How Custom Signs Can Boost Your Business This Summer
Summer is a vibrant season full of opportunities for businesses to attract new customers and make a lasting impression. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through custom signs. Whether you own a retail store, a restaurant, or are involved in real estate, custom signs can significantly enhance your visibility and draw in potential customers. In this blog, we’ll explore how custom signs can boost your business or real estate listings this summer, the top five types of signs that attract customers, the psychology behind effective signage, and how storefront signage can complement website messaging. We’ll also discuss the best signage investment for businesses with limited budgets.
The Psychology Behind Effective Signage
Understanding the psychology behind what makes a sign effective can help businesses design signs that not only attract attention but also convert that attention into action.
1. A-Frame Signs
Psychology: A-Frame signs are highly effective because they are placed at eye level and directly in the path of foot traffic. They create a sense of immediacy and relevance, often featuring daily specials, promotions, or important messages that encourage spontaneous decisions.
Example: A coffee shop might use an A-Frame sign to advertise a limited-time summer drink special, enticing passersby to stop in for a refreshing treat.
2. Window Graphics
Psychology: Window graphics utilize the large, visible space on storefront windows to grab attention. Bright colors and bold designs can create a sense of curiosity and excitement, drawing people into the store to learn more.
Example: A boutique clothing store could use window graphics to showcase its latest summer collection, using vibrant colors and seasonal themes to attract fashion-conscious customers.
3. LED Signs
Psychology: LED signs are dynamic and eye-catching, making them hard to ignore. The bright lights and moving text or images can capture attention from a distance and convey important messages quickly.
Example: A restaurant might use an LED sign to highlight daily specials, happy hour times, or upcoming events, enticing customers with dynamic, illuminated content.
4. Banners
Psychology: Banners are versatile and can be used in various locations to promote events, sales, or new products. The large size and bold text make them easily readable from a distance, which is an important consideration depending on where the potential customer might be viewing from, like on foot or from a moving vehicle.
Example: A real estate agent could use a banner to advertise an open house, ensuring maximum visibility and generating interest among potential buyers.
5. Wall Murals
Psychology: Wall murals transform ordinary walls into works of art that can tell a story about the business. They create an immersive experience, engaging customers and making the business more memorable.
Example: A brewery might use a wall mural depicting the brewing process, enhancing the ambiance and educating customers about their craft, making the visit more memorable and the brand more relatable.
Integrating Storefront Signage with Website Messaging
Effective marketing in the digital age requires a cohesive strategy that integrates both physical and digital touchpoints. Here’s how storefront signage can work together with website messaging to attract more customers:
Consistency
Ensure that the messaging on your storefront signage aligns with your website. This creates a seamless brand experience, reinforcing your business’s identity and values.
Example: If a bookstore is promoting a summer reading program, the A-Frame sign outside might advertise the event while the website provides detailed information and a signup option. Consistent visuals and messaging on both platforms strengthen the campaign’s impact.
Call to Action
Use storefront signage to direct customers to your website for more information or to take specific actions. QR codes on signs can link directly to relevant web pages, providing an easy transition from physical to digital engagement.
Example: A fitness center could place a banner outside promoting a summer membership special with a QR code leading to the signup page on its website. This simplifies the process for potential customers and increases the likelihood of conversions.
Engagement
Encourage interaction between your physical signage and digital presence. Social media handles or hashtags on signs can prompt customers to share their experiences online, extending your reach.
Example: A restaurant might use window graphics to promote a summer photo contest, asking customers to share pictures of their meals using a specific hashtag. This not only drives traffic to their social media pages but also generates user-created content and organic promotion.
Best Signage Investment for Businesses with Limited Budgets
For businesses with limited budgets, it’s crucial to invest in signage that offers the best return on investment. Here’s the top recommendation:
A-Frame Signs
Cost-Effective: A-Frame signs are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of signage, making them an affordable option for small businesses.
Versatile: They can be easily moved and updated, allowing businesses to change their messages as needed without incurring expensive additional costs. Typically a new sign insert is $40-$60.
High Visibility: Placed at ground level, A-Frame signs are perfect for catching the attention of pedestrians, making them ideal for businesses in high foot traffic areas.
Top Tips for using A-Frame Signs:
- Clear Messaging: Keep the text concise and easy to read. Use bold fonts and high-contrast colors to ensure readability from a distance.
- Strategic Placement: Position the A-Frame sign where it will be most visible to your target audience, such as near entrances, busy sidewalks, or intersections.
- Frequent Updates: Regularly change the message to keep it fresh and relevant. This could include daily specials, upcoming events, or seasonal promotions.
Conclusion
Custom signs are a powerful tool for boosting business visibility and attracting customers, especially during the bustling summer months. By understanding the psychology behind effective signage and integrating it with your digital presence, you can create a cohesive and compelling marketing strategy. For businesses with limited budgets, investing in A-Frame signs offers a cost-effective solution that delivers high impact. Whether you’re running a retail store, a restaurant, or managing real estate listings, the right custom signage can make all the difference in driving foot traffic and increasing sales.
Erin Smith is co-owner of Spotlight Strategies, a marketing solutions firm specializing in print, apparel, promotional product and signs. An accomplished health care administrator turned business owner, Erin brings rare behavioral expertise to the world of small business.
With a Master’s degree in social work, and a thriving business she is a sought after advisor, coach and mentor to many of Indiana’s small business owners and support associations. Erin demonstrates unwavering commitment and facilitates profitability to any organization to which she directs her time and talent, and is successful in motivating and empowering people whether supporting a cause or building a company.
