How Small Retailers Can Benefit From a Custom Business Sign

Small retail stores face a lot of competition from bigger retailers as well as online stores. Instore and online shoppers never tire of browsing through beautiful displays and reading informative product descriptions. But in order to build a retail business, store owners need to be creative in how they set up their storage space and attract customers who are browsing for products that may even be cheaper at big retailers. 

One way to do so is by creating custom business signs, which can include images or logos that reflect the style and personality of their small businesses. Business signs serve the purpose of making an impression on shoppers and act as a way to grab their attention. In this blog post, we introduce some tips to help small retailers create custom business signs that will boost their sales through the help of a custom sign company or by themselves.

1. Create a Theme for Your Business

A theme makes it easier for customers to find your store among other similar businesses. For example, if you own a pet store that sells dog food and accessories, you could create a dog/pet-related theme with your business name as the title and have images or logos of dogs or cats on your business sign. It would be appropriate for you to display pictures of your products on the sign.

2. Create a Memorable Design

You can create a memorable design for your business sign using any graphics program, but the important thing is to make your business sign stand out among others in the same industry. You will be surprised at how creative you can get in making an unforgettable image or logo that portrays your personality and style as a retailer.

3. Promote Your Business With a Catchy Slogan

You can create an effective, eye-catching, and memorable slogan to promote your store by using a combination of words and images or an acronym. It should sound pleasant to customers and be easy to remember as well. For example, if you own a pet store that sells dog food and accessories, you could create a catchy slogan such as "All Dogs Go To Heaven."

4. Encourage Repeat Business With Discounts

Small retailers can encourage repeat business with promotional discount offers that are exclusive to their customers. Examples include 10% off your first purchase or an additional 10% off if you purchase more than one product. Customers love getting such offers as it makes them feel special and valued, and they will most likely become loyal customers in the future.

5. Encourage Customers to Post on Social Media With Attractive Discount Offers

Customers will return if they develop an emotional bond with you and your products. Use social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram to promote discounts. Show off a carefully selected selection of your best products and make them irresistible to shoppers who love shopping for more than one product at a time.

6. Promote Your Business at Trade Shows

A well-designed business sign will attract customers to your store, but you can also increase the number of customers that come into your store by exhibiting at trade shows. It is an effective way of reaching out to a large number of potential customers who are looking for products and services that you offer.

7. Create a Fun and Unique Design

Many small retailers can benefit from attending business seminars or workshops on retail business. There are many useful and innovative ideas to help retailers attract customers and increase sales. For example, you can create a unique collection of products for sale, such as pet toys, clothes, accessories, and food that have a cute appeal to them. Don't forget to display them in your store with cute business signs that reflect their fun appeal.

What Are the Most Cost-Effective Signage Ideas?

There are many custom business signs that can be added to your store, so if you have a limited budget, here are five ideas to help you save more money.

1. A-Frame Signs

A-frame signs are convenient and cost-efficient signs for small retailers. They could be placed in both indoor and outdoor areas of your store, and the biggest benefit is that they are easy to make. They can be made from cardboard or plywood, which is enough to attract customers to your business.

2. Monument Signs

If you have a building that has a large space, you could install a monument sign. It is customizable, and it has the potential to attract customers because most of them like grand and impressive signs. For example, if you are selling flowers, it makes sense to create an attractive shape of a bouquet with blooming flowers on your business sign.

3. Bar Signs

For retailers that sell alcohol, there is an appealing way to encourage repeat business with bar signs. It can be made from wood or metal, and it is easy to display as it is placed on a counter. It will encourage customers who are shopping for food and drinks to visit your store.

4. Wall Murals, Prints, and Graphics Materials

Many small retailers can apply graphics materials such as wallpaper, prints, and posters that look like natural scenery to their stores. Customers will get excited if they see a beautiful, realistic image or logo on their business sign. It will encourage repeat customers and reinforce the brand or personal message you stand for.

5. Mobile Signage

A mobile sign is a billboard that is parked in front of your business with the name of your store and contact details printed on it. It is an effective way of promoting your business on a budget, especially if you have a small or large parking lot. All you need is to rent a truck and a trailer to set it up for your customers.

6. Changeable Letter Signs

A changeable letter sign is made from materials such as plastic or metal, and it is easy to carry from one location to another. It can be posted in front of your store, or it can be rotated with different business names on your store for an effective sign that promotes repeat business.

