can’t help noticing.
Moreover, because you have so many choices when it comes to content and its format, you have plenty of ways to draw attention. Movement and animations can be particularly useful. Our eyes can quickly spot moving objects and changes in the environment.
These effects can help showcase the sign as a whole. On the other hand, you can also use it to highlight specific items. For example, you can use moving graphics to point to your star product.
3 – More environmentally friendly than ever
Do you want your business to be eco-friendly?
In this case, digital signs could be the way to go.
First, you can use these products to replace much of the paper communication in your business. Just one sheet of A4 paper requires 10 liters of water.
Second, thanks to continuous innovations, digital signs are becoming greener. LED’s are one of the biggest roleplayers. They are mostly more energy-efficient than compact fluorescent, or incandescent light sources, or LCD screens.
Third, many of the components in digital signs can be recycled if disposed of properly. Recyclable materials include glass, plastic, and electronics. Not only does this reduce waste, but it reduces the need to produce new materials.
Significantly, these aren’t the only ways digital signs can be environmentally friendly.
4 – Save on replacement costs
One downside of standard printed signs is that it can be very challenging and even impossible to make specific changes. Your hands will often be tied, particularly if you want it to look as good as before.
However, making changes is often unavoidable. There are some reasons why it’s critical to update your signs.
For example, here are a few factors that would necessitate alterations to your sign:
- Changes to your contact information
- Showcasing new products and services
- Faded graphics
- Rebranding
These are details that can make or break a sign. Therefore, if you can’t change them, you’ll need to replace the entire sign eventually.
But this change can be significantly lessened with digital signs. While digital signs will still need to be replaced, this is usually only the case when they’ve been damaged, or the technology is too outdated.
In all other cases, you can make the changes by simply changing the design of your digital sign. Thanks to the use of software, you can upload new content for the board whenever you want.
Doing this will not only save you some money but probably some time and effort too. Depending on the type, you can update your digital signs in a matter of hours where in other cases, it can take weeks.
Another pro of this is that you can quickly analyze the success of your advertising strategies and adapt your signs accordingly.
Although digital signs often need quite a steep initial investment, they are often more cost-effective in the end.
5 – Control remotely
All types of digital signs need to be operated using some kind of software. This will allow you to perform a variety of actions, including uploading content, scheduling, and monitoring.
Luckily, due to the growth in digital signage, there’s a massive range of programs to choose from to suit your needs.
Nowadays, most software has some kind of cloud-based content management system. This feature is a real game-changer. It gives you the ability to remotely control a single or even an entire network of screens.
If you have several signs, you can keep the design consistent on each of them at the same time. Or show different content on each of them.
Overall, this can be super convenient and will help you save time, money, and effort.
6 – Daily scheduling
One of the key benefits of digital signs is that, in general, they are very versatile and flexible. As we’ve said, this can help you make annual or irregular updates. Aside from this, many businesses use these products to make much more regular changes.
You can change the content several times a day if you want to or even several times a minute. Thanks to this, you can display more content than you could with a standard sign and make it more relevant.
For example, a school can use one of their electronic boards to greet students and their parents in the morning and display drop off rules. Then in the afternoon, they can put up reminders for extramural events or schedule changes for the next day.
Furthermore, you don’t have to do this manually each time. If you use rule-based software, you can program the signs to change the content automatically at pre-programmed times.
7 – Time-sensitive content
Everyone loves signs with a seasonal message. However, most businesses simply can’t afford or go through the hassle needed to do this. Once again, digital signs stand out in this regard. They are the ideal products if you want to display time-sensitive content.
Besides seasonal greetings, there are many more reasons to take advantage of digital signs’ flexibility. Some of the crucial ones are:
- Limited sales or promotions
- Temporary changes to your operating hours
- New products or services
- Upcoming events
- Contextual content like congratulating your local sports team on a win
Typically, if you use this feature well, you can improve your business by keeping your message fresh, and clients and staff informed.
8 – Boost in sales
Digital signage has been shown to boost sales by up to 30 to 32%. Of course, an increase in sales results in a rise in profits, which is excellent for any business.
