The Top Reasons Why You Should Brand Your Business With Frosted Etched Window Film

If your business has a lot of windows or mirrored glass, your first assumption might be that you can’t do a lot with the space. However, this is thankfully incorrect! It just calls for a little creativity and time spent with the pros, such as our Midwest sign company in Kansas City. The best way to utilize this space is through frosted window films! They can be used for decorative or privacy purposes, and it doesn’t require you to remove or change any existing glass. These frosted etchings go on right over the top.

It’s no secret that glass is expensive, especially in the current economic climate. The most cost-effective and earth-friendly way to use glass for advertising is to keep what you have and opt for frosted etchings. Not only will this beautify your store front, but it will also help you with branding. Keep reading to learn more!

Uplift Your Business

So what are some of the best ways to use these frosted etchings? We have a few ideas you might like to consider:

Create Privacy with Frosted Partitions

If you have a restaurant that has glass partitions separating various sides of the booths, you might want to consider getting them frosted. This can help create an added layer of privacy for your customers as they eat food or carry on conversations. It will create the illusion that they are in a more secluded and private spot than they actually are. 

This is also a great choice for offices with glass cubicle spaces. While not every employee can have their own private office, putting film over the glass can help create a private and less distracting workspace. After all, if you can see the tiny movements of everyone around you, even out of the corner of your eye, it can serve to be counterproductive. 

Sophisticated Branding

In truth, frosted glass just looks nice, combining the right amount of professionalism and artistry. They can feature all sorts of various designs, styles, fonts, and more! You can work with our Midwest sign company in Kansas City to come up with the perfect display to showcase your business. We want to brainstorm together and find what would really appeal to you as well as your customer base. 

Don’t worry, frosted glass isn’t just a good look around the holidays or winter time. It can be a timeless addition to your business! And getting it custom made and designed ensures that it looks especially stunning and fits your needs. In this case, frosted glass is both functional and practical, as well as beautifying! 

Shade and Light Filtering

Window films are an especially great choice if you have a large glass storefront but don’t want to cover it up with blinds or curtains. However, if you left it open, it could be a bit too bright and not very energy efficient. And covering it with vinyl isn’t a bad choice, per say, but it could cause you to miss out on some of the natural lighting. 

Frosted window films are an excellent way to meet in the middle. You can still utilize the space for branding or advertising, but without missing out on the natural daylight. Plus, it allows the light that comes in to be muted and softer, which can be really great for the overall environment of your shop. For example, if you own a cafe or a bookstore, this sort of ambient setting can be a huge selling point for customers.

Final Touches

Another great point about frosted glass films is that it just makes everything look complete. Just like putting a bow on a beautifully wrapped present or finding the complementary frame for a masterful painting, frosted glass creates an air of refinement for your business. It shows that you put in the effort and wanted to use your space to the fullest. Customers will surely notice how elegant and upscale it makes the whole of your business appear.

Count on Midtown Signs

Here at Midtown Signs, we are the pros in commercial signage and graphics. Our Midwest sign company in Kansas City has been making signs for generations and our team has over 158+ years of experience combined. We know what it takes to make your business stand out and want to create something unique just for you. 

Every Step of the Way

We want to keep our creation process as transparent and accessible as possible for our customers. So what does that exactly entail?  

First, we want to meet and talk over what your goals are for your glass etching or any other type of sign or graphic you want for your business. Do you want to beautify your storefront? Or are you looking for something more functional with a touch of elegance, such as help to create a private space? Outlining these in advance will help with the designing portion. 

From there, we will discuss what your vision is for a design or final outcome. We want to take a look at what you currently have and make evaluations. Even if your idea is sketched out on the back of an envelope or scribbled onto a napkin, we can collaborate and bring your ideas to life in a way that is truly stunning. 

Lastly, we work to create your vision! We promise to keep in the loop all along the creation process, as we want to ensure that you are getting exactly what you asked for. Once everything is installed and good to go, don’t worry, we aren’t going anywhere! Should you have any questions or need help with maintenance, we are only a call away!

Contact Us Today!

If you are ready to try frosted etched window films for your business, give us a call or fill out the contact form on our website. We know that together, we can really give your business the competitive and creative edge that it deserves! 

Why You Should Revamp Your Business This New Year With a Custom Sign

Create the Best First Impression

Usually, your sign will be the first thing a new potential customer will see. Take advantage of this and make the best sign possible. The better their first impression will be, the more likely they will remember your business in the future, and therefore the more likely they will come back again.