Conclusion

Now that you know what kind of business signs to use, there is only one important question left: How much will it cost you? Well, small retailers rarely pay thousands of dollars to a custom sign company for their custom-made business signs because there are many cost-effective and convenient ways to advertise their businesses. If you follow the tips we discussed in this article, your business will definitely benefit from more traffic and sales from repeat customers. 

If you need a custom business sign, contact our team here at Midtown Signs today! We would be happy to discuss the cost with you and get you a quote right away. 

Does Your Business Need a Signage Plan? Key Things You Should Know

Signage is the art of making people aware of your business and what is happening. It can be used as a visual representation to showcase your products or services, and it can also be used to advertise certain events that are going on. Today, it is a popular medium for businesses to design and implement because of the number of advertisement choices available and how easy it is to obtain.

What Do You Need to Consider Before Creating a Signage Plan?

Even though there are many advantages to having a signage plan in place, there are also many disadvantages. So how do you know if your business needs a signage plan through a Kansas city sign company? Read on and find out.

1. Know Your Business

It is important to remember that your signage should not be too overwhelming. It should not be so bright or so big that it distracts from the main purpose of your business. To decide whether or not you need a signage plan, it is important to understand your business's needs first.

2. Think About the Audience You Want to Reach

If your business wants to promote a specific service or product, you should consider the audience that will benefit from it. If your target audience is mostly adults, having obvious and colorful signage that will catch their attention is a great idea. If you target children and families, having more subtle signs is better.

3. Decide on Your Budget

Once you know what you are looking for, next up is to set a budget for your signage. It is recommended to start small because you may not know everything that goes into creating a signage plan. This way, you can try it out and see how well it works for your business. If it does not work out the way you want, you can always adjust according to the needs of your business.

4. Consider the Material

It is important to set a budget for your signage so that you know what kind of materials to use. When considering this, it can help to determine which materials work best. For instance, you may want to choose a material that is easier for people to see through or have more durability or other qualities that will allow for easier maintenance.

5. Know Your Location

For a business to be effective, it must be located where the public can easily access it. For this reason, you should know the layout of your business so that you can map out where your signs should go and how you should place them. When considering this, think of where there are currently signs in the area and what kind of signs they are.

6. Choose Your Signage

By now, you should know what kind of signs you need for your business and how you want to place them. The next step is to choose your signage. Choosing the right material for your signs can help them last longer and show better results. This way, you will already be prepared with a backup plan if something were to happen to the signage.

What Are the Benefits of Signage?

In the modern era of competition, a business without a signage plan can be the difference between success and failure. This is because not everyone has the same idea when it comes to advertising. For this reason, it is important to have your individualized signage so that you can stand out and make a lasting impression on your customer. Here are some great benefits of having a signage plan in place for your business:

1. More Traffic to Your Location

A good sign can help guide customers straight to your location. This can help ease traffic loads and prevent customers from getting lost on their way to your business.

2. You're Smarter Than Your Competitors

You must make a good first impression on your customers. A good sign can do this for you by helping you to brand yourself and make it easier for your customers to remember you. This way, they will come back for more over time and trust in what you have to offer.

3. It Makes Your Business Look Professional

A professional business image can help you gain more customers and make you look like a more trustworthy business person. It is important to remember that what you put out there is the first thing that people will see. In addition, it will give off the vibe of your business and make your company better than others.

4. Easy Access to Information

Signs can easily give out important information such as store hours, store locations, and contact information. This way, you will not have to worry about answering the same questions over and over again to your customers. It can save your business time and money by decreasing the number of calls and emails you need to respond to.

5. Lesser Costs for Advertising

Signs are much more affordable investments compared to other advertising methods such as radio, television, or newspapers. This is because you can spread out different signs to reach an entire area instead of just one specific location.

6. Easily Gather Feedback from Customers

If you have a sign asking for feedback, it will be easy to find out how your customers feel about your products or services. This way, you can easily adjust your strategy and improve the quality of the product or service.

7. Increase Your Reputation

A great reputation will make it easier for people to trust you, and they will spend more money with your business. This is because they will be more likely to spend their money with you. After all, they will know that you are a reputable Kansas city sign company.

Conclusion

Besides a good reputation, a signage plan can help your business keep its identity and quality in the minds of your customers. This can help to improve sales, brand awareness, and customer loyalty. It is important to remember that a signage plan is just as important as other advertising methods, so it should be taken seriously when creating one.

3 Key Ways That Vehicle Wraps Can Reinforce Your Brand

Business owners need to always find different ways to stand out. There is a lot of competition going on, after all. They need to always be visible to consumers without overspending on marketing. Using vehicle wraps will increase the presence of your business. It will leave a lasting impression and make your brand memorable.

