How to Use a Custom Sign to Create Ambiance for Your Restaurant

Does your restaurant have a story to share? When you create an ambiance for your restaurant, people tend to immediately think about art, color, flooring, furniture, and so on. However, it's important not to neglect signage. Your restaurant sign is a critical component of your restaurant's overall décor package.

You must have heard the saying, "if these walls could talk…." Guess what? Walls do talk, and everybody listens.

Midtown Signs is a commercial signage company that helps to raise its customers' revenue by creating the best commercial signage in Kansas City as well as the midwest. And your walls (both exterior and interior) are excellent places to share your story with people. Therefore, if you set the scene right and make good on your promises to customers, delivering the goods and services they expect, then your restaurant will be set up for success in your community.

Why Invest in Restaurant Signs for Business Ambiance?

Think outside the box! Allow your brand colors and story to spill over onto the walls, around corners, and across the floors. A commercial signage company will help you set up your business in the following ways:

• Customer experience

• Values

• Brand personality

• Identity

• Messaging

Your brand is unique, after all. Also, what a brand represents is usually intangible. Oftentimes, it's only a feeling. Midtown Signs will manufacture, build, and install the best commercial signage that perfectly encapsulates your restaurant's personality in a physical, three-dimensional, and colorful way.

When you invest in the best restaurant signage, it's a win for everybody – the diners, staff, and restaurant owners. That's because having the proper atmosphere in your store will encourage customers to stay and drink more, eat more, and spend more time in your restaurant.

Additionally, they'll be motivated to share their experience on social media, recommend your restaurant to their friends, and become repeat customers. Word of mouth is the greatest method of marketing at your disposal because it gives your business a more permanent place in your community. In other words, it adds longevity.

Here are more benefits of investing in commercial restaurant signage:

• More foot traffic into your restaurant

• More chances of getting shared across social media

• Better tips from customers

• Happier employees

• Making full use of empty space

• An excellent way to generate word of mouth advertising

• Increase your following on social media

• More drink and food sales

• High-quality design that reflects well on your business

• A high-quality sign will engage and excite customers.

Put Yourself in the Customer's Place

Lots of restaurant owners believe that all that's required is to put up a few signs outdoors, and everyone will just rush inside. However, customers today are too smart for that. While it's true that the customer experience starts in the parking lot, it also will continue once they exit the building (and even when visiting the restrooms).

Ask yourself what you think your customers are feeling when they enter your restaurant? How would you feel when entering a restaurant similar to yours? What sort of things are your customers expecting? Do you meet and exceed their expectations, or just do the bare minimum that's necessary?

Here is a list of signs that are both functional and decorative:

• Floor signage

• Interior signage

• Wall graphics

• Custom outdoor signage

• Façade signage

• Exterior signage

• Hanging signage

• Environmental graphics

• Wayfinding signs

• Ground signage

• Window and door signage

• Storefront signage

When your restaurant's environment matches your branding, its personality will be expressed via color palettes, graphic elements, typography, and brand assets. When used appropriately on the surfaces in your restaurant, diners will feel encouraged to interact.

Dazzle Diners With Colorful Restaurant Signage and Décor

Now, after you've put yourself in your customer's position and thought about some potential types of signage you could use, it's time to get into the nitty-gritty. Let's talk about color psychology and why you should consider the benefits of digital signage for creating ambiance in your restaurant.

Your décor and signage are an excellent method of calling attention to your restaurant as well as conveying what kind of ambiance it has. While décor is nearly always used exclusively for ambiance purposes, signage is used for both decorative and functional reasons (like showing diners how to navigate throughout your restaurant). However, regardless of whether your signage is decorative or functional in nature, ensure that the signage is consistent with the rest of the ambiance you're trying to promote.

The Psychology of Colors

Think of the usage of different colors as a form of subconscious communication with your diners. According to research, colors do affect drinking and eating behaviors. Here's how:

• Orange and yellow make people feel happier and less guilty about eating sweets.

