As the brains behind your business or organization, you know it’s your job to present a good face for your group. And one of the ways you do that is through signs. Of course, great signage is a good start to sharing your name, mission, and goals. But even the best signage can take unexpected hits—from bad weather, bad actors, or any number of unforeseen events.
While you certainly don’t want your sign to be a victim of damage, you know it is possible at any time. Whether you’re currently facing damaged signage or you just want to be prepared, you’re wondering whether signs that have been injured can possibly be repaired. At what point is your signage no longer salvageable?
Your sign might be salvageable if…
Let’s take a look at a few scenarios in which your signage, though damaged, might not be as far gone as you think. Your sign might be salvageable if…
1 – Soap and water will do the trick
Sounds obvious right? But though the idea is simple, it’s good to keep in mind. While your signage might look like it’s in terrible shape, the reality may not be as bad as the appearance.
Try a bucket of hot soapy water (something simple like a tough-on-grease dish detergent with plain tap water). Just remember to check if your sign came with any special instructions prohibiting the use of certain cleaners or solvents. If so, you obviously want to steer clear of any cleaners that aren’t approved.
2 – It’s just dirt that needs a good scrub
You need to take stock of exactly what has damaged or dirtied your sign. If it’s only caked-on mud, chances are, you can wear it down over time with the proper cleaning tools. If you’ve been able to remove all the physical dirt, yet the dirt has left stains behind, now it’s time to pivot your approach to stain removal.
That’s when you break out a water and bleach solution and carefully spot test in a small area of the sign (preferably on the back or underside where it won’t be noticed). If the solution doesn’t damage the test area, scrub away at the stain with your bleach solution, then rinse with fresh water. Allow to dry, then take stock. If you’ve experienced sweet success at stain removal, take the process to the rest of the sign.
3 – You only need elbow grease with a proper abrasive instrument
Don’t forget that signs with metallic components may rust over time. But you may not need an entirely new sign. First, try removing the rust.
4 – The fix is simpler than it appears
Some sign damage solutions could be deceptively simple. For instance, if you have an illuminated sign cabinet that’s no longer illuminated, replacing the entire sign may not be necessary. If your sign company offers repairs, you may choose to have them come look at it. Perhaps they’ll simply need to replace some of the light bulbs.
No help available from the sign company? Don’t worry. Simply reach out to a qualified electrician and ask if he has any experience working with signage that has electrical components.
Do note that when you’re working with electrical signage, you want to beware of DIYing it unless you truly are qualified. It can be dangerous work, and wisdom often dictates that we leave it to the experts.
5 – Your sign might only need cleaning or disassembling
Another scenario where the fix could be simpler than you assume at first glance is when you have a sign that has simply degraded over time. For instance, signage with plastic parts may become discolored with age. Or, as we’ve all seen at one point or another signage with an empty interior cavity might acquire a curious collection of dead buds and small twigs. And that’s certainly not pleasing to the eye (or professional to your clients).
But the fix for the dead-bug problem could be as simple as disassembling your sign and cleaning it out. And other signs may just need some regular cleaning to give them a fresh face. Don’t overlook these mundane possibilities for refreshing your signs.
6 – Your sign isn’t as broken as it looks
Now, what if your sign has been the victim of some kind of trauma? Maybe a car has crashed into it or a tree limb has fallen on it. While these events can surely wreak havoc on a sign, they may not mean you have to totally replace the sign.
First off, take stock of the damage. Note exactly which parts of the sign are broken. Let’s take an example. In the case of a post and panel sign that’s been hit by a car, if the posts are broken off at the base (where they meet the ground), you may need new posts. But you won’t necessarily need a new sign face.
On the other hand, taking stock may reveal that your signage is too far gone to be replaced. For instance, if a tree limb has fallen on a monument sign and smashed it, you’re not necessarily going to be able to put the pieces back together.
Tailor the solutions to your signs
Please note that you need to choose solutions that are appropriate to the signage you have. And that means that instructions from your sign specialist or simply from the documentation that came with your sign should trump the foregoing ideas. While you can try other options, remember that any time you use methods that haven’t been approved for your sign, you run the risk of damaging it.
Choose signs responsibly
It’s a great idea to think about possible risks to your signs before you even purchase them. For instance, if you’ll be located in an area that has a significant problem with vandalism, taking that into account can help you make a better decision. Select signs that are tailored to the needs of your company or organization and to the needs of the community in which you’re located. Check out A Glossary Of Sign Definitions & The Distinctive Features Of Each to get a feel for your sign options.
- Published in Blog, Business, How-Tos, Indoor Signs, Outdoor Signs
A Guide To Setting Up A Donor Recognition Wall With Examples
Donor recognition walls are an incredibly valuable resource for nonprofit organizations. They can become a core part of your fundraising process and the way you build relationships with your supporters.
But setting up one of these displays from scratch can be overwhelming. There are many moving parts in a project like this.
In this article, we cover everything you need to know about setting up a donor recognition wall. Following our guide closely can help you get all of the benefits with less of the stress.
What are donor recognition walls?
Donor recognition walls are a kind of wall-mounted display that is normally used by nonprofit organizations to honor their donors and those who have helped them to achieve their goals. In a way, this is a celebration of their achievements as well as a show of appreciation.
As such, these boards are especially beneficial for organizations like the following:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Universities
- Libraries
- Museums
- Shelters
- Worship facilities
- Monuments
- Or any other similar organization that might accept donations
The display will essentially be a list of the names of businesses or individuals who have contributed to raising funds. Some organizations also use them to acknowledge people who might have helped in other significant ways, like giving their time and labor.
These boards are the perfect way to thank your donors and recognize their contributions. You can use it to show them that their donation matters and that you will remember it.
In some cases, it can also be an extra incentive for local businesses or individuals to get involved. It can be an effective way to get the word out about themselves and to improve their reputation while doing some good for their community.
It’s a win for everyone involved.
Nowadays, there are countless options to customize the display. The standard donor recognition wall consists of a header with plaques below it, which are all made of engraved brass that you mount on a wood panel.
All in all, this is still an elegant and professional solution. However, as we will discuss, there are many other variations to consider.
In the next section, we will break down how these boards function and how you should approach them.
How do they work?
The value of recognizing and showing appreciation to your supporters is immeasurable. That’s why it’s essential to plan ahead and make sure you get the best out of the display.
If you want to secure long-term support, it’s vital that you build a positive relationship with your donors. Research has shown that increasing donor loyalty by 10% can lead to an increase of 100 to 150% in ROI. As such, creating a donor recognition wall is a way to invest in the financial wellbeing of your organizations.
The process should start by diligently keeping track of any contributions to your organization. You then need to set up a system to decide how exactly you want to recognize the contribution. This will involve looking at the following aspects.
Choosing who to recognize
First, you need to decide who you want to recognize on the wall. Ideally, you would find a way to thank each contributor. However, it’s not always practical to show your appreciation in the same way. Instead, you can set up a threshold that determines who gets a plaque and who does not.
Most nonprofits will receive different kinds of support, for example:
- Sponsorships
- In-kind donations
- Capital campaigns
- Planned gifts
- Major donors
It’s the last two kinds of contributions that you definitely want to acknowledge in a formal way. However, it all depends on the structure of your specific venture and its general income trend.
