The 2012 International Sign Design Competition had quite an audience this year at the ISA Expo. The winning entries were displayed in eight categories, and they were all very creative. According to ISA, this year had the highest number of entries in the three-year history. The competition is for on-premise sign design, and the winners are chosen by on-line voting prior to the Expo. So, not only do the entries need to be creative, the competitors need to know how to use electronic and social media to market their entries for votes.

One thing we noticed about the winners: simplicity and innovation reigned. Clean lines, functional design and durability were all folded into sleek signage. The overall winner, the San Diego Zoo exit sign, was actually animated, with moving wings on a giant macaw – wing span of 13 feet. Still, clean design was key. The wings moved up and down in unison, and a simple vertical lettering of “Exit” couldn’t be missed. The sign met its goal of showing visitors the way out.

Other winners used acrylic, etched vinyl, digital graphics or LED technology for church signs, building signs, school signs and more. From office signs to banners and electric to non-electric, the designers used a variety of methods and materials to communicate their messages. Some made big statements with little pictures. Some simply created an identity for the client name. But all of the custom sign designers should be applauded for their efforts in both client satisfaction and design innovation.

You’ve just invested in a vinyl banner that looks fabulous. How are you going to hang it? Or, you have an awesome big screen LED panel inside your lobby that’s full of company messages, but it’s sitting on a metal file cabinet at waist level. If you want effective signage, remember that hanging the sign is as important as the sign itself. Signage accessories are numerous throughout Harford County and most are quite functional. Your signage professional should ask during the design process how you want to hang the sign, and then make recommendations for the best design.

For example, vinyl banners can be made with pockets on any side that allow them to be mounted on unobtrusive poles or stands. Clips, roping and brackets are also among the alternatives. If the mounting device will be seen, you’ll need to consider whether or not you want it to blend or contrast with the sign. Choose sturdy mounts – there’s nothing worse than a sign flapping in a brisk Harford County wind or hanging on an angle because of faulty or weak mounting brackets. Even a poster deserves a secure strip of double-sided sticky tape that won’t fall down.

For digital signage, choose stands or brackets that are made specifically for the monitor. These are tested for strength and are designed to hold the weight of the monitor safely. Signs should be at or above eye level. Adjustable stands or brackets are ideal.

Make your sign brackets or mounts part of your design plan. They can enhance your sign and your company’s image.

Mostly everyone loves chocolate, but what does chocolate not like? Sunlight and temperatures above 80 degrees! Strong, glaring, and warming sunlight in the front of any store can make it too warm or uncomfortable inside. The strategic positioning of a sign may help solve the the comfort issue -- and keep those store-front chocolates from melting! -- as well as get your name in front of your customers.  

Case in point:  At this Wockenfuss store (see photo), in the winter months, the sun is low enough that sunlight comes through the window very strong late in the afternoon. It melts the chocolate in the cases, and no one wants to buy melted chocolate.

The solution:  position a banner strategically to not only show everyone you are in a new location, but keep the sun off the cases. 

Working with a true sign professional who places a priority on your business success can help you market your business, and sometimes solve problems that may not even seem sign-related. 

As 2012 blossoms, predictions about the hottest signage trends abound. DigitalSignageToday.com rounded up several industry experts to get their opinions. The result was a general consensus that the digital signage market will see growth in both big screen and portable devices, with both becoming more affordable. The digital out-of-home (DOOH) space will be used more by advertisers. Marketers will want to reach the on-the-go customer, and digital signage opportunities in places like retail, restaurant and grocery will be the ideal places to do it. More digital signage will make its way into hotels and casinos, health care facilities and business lobbies, and it will be in the forms of video walls and digital kiosks. Many think budgets will shift from traditional media to include this new outlet. But to maintain momentum, results will have to be measurable. Experts also agreed the communication is likely to be interactive. One analyst characterized the market as “flat is the new up,” and signaled that budgets would still remain tight.  

Whatever the future holds, both digital signage and traditional signs serve their respective purposes, as is evident around Harford County. Businesses can be assured that there are options to fit any budget. We recommend keeping the long-term, big picture in mind when choosing your signage. Good signage is an investment that can bring you a return. Let Harford County’s Blue Water Signs recommend the best solutions for your business needs.

It’s the holiday inevitable: returns. You’ve undoubtedly already established your return policy if you’re a retailer. But how do you insure that a customer returns? (comes back, that is!)

