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

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

An outdoor sign with tiles spelling out arcade, cafe, workspace, art, garden, and stage.

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.

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The Art Behind Integrating Floor and Window Graphics Within Your Business

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The Art Behind Integrating Floor and Window Graphics Within Your Business

FLOOR GRAPHICS

The floor is often overlooked and underutilized as an advertising space. After all, it would seem like an unusual spot to put an advertisement. It’s for that same reason that it can be one of the greatest methods of advertising available. It gives you the chance to shake things up and speak boldly to your patrons. At the most basic level, they can also help customers with wayfinding. Another simple use for floor graphics is plastering your logo design in appropriate spots. We’ll go into these options in more detail below.

 

Wayfinding

These can help your customers find your best deals and discounts. While simple shelf-mounted markers are an option, it’s more effective to include floor graphics depicting arrows, dollar signs, or footsteps. This idea also applies to seasonal events – help your customers find your gift-wrapping stations or shipping counters. Floor graphics become even more useful and effective when you need to direct large crowds.

 

Branding

Fostering brand awareness means repeating the promotion of specific product types that you’d like to be known for. First, you’ll want to connect the name of your store with the product you offer. Doing so will make you the go-to choice in the minds of consumers, and they will go to your store whenever they need that specific item.

Now back to floor graphics. You can put some at your store’s main entrance, and it should let shoppers know of any specific brands in your store.

Another great tool for creating brand awareness is co-branding signage. With this type of ad, you put your store logo and name along with the manufacturer’s name and logo. You can be pretty generous with this type of floor graphic and put them all around your store.

 

Bold Statements

Excellent use of vinyl floor graphics to display mission statements, sayings, mottos, or tag lines. When kept short, these bits of text define who you are as an institution or business. These floor graphics make it easier for people to connect you to your words, which will create the right kind of atmosphere in your store. Customers will have new expectations of you, and when your staff is able to meet those expectations, customers will leave more satisfied. In fact, creating this kind of tone in this way for all manner of interactions is suitable in banks, stores, non-profit organizations, schools, and pretty much anywhere else.

 

Bring in More Foot Traffic

The best way to bring in more foot traffic to your store is to let people outside know what you offer. For example, if you stock the latest gadgets that everyone wants to have this holiday season, then you should put that in your floor graphics. Or perhaps you provide complimentary gift-wrapping and toy/furniture assembly upon request? Floor graphics will inform people about what you provide before they even enter your store. All you have to do is put these graphics right outside of your store. Keep in mind that floor graphics will attach to any kind of substrate, including carpeting, tiles, or rough cement. Therefore, it will be useful in any kind of setting – both outdoor or indoor.

 

WINDOW GRAPHICS

Window graphics can change pretty much any glass surface into the perfect advertising space. Whether it’s images in full-color, catchy and personalized messages, or fascinating patterns and textures, you can greatly customize window graphics. And to top it off, they serve a double purpose of resolving privacy problems in retail and business spaces.

Window graphics are available in lots of styles. They’re extremely versatile and simple to exchange when your business goals and needs change.

 

How to use Window Graphics for Marketing and Advertising

Here are some ways that you can effectively use window graphics for marketing and advertising.

 

Perforated Films + Patterns, Designs, or Full-Color Images

You can print a perforated window film in full-color patterns, like images or tie-dye. Additionally, these patterns create the best balance of aesthetics and privacy. Also, they lower glare and heat from windows and don’t make them look closed-off like blinds or other window options do.

When made with colorful, bright photos and patterns, they’ll get the attention of bystanders, whether they’re behind the wheel of a car or on foot. And finally, perforated films will provide visibility to the outside world.

 Static Cling Films

These are great for temporary promotions like product-specific specials or weekly sales. They also complement doors, storefronts, and glass windows. They’re also easy to swap out. If you don’t know what to say, our signage company in Kansas City can help you create any message or design that you’d like.

 

Custom Graphics

These work well for advertising available space or closed/empty storefronts, as well as other spaces for lease/rent. They work well to grab the attention of potential lessees, as well as hide the interior from bystanders (if using opaque graphics). Therefore, it’s an excellent way of covering up empty storefronts.

 

Custom Window Graphics Usage

Custom window graphics can be used on a variety of glass surfaces to get the word out about your business, products, or services. Other than storefronts and windows, they can be used on foyers and glass entryways, glass doors, and glass railings. They may also be used on other (interior) glass surfaces too.

As you can see, the options for advertising with custom window graphics are endless. Whether it’s getting the attention of potential lessees or getting the word out about your latest clearance sale, a signage company in Kansas City can help spread your message with attention-grabbing graphics.

 

CONCLUSION

When you’re ready to discover more about window and floor graphics and how they will shape the way you do business this year, contact the professionals at Midtown Signs, a premier signage company in Kansas City, for more information. Our graphic artists will assist you in printing, wording, design, and locating the ideal spots for your graphics. Give us a call today to start the ordering process. 

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

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

McClain's Market outdoor sign

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.

Various letters for a sign


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.

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

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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. 



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