Our local sign company in Kansas City can help out with effective marketing. Traditional marketing tactics such as vehicle wraps can reinforce your brand. It's the key to having an eye-catching yet professional way of marketing your business. Using the right design for vehicle wraps plus social media presence will greatly benefit your business marketing.

1. Gives the Customer Confidence

When the consumers have not heard or seen your brand, they might feel that it's risky to do business with you. Our local sign company in Kansas City can help by giving potential customers more confidence in your business. Remember that most consumers will not risk having a bad experience with unknown companies.

Benefits of Vehicle Graphics:

• The right vehicle graphics will make your business look more legit.

• It will make the customers confident that they will get their money's worth.

• Having a professional presentation will make your business stand out.

• Vehicle wraps can increase your brand's reliability.

• It will entice consumers to prefer your business over the competitors.

2. Brand Recognition

Using vehicle wraps can increase your company's visibility. People can see your brand wherever you go. It's an effective way of marketing that will help with brand recognition over time. When people see your vehicle, they will remember to buy from you. It will improve sales since consumers like seeing visual representation before buying.

Seeing your vehicle wrap will also provide social proof that your business exists. When they see your company vehicle, it will entice people to also prefer your company. Seeing your vehicle on the job will make people trust your brand more. When they see that other people are buying your products, others will feel confident to buy from you as well.

3. Enhances the Advertisement

Using vehicle graphics is one of the most cost-effective ways to market your business. If you're using a company vehicle, it should reach thousands of potential customers out there. Make sure to use vehicle wraps to increase your chances of becoming more visible. It also enhances the advertisement that you're currently using.

Advertising on billboards is very expensive compared to vehicle wraps. Fighting for prime spots may not be worth it if you're still a startup. This traditional way of advertising is ideal for huge brands. Vehicle wraps will not only help you to reach more people. It's also a one-time expense, and you can use it for marketing for a long time.

What Are the Types of Vehicle Graphics?

a. Full or Partial Wraps

If you want to use vehicle graphics, you can choose between full or partial wraps. It will help your brand to be recognized and provide a positive image. A local sign company in Kansas City may use vinyl to cover your vehicle. These large sheets will be heated to wrap around your car.

These vehicle wraps are durable, so you can use them for a long time. If you want to remove them after a certain period, you can do so. It's best to keep them on for as long as you can to use them for marketing your business longer. Vehicle wraps can make your brand stand out without overspending.

b. Spot Graphics

Spot graphics are self-adhesive that can provide an easy way of advertising your business. This is a vehicle lettering, and it will be attached to the vinyl. They are recommended to use for promotions since they can provide a fast turnaround. It's a good marketing strategy for your company car.

These are also affordable and a good alternative for fill or partial wraps. If you don't want to cover up your vehicle, spot graphics are the best choice. This is designed to fit the color and body of your vehicle. It will not cover up the entire vehicle, but it can still have a great impact on your marketing.

c. Magnetic Signs

If you're looking for a cost-effective but simple design for your company vehicle, magnetic signs will work for you. It will provide amazing vehicle branding. Unlike other types of vehicle wraps, magnetic signs can be moved in different parts of your vehicle. It's fade-proof and easy to clean if you decide to place it in other areas of your vehicle.

What Are the Benefits of Using Vehicle Wraps for Marketing?

1. Low-Cost Awareness

Vehicle wraps can be used to market your business anytime. It's a low-cost type of advertising without spending more for additional reach. These vehicle wraps can last for at least five years. It's an affordable investment and can work for any type of business.

This form of marketing is known to be the most cost-effective. They can give you a lot of impressions without paying more. Other traditional marketing tools will make you pay extra. Vehicle wraps will only cost a one-time installation and can generate up to 30,000 impressions daily.

2. Strategic Versatility

Using vehicle wraps provides you the opportunity to get as many impressions as you can. It can be used in the short or long term. You can use it as a promotional tool or a long-term advertisement. Don't worry about the design since you can choose if you want it to be a full or partial wrap.

3. Targets Local Consumers

Company vehicles usually drive or park around the neighborhood. It can be used to deliver goods or provide service. Adding a vehicle wrap will make people aware of your business. It can get the attention of people, even if it's just parking. Vehicle wraps will provide more sales and customers for your business locally.