1.) Help Customers Find You Easier

Obviously, customers need to be able to discover your business, to begin with. A big sign will attract more people and help them remember where your business is. This will also lead to more repeat business. Your sign should be large and easy enough to read from any viewable angle.

According to a study from BrandSpark/Better Homes and Gardens, 54% of shoppers in the study admitted that they drove by businesses they didn’t know about because the business signs were too small or difficult to read.

Don’t lose out on these potential customers! Get the affordable help of a custom sign company to make you a big, professional, and memorable sign!

Here’s the kind of signage you can expect from a custom sign company like Midtown:

• Large letters that are spaced out properly and in a color that contrasts well with the background. Larger letters that are spaced well are much easier to read compared to smaller letters that are too close together.

• Is positioned in an ideal place. The ideal spot is prominent and easy to view.

• Will be well-lit at night.

• The font will be suitable. It will be easy to read and not over-the-top for your business/industry.

• It will be different from the signs around you to help you stand out from the competition.

• There won’t be any distracting visuals in your sign.

2.) It Can Be the First Indicator of Quality

The aforementioned BrandSpark study also found that 33% of the shoppers mentioned that a high-quality business sign was the main thing that drew them into a store they had never been to before.

Also, 38.5% of shoppers have made assumptions about whether a store was good or not just based on the sign alone! Unclear or unattractive signs repel many new customers every day.

So, ensure that you give potential new customers the best possible first impression of your store. Your product or service might be the best in the world, but if your sign looks ugly and like it was made by amateurs, then customers will likely assume that this applies to your business, too.

 3.) It Pays for Itself

Your business sign is a long-term investment. It pays for itself, and cheaper, low-quality signage will be a net loss in the long run. In some cases, having no signage at all can be preferable to having very low-quality signs.

Even if the cheaper sign is brand new and looks good, after being exposed to the elements for a few years, it’ll show its age. It will look old, dilapidated, and deteriorated. High-quality signage, on the other hand, will still look incredible for much longer than a few years.

4.) Increase Your Brand Exposure

The sign you choose says much about your brand. That’s why a good sign is one of the best ways to show your brand to the public. It’s crucial to make it stand out from the other signs your competitors use and get the attention of potential customers. The goal of your sign should be to communicate a friendly, welcoming, and enticing message from your company.

For your sign, be sure to include your brand colors and get in touch with expert installers so that they can mount it securely, evenly, and with the appropriate amount of spacing. With that, your business sign will make your business stand out and bring more new and repeat customers to your doorstep.

As we said, whenever people look at your sign, they will make some assumptions about your business. You want those assumptions to be positive ones. It’s all about evoking positive emotions such as professionalism, friendliness, reliability, dependability, and confidence.

5.) It’s Cost-Effective Advertising

It’s one of the best ways to cost-effectively advertise your business. While you may think the initial investment is a lot, it’s still better to invest in a quality sign for the reasons mentioned above.

After the sign is created and installed, there aren’t that many upkeep costs required. If the sign was made well and is high quality, then it shouldn’t need that much maintenance, and it will last for several years.

 6.) You’ll Have Constant Passive Marketing 24/7

Everyone loves passive income; well, how about some passive marketing? That’s what quality business signs do. They work for you all day, every day, don’t need to be paid, you get the idea. Your business is being advertised non-stop to anyone who passes by.

Since you’ll want to take advantage of this excellent form of marketing as much as possible, keep it well-lit during nighttime and on darker days.

7.) A Custom Sign Company Can Make Any Customization for You

This may seem like an obvious point, but there are a great many implications and possibilities for custom business signage. We’re talking about almost any layout, color, design, or style you’d like to have – it can be made for you.

You can let your creativity shine through as much as possible or be more conservative in your signage design. Regardless of which approach you prefer, the key is to be different. Most customers who were surveyed preferred to see a greater variety in signage and did not want to see every sign looking the same.

A custom sign company with a team of professional designers can be a great help here. If you plan to keep your business open for many years to come, paying extra for someone who can design an eye-catching and effective sign will be worth far more.

The Difference Between Customizable and Custom-Made

Usually, a business sign is non-customizable after it’s already been made. But, if you instead opt for a customizable custom sign (digital signs, for example), then you’ll be able to quickly and easily change the sign whenever you’d like!

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.

6 Helpful Tips for Adding a Lobby Sign to Your Office

Create the ideal lobby signs to help your company stand out.