Levels of contribution
Now that you’ve established who you want to recognize, you can move on to the next decision. Besides this, you need to decide whether you want to distinguish between different levels of contributions.
In general, organizations find this to be useful and beneficial as donations can vary widely. One donor might give $1,000 while another gives $10,000.
To keep the design coherent and the system manageable, you can work out categories such as one for donations between $1,000- $2,000 and another for $2,000- $3,000 and so on.
Here are three ideas you can implement to distinguish between categories:
- Use different color plaques. For example, there could be a bronze, silver, and gold group.
- Separate the display into sections or have more than one display.
- Vary the size of the plaque according to the size of the donation.
Budget
You want to thank your donors properly for their generous contributions. But you should still take care of how much you spend. On average, organizations spend between 8 and 14% of their total annual budget on donor recognition.
This is a good rule of thumb, and it ensures that the amount you spend scales as your organization does.
The unveiling
Another important part of planning for your donor recognition wall is organizing an unveiling. It can be a valuable opportunity to thank your donors while attracting new potential donors and raising awareness.
One idea is to launch the display as the culmination of a specific campaign. It can be a great way to tie off the effort and celebrate the achievement.
Room for growth
Significantly, you should think of the donor recognition wall as a work in progress. In many ways, it’s a reflection of your venture’s journey.
In some cases, organizations might want the display to focus on one specific funding goal, such as to build a hall or something similar.
But keep in mind that if it is part of your business model to accept donations, you will likely receive more contributions in the future. It’s a good business practice to continue to recognize donors and the support they give. This will also help you encourage donations in the future.
Therefore, you need to think ahead. How can the display grow with your organization?
This will play a vital role in your planning, especially when it comes to deciding on the budget, size, layout, and location of the display.
Person responsible
Generally, it works best to formally assign an individual or group to manage the recognition wall. Doing this will help you make sure that the display gets its due attention and that nothing slips through the cracks.
The task will mainly involve arranging for the production and installation of the sign and any future additions.
Remember that the person or persons who are assigned to this task will also need to fact-check the content. Overall, this will be one of the most critical parts of the job.
Content
One more critical feature that you need to figure out in the planning and preparation stage is the precise contents of the display. Space can be a bit of an issue. So you will need to focus on what is essential information to convey.
Besides this, neither you or the donor might want all the details about their contribution to be revealed.
Possible details to include are:
- Date
- Amount donated
- Type of donation
- Name of individual or business
- The company’s logo
- Role in the organization
- Length of support
- A milestone which was funded
- Name of the award
However, in most cases, organizations find it sufficient to only include the name of the individual or business and the year in which the support was given.
In addition to this, you should explain the display in some way and make its purpose clear. Your explanation could appear as part of the header or underneath the header of the whole board. Or you could write a brief introduction to each individual plaque.
You want to select the wording for this with care so that it feels like a reward for the donor and can encourage new potential contributors.
Some brilliant examples of possible phrases are:
- “In recognition of…”
- “Donated in honor of…”
- “Dedicated by…”
- “Made possible by…”
Where should you mount your donor recognition wall?
There is no one place to mount a donor recognition wall. However, you should place it somewhere where most visitors will be able to see it.
Consider too, that a well-designed donor recognition wall can add to the aesthetic of your offices. You can even design it to become the centerpiece of a specific room. Serving multiple purposes is an example of signage at its best.
As we’ve said, the display will probably grow over the years. So it’s a good idea to pick a spot with a lot of space.
Here are some of the most popular spots where organizations place donor recognition walls:
- Lobbies
- Reception areas
- High traffic hallways
- Back of a hall
- Waiting area
- Eating hall or cafeteria
Design
All of the above needs to be taken into account when you’re ready to start designing the display. If you do this, you will end up with the perfect way for your organization to demonstrate the respect and esteem you have for your supporters.
Let’s look at the key features of the design with some examples.
Layout
All in all, the layout of donor recognition walls can be much trickier to figure out than with other types of signage. But on the bright side, it also means that there are more opportunities for creativity and thinking outside the box.
If above all, you are looking for a neat and professional-looking display, it can be a good idea to go for a standard layout. In this case, you would use plaques that are arranged in tidy rows or columns. You can place them next to or underneath each other.
However, that certainly isn’t your only option. Alternatively, you can choose to arrange the names in a way that would be thematically relevant.
For example, if your organization raises funds for environmental awareness or something similar, you could design the display to look like a tree. Then each plaque can be a leaf on the branches of the tree.
Another idea is to print the different names on different colored plaques and then arrange them in a mosaic type layout.
Styles
The style is the overall look of the donor recognition wall. What are you trying to achieve with the display? Are you going for a sleek and sophisticated look or something more contemporary?
Once you’ve decided this, it can help guide you through crafting each element of the sign.
For example, take a look at the wall of fame we at Signarama made for Lamphere High School. The board resembles more traditional styles in terms of its layout. But they wanted to mix things up a bit to get a more exciting and modern aesthetic.
So instead of using the standard brass, they opted for routed brushed aluminum in silver and blue to create a style of their own.
Branding
There is more than one way that you can put a unique stamp on a donor recognition wall. It all comes down to customizing the details. Besides the layout and style, you can make your display stand out by incorporating elements of your branding.
The display for Warren’s public library is a brilliant example of this. From the text to the use of logos and graphics, they made sure that the board is recognizable. On top of making the display attractive and appealing, it also leaves no doubt about whom the sign belongs to.
Say thank you in style
Thanking your donors isn’t only a nice or ethical thing to do. Instead, it’s also an important business practice that can lead to tangible benefits for your organization. Donor recognition walls are an ideal long-term solution for this.
It can form the central aspect of the way you approach your sponsors, which you can combine effectively with additional measures like event sponsor signage. Overall, signs can be a brilliant way to advertise fundraisers for your school or nonprofit event.
- Published in Blog, Business, Indoor Signs
How To Communicate & Present Your Ideas To A Sign Expert
Communication can be the bane of human existence. Well, okay, maybe it’s not the bane of human existence, but it sure can be a struggle. And when it comes to communicating your ideas to a sign expert, it’s no different. Even that can present challenges.
So we thought it would be worthwhile to offer you some ways to communicate and present ideas to your sign specialist—your newest partner in your company’s branding and marketing journey. Let’s explore tips to ease up potential difficulties and make your sign process a walk in the park.
Put it on paper
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind when we say “put it on paper” could easily be the idea of formally writing (or typing) things down. And while that’s a great idea that we’ll tackle in just a minute, the idea of “getting things on paper” can actually be broader than the printed word.
In fact, it may not even involve words at all. Sometimes, drawing out your ideas on paper or a nearby whiteboard can be invaluable. What you can easily envision, your specialist may not be able to visualize until you give him an example.
This can be especially true when you’re talking about some of the visual elements of design. Exactly what your logo concept looks like or how you want your text and visuals arranged on a billboard—those are things you may need to map out on paper or a whiteboard.
Don’t underestimate the power of scratching out a rough diagram. And in the modern age, everyone can carry your rapidly-drawn ideas with them by simply pulling out a smartphone and snapping photos of the drawings.
Write it down
Here’s where we actually get to talk about the value of writing or typing things on paper (or on the computer as the case may be). People can easily have an irrational fear of writing out their ideas. They may feel it boxes them in or ties them down. Or they just might be downright scared of writing because they have no idea what they want to say.
