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The possibilities for signage are limited only by imagination and budget. In fact, many businesses will benefit from using more than one type of sign as part of their overall strategy. However, signs range from simple to complex, with costs ranging from a few hundred dollars well into the thousands.
Explore these different types of signs:
Signs that are mounted on a building’s exterior can serve as key branding for your business to the outside world, as well as assist your customers—and potential customers—in finding your location. However, there are a number of different types of building-mounted signs, which typically differ in exactly where on the building’s exterior they appear.
One of the newest innovations in signage is dynamic digital, which is essentially a large screen or screens displaying a message. This type of signage has many uses, including:
As with most new technology, digital signage bears a large initial charge, though the prices of screens and related equipment are dropping rapidly. It also requires frequent upgrades, software changes, and high-quality content. There likely will be recurring costs as well, for electricity to power the sign and routine maintenance. There also may be local ordinances that affect external signage.
The cost and complexity of digital signage should not hinder consideration of whether it is right for your specific application. Digital images capture our attention and make a lasting impression. Traditional forms of media are becoming less and less effective. People don’t read newspapers as frequently and many viewers fast forward through TV commercials. An external sign is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An internal sign is operational whenever your business is open, advertising your specials, reinforcing your brand image, or explaining more about your line of work.
Businesses should not be quick to dismiss digital signage due to the expense, nor should they be quick to adopt just to look technologically savvy. Careful consideration of this exciting new area of signage can help you find the right digital signage for your needs.
As with building-mounted signs, a freestanding sign is well explained by the name itself. It is a sign that is freestanding, or not attached to a building. These signs also may be located away from the business, such as at a highway exit or at the entrance to a business complex. Even within this category, though, there are various types of signs. The types of signs most effective for your particular use may be determined by the location of your building, such as whether it’s in a shopping center or business complex. Others may be affected by local ordinances.
Some of the most common freestanding signs follow:
Exterior signage helps customers find your business, but interior signs direct them once inside. This is no mere afterthought; interior signage can be critical to helping your customers navigate your business, make buying decisions, and sometimes help you stay on the right side of the law. As with exterior signs, interior signs come in many shapes and forms, and several types may be required for your business.
While businesses of any type may need interior signage, it has specific applications and uses depending upon your type of business you operate. An experienced sign company can help you determine which sign type might work best for your particular need.
What if every time you got into your car, you started a rolling billboard? That’s just what vehicle wraps can do. These specially applied vinyl wraps can be seen by millions each year, depending on how often the vehicle is on the road. The costs of vehicle wraps is often one of the lowest forms of advertising available and offers one of the highest recall rates. In fact, one study showed that 94% of drivers recalled seeing mobile advertising while 80% of them could remember the specific company. A vehicle wrap also can serve as a stationary sign, if parked outside your place of business.
Vehicle wraps can be applied to cars, trucks, vans or trailers. They are ideal for a sole proprietor looking to market his or her business, or for a large company that wants the advertising that comes from wrapping every company vehicle.
While there are some stand-alone vehicle wrap shops, consider incorporating them as part of your comprehensive sign package. When working with a sign company, ask if they handle vehicle wraps; if not, ask for a referral.