“I saw the sign” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s what your customers will be saying as they walk through the door. In a term explained by the Sign Research Foundation, signs act as “silent salespersons,” setting you apart from the competition and driving sales. In fact, over 60 percent of businesses reported average sales increases of 10 percent or more just by adding signage!
Signs can play many roles — from branding and providing information about products and services, to guiding customers to the right location and encouraging them to walk in the door. There is no doubt that signage plays a powerful role in the success of your business. But there are a few factors you need to consider before creating business signage.
As a leader of your business, you are constantly making decisions on how to best promote your brand. With so many signage choices, it can be tough to choose the best option for your needs. Considering the location and purpose of your sign is the first step in determining the best material and sign type.
Will your sign be located indoors or outdoors? If you place a sign outside that is best suited for the indoors, a vibrant spotlight on your business can quickly become drab-looking as the ink fades from being in direct sunlight. Other factors for choosing the best sign materials include weather exposure, the purpose of the sign or the amount of time you will need the sign to last.
Some signage materials that are well suited for the outdoors are best for short-term or event use, such as coroplast A-Frames, feather flags, scrim vinyl or mesh banners. For more moderate use, aluminum composite or acrylic signs can withstand heat and moisture while staying vibrant for about five years.
For much more permanent use, PVC is the perfect option. PVC is rustproof, waterproof, more resistant to the sun and cold, and can last up to a decade without falling apart. For more information on signage materials, check out our blog on small business signage and outdoor signs.
Where your business is located has a significant impact on the signage you can choose. These regulations and restrictions on factors such as sign type, design, height, size or location are called “sign codes.” Set by your county, city or municipality and/or your landlord, it is important to follow all regulations to avoid a violation that could negatively impact your business – and cost you a lot of money in fines and wasted materials.
If your business is located in Tallahassee, you can find the city sign code here and the Leon County sign code here. If your business is elsewhere, you can find all ordinances on your city or county website or on codification databases like Municode.
Ask the experts! Doing the research and asking questions will allow you to confidently sit in the driver’s seat as you enter the business signage creation process.
At Target Print & Mail (& Signs) we know a thing or two about business signage. From deciding the materials and graphic design to navigating the local sign codes and other considerations, our team of friendly experts is prepared to help you through the process. Call us today at 850.671.6600 or contact us online to get started.
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