As hard as it is, writing ideas down captures them in an invaluable way. It also prompts a thought process that can be very useful to the success of your project. To actually write things down, you may have to think about them a little harder (or perhaps just a little differently) than you otherwise would.
Harness useful terminology (and define it)
Obviously, words are vital for communication. But not all words are equal in terms of importance or value. You might find that some keywords help you communicate better with your sign specialist than others.
For example, when you’re in early stages of sign design and you want to keep all your options open, try using the word, “conceptual” to refer to plans that aren’t set-in-stone. And for good measure, follow up your usage of the word with some helpful clarification about what you mean. In this case, you could just alert the person you’re corresponding with that these plans “may change over time.”
Give them something to go on
If you don’t have any experience in the sign industry (or the design industry), you may feel completely out of your depth. And you may find it challenging to understand what you want, let alone communicate it to others.
That’s why it can be useful to give your sign specialists examples. By pointing out signs, color palettes, and designs that you like, you offer them a window into your mind. Plus, you can take things a step further and articulate why you like what you like.
For instance, maybe you like black and white palettes because you find they communicate “modernity” and “stability.” Well, if you let your specialist know that, they may not only understand your needs better, but they may be able to help you do an even better job of fulfilling them.
Tap into the power of technology to help you out here by using these tools and methods:
- Share a Pinterest board of inspiration
- Take photos of signs you see around town and share them with your specialist
- Send your specialist photos of other companies’ signs you admire
Be clear
Remember to be both honest and clear when communicating with your sign company. We know it can be tempting to ease the burden of sharing difficult truths or opinions by being evasive or vague. But that tactic could hurt you and your signage partner in the long run.
That doesn’t mean you have to say everything you’re thinking every time. But it is a good reminder to say what needs to be said when it needs to be said—even if it makes you or other people feel a little uncomfortable.
Need examples? When you’re still undecided about a project or an element of a project, don’t string the sign company along by letting them think you’re all in. Communicate to them where you actually are in the decision-making process if you think it would help them make better plans of their own. In fact, it might even help them help you. And it may also prevent them from losing valuable resources like time and money.
When you don’t like something, say so. If it’s your job to sign off on project design, then be open about designs you don’t care for. We’ll venture a guess that most other designers would also prefer to be told “no” sooner rather than later. That way, they don’t waste time on a project element they’ll never ultimately use. And they hear “no” when they still have time to course-correct.
Great company, great communication
Of course, before you can invest in good communication with your sign company, you’ll need to actually find that sign company. Take some time to learn more about selecting a great sign specialist with our What To Look For From A Sign Making Company + Questions To Ask. And if you’re new to the wonderful world of signage, start bringing yourself up to speed with A Glossary Of Sign Definitions & The Distinctive Features Of Each.
Having clients and customers interested and involved in your business or organization is vital. When people attend your events, you’re overjoyed. When they drop by your office, you’re gratified. However, even the best of occurrences sometimes need planning and preparation to ensure that things run smoothly. And that’s why you might find yourself needing traffic control and parking signs—to help you manage all the people who will be in and around your location on a day-to-day basis (or when you’re hosting special events).
Let’s take a look at some examples of custom-designed signs to help you keep people running smoothly through your places. From traffic control to parking, you may need signs to help point people in the right direction or get them situated in the right place.
Custom parking signs
We’ve taken a dive into custom parking signs here. Be sure to let your imagination fill in the gaps when designing parking signs tailored to your own needs. For instance, why not craft a sign that grants a special parking spot to your “Gold-level clients”?
This technique could give you a chance to let your top clients know how much they mean to you. Plus, it allows other clients to have a new goal to aim for—they can shoot to make gold-level status. You can even craft a unique letter, email, or phone call to let your top clients know they were just awarded a special parking space.
Also, be sure that you research relevant rules and regulations that apply to your parking signs. (Your sign specialist may also be able to alert you about relevant requirements). Naturally, you should ensure you’re following the guidelines that apply to you.
Personalize your signs
Choose an image related to what your business or organization does and use it to mark out your designated parking.
1 – Sign with an image and text
Here’s an example of personalizing. Use a sign with a car if your company is an auto repair shop, a car dealership, or even an auto insurance company.
2 – Company logo parking sign
Put up a parking sign with a company logo. It will give useful direction for one thing. But it will also keep your company’s logo in front of potential customers and clients.
3 – Touch of class signage
Whether your sign tells people where to park or directs them which way to turn, consider projecting a classy front for your organization by selecting classy signage.
Make people laugh with your signs
Laughter is a powerful tool. It can uplift spirits and bring smiles to faces. And you can actually tap into the power of laughter to help you solve your parking problems.
It can be frustrating for drivers to encounter reserved parking spots with signage that bars them from pulling right in and shifting into park gear. Obviously, restricted parking throws a roadblock in their way and possibly slows them down. Of course, having to hunt for a new parking space is a less-than-pleasant experience if a driver is in a hurry.
The least your business or organization can do to ease this frustration is to find some humor in the situation. Get the hurried driver to chuckle while they search for a new, non-reserved spot. Seek out reserved parking signs that will make drivers pull away with smiles on their faces.
4 – “Tow those cars!” parking sign
For instance, you could try this parking sign that playfully tallies up cars towed.
5 – Old-fashioned parking sign
Or you could opt for a parking sign with a nod to the olden days.
6 – Blunt parking sign
Then there’s this humorous parking sign that says it like it is.
Traffic control signage
It’s easy to think of stop signs, yield signs, and traffic signals when we hear the words “traffic control signage.” Naturally, those signs are often the responsibility of the state transportation department. But even private entities may need signs to help direct traffic.
7 – Signage for large organizational complexes
A hospital might need to direct patients toward the emergency department entrance or another particular hospital area. Or a large industrial complex may use signs to direct drivers and pedestrians to the specific building they’re looking for.
8 – Post and panel signs for operations
Some businesses need to point drivers to loading docks or pick up zones. Post and panel signs are perfect for this job. Plus, you can place arrows on the sign’s face to help drivers see where they should be headed.
Start with stellar designs
Whenever you get custom designed signs— whether for traffic control, parking, or another important use—you have a great opportunity to personalize the signs. You may have more opportunity to make decisions about a sign’s appearance than you would with prefabricated signs. Make the most of it. For instance, be sure you plan in advance so that you can select the right colors. And choose good images that will leave viewers with a great impression of your company.
Get more from your signs
Once you unveil your new signs, don’t stop there! Instead, harness the creative side of your brain to come up with ways to make your signs work extra hard for you. For instance, you can adapt your signage according to the season. Check out How To Make Your Signage Seasonal Without Spending A Lot Of Money. Or you can take a look at our 8 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Signs & Reuse Them On Social Media.
- Published in Blog, Business, Outdoor Signs
Certain things are only useful if they’re available when you need them. And designated parking spaces are an example of just such a time-sensitive item. Parking spaces reserved for certain people at certain times are important parts of the parking experience. They offer convenience, speed, and accessibility for motorists.
But, the problem is, designated parking isn’t always observed. Some drivers may use a space regardless of whether they should technically park there. And when that happens, the space is blocked from being available for its intended user. After all, you can’t very well move an empty, parked car—unless you have the resources to tow it. And tracking down the owner is a hassle that doesn’t work well with your already busy schedule.