4. Consistency

Using vehicle wraps can make your campaign consistent. Whether you're driving or parking the company vehicle, people will see it. Your brand will appear and feel more reliable that way. Aside from the marketing benefits, vehicle wraps can also protect the vehicle. It can be weatherproof, and you can also have a fixed cost with advertising. 

The 10 Best Sign Design Ideas to Make Your Storefront Pop

If you want to make your storefront popup, using the best sign design will help you to achieve that goal. It should be done as early as the product launch or introduction of your brand. Whatever goal you might have, using the right sign will make your shop pop up and be known to your target market.

People are visual by nature, and getting their attention is the best way to grow your business. It will help your brand to be associated with an image that consumers will remember. These visual tools will communicate with potential customers. Using custom outdoor business signs is an important part of the marketing process.

The 10 Best Sign Design Ideas to Make Your Storefront Pop

Custom outdoor business signs are great tools for your brand. It will help your business to become well known and popular. Using the best sign design will get the attention of consumers. It will make your business more popular than not having the right sign design.

1. Use a Creative Name

Having a creative name is one of the most important elements of a sign design. It's where everything will be based. Think of a creative store name that is easy to remember. Avoid using words that are hard to read. Make it memorable for everyone who will see your business name.

The sign design will be more effective if you use a creative name. It should be memorable even for the passersby. Using a unique and creative name for your business will help a lot with marketing. Make it sound intriguing so people can't resist checking out what you have to offer.

2. Make Use of Symbolism

Symbolism is another great way of making your business appealing. Make sure that you will use the right symbol for your store. It will avoid misunderstandings if you choose the perfect symbolism for your brand. Find something that will describe your business even without using letters.

Make the symbol bold and huge to catch a lot of attention. If you plan on using symbolism for your storefront, make sure that it will describe your business well. It must be something that people will remember when they see a specific image. People should think about your brand when they see it.

3. Wordless Sign

Using an image alone can make your storefront pop even without the texts. If you want people to remember your business, try using a wordless sign. Make sure that the image will suit how your business operates. Make it colorful and artistic to catch the attention of your target market.

4. Image Reflection

Use a sign design that will reflect the image of your brand. Avoid using texts alone since some people are visual beings. They can associate your business with the image reflecting the name of your brand. Make sure it's clear, easy on the eyes, and catchy. This sign design should make consumers walk inside your store.

5. Take Advantage of Every Side

If you have more than one wall facing the road, take advantage of this opportunity. It's important to have your main sign in front of the public. But if you can have two or more, it's best to make use of all the sides of the building to display your brand.

It will allow you to market your business in every direction possible. The outdoor signs should be on every wall facing the traffic. It will cover a wider area to tell people that you're ready to do business. Use bold colors that will attract more attention and make the letters of your sign stand out.

6. Wall and Sign

It's a good idea to make your sign become the wall of your storefront. This clever design will make your business have a sign and wall in one. It looks creative as well and will grab the attention of the passersby. Use bright and bold letters to complete the look of this design idea.

7. Simple Symbols

Depending on your business, using simple symbols can go a long way. If you prefer to have your sign design simple, use contrasting colors. Make the texts easy to read so that they will still become memorable. Even with simple symbols, your storefront will stand out if you use the right colors.

8. Illuminate the Sign

If your business operates at night, illuminating the sign will make it pop. The lights will be easier for people to locate your business. It will also make your business name easier to read. Using lights will also make the sign more appealing and enticing.

Illuminating your sign is also helpful if your business is located in a dark area of the street. It will help people to find your business easily. Have the letters illuminated with a brightly colored background? That will help your sign to stand out in a dark location, even if it's the nighttime.

9. Match the Architecture

If your business is located in a building, make sure to match it with the architecture. The sign must look unique but should not overpower the building design. Take advantage of your location and make the sign look like a part of the building.

Matching the building's architecture will not only make your store look classy. It will also make people curious about what you have to offer. Choose a sign design that will make your business stand out without being an eyesore.

10. Have an Evocative Sign

Make sure that your business sign will look evocative. It should trigger memories and feelings when somebody looks at the sign. Use a simple but memorable design to make your business stand out. Solid colors and highlights on the text are also recommended. The storefront will still pop with a simple yet evocative sign.

Conclusion

Using custom outdoor business signs will make your brand have its own personality. The sign design doesn't have to be grand. Make it memorable to keep customers from coming back. It's another way of marketing your business, and having an excellent sign is essential. If you’re in the market for a new sign, contact us for a quote today! 