• Blue makes people feel thirsty and encourages ordering drinks.

• Green encourages healthier eating and promotes the use of natural ingredients.

• Red makes people feel hungrier and want to buy more food.

You might think that it's easier said than done to change your restaurant color theme. After all, your restaurant would need new paint, flooring, lighting, and decorations, including furniture. Thankfully, there's a shortcut to doing this, and that is digital signage.

Digital Signage for Creating Restaurant Ambiance

Digital signage is an economical solution, especially for smaller-sized restaurants. It's an easy and quick way to set and change the color theme of the restaurant. Place the signage somewhere that's visible to people eating in the restaurant, at eye level. Doing this removes the need to color the entire restaurant.

Besides the cost benefits, there's another advantage of utilizing digital signs in restaurants. Rather than just plain colors, you can show an array of vivid images belonging to a specific color theme. For example, if using yellow, a smiling girl holding up a bunch of bright yellow balloons will fill people with joy as well as a craving for sweets.

To start with, you can create some digital signage campaigns with both video and music and then play them in your restaurant to witness the effects they have on diners as well as the restaurant staff. These days, digital signage from a commercial signage company will allow you to schedule the campaigns you created for use in playlists! That way, you can play each one at the right time and the right place. 

Need Help Attracting Customers to Your Business? Consider These Sign Design Ideas

No matter where your business is located – nestled on a quiet street or on a busy pedestrian sidewalk, having the right type of commercial signage is crucial. A sign made by a commercial signage company will allow you to draw in customers and assist them with finding their way around your store.

Perhaps you want to quickly get people's attention with a quirky and unique message. Or maybe you'd like to advertise a new offer or discount. And finally, perhaps you just need to put some more signs around your establishment to help people find a specific product.

According to a FedEx survey, 91% of small business owner respondents agreed that readable graphics are important drivers of success for their business.

Let's examine different kinds of signs you may want to use. These signs can be used either outside or inside to create a better experience for the customers visiting your store.

Make First Impressions Count

Signs, banners, and posters that you place in your business are usually the first points of contact with customers. And this is common advice but bears repeating: first impressions are lasting impressions. It's your one shot to show off the image of your business that you want people to see and remember. And usually, people will judge or assume the quality of your store based on how it looks on the outside. Judging a book by its cover and all that. Therefore, the messaging and style of your signage are crucial for getting people to take a look inside your store and not just walking past it.

Know the Purpose of Each Sign

Before you order a sign from a commercial signage company, it's a good idea to create a plan for each individual sign you want. For example, if you want an outdoor banner, it’s probably because you want to advertise a new sale. A window decal, on the other hand, could be used to inform passersby when you'll be open for business. Crafting effective messaging for every sign that you have will be a lot simpler when you know the purpose that each sign will serve.

Choosing the Right Sign For the Occasion

People walking by your store are not just pedestrians. No, they're potential customers. Your storefront plays a vital role in attracting these folk to come inside and check it out. A-frame signs work exceedingly well for this purpose since they have two sides and can be read from either direction. 

Meanwhile, a chalkboard sign is better if you'll be updating the information regularly, and it also allows you to inject your own personality into it. For example, bars frequently add witty handwritten messages on these signs to encourage people to come inside.

Ensure That Your sign Is Readable

When creating a storefront design, an important aspect to consider is how visible it will be from a distance. Think about people who are across the street or in a vehicle that's in motion. Therefore, you should make sure that the words written on your signs are still readable from these different positions.

Improve Readability by Using Contrast

Readability is affected by more than the size of the letters. 

Font, color, and contrast also have a major impact on readability.

For instance, a high-quality outdoor banner made by a professional commercial signage company can have a positive impact on your business. However, it must be placed in the proper location, as sun glare could potentially make it harder to read the sign. So if you're planning on hanging a banner sign in an area that gets a lot of direct sunlight, ensure that there will be sufficient contrast between the text and the background color. 