Custom parking signs
That’s why you need custom parking signs! Let’s face it, sometimes it’s actually difficult to see what’s painted on the ground in front of your vehicle. And once you’ve accelerated and pulled the car forward, your vehicle is covering up the graphic. So now it’s actually impossible to see it.
If you’ve ever sat in the driver’s seat scouring the area for signage to help you figure out where you’re supposed to go or whether you’re allowed to stay, you know what we mean. If the only direction is on the ground beneath you, that’s not much help if you missed the visual cue just before you drove over it.
Custom parking signs make it easy for drivers to see which spaces are free for the taking and which aren’t. And they don’t require drivers to back up or bend down to look underneath their parked cars for the do’s and don’ts of your parking area.
Signs for accessible parking
Some of your patrons, customers, or clients may have special needs that call for accessible parking. Whether these are due to age, pregnancy, or permanent or temporary disability, you certainly want to accommodate.
Simply providing the accessible parking spaces is not enough. You also have to mark them. And you have to mark them clearly so that whenever your clients and customers need them, they’re available. This is when custom parking signs can be a perfect solution.
Depending on how your parking area is situated, you may want to purchase custom parking signs that will anchor to the wall of a building. Or you might need signs that will stand on posts of their own. A quick look at your parking area may help you decide, but it’s a good idea to ask your sign specialist for input. They may be able to offer constructive advice based on their knowledge of accessible parking rules and regulations that apply to you.
Signs for private parking
In areas with mixed zoning or simply with many businesses located close together, you might need to stake your claim on the parking areas that belong to you. It’s easy to envision this scenario because you’ve likely seen these signs yourself before. A bank might use them to proclaim “Parking for [Name of Company] Only.” Or a restaurant might offer the following admonition, “Patron Parking Only.”
Signs for reserved parking
Sometimes your custom parking signs will need to let outsiders know that they can’t use particular spaces. However, they can also let your own employees know which parking spaces are for whom.
For instance, a university might designate a particular spot as, “Reserved for Dean of School of Business” or “Reserved for Provost.” Some companies or organizations may even use reserved parking as a reward for employee performance. As an example, the employee of the month could receive the privilege of parking in a coveted spot for a certain period of time.
Create your custom parking sign
Your custom parking sign should be tailored to your location, of course. But you might also choose to create a sign that reflects something of your company brand. One way to do this is to include your logo.
But that’s not all you can do. Work with your sign specialist to create something that uniquely reflects your company. For instance, if you’re a lighthearted, upbeat sort of business, injecting a note of humor into your custom parking signage might be a perfect idea.
More signs on the outside
Now that you know how you can reinvent your parking area to make life easier for everyone, check out these other outdoor signs that can help your clients and customers. Check out The Complete Guide To Building Signs: Dimensions, Design & Installation. Or take a look at A Portfolio Of Clever Outdoor Event Signage Ideas.
- Published in Blog, Business, Outdoor Signs
You can’t go to a tradeshow without a professional tradeshow display. Eye-catching signage is crucial to attracting visitors to these events. You want to get their attention and keep it if you’re going to sell your product or service or generate leads.
A single sign can speak volumes about your brand. You want to let your audience know who you are, what you’re about, and what you can offer them. But that’s why it’s so important to choose the ideal sign.
Types of tradeshow displays
First, we’ll look at the basics. There isn’t just one type of tradeshow display. Sign-making companies offer a whole host of products that you can use at exhibits. Each of these comes at a different cost and with unique features.
So here are the main options you should choose between for a tradeshow sign.
Pop-up display
All in all, this sign is a tradeshow favorite. It’s a great way to dress up your booth, advertise your business, and can be very practical too.
Typically, these are back walls that are made up of a frame with custom printed graphics that you can wrap around. We recommend that you buy one that you can easily assemble and disassemble at the event. They are even better when they come with some kind of carrying case.
Banners
Banners are a mainstay of tradeshow marketing.
Generally, these signs are cost-effective and versatile. Their vertical orientation can help you save on floor space while still giving you plenty of space for content. There are a few types, but most businesses prefer freestanding banners, which you can mount on a frame.
Table throw
Another of the best products for tradeshow displays are table covers. This is a highly-effective way to dress up your booth while also promoting your business and your brand.
The design for these displays is typically straightforward and neat. You can use a black or white background with contrasting text for your companies name.
Panel signs
One highly customizable product for a tradeshow display is panel signs. Here you will have lots of options to work with. You can choose between materials like acrylic, wood, and aluminum, among others. On top of this, you can completely adapt the size and dimensions.
In some cases, you can even ask your sign-making company to attach a few panels together. You can place them on your tabletop, use them as a back wall, or hang them from your booth.
Island
Instead of a table, you can also use an island as a surface for your stall. You can hire a sign company to construct one from scratch. Or you can jazz up an old stand. For example, you can buy graphics to wrap around it.
A well-designed island can make a fantastic centerpiece for your booth.
Hanging displays
Put your message in the spotlight by hanging it from the ceiling or top of your booth. If you’ve ever been to a tradeshow, you know that every inch of the space is valuable real estate. This is a great way to catch the eye.
Sign companies have products that they created specifically for this. But you could also take any other type of sign as a banner or panel and hang them.
Other options
The above are undoubtedly some of the most popular signs for tradeshow displays. However, the list isn’t exhaustive. The following are more great options:
- Graphic tents and canopies
- Hybrid displays
- Modular exhibits
- Tabletop
Guide to choosing the best tradeshow display
To help you pick the ideal display, we’ve looked at questions you need to ask about the event and your business.
Does it fit your budget?
Let’s get one of the most important aspects out of the way first. And that is what your signage budget is. You need to go into this process knowing how much you can afford and how much you want to spend.
As we’ve said, signage is usually an essential aspect of your booth or stall. But you still don’t want to blow the bank. The key is to figure out how to get the most value for your money.
Will it be more impactful to get one high-quality sign or several budget-friendly signs?
On average, businesses prefer to use one to three boards for their display. One thing that you need to keep in mind is that you can usually use tradeshow signs again and again. As long as there isn’t content that is specific to that event, you can reuse them.
Therefore, if you frequently go to tradeshows, it’s best to think of this as a long-term investment. In that case, you can probably spend more now to avoid spending later.
At Signarama, we’ve made exhibition signs for all kinds of budgets from $100 to $2000. But most displays are in the $300 range.
You can decrease or increase the costs through your choice of content, material, finishes, mounting, dimensions, and clearly the type of sign.
What are your signage goals?
Another critical question you need to ask is what are your signage goals. Signs can be pretty versatile. Yet there is only so much content you can effectively fit on one display. So you have to focus on one central message or purpose.
Overall, here are the most vital signage goals you can choose from:
- Promote your business
- Build brand recognition
- Sell specific products or services
- Educate your audience
- Grab attention
- Give directions or instructions
- Decorate the space
The sign you pick in the end needs to help you reach these goals. For example, if you want to educate your audience, a table cover probably won’t cut it, but it can work well for brand recognition.
How long will it take?
In an ideal world, you would be able to start planning several months to a year before an event. But the reality isn’t always that straightforward. Occasionally you will only have a few weeks to get your stand ready for an exhibit.
In these cases, you might not have much time to have your displays made.
Creating quality signage takes time since the process has several steps. Usually, you would start by asking for quotes, designing the content, creating and approving proofs, and then printing.
