Think about when you’re walking up to a new restaurant. If the establishment’s sign is in script lettering, dimly lit, and written in French or Italian, you know you’re about to experience slower dining, with several courses, accompanied by low music. If the sign is large and bright, the colors are bold, and it has an icon that shows you what you’re about to eat, it’s feeling like a drive-thru kind of day. Now apply this same logic to your own business—what is your existing signage telling people about your brand? And what opportunities exist to tell a more compelling visual story?
Signage is a tool; but we can also think of signage as a first or early indicator of everything one might expect from the brand. The right sign is a preview of the experience to come. It sets the tone—telling people who you are, while also giving them insight into what you do, and why you do it. In a recent study, nearly 76% of respondents had previously visited a business because of “attractive” signage. In that same study, 75% reported they purchased a product for the same reason. Strong signage motivates. From an external perspective, signage can be used to inspire consumers to buy. From an internal perspective, signage can be used to rally employees around a shared mission and vision.
Looking at signage from the simplest perspective, first impressions count. Using the same data, nearly 79% of consumers polled indicated that signage reflects the quality of a business and the product or service offered by that business. This is why it’s so important that your signage accurately reflects your brand. Entrances, windows, interior walls, meeting rooms, and gathering spaces all serve as canvasses where our team can help you share the mission and vision of your brand in an impactful way.
Curious about what that could look like for your business? This link has examples of different display graphics we’ve done for local, regional, and national brands: https://www.pinterest.com/thinkpatented/display-graphics/
When considering interior or exterior signage for your business, here is a list of questions you can ask to self-evaluate:
1. Does my signage tell consumers who we are?
2. Does my signage give consumers a clear idea of what we do?
3. Does my signage tell consumers where to go?
4. Does my signage position my brand ahead of competitors?
5. Does my signage set the tone for the consumer’s experience? (We can help you answer this question!)
If you can’t answer these questions confidently, there is likely room for improvement on your signage. Not convinced? The data from this same study showed that 77% of respondents have previously had trouble finding a business due to poor signage and more than 70% said they would be less likely to enter a business without a sign. Strong exterior signage is necessary, but strong interior signage is an opportunity you cannot afford to miss. From the time a customer or employee enters your business until they reach their destination, you have countless opportunities to start the conversation on who you are and what you do. That can be branding, examples of work, or testimonials—the options are limitless.
Want some ideas to inspire your thinking? Here are some examples of office signage we helped produce for businesses that wanted to tell their story visually: https://www.pinterest.com/thinkpatented/office-signage/
If you’ve been considering a change, this is your sign that signage might be the change to make!
You may have noticed in the last few years that the QR code has re-emerged as a useful tool for both businesses and consumers. The QR code is where old and new meet—a stationary, static square making it possible to continue the conversation beyond a single sign. With a partner like ThinkPatented, we can help you think through the most effective sizing and placement for QR codes to capture and engage your customers. More than ever, consumers expect this kind of convenience… According to one recent survey, nearly half of consumers have used at least one QR code in the last three months. With QR codes, you can incorporate digital signage into your business in a cost-effective way.
How do you know it’s time for new signage? Here are some key indicators:
1. Decrease in foot traffic.
2. Lagging sales.
3. New competitors in the market.
4. High employee turnover.
5. Recent change to business—new location, renovation, product release, etc.
Finally, spring is the most popular time for industry trade shows and recruitment fairs. If your business is active in those spaces, you need a high-impact floor set that will bring qualified attendees to your booth. In fact, 93% of trade show attendees consider trade shows to be an important part of their buying process and 91% of trade show attendees say they get the most useful buying info from trade shows. Strong display graphics in these spaces should educate and excite prospective buyers, bringing them right to your “door” on the trade show floor.
Not seeing the foot traffic you want at trade shows or recruitment fairs? Click here to take a look at some high-impact floor sets we’ve produced: https://www.pinterest.com/thinkpatented/tradeshows/
Spring is a great time to evaluate your signage needs—and you don’t have to go it alone! From brick and mortar exterior installations and internal branding to QR codes and show displays, we can help you understand your options and how they could work for you.
Ready for a spring spruce? All signs point to yes! Call us today: 937-353-2299.