Also, keep in mind that pairing colors that are too similar can make the sign blend together too much, lowering its readability.

If readability is especially important to you, then you should strongly consider using one of these color combinations. These are reported by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America to be the most legible color combinations:

• Green on White

• Yellow on black

• Black on Yellow

• White on Blue

• Black on White

Consistent Branding and Marketing

Customers may end up passing your store up to 30 times per month if it's on their way home or to their workplace. Business signage works for at all hours and is visible even during non-business hours. This gives you an excellent opportunity to build your brand 24/7.

As we touched on earlier, window decals can help in displaying useful information, such as your store's business hours, what payment methods are accepted, and new sale announcements. Think about the subtle details of your signage and graphics and create a consistent and cohesive look all throughout your business, both online and offline.

Less Is More

When it comes to designing a store sign, keep in mind that less is more. With products that can be read more closely, like brochures or flyers, you can take more liberty in using various design options. A patterned background might look lovely on a flier but would be less effective as store signage. With signs, you have to keep in mind the reading distance that's required to reach as many potential customers as possible. In short, it pays well to keep your message simpler and easier to read on a nice clean background.

Recap

We hope that these design tips will assist you in designing the perfect sign for your business. These tips will allow you to better define your sign's purpose and how it will be used to promote your business. The most important tips are to keep your tone and style consistent throughout your business and product offerings. And make sure that it is easy to read for everyone who is within viewing distance of your sign.

Midtown Signs is a commercial signage company in Kansas City. To create the best sign, it's usually a better idea to work with a local company. Get in touch with us for more information. You can also follow our blog for even more useful updates.

How to Choose the Best Monument Sign For Your Business

Yes, visibility is important in promoting your brand online and offline. The competition is tough nowadays, so you have to tap on both social media and traditional advertising to get more customers to your doorstep. 

With that being said, monument signs help you attract customers without having to chase them. Using commercial signs and graphics in promoting your business is very effective in brand awareness, and a monument sign can help you introduce your business to your target customers.

What Is a Monument Sign?

A monument sign is one type of traditional or offline advertising that has a low profile or is built near the ground. With that in mind, it’s also commonly referred to as a ground sign or signage usually made of stainless steel, wood, metal, brick, stone, or other similar materials.

Signage is very important to spread the word about your business. It doesn’t matter if you’re a small or big business; your signage will always work to your advantage giving you 24/7 visibility. In addition, certain signs can be illuminated, especially at night, to grab customers’ attention.

Monument signs are highly functional and can provide great value for your business, no matter what industry you’re in. More so, having monument signs will give your customers the impression that you are a reputable and legitimate business.

Monument signs follow certain city code height regulations depending on your goals. These are typically installed in busy traffic areas or near office buildings.

How to Choose the Best Monument Signs for Your Business

When you’re trying to formulate a strategy to promote your business, choosing a monument sign that screams “Buy Now!” is mission-critical for your business. 

A lot of entrepreneurs or business owners tend to get overwhelmed with the little details involved with monument signs. So, these little details tend to be overlooked or forgotten. Here are a couple of things to consider when choosing the best monuments signs for your business:

Design                      

It’s easy to get too excited and squeeze every idea you have into a monument sign. 

However, bombarding your signage with too many commercial signs and graphics may work against your branding strategy because it can get too overwhelming to look at. Remember what they say – less is definitely more.

The goal of every advertisement or signage is to connect with your audience in a digestible format. With that being said, you need information that is quick and easy to understand. You can never go wrong with the basics – so stick with it.

Options for design could be classic or modern, making your signage more appealing to today’s generation of shoppers. Monument signs that are well-thought will speak volumes about your business as being legitimate, credible, and solid.

If you are looking for more modern and catchy signage, then it’s best to go for molded plastic material or metal with LED lights that can best capture your brand’s unique voice and style. These monument signs can also have logos, emblems, or graphics that help customers identify your business right away.

