Key Takeaways:
Signs Work 24/7
- Your signage keeps advertising even when you're closed
- 76% of customers try new stores based on signs alone
Different Needs for Different Businesses
- Boutiques: Stylish, elegant signs
- Gyms: Bold, energetic designs
- Retail Stores: Clear pricing and promotions
- Lobbies: Professional directory signs
What Makes Signs Effective
- Big enough text (3" tall per 10 feet away)
- Simple fonts and high-contrast colors
- Matches your brand colors and style
- Made from durable materials
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don't put too much text
- Never use hard-to-read fonts
- Make sure the lighting works day and night
- Keep all signs looking professional
When to Update
- When signs fade or look old
- After rebranding
- If you're not getting enough customers
- Fresh signs can boost sales by 5-10%
Digital Signs Work Too
- Easy to change messages
- Great for sales and announcements
- Still need good design basics
Signage That Sells: How to Use Signs for Better Branding
Let's talk about something we all see every day but rarely think about - business signs. That's right, that signage for retail stores, the signage for gyms, even the signage lobby in your office building - they're all working harder than you might realize.
Think about it: When was the last time you chose a store just because its sign caught your eye? Or avoided a place because their sign looked sketchy? That's the power of good signage at work.
Why Signage is Your Silent Salesperson
You could have the best products or services in town, but if your signs aren't doing their job, you're missing out. Here's why proper signage matters more than you think:
- First Impressions Count - Your sign is often the first thing people see about your business
- 24/7 Advertising - Unlike social media ads, your sign works even when you're sleeping
- Brand Recognition - Consistent signage helps people remember you
- Guides Customers - Good signs help people find what they need without asking
Fun fact: Studies show nearly 76% of customers enter a store they've never visited before based just on its signs.
Different Businesses, Different Signage Needs
Not all signs work the same for every business. Let's break it down:
Signage for Boutiques
Boutiques need signs that scream style and personality:
- Use elegant fonts that match your brand
- Include your logo and maybe a short tagline
- Pro tip: Window displays with your signage work great for boutiques
- Lighting is key - make sure your sign looks good day and night
Signage for Gyms
Gyms need signs that pump up energy:
- Bold, strong fonts work best
- Use action words like "Train", "Push", "Transform"
- Include clear directions to different areas (weights, cardio, etc.)
- Don't forget: Motivational quotes on walls count as signage too!
Signage for Retail Stores
Retail signs need to sell even before customers enter:
- Promotional signs should be big and colorful
- Clear pricing signs reduce customer frustration
- Important: Endcaps and shelf signs boost impulse buys
- Make sure the sale signs are visible from the street
Signage Lobby
Office and building lobbies need professional but welcoming signs:
- Directory signs should be easy to read
- Brand colors and logos create cohesion
- Smart move: Digital signage can show multiple messages
- Don't overcrowd it - keep it clean and professional
What Makes Signage Effective?
Now that we've seen different types, what makes some signs work better than others? Here's the secret sauce:
Visibility
- Can people see it from where they'll be?
- Is the text big enough? (At least 3" tall for every 10 feet of viewing distance)
- Test it: Stand where your customers will and check
Readability
- Simple fonts work best (no fancy scripts from far away)
- High contrast colors (dark on light or vice versa)
- Golden rule: Less text = more impact
Brand Consistency
- Use your brand colors and fonts
- Match your other marketing materials
- Pro tip: Create a signage-style guide for all locations
Durability
- Outdoor signs need weather-resistant materials
- Indoor signs should withstand cleaning
- Don't cheap out: Quality materials last longer
Common Signage Mistakes to Avoid
Even big businesses get signage wrong sometimes. Here's what not to do:
- Too much information - Nobody will read a novel on your sign
- Poor placement - A great sign in the wrong spot is useless
- Ignoring lighting - Can't read it? Doesn't exist
- Inconsistent branding - Confuses customers
- DIY disasters - Crooked signs or bad fonts look unprofessional
Real talk: A bad sign can actually drive customers away. One study found that 60% of people wouldn't enter a business with poor signage.
How to Plan Your Signage Strategy
Ready to make your signs work harder? Follow these steps:
- Audit your current signs
- What's working? What's not?
- Ask customers for feedback
- Set clear goals
- More foot traffic? Better navigation? Brand awareness?
- Create a signage plan
- Map out where signs are needed
- Decide on types and sizes
- Design with purpose
- Keep your brand in mind
- Make sure it's readable
- Install properly
- The right height, right location
- Professional installation pays off
Bonus tip: Take photos of your signs every few months to check for fading or damage.
When to Update Your Signage
Signs don't last forever. Time for an update when:
- Your branding changes
- The sign looks worn or faded
- You're not getting the results you want
- Business needs change (new products, services, etc.)
Did you know? Refreshing your signage can give sales a 5-10% boost just from renewed visibility.
Let's Talk About Digital Signage
More businesses are using digital signs because:
- You can change messages easily
- Great for promotions and announcements
- Eye-catching motion grabs attention
- But remember: They still need good design principles
Need Help With Your Signage?
Whether you need signage for boutiques, signage for gyms, signage for retail stores, professional signage lobby solutions, or a sleek brochure display stand, we've got you covered. At Displays & Holders, we specialize in creating signs that don't just inform—they sell.
From design to installation, we'll help you create signage that works as hard as you do. Because in today's competitive market, you can't afford to have your silent salesperson slacking on the job.
Now go take a fresh look at your signs - are they working as hard as they could be?