Therefore, you must ask your sign making company how long their different signage products will take.
Some products might be done and dusted in as little as a week. However, others can take a month or longer.
If the margin of error is too small, pick another display. Miracles do happen, but sometimes it’s not worth the risk. You don’t send a newsletter without any content. Similarly, you don’t go to a tradeshow without any signage.
Nobody wants to be in the situation where they rush around last minute to pick up a display.
How much space do you have?
Hopefully, you will plenty of space to work with for your booth. But that’s not always up to you. The organizers will often allocate a specific area for each exhibitor, or you might get the opportunity to choose the size for a price.
Unfortunately, this means that you might get a spot that seems way too small. This is where you have to get creative. You need to find space where you didn’t know there was any. It can be handy to consult the experts about this as well.
Luckily, there are a variety of signs that can help you maximize the use of space. Here are a few of them:
- Table throws
- Islands
- Panel signs
- And table tops
On the other hand, if the stall is large, your challenge would be to make sure it doesn’t look too empty. If it does, you risk looking unprepared, and your exhibit will probably be unimpressive and possibly dull.
In this case, you need to use several types of signs. For example, in a wide booth, you can use a series of freestanding banners as well as a pop-up display.
B2B or B2C?
Whenever you’re making ads or signs, you need to consider your audience or target market. The secret to great marketing is always designing for your viewers and not for yourself. To do that, you need to know who you are talking to.
Therefore, your signs need to be different depending on whether the tradeshow is for B2C or B2B. In other words, are you trying to sell to a consumer or to another business?
For example, a tradeshow for B2B might be one where different software developers for project management tools are promoting their products to interested companies.
Of course, your audiences might overlap at times. However, it can usually be pretty clear cut at these types of events.
Generally, a common mistake people make is to design their promotions in the exact same way for both. But that’s not the best way to maximize their impact. Instead, you need to choose your tradeshow display with the express purpose of meeting their unique needs and desires.
B2B marketing
In the case of B2B, you want to focus on the following:
- These customers are looking to you to educate them. They want and need to make informed decisions that they can justify to their superiors. So this should be a key aspect of your displays.
- Unlike consumer marketing, you shouldn’t be shy about the details. This is your opportunity to go in-depth about your product or services and answer many of the questions they might have. You want to show them you’re the real deal.
- You need to have patience with B2B customers. Their buying cycle is longer, and there is usually a longer chain of command to deal with. So instead of including a call of action to encourage the audience, for example, to buy a product now, you can tell them how they can get more information.
- Above all, these customers are serious about returns on investment (ROI). There is no beating around the bush. They want to know what they are going to get from the deal. You want to give them concrete examples of information on what you can do for them.
That’s why you want to choose a sign type that allows you to fit in as much content as possible. Banners are typically your best option.
For example, take a look at the sign we made for Test Equipment Distributors. The height of the banners allowed them to use space efficiently to fit in as much info as possible without the display looking overcrowded.
If you want to, you can use more than one banner to convey additional details and make your stall look fuller and more complete.
B2C marketing
On the other hand, for B2C marketing, you want to focus on the following:
- Consumers tend to rely more on emotions to make purchasing decisions instead of pure reason and logic. So you need to connect with them on an emotional level. Don’t talk about ROI’s. Tell them that the product can make them happier or boost their confidence.
- B2C customers don’t want to be overloaded with details. In this case, less is more. You will lose their attention if you can’t get the main point of the sign in a matter of seconds.
- You want to add some fun to your sign. Most of the time, consumers don’t want to look at a sign that reads like a user manual. So sprinkle it with a few exciting elements like photos and graphics.
Generally, you can also use banners for B2C tradeshow displays. But this isn’t necessarily the most efficient option for you. You can also choose signs like table throws, coroplast boards, routed signs, and so on.
Just take a look at the board we made for Mazda. The sign contains far fewer words, so they did not need as much space. And the colorful photo helps to make the sign stand out.
Take your event signage to the next level
Events can be a big deal for your business. It’s a high-impact method to attract new customers and keep your existing ones excited about your company. However, they usually require a significant investment in terms of time and money. That’s why you need to make the best of it.
Signs like tradeshow displays are a great way to up the ante. But that’s not your only option. Expertly crafted registration signage and sponsor signage are two more ways you can optimize any event.
- Published in Advertising, Blog, Business, Event Planning, Indoor Signs
Steal The Spotlight With These Tradeshow Sign Tips & Tricks
You want your business to put its best foot forward all the time and everywhere. But some situations may offer a more targeted chance to represent to others who you are and what you do. And one of those situations is a tradeshow—a perfect opportunity to represent your brand to the watching world. That’s why today we’re going to dive into some tips for crafting tradeshow displays you can be confident standing behind (or perhaps standing in front of).
Select stellar graphics
If you’re a regular blog reader, you’ll know that we touch on this topic frequently. Good graphics lay a solid foundation for your signage. Choosing the right colors, images, fonts, and sizes is an important part of your signage creation.
Go 3D
Here’s a tip for a striking display—give your signage some depth. This could take different forms, depending on how much space you have available and on what your budget is for the project. Here are two options we like. Check out this one where the signage is curved instead of simply being a flat surface.
And this display (photos 2 and 3) looks like a walk-in experience. Try using something like this to enhance the viewer experience. Instead of simply interacting with the text or visuals they can see behind your tradeshow table, this display offers a chance to be immersed in your company’s promotional materials.
Let the lighting pull its weight
Another thing to keep in might with your tradeshow displays is that they can actually be affected by external factors. So while the sign’s own design is vitally important, it’s not the only thing you’ll want to think about. You may also need to give some thought to the lighting that will help your sign be visible.
First, there may be lighting on the tradeshow floor to take into account. And you might be doing yourself a favor by thinking about this in advance and learning what to expect when you actually set up your display. This way, you’ll have done your best to be prepared for the lighting that’s available.
Second, your display may involve lighting that you provide. For instance, if you have a walk-in display, like the one we noted above, lighting might be a huge part of the experience.
The right kind of lighting can make your exhibit a showstopper for sure. But we know those types of eye-catching displays don’t happen without planning and preparation. That’s why you’ll want to know whether your display calls for you to provide some of the illumination. And if it does, make a solid plan to provide it so that you can shed light on your setup beautifully.
Look at the location
Just as we said with lighting, there’s another external factor to take into account in the planning phase. And that is your tradeshow display’s location. What kind of space will you be working with? How many square feet will you have to call your own? Will you be in a corner, a center area, or with your back to the wall?
Take some time to discover these things in advance if possible so that you can work with your sign company to optimize your signage. Determine what tradeshow signage will fit best and look most appealing in your particular location.
Put yourself in your viewers’ shoes
Here’s our very best advice to underly your entire process of choosing and crafting tradeshow displays. Try to put yourself in the shoes of your viewers and imagine what the signage will look like from their perspective.
This is actually where you may want to pull together a team of people within your company—allowing everyone’s different strengths and experiences to inform the project. Have some company employees been to this tradeshow before? If so, you don’t want to miss out on their perspective.
You may have masterminded what you think is a winning display only to be informed by a “regular” who’s attended the show years running that your sign has far too much information to be absorbed. And that regular may well know the rate at which people are going to be passing by your display. He or she has likely noticed what displays piqued their own interest in prior years, too.
