Harford County Signs and Banners Blog

Opening day for baseball season is not far away. Doesn’t everyone love to go to the ball park? Whether it’s Little League, farm teams, or professional players, the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd is a great experience. It just screams “Spring!” It’s also an opportunity to make signage work for you in promoting and advertising your business. There are opportunities from small budget to major commitment.

First, start exploring right in your back yard. Little League teams are always looking for sponsors. You can reach Harford County families by sponsoring team T-shirts. There are also opportunities for outdoor banners at Little League Opening Day festivities. Any sponsorship will position your business as a good corporate citizen by giving something back to the community.

Second, consider direct advertising with sports banners. Farm teams and professional teams generate revenue through advertising dollars, and there are many packages you can negotiate that will include ad banners as well as game tickets. For professional games, you not only get the attendees at the game, you’ll get the televised audience as well. Make sure any banners used on sporting fields can stand the test of spring storms, winds, and sun. Don’t skimp on materials or inks. When you’re spending that kind of money, you’ll want to make the best impression possible.

Last, advertising on the digital screen at the ball park is a way to utilize digital signage without investing in it yourself. If you have the budget, you can create a memorable message that will be seen by thousands in Baltimore and Harford County.

Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

SGIA (Specialty Graphic Image Association) recently announced the 2012 Tom Frecska Student Printing Competition, sponsored by the Academy of Screen Printing Technology. The awards will recognize superior imaging work from students at the secondary and post-secondary levels. Categories include wooden signs and backlit signs and displays, among others. The competition calls attention to a signage technique that, when done properly, can be very impactful for school banners, sports banners, trade show signs and outdoor signage, not to mention point-of-purchase and promotional materials. It’s screen printing.

Screen printing is versatile, with the ability to print on many surfaces of varying shapes or thicknesses, including paper, plastics, glass, metals and fabrics. According to the Printer’s National Environmental Assistance Center (PNEAC), the simplicity of the screen printing process allows it to be flexible in terms of inks and dyes. PNEAC says screen printing has increased because of improved production rates, aided by developments like automated and rotary screen printing presses, improved dryers and U.V. curable ink.

But, be sure to look at what’s behind the screen. Despite the fact that there are numerous websites that give you the step-by-step process for screen printing and declare a do-it-yourself mentality, quality signage is still an art that takes training and talent. The SGIA competition highlights the expertise required to be a professional in the signage industry. The awards will recognize the artists, designers and professionals of tomorrow. When choosing signage for your Maryland or Harford County business, consider what a true professional can bring to your signage: expertise, value for your money, and guaranteed quality. We look forward to seeing the quality design innovations from these young artists!

Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Perception is reality, they say. You can be the best business in Harford County, but if people perceive your product quality or service as poor, then that’s your reputation until you prove otherwise. In creating a business identity, decide how you want to be perceived. Even if you don’t have a lot of money to put behind a branding campaign, you can still make yourself look strong within your marketplace.

Use your business signage as part of that perception. You can make a big impression, no matter what the size of your organization. It starts with your image and your first impression. In many instances, that first impression is your business sign. One of the most distinct styles of signage that will help you make a big impression is a channel letter sign. Because channel lettering seems imposing, you can make a bold statement. Most local sign ordinances only count the actual square footage of the letter faces, allowing you to have a bigger presence if you choose channel lettering. This type of signage also affords you many options – illuminated or not, open-faced neon or plexiglass covered, and reverse channel lettering with or without lighting. You can create the perception of whimsy, seriousness or elegance with your signage – customized for your needs.

Your outdoor signage can capture your customer’s attention with a great first impression. Then it’s up to you to be on the right channel to turn that perception into reality once they walk in the door.

Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

The ISA International Sign Expo 2012 is coming up at the end of March. While trade shows tend to be a bit tedious both for exhibitors and attendees, they do serve their purpose for various industries. We’ve talked about the value of signage at any trade show, but now here’s a show for the signage market itself. Imagine the signs there! This show has made a name for itself. Last year’s ISA International Sign Expo ranked fifth on Expo Magazine’s list of Top 25 Fast-Growth Shows. It was honored for attendance growth and innovative ways of showcasing exhibitors.

This year, the conventioneers from the Baltimore area and nationwide will converge on Orlando, FL. They’ll be seeing the latest signage advancements, from custom business signs and vinyl banners to digital signage. And you can be sure that every exhibitor will put its best sign forward. Visitors will meet new vendors and forge partnerships that will bring home great ideas for signs in Baltimore and Harford County. There will be new ways to create custom signs and banners.

But in the long run, all that technology and innovation comes down to one thing: value. Are we making a difference for our customers and providing the best value for their money in terms of usability, service and return on investment? Tedious or not, technology or not, can we bring the motivation and enthusiasm back from a trade show and invest it in becoming an invaluable resource for our customers?

Trackbacks (0) | Permalink