Enhanced Visibility

The monument sign should be visible enough in terms of size and distance. This means it should be positioned at eye level. 

Placement and angle are also very important, so you should place the signage where it’s visible such as on the sidewalk or near the building or store entrance. You can do a mock test on your sign’s visibility to check if it’s clear and large enough for your customers to see.

Solid Construction

The construction of your monument sign is crucial to achieving a solid and long-lasting advertisement for your business. Look for materials or elements that give your monument sign that polished look that never goes out of style.

Apart from the usual materials, you can make use of alternative materials that are robust and add that sophisticated look to your business signage, such as concrete block, brick, stone pedestals, armored foam, wood, aluminum, or stucco. 

These materials add that layer of permanence to your business and are also durable and require very little maintenance.

Illumination

Certain zone restrictions may not permit LED lighting, but if your district has a green light on this, then illuminated signage would be a great bonus factor for your brand visibility, especially at night.

Why Do I Need a Monument Sign?

Monument signs are outdoor signs. Its main purpose is to grab your customers’ attention while they’re driving or passing by. 

Most businesses are located on busy roads or near parking lots. Thus, the goal of a monument sign is to pique customers’ curiosity so they will want to check you out and make that purchase.

Landmarks

Most business owners have monument signs installed in front of parking lots. In fact, you’ll see that some restaurants will put up another sign near their entrance. 

The goal here is mostly to grab driver attention. That is why you have to create eye-catching signs to entice drivers to drive into your business parking lot and buy from your business.

Increased Foot Traffic

Most monument signs attract people who did not have an original intent to buy from your shop. How it usually goes is that the driver just happens to notice your business because of your signage and decides to buy right then and there. 

With a monument sign, you get to speed up not just foot traffic but also purchasing decisions. So, even if a customer stops by just to inquire about your services, they may actually just buy right on the spot.

If the big brands still have monument signs placed in different locations, a new business should definitely have one or more. 

Commercial signs and graphics effectively promote new or unpopular businesses that need exposure to a wider audience. Monument signs serve as a beacon to pull in more people to your store or business.

5 Ways That a Vehicle Wrap Can Benefit Your Business

Vehicle wraps are an efficient method to promote your company. It has doubled in popularity in recent years due to its success as an efficient and persuasive marketing approach. 

The way firms promote has changed dramatically in the last decade or two. Vehicle wraps are a kind of marketing media intended to be high-impact but simple in approach to broaden a company's reach and raise brand recognition.  

Traditional means of getting a product name out to prospective clients have grown more ineffective as a growing number of individuals choose to watch programs rather than read printed material. For example, Popup advertisements and side adverts aren't as successful as conventional advertising strategies since customers may conceal or pay to avoid them. 

Vehicle wraps are regarded by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA) as one of the most cost-effective forms of advertising accessible to small businesses. For example, a company that employs a car with eye-catching vehicle wraps may generate up to 50,000 impressions each day on average.

Vehicle wraps done by the best custom sign company may be used for long-term advertising or short-term promotions of certain items or special events. You can develop a planned marketing campaign throughout your city since you control the design and where the vehicle will pass. 

There are various advantages to attaching your product or business brand to automobiles. If you've been looking for a fresh way to advertise, opt for the cost-effective vehicle wrap. Just be sure to use the services of a reliable custom sign company.

Here are a few compelling reasons why you should consider employing vehicle wraps to promote your company:

Unrestricted Mobile Exposure

One of the reasons many business owners opt to wrap their corporate cars is because their firm gains visibility every time a vehicle is driven. Because it is difficult to get a company or product name out to the public via traditional methods, this kind of exposure is becoming more popular.