Plus, don’t forget to tap into any in-house graphic design or marketing team your company has. They may be able to offer insights into viewer preferences and behaviors. And while it may sometimes be hard to hear their honest suggestions, put the interests of the company first and ask for constructive critique.
Learn all you can about signage
Information that is specific to tradeshow signage is a great idea of course. But you should also be able to pick up helpful nuggets from general signage tips, tricks, and how-tos. Check out our Sign Terminology: Negative Space, Optimal Distance, Typography & More to start learning. Or read up on fonts with our 10 Professional Sign Fonts + The Meanings Behind Them.
- Published in Advertising, Blog, Business, Event Planning, Indoor Signs
The Effectiveness Of Point-Of-Purchase Signs & How To Use Them
So what’s the deal with point-of-purchase signs?
As a business owner, you’ve probably picked up on all the hype. These displays are all the rage and for good reasons. You and your company will undoubtedly get your money worth with these products.
If you are interested in what point-of-purchase signs have to offer, stay put. In this article, we will breakdown all the advantages of these displays and the reasons behind them. By the end, you’ll know how to use them for your storefront best.
The essentials of point-of-purchase signs
To really understand these displays and how they can serve you, you need to understand them from top to bottom. So let’s first start by looking at what these signs are.
You definitely encounter a whole host of these boards each time you go shopping. Remember that poster in the checkout lane informing you about a 2-for-1 special on your favorite candy bar? Or that display that convinced you to join the store’s loyalty program?
These are just a few examples of point-of-purchase signs. But there are countless more.
In some cases, marketers or sign companies might also refer to them as POP displays or even point-of-sale signs. The point-of-purchase is pretty similar to the point-of-sale.
But the latter only refers to where the actual transaction is made. And the former refers to a much larger area.
You will usually place these wherever customers will be making a purchasing decision. For example, some of the most common spots and forms are:
- Checkout counter
- Kiosks
- Ceiling hanging signs
- Checkout queues
- Endcap displays
- Shelving signs
- Dump bins
- Floor graphics
Their primary purpose is to influence purchasing decisions. You could, for instance, encourage your clients to make unplanned purchases. But significantly, like all types of signs, they represent your business and can help you build up your identity and brand awareness.
Generally, these signs are highly customizable. They aren’t one-size-fits-all types of products. Instead, you can create these displays in a variety of shapes, sizes, using various different materials. The key is, therefore, to design one that perfectly suits your business.
What makes point-of-purchase signs effective?
Now we are getting to the real gist of point-of-purchase signs and how they can help your brand grow and thrive. The following are some of the crucial reasons why this type of signage is effective:
Successful at influencing shopping behavior
Did you know that 70% of consumers’ purchase decisions are still made in-store?
This statistic means that the experience your customer has at your physical location can make or break the sale. There is serious money to be made in encouraging unplanned purchases. That’s why it’s important that you use signage to convince your visitors to make a purchase.
No wonder these signs are proven to increase sales, specifically impulse purchases.
A good way to target paying customers
First, POP displays are incredibly effective at increasing your sales because you can narrow in on paying customers. These are customers who are already planning on spending money on your business, but you can potentially influence exactly how much they want to spend.
Whenever you are designing an ad or sign, a critical factor is to make sure you reach your target audience.
Make empty space work for you
Another reason why POP displays are so effective is that you are using space that you already have. You don’t have to go buy or rent a location for an ad. This means you can save both time and effort. You are simply using what you have more intelligently.
Therefore, in terms of return on investment, these products compare favorably to other types of signage.
Keep customers engaged
Overall, POP displays are brilliant at catching visitors and customer’s eyes. Research on eye-tracking has shown that 13% of eye fixations in-store are related to point-of-purchase signs — this a significant amount of visual real estate.
That’s why they can be an ideal method to keep buyers focused on the experience. The longer you keep their attention, the more likely they are to actively engage with your business and the products and services you offer.
You can keep your customers excited and interested, and that way, everybody wins.
Improved experience
In today’s retail world, having high-quality products and services isn’t enough. There are multiple competitors with similar offers, who are all vying for people’s attention. Not to mention that brick and mortar stores now have to contend with online shops.
So what can you do to stand out?
You can create a unique experience that will repeatedly get your customers away from their screens and into your store. They can be very effective at helping you provide a suitable ending for each of your customers’ journeys. These signs will be perfectly positioned for this.
How to use your point-of-purchase signs?
So let’s recap. The main strength of point-of-purchase signs is that you can use them to impact a customer’s shopping behavior. This can potentially be a very powerful marketing tool. Your greatest challenge is in designing them and using them in the most effective ways possible.
In the previous section, we’ve touched on the reasons why point-of-purchase displays are effective and how they can benefit you. From this, you can probably already see that they can be suitable for several purposes.
So we will look at the best uses of these signs as well as the best ways to use them.
Influence purchasing decisions
Overall, one of the best features of point-of-purchase signs is that they can encourage purchases.
Significantly, there are some product categories whose sales largely depend on an impulse buy. Examples of this are magazines, candy, and gum. People rarely go into a store with the intention of buying one of these.
Aside from this, these displays can also be particularly useful to increase sales of higher-priced items like electronics. Customers want to feel informed and sure about these purchases. So giving them more information can help them feel more confident.
For example, you will typically see information boards on the counters where stores display their laptops. These boards will outline details like the specifications and the price.
Customer expectations and consumer demand
All in all, one of the smartest ways to use point-of-purchase displays is to help fulfill your customer’s expectations and demands. Generally, it’s a good idea to use point-of-purchase signs to help fulfill both of these.
Hopefully, your branding is consistent and clear and gives the people the right idea of what to expect. But these signs can be a fantastic addition and supplement.
First, you need to do some research on what their demands and expectations are. For example, perhaps your target audience comes to your store for your sales and promotions. In this case, you can advertise some sales at the point of purchase.
For example, think of a grocery store that is popular because they want to encourage their customers to cook high-quality, delicious meals. So for one of their POP displays, they have a digital sign that shows you how to cook specific dishes.
In the end, this is a brilliant way to round off their experience and increases the chances that they leave satisfied.
Draw attention to products and services
Typically, businesses in every industry face the problem of how to keep customers updated. You need to let them know about new products or services. And you need to keep them informed of your business’ updates like a newly launched app or website.
POP displays are ideal for this. You can use them strategically to draw attention to products and keep them informed.
Create an interactive experience
As we’ve said, it is crucial that you keep your customers’ demands and expectations in mind. But you need to realize that these are changing all the time. People now expect completely different things than they did ten or even five years ago.
One of these new features involves interactive components.
Customers want an experience that feels more personal. And like always, building a relationship is key to making any sale. Interaction can facilitate both these things.
Luckily, you can easily and cost-effectively incorporate this into your POP displays.
On the lower end of the scale, you can incorporate a QR code into the design. It can serve as a link to your website or app. Or you can, for example, create a promotion where customers get a reward for taking a selfie with the sign.
While on the higher end of the scale, you could use digital displays for your point-of-purchase signs. In this case, you can use a touch screen with which users interact to find products, claim rewards, or find more information.
Point-of-purchase displays that pop
Unfortunately, it can be quite tricky to get your point-of-purchase signs to stand out. Think of the average brick and mortar store. Typically, they will stock a vast range of different products, often from different brands.