The impact can be further enhanced if you use them in-store or onsite. Marketers have found that these signs can be brilliant for encouraging impulse buys.
One way to do this is to draw customers’ attention to important messages, like promotions, while they are trying to make purchasing decisions. Significantly, 8 out of 10 impulse purchases are made in brick and mortar stores and most of these are at, or close to, checkout points.
Don’t forget that many of the other benefits of digital signs play into this aspect as well.
9 – Increased recall and retention rate
In some cases, you want signs to encourage clients to take immediate action. However, many times this won’t be your goal. Besides grabbing attention, you also want people to remember the sign and its content.
Digital signage can be extremely handy here. One study on electronic billboards showed that 83% of people recalled at least one ad they were shown after 30 days. On top of this, 65% of them could recall two ads, and 47% were able to recall three.
Therefore, it’s a good way to encourage new customers to visit your store later, to talk about your ad with their friends, or come back again. And much, much more.
10 – Interactive solutions
Technology can open up whole new worlds of possibilities. This applies to digital signs as well. With them, you can get your creative juices flowing and build new experiences for your clients.
No doubt, one of the critical benefits of digital signage is that you could design them with interaction in mind.
People often enjoy using technology in-store, making for an interesting experience. Plus, you can delegate tasks to these boards and therefore help the flow of your business and relieve some of your staff’s workload.
For instance, you can use signage for:
- Self-service checkout
- Product information
- Gift card sales or refills
- Wayfinding systems
- Self-service applications
- Product locators
- Gift registries
- Checking prices
- Product requests and orders
- For queuing tickets
- Self-service check-in
- Customer service surveys
Ultimately you can use them to bring some of the convenience of online shopping to your office or storefront.
11 – Improved visibility
One potential drawback of standard printed signs is the extent of their visibility. Unfortunately, if you don’t illuminate them, they will only be readable during the day. Clearly, this means that you can lose out on a lot of exposure.
The amount of time you lose increases even more during winter, when the days are shorter.
Digital signs literally shine in this respect. Typically, manufacturers produce the screens with LCDs, LEDs, or plasma cells, which light up the display.
Therefore, you will be able to see the content more clearly throughout the night and day. Undoubtedly, this will improve the exposure of the sign and increase the chance of reaching potential clients.
Best of all, with high-quality software, you can control and regulate the brightness of the sign. You could even use sensors to adjust it based on current light conditions automatically.
For example, the lighter it is outside, the brighter you need to set the screen for optimal visibility and vice versa.
12 – Long lines, no problem
Did you know that one of the key ways businesses are using digital signs is lower perceived wait times?
We’re sure you’ve come across one of these screens at your local doctor’s office showing news headlines or the weather. This is no accident.
Long wait times are a big-no-no for many customers and can certainly cause you to lose business. Potential clients might simply walk out the door and take their business elsewhere.
In one survey, 69% of consumers said that long checkout lines were the most irritating part of shopping.
Unfortunately, queues are often unavoidable. That’s why it’s a great idea to provide a distraction while customers wait. By using digital signs, you can keep your customers occupied and happy while they stand in line. And in the end, the perceived wait time would have felt much shorter and have been a pleasant experience.
13 – Additional opportunities
There seems to be no end to the possibilities with digital signs. Generally, you have much more options to experiment with. One of these is that you can potentially use them to generate a bit of income from third-party advertisers.
In short, the third-party company pays you a fee to display their ads on your signs. The money can help cover the initial investment and running costs.
This arrangement usually works best in the following situations:
- Shopping center
- Office park
- Health center
- Schools
- Banks
You could even work with other small business owners to commission a shared sign dividing the costs. In this case, everybody usually wins.
Make signs work for you
Digital signs, and signs in general, can revolutionize the way you promote your business. These premium products, in particular, allow you much more freedom and possibilities and can be an incredibly powerful communication tool.
But even the best signs need great designs to be effective. That’s why it can be useful to check out how to create LED message signs that convey the right message as well as electronic signs for schools: a list of dos & don’ts.
- Published in Advertising, Blog, Business, Indoor Signs, Outdoor Signs