7 Tips for Maintenance and Upkeep on Your Company's Signage

Your business signage plays a major role in attracting and guiding clients to your location. So it's important to maintain your signage by following the advice below. Do you dread the idea of having to maintain your company's sign? You might be surprised how easy it can be with these tricks for taking care of signs that work! 

There are several ways to care for your signage, but it's important to know the basics before you get started. 

If you know what materials make up your sign, you can take proper steps to clean and protect it. Most signs are made with either plastic or metal components and have a vinyl face with a protective coating applied. This coating is often referred to as a "laminate" because the protective material is laminated between the vinyl and metal. 

Follow these 7 tips from our Midwest sign company in Kansas city for caring for, storing, and cleaning your sign, so you can save some time and avoid a costly mistake down the line.

1. Use the Right Cleaners

There are several cleaners for signs that you can find at your local hardware store. These cleaners come in all different shapes, sizes, and formulas to fit your individual needs. Some come in spray bottles, while others are packaged in a foam or soft pad. If you are concerned about the strength of the cleaner on your sign, be sure to test a small area before applying it over the whole sign. 

A test patch is a great way to check the strength of the cleaner and gauge how well it will maintain the integrity of your sign. Many cleaners come with a polishing pad that you can use to get in between all of your letters and artwork, making it easier to get every inch of your sign clean. 

Some materials, such as vinyl and metal, do not respond well to harsh chemicals like ammonia-based cleaners. If you are trying to clean these materials, be sure to have an ammonia-free cleaner on hand. Some cleaners may not be as effective as they claim to be, so test them with a small area first.

2. Know Your Signs

The type of sign you have can make a big difference in how it will respond to different cleaners. Because the materials are typically different, the cleaner you use might react differently to each type of sign. 

You should always read the label carefully before buying and using any brand of cleaner for your sign. Different materials tend to respond better to different types of cleaners. If you are concerned about your sign, be sure to check the label of any cleaner before using it.

3. Watch the Weather

If you have a long-lasting sign, you'll want to use extra caution in cleaning and storing it during various weather conditions. Signs can weather when left outside in the sun and rain over many years or even months. Even if you manage to clean your sign well, keeping it off of your building can help prevent weathering. 

In case it starts to show signs of weathering, you can use a soft cloth or towel to gently wipe the surface. If you see any scratches or scuffs on your sign, try to clean them with a fine-grit sandpaper or emery cloth before restoring the shine.

4. Know Your Materials

Before you start cleaning your sign, make sure you know what type of material it is made from. If it's vinyl, use a vinyl cleaner designed for vinyl signs. If it is metal, use a metal cleaner designed for metal signs.

 Be sure to test any cleaner on a small area of your sign before using it on the entire sign. It can also be helpful to look at the material that your sign is made from as well as where it's located. Some signs attach directly to buildings or fencing, and others are placed out in the open, exposed to the elements.

5. Be Patient

If you're a little hesitant about cleaning your sign, remember that yours is the one that's most visible to your clients. You'd want others to have a well-cared-for sign that lasts as long as possible, so make sure to be patient if you find it difficult to clean or store. If you're having trouble with your sign, look for a professional to help.

6. Clean the Signs Regularly

You can find a multitude of cleaning products for signs and other outdoor materials. These products come in spray bottles, pads, wipes, or other types of solutions that help you to clean your signage. You should follow the directions on the label before using these cleaners on your sign or other metal surfaces. 

Letting your sign sit in one place for too long can cause it to fade over time. Thankfully, you can clean these areas with a soft cloth to bring them back to life. You can also use some vinegar and water to remove dust or fingerprints from your sign. 

If you have a graffiti problem, consider using a product designed for graffiti removal from surfaces such as glass or metal signs. The product should be able to remove the graffiti easily without damaging the surface of your sign. The product might not be long-lasting as the original vinyl on your sign, so it may look dull after using it to remove graffiti.

7. Clean the Areas Around Your Sign

A sign needs to be properly cared for, but so do the areas around it. It's important to clean up any dust and leaves before they accumulate on your sign. If you allow dirt or leaves to collect on your sign, it could result in damaging streaks. While you're busy cleaning your sign and getting rid of any particles, look at the areas around it as well.

Choose Midtown Signs

Midtown Signs is a Midwest sign company in Kansas City, and we are your best option for any sign service you need. We will make sure your signs still look great and last as long as possible by providing our maintenance and upkeep services. From changing light bulbs to buffing out scratches, let us help how we can. 

Contact us today for all of your signage needs! At our Midwest sign company in Kansas City, we also offer complete signage projects, including design, printing, and installation.