Considering that many customers may be new to your store simply because they are returning a gift, you’ll want to give them your best service. Clear, readable signage can help. Describing your return policy in a sign right next to the register makes it handy for reference. Directional signage from the front entry to the return lines keeps traffic flowing smoothly and gives the customer a hassle-free experience. Temporary signs for employees to separate returned merchandise by aisle or section right at the return counter can make inventory accounting easier. Attention-getting point-of-purchase signs for exchanges or sale merchandise will help you get some additional sales, despite the returns. And, encourage cheerful employees – their smiles are the best signs that you want a customer’s return business!

Prepare for the store return rush today: contact Blue Water Signs about purchasing any of these types of signs for your business.

You can prepare your business for the holidays with plenty of inventory, great specials and seasonal decorations... but your communication is the key to success. From your outdoor sign to your employees, you can spread good cheer with a little attention to detail. Here are a few ideas:

• Spruce up your outdoor and window signage with a good cleaning or paint touch-up to make it sparkle. If you feel you must add seasonal decoration to it, keep it simple. A sprig of pine or some plain white lights will send the message that you’re in the spirit, but won’t detract from your image.
• Inside, make your store or office a haven from other harried environments. Think about the little nuances that would make your guests feel relaxed – whether it’s a tray of cookies and hot chocolate as they browse, or added sales help to make their visit more efficient. Communicate these amenities both with a personal greeting and clear, eye-catching signage.
• Double-check all indoor signs to be sure the offers or instructions are clear. This will minimize confusion for both guests and employees, and speed up service.
• Have employees check any “Bah, humbug” attitudes at the door. A smile begets a smile, and you want your visitors to leave your establishment feeling cheerful. After all, the message your employees send to customers is just as important as the messaging on your signs!

 

Are you the Leo of your neighborhood? The Taurus of your industry? Reveal your Maryland business personality in your sign. Not your astrology sign, but your company signage.

Different types of signs can work together to communicate for you. From monument signs and channel letters to vinyl or digital signage, each can serve a purpose in your business. For example, choose a less expensive material for promotional events or one-time messages. Vinyl, posters or lawn signs are ideal. For image signs, like your store front, choose a material that will last and grab the attention of your customer. Monument signs are great solutions, as are lighted dimensional letters. Or, you can choose to use one type of sign for everything from name recognition to advertising. This would be a great opportunity for a digital sign, which offers both messaging flexibility and a very professional (and sturdy) presentation.  

Whatever your sign personality, work with a reputable sign manufacturer to get the most from your signage. The company should have expertise in sign materials, and be able to show you samples of each. You should also look at finished products for other clients before committing to a material. The sign company should also be able to make a sound recommendation to meet your goals.

Make your sign company part of your team, and watch your business personality become clear.  

Effective October 1, 2011 a Maryland state law took effect that levies a fine to people who have illegal signage in right–of-ways. These include commercial lawn signs, and owners will be fined $25 for putting an illegal sign in a state right-of-way or median. Permits are required to place signs there. Harford County will be implementing a volunteer program to remove signs already in place illegally.  

So, if lawn signs are part of your advertising plan, make sure getting the right sign permit is part of that plan as well. Don’t waste time and effort on a great sign that is just going to be taken down and is unlikely to be returned. As we noted in last month’s post about lawn signs, they can serve a great purpose. But as in real estate, the key is location, location, location! Be strategic. You don’t want your sign among 20 others in the median strip. You’re trying to break through the clutter, not be part of it.

Create signs that are slightly larger and use colorful, high-impact corrugated plastic to stand out wherever they are posted. Use your own business’s lawn or the lawns of clients who will allow a sign posting. These locations are much more valuable to you and they will help you maintain your sign’s value, too.

Before placing any signs in a public right-of-way, be sure to check the laws in your own state and/or county.

 

Your Maryland business sign is a first impression. It speaks to your customer and conveys your business image. For example, if your target audience is the young 18-29 year old tech-savvy consumer, your signage should reflect that. It should be “hip,” technology-driven printing or digital images. On the other hand, if you are a conservative bank, the signage might be bold and confident, giving your customer the feeling of trust and responsibility. Speak the language of your customers, and they will be more likely to listen.  

If possible, your sign should include your logo or identity mark. If you don’t have one, create one – even if it’s a special typeface associated with your company name. This logo should appear on everything your customer sees – from the sign to the letterhead, business cards and website. It says clearly, “I am a professional.” 

Even the materials you choose for your sign speak to the customer. Consider the location, size and climate, as well as maintenance needs. You want your sign to look new for years to come, not weathered or dirty. In Maryland, sun exposure and moisture are two environmental factors that will dictate sign material. Be prepared to keep the sign clean, so that it continues to speak well for your business - because first impressions count.