Wrapped automobiles, on the other hand, do it inconspicuously. Vehicles with inscriptions or images on them attract a lot of attention. The wrapped vehicle may be seen by everyone on the road, in buildings, or on the sidewalks. People can then pull out their phones to discover more about your business. Because most cars are plain-looking without markings, the human eye is attracted to anything that stands out. Therefore, the importance of an adequately wrapped car cannot be overstated.

When someone sees one of your wrapped vehicles for the first time, it might be the first impression they get of your firm. Since it will draw a lot of attention, you'll want to make sure it appears aesthetically appealing and is done by a good custom sign company. In addition, since other drivers are likely to see the vehicle, the lettering must be readable. At the same time, you also don't want it to be overly distracting. It's a difficult balance to achieve since you want people to notice yet not be put off by the look.

Repurpose Assets for Your Business

You don't need to purchase a new car or fleet when you have wrapped vehicles. When you wish to alter or change the advertisement, just remove the wrapper and replace it. Use your current assets to market more effectively. For example, if you already have service trucks, employing them for advertising reaches a vast audience and gives your vehicles a new function. This gives your cars a unique design while keeping your advertising updated. It also makes it easy to experiment with various wrappers to determine which one gets the attention and reaction of most customers. 

Wrapping your car is a very cost-effective strategy to get more exposure while traveling to areas you would typically go to anyway. It's tough to pass up the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, particularly when it comes to marketing.

Additional Promotion

It's pretty common for vehicle wrapping to be used as a complement to other forms of advertising rather than a stand-alone strategy. It's challenging to find a more excellent value in advertising money than car wraps. As you go about your daily routine, you'll be able to reach a wide range of people with a mobile advertising piece.

Integrate it into your current marketing strategy, and then the wrap may be used to provide the same look and feel as your previous campaigns. The fact that most individuals have to go out and conduct their daily chores is a universal truth. And that's all that's needed for your car wrap advertising to target a prospective buyer.

Effortless Advertising

 Even if you don't use your car a lot or park for long periods in front of your house or business, there's still exposure. However, people are more likely to notice your ad when your vehicle moves, making it more successful.

The next time someone parks their car near yours and notices your car wrap, they'll be able to use their phone to conduct some research on the product or service you provide while they head to their destination. A simple photograph might serve as a reminder for them later on.

Marketing on Your Own Terms 

Unlike other forms of print advertising, such as billboards, automobile wrap advertising does not impose any restrictions. The only rules you must observe are the ones you choose for yourself.

Consumers have a good strong impression of branded automobiles. It's considered a sign of a well-run company. Your company's ability to buy branded cars indicates to customers that your company is well-established, making it more trustworthy.

You may use vehicle wraps to promote your company in many ways. Getting the services of a good custom sign company should get you started. Don't be scared to contact us if you have any queries!

Finally, car wraps assist in preserving the value of your vehicles. Protecting your vehicle's paint and finishing with removable wraps ensures that it will be more valuable when it's time to sell it.

Looking to Add a New Custom Awning to Your Kansas City Business?

Improve the Beauty and Feel of Your Business

Are you looking to spruce up the appearance of your business and give it a pop of color? If so, then adding a custom awning from Midtown Signs will do just the trick! Our custom sign company specializes in awnings that will work with you to choose the best placement, style, fabric, and colors for your small business. Your awning will be custom-designed and built to your specifications.

So what are some of the benefits? Keep reading to review more!

7 Benefits of Installing a Custom Awning on Your Small Business

Awnings act as a natural air conditioner, keeping you cool inside and out. An awning can even provide shade for customers as they queue just outside your business. Consider calling a reliable custom sign company in Kansas City that offers affordable custom awnings made from high-quality components and materials. Awnings are an excellent method to add value to your business while improving comfort and enjoyment.

1. Power Saver. 

Awnings may help you save money on your energy costs. Did you know that? When properly built and maintained, awnings limit the amount of direct solar heat that enters your business through windows. Installing an awning on your business might save you up to 25% on your summer cooling expenditures. 

