Signage is an essential element of a retail business, able to communicate brand values and boost customer loyalty in ways that no other form of marketing can. Signage is also one of the most cost-effective methods of reaching consumers, especially compared to pay-per-impression digital advertising. It’s an up-front investment that pays off in the long run.
The First Impression
A well-designed, professional-looking sign tells the consumer you care about your business, and it shows that your products and services are worth investing in. In fact, according to a report by InfoTrends, 8 out of 10 customers decide to enter a store for the first time based on its signage.
This is because, unlike online marketing that often takes a pushy approach, well-designed signage creates a sense of trust in the consumer. It is a non-invasive way to let consumers know you’re there for them and are ready to help.
In addition, signage is visible to almost everyone (barring hermits who never leave their homes). People need to commute, go to the doctor, buy groceries, and so on, which means they’re bound to pass your business signage at some point. And, if your signage is done well, it can stand out in a crowd of other ads and billboards competing for the same consumer attention.
Besides letting the world know you’re open for business, effective signage can re-target past clients and remind them to come back. Perhaps they didn’t make a purchase the last time because they were thinking about it, or maybe there were some technical difficulties during their purchase. Either way, a well-designed sign can help refocus them and close the sale.
It Prioritizes Simplicity
A 2015 Microsoft Attention Span report famously put the human attention span at eight seconds- one second less than that of a goldfish. Because of this, your branding and messaging needs to be clear and straightforward. If your signage is too convoluted, people will just move on. Signage is a glance medium, after all- if your message is too long or complicated, people will just get distracted and move on.
It Appeals to the Eye:
Signage can be colorful, or it can be simple and clean. Regardless, it should be consistent with the rest of your branding and in line with what your brand represents. This is because your signage reflects the personality of your business and helps the viewer connect with it on an emotional level.
It’s Interactive and Gives Consumer Control
Unlike other forms of marketing, which can feel like it’s imposing itself upon the consumer, signage is a tool that allows the consumer to interact with it and take control of their experience. For instance, a digital signage solution can allow your audience to choose what they want to see and listen to. And, they can even share their preferences with friends.
Aside from digital signs, you can also use mobile signage to advertise your business. If you have delivery vans, for example, you can add a vinyl wrap or stickers to them and use them for advertising. Or, you can hire people to put up your signage on their private cars in exchange for a small fee, known as car advertising.
If you are interested in learning more about the ways that signage can act as a silent salesperson for your business, please contact us at Fresno sign shop. Our team of experts can walk you through all the ways signage can enhance your marketing reach and encourage shopper engagement. We look forward to assisting you.