This means there’s likely a kaleidoscope of colors, images, and patterns in your storefront.
If you are mainly stocking products from other brands or suppliers, you can make your POP displays stand out by using your branding. It should be clearly recognizable. Your customers will know that these are boards that they should pay attention too.
On the other hand, if you are only selling products from your own brand, you need to look for an alternative. In this case, you should pick one or two defining visual features that will make the sign stand out like a bold border or a different color background.
Location, location, location
Customers won’t know which products and services you provide unless you show them off. Likewise, you won’t benefit from point-of-displays if you don’t make them highly visible.
Your customers aren’t going to go looking and searching for your signs. People should be able to notice them at a glance.
Here are a few tips you can try to make your POP displays more visible:
- Use empty space where they will stand out
- Put them at eye level
- Hang them on the ceiling
- Install them on shelves or counters where customers will already look
On top of this, you can help to make it more visible by making sure that it is big enough. The average person should be able to read and make out the contents on the board if you want it to be successful.
Easy-to-understand calls to action
To successfully use a POP display, you need to include a call-to-action (CTA) that is unambiguous and easy-to-understand. In marketing terms, that is the part of the sign that encourages the viewer or reader to take some sort of action.
The relevant act might be to buy a product, hire a service, ask a question, go to a website, download an application, and so on.
To create an impactful CTA, you must make it:
- Short
- Simple
- Easy-to-understand
- Unambiguous
Essentially, it means giving intelligible instructions.
Doing this can greatly improve the conversion rate, or in other words, the number of views the sign receives that turn into a sale. So this might be the percentage of people who saw your POP display and decided to grab the 2-for-1 candy bars.
Let’s say you want to increase membership to your loyalty program. To do this, you want to promote the benefits but also give them clear instructions on how to do this. Therefore a suitable call-to-action would be “Sign up today at the info desk.”
Take a look at these brilliant examples of call-to-actions.
Target your clients where it matters
Outdoor signage often catches all the shine. They are usually big, bold, and eye-catching. However, that’s not always what you need. You need to tailor your advertising strategies to the specific audience you want to reach and for what purpose.
When you’re looking to gain exposure and reach new potential clients, you should focus on your external signs like channel letters and billboards.
But if you want to keep your customers coming back and secure more of your business, you should put emphasis on your indoor signage, for example, your point-of-purchase displays. If this is your goal, learn more about how to incorporate signs into your business’ interior design and everything you didn’t know about indoor directional signs.
- Published in Advertising, Blog, Business, Indoor Signs
3 Unique Examples Of Point-Of-Purchase (POP) Signs
As a business owner, you know that you need signage to share your message with the world. Or at least with your customers and clients. Signage can take any number of forms and be placed in an exciting array of locations. But today let’s zero in on one specific type of signage your business can use—point-of-purchase (POP) signs.
POP signs can be placed beside the products they’re advertising. For instance, if you’re a convenience store, you might place your energy drinks on a pre-constructed cardboard stand-up display. The display both advertises the drinks and offers a convenient surface for them to sit on.
Naturally, you can learn a lot from others who have done well with their point-of-purchase signage. Let’s examine some tips for POP signs first. Then, we’ll explore some unique examples to help you gather visual inspiration.
Use a big number
One way to make an impression with your point-of-sale signs is to splash a big number across the space. And when we say big, what we mean is that the visual image of your number should be large. Printed large, your number can function to get the attention of passersby. And if your deal is a financially sound one, your customers should be surprised and/attracted by what they see.
For instance, this method could work if you want to advertise a selection of candy bars and snacks that you sell at your customer service desk. Craft a sign that lets customers know that food is available. And if your snacks cost customers $2.00 apiece, try letting that dollar figure shine. A giant “$2” featured prominently on your sign could snag the attention of hungry (and thrifty) potential customers.
Make it easy to take in
Obviously, “easy to take in” is a bit of a relative term. And how easy information is to absorb depends on the location where one is absorbing it and the amount of time they have to do so. Thus, the principle here may actually be to simply fit your information to the space you’re in. And to make it match well with the amount of time you expect your prospect to have.
For instance, a point-of-purchase sign posted near the checkout aisle of a grocery store may need to be short and sweet. Especially if your store usually gets people through the checkout line quite quickly. However, a POP sign placed near an airline customer service desk may be able to dig more deeply into your subject matter. Especially if your airline customer service queue is usually quite long at any given time.
Feature an intrinsically interesting design
Maybe this point should go without saying. But as we always advise, your signage is only as good as the graphics you use. Strong visuals make for strong signage. And in the case of a POP sign, that still holds true.
As an example, if you’re selling a particular drink, consider featuring a cutout of your drink in your signage. Or find other creative ways to directly relate your signage to the product you’re offering.
Go big or go home
As you’ll see in the examples below, sometimes your product itself can form a showstopping point-of-purchase sign. Simply size it up. An oversized version of the product you’re peddling might be just the thing to catch customers’ eyes and get their attention.
Visuals to inspire your signage plans
Take a look at these options to get your wheels turning. Then head out and create your own eye-catching signage.
1 – Enormous coffee creamer signs
Check out these oversized coffee creamer and dairy alternative signs. Imagine the delight of adults and children alike when they encounter signs this large near your checkout or customer service desk.
2 – Chiquita – Minions go bananas signs
Sometimes appealing to cultural figures can help out your signage. Take a look at this Chiquita display (photo 1 of 10) where Despicable Me’s iconic minions take center stage—dressed in festive fruit headdresses.
3 – A POP display that really pops (and is made of pop)
You know what it feels like to open the pull tab on a carbonated beverage and take that first sip. It definitely leaves your mouth feeling energized—thanks to all of those bubbles. Here’s some unique signage that radiates energy and an upbeat mood. And it’s constructed out of the product itself. What better way to advertise your product than by creating a work of art with your product?
Plus, check out this pop display that’s slightly more subdued and respectful, but no less eye-catching.
All the signs you need
Once your point-of-purchase signage is well planned and executed, take a moment to think about what other signage your company could use. Check out A Glossary Of Sign Definitions & The Distinctive Features Of Each to learn more about your signage options. Or try The Small Business Owner’s Guide To Creating Your Own Unique Signage to learn how to create signage that uniquely reflects your company.
- Published in Advertising, Blog, Business, Indoor Signs
How To Design A Construction Sign Board For Optimal Advertising
Are you looking for a way to promote your company in the construction industry?
If so, we might have the answer for you. A construction signboard can be the ideal way to advertise your business on-site. You can use it to catch the eye of an audience who is already interested in hiring building services.
But before your construction sign board can start working for you, you need to design it to get the ultimate impact. We are going to discuss everything you need to know about the process from start to finish.
What is a construction sign board?
You might also know these products as job-site signs.
Generally, you can use them at any location where you are going to be working or where your services have been hired. You can install them on your worksite, the sidewalk around it, or the boundary, like a fence around it.
Most sign companies will make the sign from long-lasting materials like wood on which they will print the graphics or design of your choice.
Thanks to this sturdy and durable construction, you can move it around and use it again and again on multiple sites. Therefore, think of this product as a long-term investment.