2. Boosts the Value of Your Property.

Because they provide a usable area to your business, awnings may help increase the overall property value. They also offer owners a good resale value and attractiveness for any buyers looking for an outside space where they can enjoy themselves in the shade.

3. It shields your property.

Awnings are a great method to increase the value of your property. The primary source of heat and UV radiation is the sun. Awnings are a great way to shield and protect your business' decor from fading or being damaged by the sun, both inside and out. If you let it, the sun may degrade expensive assets like hardwood flooring and carpets. An awning may help protect your property from the sun's damaging heat.

 

4. Weather Protection for Customers.

Adding a retractable awning over the front of your business will give much-needed shade while also shielding your clients or customers from the sun's dangerous UV rays. By using an awning to reduce direct sunlight on your business, you may lower the temperature by up to 20°F.

 

5. Preserves Your Indoor Furniture.

A customized awning will keep the sun's heat and harmful UV rays out of your business more effectively than blinds or curtains, allowing it to cool down. As a result, you can considerably reduce curtains, furniture, carpets, floors, and other interior furnishings. An awning can also help reduce glare on computer and television screens.

6. Increased Visibility and Marketing Potential.

Companies with awnings are easier to spot from the road or sidewalk. Choose an awning that is branded to fit your company’s colors, logo, and designs. This will give you a more noticeable store front while also adding a more polished look to your store. 

7. Built to last and easy to maintain.

Awnings repel water and are mildew resistant. In addition, a retractable awning will remain bright and lovely for at least ten years.

For simple canopy fabric maintenance, just follow these steps:

Step 1: Brush away any loose dirt.

Step 2: Using a spray bottle, apply a cleaning solution of water and mild soap.

Step 3: To clean, use a soft bristle brush.

Step 4: Allow the cleaning solution to penetrate the fabric.

Step 5: Rinse vigorously to eliminate all soap residue.

Step 6: Allow it to air-dry.

3 Popular Types of Custom Awning for Your Business in Kansas City

1. Fixed Metal Awnings

Awnings of this type are tough, hand-crafted, and composed of steel and aluminum. Copper, bronze, pewter, and black powder-coated matte colors are the most popular ones. Modular fixed metal awnings are simple to construct and install, whether you want a sleek appearance or a beach look.

2. Fixed Fabric Awnings

Fixed fabric awnings are a terrific alternative when you need additional shade, and they're also great for adding a decorative touch to your business. With various awning types and an even bigger selection of awning fabric colors, valance trimmings, and designs, these awnings allow full customization.

3. Retractable Awnings

Manually retractable and motorized retractable awnings are fully manufactured and ready to install. Retractable awnings are available in a range of sizes to give quick and easy cover at your business, especially if you have an outdoor patio area for dining or entertaining. You may create a unique design that fits the size and style of your business and outdoor space. You can deploy and retract your awning with the push of a button.

Other Awning Options

Keep the following options in mind while buying an awning:

• Form

Awnings come in various forms, colors, and sizes. They may be used to cover a variety of open places, such as windows, doors and entryways, decks, porches, and patios. An awning may also be used to shade RV windows or give additional cover for an RV.

• Design

Awnings can be either fixed/permanent or retractable/temporary. It can be rolled in or folded up. Stationary awnings must have solid frames to protect them from rain, snow, and wind. Choose between manual and automated retractable awnings during your purchase. The latter are motorized. 

• Materials

Canvas awnings are popular due to their durability and low cost. Still, their tendency to collect rain and snow can pose a safety hazard. On the other hand, metal awnings are often made of aluminum and other incredibly durable and long-lasting metals. So whether you choose a canvas or aluminum awning, the frame should be made of metal. However, wood frames are available on some models.

Are you looking for the ideal awning for your small business? Then, choose Kansas City's top custom sign company. We have the skills and equipment to design and install the ideal commercial awning to make your business even more energy-efficient and eye-catching to the public.