Any smart business owner knows that it takes more than just a great product or model to operate a successful company. Your business success depends on your ability to sell your brand to the masses, and the foundation of sales stems from good advertising and branding— or a good outdoor sign!
After all, even if you offer the best services/products in the world—what’s the point if no one takes notice?
Certainly, it wouldn’t make sense to store your limited-edition Lamborghini in the garage, completely hidden from the public eye. Your brand is no different.
When it comes to showcasing your brand in a positive light, most businesses rely on marketing and advertising teams to stand out from the crowd and entice potential customers.
However—whether you’re a large corporation or small start-up company—one of the quickest and most effective ways to differentiate your brand from the rest is by incorporating creative and attractive custom outdoor business signage into your marketing strategy.
Signs attract customers and let them know you exist. Without them, you are just another business lost in the sea of companies that people pass by daily.
Not only do high-quality custom signs act as visual and inanimate silent salespeople for potential customers, but they also help you:
- Connect with your audience
- Discover the professionals and businesses your friends recommend and trust
- Improve brand exposure/credibility
- And so much more.
So, why are sign companies in Houston, Texas, such a powerful advertising tool for your business?
Here are the top reasons why outdoor signs are so vital for your business:
1. Cost-Effective Marketing
The numbers don’t lie: Stats show that signage is the least expensive but most effective form of advertising.
In fact, surveys commissioned by FedEx Office, in conjunction with other marketing solution firms, found that nearly 76% of consumers (8 in 10) said they had entered a store or business they had never visited before based solely on its signs.
And when compared to the cost of billboard advertising, radio, magazines, or TV commercials, your business can easily gain the same amount of exposure for far less with outdoor signage.
Although many consumers have shifted from print readership to digital platforms—outdoor business signs continue to reign as a top choice for business advertising.
For example, research from The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Signage Foundation for Communication Excellence, Inc., found that while a newspaper ad might run up to $7.39 per 1000 impressions, and more than $5.00 per 1000 for a radio ad, LED signs pull in 1000 impressions for merely $0.15.
The difference? Strategically placed signs provide your business with high levels of exposure for a one-time-only cost, while print and digital advertising typically involve a repeated expense at a costly rate.
2. Builds Brand Awareness
Outdoor signage enhances the customer experience and can increase sales and loyalty exponentially. But how does it do that? Let’s break it down.
Simplified down, creating brand awareness can be described as the process of creating a unique company identity that resonates in the consumers’ mind, mainly through advertising campaigns with a consistent theme.
“If people believe they share values with a company, they will stay loyal to the brand.” – Howard Schultz
Thousands of potential customers likely pass by your business every few months, or possibly more. Are they familiar with your company brand? Do they know how you can make their lives easier?
With the help of sign companies Houston Tx, brand a custom outdoor sign with your logo and name, and consumers will quickly notice and want to learn more about your company. Even better, they’ll also know precisely where to go when in need of your products or services.
3. Shown to Increase Profitability
“Design is the silent ambassador of your brand.”
Market research has proven that a well-designed, visually pleasing, and eye-catching business signage display can increase your annual sales significantly.
Surveys from the University of Cincinnati found that roughly 60% of businesses reported that changing the design or enhancing the visibility of their signage had a positive impact on sales, number of transactions, and profits, with an average increase of about 10%.
Illuminated signage can catch the attention of those passing by and encourage them to stop and visit your business. And with more interest, naturally comes more opportunity to sell your brand to consumers!
4. Strengthens Brand Consistency
“A brand is no longer what we tell the consumer it is—it is what consumers tell each other it is.” -Scott Cook
Do you ever wonder why almost every top-tier business includes a ‘testimonial’ prominently displayed on their website? Well, it’s definitely for a good reason.
As humans, it is in our nature to crave consistency, both consciously and unconsciously. We evolved with this need because it helps us identify whether someone or something is authentic and trustworthy.
So, when we see a website flooded with positive testimonials, we experience a rush of relief that confirms our decision to trust said company.
With this in mind, it’s always best practice to make sure the overall message your signage gives off aligns with the rest of your brand. And, when it does—this creates immediate trust.
5. Boosts Impulse Purchase Sales
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, between 20 and 45% of a business’s sales come from unplanned impulse stops, and most of those stops were a direct result of the business signage.
When contemplating a purchasing decision—patrons are looking for an extra push to justify making an impulse buy.
Smart advertising and marketing teams lean into this weakness. They use digital signage to convey important messages, in-store specials, or promotions to gently ease the consumer faced with a critical purchasing decision in the right direction.
6. Stand Out from Competitors
How can your brand differentiate itself amongst the sea of sharks, also targeting your customers?
Good question. You connect with their emotions, actively engage with them, and show genuine interest and care in understanding their needs, wants, and desires.
While this may seem like common sense, you would be surprised how often greed or power gets the best of business owners and fogs their view.
Ultimately, what’s most important is showing your consumers what you can do for them. Practice this by focusing on the value and benefits of your products or services offered.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself when you create your outdoor business signs
- How can my outdoor business signs focus on my customers?
- What can I do to solve a problem my potential customer has?
- What are the potential customer objections with your product or service?
7. Makes a Lasting Impression
Like it or not, people are consciously or subconsciously creating snap judgments all day long.
However, these judgments aren’t exclusive to only humans. They are also judging how your signage reflects the quality of your business. For this reason, your business signs matter.
Think of your outdoor business sign as a snapshot visual representation of your business.
Ask yourself this: If you could “meet” your business—what would you want it to say? And, does your signage accurately convey the level of professionalism, respect, authority, etc., I desire?
Nonetheless, there’s no denying that first impressions matter. For an excellent first impression, you need to put your best foot forward on your business signs.
Houston, TX’s Number One Source For Custom Signs
Luckily, you can’t go wrong with the #1 sign company just North of Houston, Texas—Bakers Signs. Our trusted team of technicians understands the importance of great signage, which is why we would like to work with you right from the start!
Need Sign Repairs? We’ve Got You Covered.
If you have a previous sign that you like and need a repair, we’ll handle it! There is no job too big for us! Houston has been our home for over 33 years, and we will continue to serve the people and small business owners with the best signage possible.
7 Reasons Why Outdoor Signs Are the Best Way to Advertise Your Business | Bakers’ Signs – Houston, Texas