All kinds of businesses can benefit from these signs, for example:
- Construction
- Painting
- Landscaping
- Electrical
- Home remodeling
- Roofing
- Plumbing
- Interior decorator
- Painting
Job sites are usually high traffic areas. Hundreds, perhaps even thousands of people will pass by it or through it one day on foot and in vehicles. It would be a waste not to take advantage of this advertising space.
Benefits of construction sign boards
So how can this help you advertise your company?
First, it can help you get referrals from other companies who are working on the site or from any clients or guests visiting the site. The best part of this is that these will probably be people who have some interest in contractors in the construction industry.
Second, you can catch the eye of passersby. People are naturally curious every time they see a new construction site. So it won’t be too hard to catch their attention. With a branded sign, you can spread your feelers wider than your own industry and gain broader exposure.
Therefore, you can cover several bases at once with a construction sign.
But besides all of this, it can have some practical value too. Many businesses have found that a well-mounted construction sign board can help you hide the unsightly features on a job site. Overall, it can help you brighten up what can otherwise be a rather unattractive environment.
You can also think of the sign as an information board. It’s a relatively low effort way of communicating what the site is for, who is involved, how long it will take, and so on.
More importantly, all construction sites need to comply with safety standards set out by the relevant authorities like OSHA and ANSI. One clever use of these signs is to communicate some basic safety info as a supplement to other specialized signs.
For example, you can use it to remind anyone that this a construction site and that caution is advised.
When it comes to safety, every little bit can help.
The design process for a construction sign board
Regardless of the type of sign you are commissioning, you will follow some kind of design process. This is necessary to make sure that the sign is suitable, effective, and can help you meet your goals.
The process might seem a bit tedious. But remember, your audience will see the sign as a reflection of your business and your brand.
Put yourself in the viewer’s shoes. This will likely be their first encounter with your business. And if all they see is a shoddy low-quality sign, their expectations for your service might be on par, whether this is true or not.
Therefore, it will be well worth your time and effort to put your best foot forward.
1 – Decide what you want to say about your business
First, you need to decide what you want to say with your sign.
Overall, this is one of the most important decisions you are going to make. If you are using it for advertising purposes, ask yourself what you want the audience to take away from the sign, for example:
- The services you are offering
- Company’s contact details
- Your brand identity
- The name of the business
- Your approach – for instance, friendly or professional
It’s this information that will help you narrow down the content for the sign.
2 – Start designing
Only when you’ve figured this out can you start creating the design. You need to keep the end goal in mind the whole time.
If you have an eye for style and some graphics skills, you could complete the whole image by yourself. In this case, you should check out this list of the top software for designing signage.
Otherwise, you can hire a professional designer. Many sign-making companies can also assist you with this.
If you decide to go this route, it can be helpful to bring your ideas with you even if they are very rough.
3 – Consult your sign company
It’s important that you try to hire a reliable sign making company early in the process. They can significantly help you throughout the steps.
We recommend that you consult them about the design that you have in mind. They know all the ins and outs of signs, and they can tell you whether your concept will works. For example, some color combinations might not look as good when they’re actually put in print.
On top of this, your sign specialist can advise you about the costs and how each element can reduce or increase the price.
4 – Review and finalize
After consulting with everyone involved, you or the expert can finalize the design. Depending on the situation, you might need to go through several rounds of revision until everyone is satisfied. However, by setting precise requirements and with clear communication, you can streamline the process.
5 – Proof
Before you send your design in for printing, it’s useful to ask for design proof. This will either be a digital version or a printed mock-up that will give you an idea of what the finished product will look like.
Usually, this will be your last opportunity to check for any mistakes in the design, like spelling errors, and correct them.
Now you are ready to print the sign.
But before you jump the gun, let’s take a look at the critical aspects of the design.
Tips for designing the elements of a construction sign board
One common misconception about design is that it only involves the graphics or whatever is printed on the face of the board. But a well-thought-out plan should cover everything from the dimensions of the sign to the way it will be installed.
To help you get started, below are some expert tips on the critical elements of construction boards.
The material
First things first, you should decide which material you want the sign to be printed on. If you want the board to come anywhere close to a job site, it needs to be durable. You want it to be able to withstand knocks and bumps.
That’s why most companies use materials like wood, aluminum, or composites.
Generally, the price and your budget will play a critical role in your decision.
Aside from the board, you should also decide how the sign company will print and treat the face. For example, you could ask about finishes like UV protection to keep the surface looking new for longer.
The location
Next, you have to pick a spot for the construction sign.
One of the criteria should be how many people will be able to see it. You want to place it in a high traffic spot for optimal effect. The viewing distance and height will also factor into this.
Another consideration should be local permits and regulations. Different states and neighborhoods have different requirements that you need to fulfill. For more information on sign regulations in Detroit, you can take a look here.
Name and logo
You don’t want to leave people guessing. Anyone who sees the sign needs to immediately know who it belongs to. The basics for doing this is displaying your name and logo.
Take a look at this sign we made for CEVA Logistics. Their name and logo is loud and clear.
A few ways to make sure they stand out are the following:
- Choose a different color for the logo and the name than you used for the rest of the sign
- Make sure the font and graphics are large enough. Generally, you can design them to be slightly bigger than the other elements.
- Print them near the top, or the middle of the board so that they catch the eye.
The layout of the sign
Another key feature is always the layout of the design. The individual elements could be perfect, but if they aren’t arranged correctly, they won’t make a positive impact. It plays a major role in the impact and advertising potential of the board.
Significantly, as we’ve seen above, you can use the layout of a sign to emphasize specific elements. To do this, you can place it at the top of the center of the design.
The general rule of thumb is not to use too much content. You don’t want it to be too crowded because it will detract from the impact of each and make your sign less attractive.
Don’t be afraid of white space. It usually improves the overall appearance and effect.
Use graphics sparingly
Generally, you don’t want to use too many images or graphics for construction sign boards. In this way, they are often quite different from other types of signage. Above all, you want to show that your company is professional and reliable.
If you do use images it should be for a specific purpose. For example, your image can:
- Help to demonstrate what your business offers
- Show what the project will look like when it’s done
- Share a striking message for a significant impact
Luckily, using fewer images can help to keep the printing costs low.
Pick your words with care
All in all, this is the most straightforward tip but can also be one of the most challenging to follow.
You want to use as few words as possible. Many businesses have even made impactful signs with the bare necessities. In other words, by only including their company’s name and contact details.
Most of the time, you don’t have to go so sparse. But still, try to keep it short and sweet.
For the words you do use, be sure to format with a readable font in a suitable size.
Recognizable branding
The name and logo of your business are critical parts of your brand and its visual identity. But they aren’t the only features. Each and every element of the sign should reflect your branding. From the images to the colors, they should reflect your business.
To make your signs effective, you want them to form part of a coherent advertising strategy. They should fit with each other and complement each other.
This is one way you can promote your business successfully and make it more memorable.
Part of your marketing
Creating unique signage like a construction sign board can be a great step toward growing your business. With some clever design tricks and marketing secrets, you can attract new potential customers, generate leads, and encourage people to give your services a try.
But whenever you plan on launching an advertising campaign, it’s crucial that you remember it’s a process. Promoting any business isn’t only about commissioning one sign. Instead, you should make your signage part of a much wider advertising strategy.
For more…
As we’ve said, a critical part of marketing is your brand identity, so be sure to check out the importance of brand awareness to the success of your business.
- Published in Advertising, Blog, Business, Outdoor Signs