You’ve put a lot of time and research into building your new business up from the ground, but how much of your plan includes signage? You’ve registered your business name and leased space. Do you have a building sign out front? You’re scoping out local marketing initiatives; how does your trade show booth look? We’ve compiled a list of signs and reasons why you should add them to your marketing budget right here for you!
Identification Signs:
It doesn’t matter whether your business offers a service or operates as a retail store, it’s a good idea to identify yourself, say hello, and offer other pertinent information to passersby. If for no other reason than advertising: when someone needs your services, they’ll think of your company name and look you up when the time comes. You can get really creative here with backlighting, 3D, custom graphics, frosted glass – your budget is the only limit.
Needs: Building sign, Hours of Operation
Wants: Display window signage, sidewalk sign, and parking lot sign.
Directional Signs:
There’s a good chance, what with you being a new business and all, customers will need a little help figuring out either where to find your company, or where to direct their questions upon arrival. As with identification signs this can include a sandwich board on the sidewalk, an awning sign, and directions to and from the parking lot. It can also include signs inside such as “Customer Service” “Order Pick-up” “Washrooms” and even “Employees Only”, depending on your set-up.
Needs and wants: This really depends on the needs of your customers and the location and design of your space.
Informational Signage: Retail shops especially require informational signage to provide education. This includes information about products, sales, departments, policies (like return or warranty), code of conduct, even prices. You want these signs to look professional, include enough detail to be satisfying, but not overwhelming. Trust us, you don’t want a piece of printer paper with handwritten notes taped to the shelf or wall.
Needs: Pricing, Policies, Mandate, Product or Service information.
Wants: Washroom availability, sales (it doesn’t hurt to have an outdoor banner with SALE in your logo colours available at the ready!), and feature products.
Convention and Festival Signage:
Be ready to take your show on the road! Conventions, trade shows, and festivals are rich with customer interaction opportunities. Even if you don’t have the budget for a full-fledged booth yet, get some of your regular signage prepared for an out-of-office event. Make sure signs can be seen from a table top or booth while attendees are standing in front of your booth or table.
Needs: Banner, table-top informational signage, product information, price list.
Wants: Customized booth, adjustable banners
Grand River Sign Design can help you with all of your new business signage needs. We’ve been a new business ourselves, it’s easy to reminisce about our must-haves and wish list to help you form your own. Bring us your budget and we’ll work within it to provide top-quality high performance signage. Don’t forget the value of vehicle wraps! Visit our showroom at 25 Struck Court Unit 5 in Cambridge, or call at 519-740-7272 to book a consultation.
