No two businesses are alike, so, unsurprisingly, what they perceive to be a return on investment (ROI) differs too. For some, a direct increase in sales is a positive ROI; for others, the fact that more customers are walking in is a win made possible by business signs.
In this blog, we take a deep dive into the real value custom business signs can provide. We’ll compare them to traditional forms of marketing and explain how you can get the most value from your signs.
Making an Impact on 85% of Your Customer Base
The International Sign Association found that the vast majority of a business’s customer base lives or works within five miles of its location. That means exterior business signage must make a strong impression in the community. The right signs help small businesses differentiate themselves and stand out from their competition.
Replacing a Sign Can Yield a 10% Sales Jump
Adding a new sign or replacing an old sign can increase a business’s sales. This is a short-term effect, but if leveraged correctly, it can mean that the new sign effectively pays for itself.
Signage and marketing strategies must be tied together to take full advantage of this bump in sales. You can coincide promotions with the installation of the new sign to ensure you make the most of your signage investment.
Finance Your Sign with a Business Loan
Many small enterprises start off by getting financing from the Small Business Administration. These loans can be used to finance your sign, thereby saving you the effort of having to secure additional financing for your sign.
To reduce the upfront outlay on your signage, you can even consider leasing your sign. This may require a deposit; however, it can spread out the cost of your sign over a longer period of time. Leasing can be particularly beneficial for businesses that need to prioritize funds to grow their business initially.
76% of Shoppers Visit a Business for the First Time Thanks to Its Signage
FedEx Office’s survey found that nearly eight out of ten American shoppers visit an establishment for the first time based on the attractiveness of its custom business signs. Signs are a potent marketing tool, which, if used correctly, can significantly increase foot traffic.
To make the most of your signs, install them in high foot traffic areas. Some popular spots for installing signs include the business’s entrance, above sidewalks, and in lobbies.
68% Make a Purchase Based on Signage
Shoppers havealso admitted to making purchase decisions based on the messages they see on signs; this means having a well-thought-out signage strategy indoors is imperative.
You should consider indoor signs at receptions, checkouts, in product aisles, and waiting areas. Since every business is unique, you will need to take a personalized approach to your indoor marketing. A supermarket, for instance, can be upfront about promoting a discount or a new product, while a doctor’s clinic should use its signage educationally, gently informing patients about the services the clinic offers.
Break the Branding Formula with Indoor Business Signs
Brand awareness and recognition are hard to measure, though they are an important part of the customer journey. Familiarity with a brand not only drives loyalty, but it influences shoppers’ purchase habits too. Indoor business signs are excellent for affordably redecorating and rebranding a space.
Custom window graphics, for example, transform windows into large billboards for the business. Similarly, environmental graphics make your space unique to you. When people visit, they receive a unique experience, which makes it more memorable.
68% of Shoppers Associate Sign Quality with Business Quality
Tying into brand recognition, signage is also considered a strong reflection of the ‘quality’ of a business. Research has found that people associate high-quality custom outdoor business signs with reputable businesses. Conversely, poorly maintained and damaged signs lower the perceived value of a business in customers’ eyes.
Given most people take no more than a few seconds to form a first impression of a business, high-quality business signs for the building are essential ambassadors for your brand. The right signs can position you for success and strengthen buyer journeys.
Vehicle Business Signs Near You Can Generate Up to 16 Million Impressions
Branded vehicles provide some of the greatest returns on investment of any signage. 3M’s extensive research found that a single wrapped commercial vehicle can be seen by around 40,000 people in a single day. While that number may be a little lower for smaller cities, it still offers a far greater return on investment than traditional forms of advertising.
Add to that the low upfront cost of vehicle signage, and you can realize even more value. For example, take a 30-second TV commercial; once all the production costs are factored in, a business is looking at a $10,000 outlay just to produce the advertisement. Showing it on a network will cost thousands more every month. Commercial vehicles, on the other hand, can be wrapped for as little as a few hundred dollars, and there is no recurring cost to market the business wherever the vehicle goes.
Digital Custom Outdoor Business Signs Can Increase Sales by 29.5%
Digital signs installed outdoors can raise a business’s sales by as much as 29.5%, studies have found. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Samsung reports that a single digital sign can deliver up to $10,000 in ROI every five years. There are several reasons for this:
- Businesses can change the message at the click of a button.
- There is no need to pay for a new sign to be made.
- People connect much better with advertising videos and promotional messaging.
In fact, quick service restaurants (QSRs) are turning to digital signage for this reason. Digital signs allow the business to promote its offerings widely indoors and through exterior business signage. Exterior signs attract the attention of customers, while indoor signs raise satisfaction levels.
Get the ROI You Expect from Your Business Signs
Designing signage for impact requires an expert partner for business signs near you. That’s where Blue Orbit Sign Studio comes in. Small businesses turn to us to create eye-catching business signs for their buildings at competitive prices.
Our team spends time understanding your priorities and brings your vision to life. Book a free consultation today to discuss your needs with a local Huntsville-based sign team.