 Lobby and office signage may help guests find their way and establish a tone. However, creating the appropriate signage for your workplace may not be as simple as you think. The best commercial signs and graphics companies invest a significant amount of time and effort to provide you with the best available signage. Here are some of the factors that sign designers think about during the design process due to their importance in creating an initial tone for clients, guests, and staff.

Check out these 6 tips!

Effective lobby signage may convey professionalism, expertise, originality, or whatever else you want guests to feel when they arrive in your domain. Even if the initial impressions are formed subconsciously, they are essential to your entire branding plan. 

Are you on the lookout for signage to hang in your lobby? Continue reading for more information on how to make the most effective lobby signs for your company.
  

1.) To help your brand grow, tell your story.

Prominent, bold, one-of-a-kind signage that includes a company's emblem is the rule of the day in an era when branding is everything. Whether a company is the building's only occupant or rents a level or two, they want everyone to know. Office lobby signage may help you tell your company's story. The more your clients know about your company, the simpler it will be to become familiar with your brand. 

A lobby sign depicting your company's history is an excellent method to highlight your company's heritage. You may also include any professional distinctions you have received throughout the years, which you may do by including murals and portraits in your lobby. 

With the many custom signage choices available, you can design a stunning lobby sign that elegantly displays your company name, logo, and slogan to establish your brand straight away. Lobby Signs may be fashioned out of any material, such as acrylic, glass, metal, or wood, and can incorporate intriguing dimensional components that showcase your business. 

2.) Make a good overall impression on your customers.

You want your customers to feel at ease the instant they step into your business. Having an eye-catching bespoke lobby sign can help with this. To begin with, it notifies them that they have arrived at the proper spot, removing any doubt or sense of wasted time.

Second, a well-made sign by the best commercial signs and graphics company conveys that you are a well-established and respectable company. As a result, customers will be more assured that they are working with a reputable company. 

Third, because they establish the tone for visitors to your property, lobby signage may significantly influence a firm. A well-thought-out and implemented lobby sign may create a welcome atmosphere and set the tone of your business.

3.) Maximize your available space by studying the size of your walls.

Come up with the correct signage for your needs by evaluating your wall size. How much space do you have for signage in the lobby? The answer will determine the sort of signage you require. It's not only a matter of picking the perfect signage made by the best commercial signs and graphics company for your business. It's all about creating signage that fills in the blanks and maximizes the amount of space you have available. Only the most seasoned and knowledgeable commercial signs and graphics specialists fully understand this.

You don't want enormous, gigantic workplace signage if you have a small lobby or office. However, because some signage may make your location look tight or packed, size is crucial; incorrect signage will never create a positive image because it shows that the company is unprofessional.

4.) Make use of contrasting colors and textures.

The colors you choose for your lobby area may make or break the overall appearance of the workplace signs you put in your welcome place. For example, a gleaming metal cut-out sign set against a vibrantly colored backdrop conveys confident professionalism. On the other hand, a beautiful corporate lobby sign made of smooth and textured metals can complement the décor. This choice will make your company stand out and might be a great addition to your overall brand image.

5.) Display lobby signs that point people in the right direction.

Signs in your lobby may aid your business by providing essential business information to clients, such as directions or business operations that help customers have a smoother visit.

These include the locations of restrooms, elevators, cafeterias, staircases, and various other places or objects that people are seeking. When there is no receptionist, or there is a lot of traffic in the lobby, directional signs are even more crucial.

 These lobby navigational signage should be among the most visible in your structure. A good lobby sign company will work with you to ensure that your lobby signage strikes an even balance between providing a practical function and creating a friendly and on-brand first impression for your company.

If a business has a concierge or front desk area, some of your signs should indicate that this is where to go for help. Depending on the office's status, it could be something besides a table plate that states "Concierge."

 Some reception spaces include a half-wall encircling the desk where the receptionist or security staff is situated. It’s important to allow adequate space to indicate the function of the space, such as receptionist, security, welcome center, or other. The reception area also gives an excellent chance for aesthetically appealing lobby signage and directional signs that orient your guests and enhance your business image.

6.) Make long-lasting memories.

We've all heard the adage "initial impressions last," and it's especially true in business. An excellent first impression may kick start a long-term connection with your consumers. Customers are said to see your signage as a reflection of the quality of your products and services. Seeing a properly produced sign as soon as people enter informs them how serious you are about quality.

Finally, depending on your industry, don't pass up possibilities to promote your brand through lobby signs in guest pictures, on social media, or as a setting for webinars or video calls.

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.