Marketing Signs That Have Impact! – 10 Trends & Tips
We all want to be seen, heard and found. Signs are almost always on the list of items that create traffic for any business. Here are a few trends and tips that will have your signs looking great and will get you noticed!
- The “Design” – Not everyone has the ability or the capability to “design” and “layout” a good sign. The secret to all good signage is to have it designed so it fits well within its surrounding, is easily noticed, visible, readable and gets your message across. A well designed sign can have a lasting impact on your business.
- Visibility Tip for Signs– If you are looking to increase readability, make sure you are using a clear, bold font. A good rule of thumb is 4” letters can be read at 40 feet at 40 miles per hour, 5” letters, 50’ letters can be read at 50 miles per hour. It’s important that logos are designed to be read clearly. Using dark lettering on a light background or vice versa, can also help ensure your sign will be readable and stand out.
- Sign Colors – Bold and unusual colors can be seen well in cloudy and low light conditions. Companies like Target, Verizon, McDonalds and Bank of America all do a good job using bold solid colors and contrasting backgrounds to achieve great results – follow their lead.
- The Message Within a Sign– Messages on your signs; especially on billboards, need to be kept simple with one main call to action and if necessary only one secondary message. If you try to cram too much information into one space, then nothing will stand out. Use impactful photos that your target audience can relate to. Great photos can add a unique quality to any sign, just make sure to confirm with your signage provider that any photos you plan to use are of high enough resolution that they will print crisp and clear.
- Think 3D Signs– One trend to make signs read better and stand apart from your competition is to have your signs done with 3D lettering which will add dimension and create a shadow effect. Often letters can be “off” mounted, so they appear to be standing off the background. Special backlighting can also be incorporated so that your sign can easily be seen in daylight and nighttime conditions.
- Banners And Flags – Many businesses know the benefits of using banners which can act as attention getters, especially for grand openings or special events. Feather flags can also be counted as affordable ways to have people notice your business when you are looking to increase traffic or notice-ability. These are easy to install, affordable, and customizable for your event or marketing message.
- Interior Signs – All businesses need interior signs to showcase their name and brand. Restaurants, hotels, banks and corporate America use special impact graphics which are generally wall mounted to inspire a feeling or mood and to reinforce the brand. When creating such graphics, focus on colors and materials that can be impactful, but don’t forget about the background paint or texture to insure these graphics POP!
- Safety/Fire/Handicap Signs – Every state has laws requiring signs to mean certain codes such as reflective (for fire code) or Braille for handicap needs. Make sure you know specific requirements and follow the guidelines required by your local officials. This makes for passing inspections easily, helps maintain order in the event of a hazard and ensures your office/business is handicap accessible for anyone with special needs.
- Quality – Make sure the signs you are purchasing are made of quality materials. Determining how long your signs will be out in the elements may impact what materials you choose to use. A banner will last 4-6 months. A digital print sign will last 6 months to a year or more before it can start to fade. Vinyl will last multiple years before needing replacement and bronze will last a lifetime. Lastly, use PVC posts when possible so landscaper damage will be kept to a minimum. By spending a little extra to get a quality sign can save yourself from having to replace it so quickly.
- Landscaping – Yes, a well designed sign can look good – adding landscaping can make it look great! Think high plantings behind the sign and low flowers and low plantings in front of signs. Think of the landscaping for a sign as important as the sign itself. Make sure you maintain the landscaping around new and current signs to ensure they are not being blocked by overgrown grasses or plants.
Following these simple trends and tips to create great signs, will help you get noticed, generate traffic & help your business grow! Need a little inspiration? Check out some signs that we have designed - Sign Designs