Why Do Signs Matter? Business Sign Statistics – Signs Are Your First Impression

 

Stage actor, vaudeville performer, and nationally syndicated newspaper columnist, Will Rogers, said it best when he stated, “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.”  Based on his success, this is a mantra that he lived by because by the time the 1930’s rolled around, he had made 71 movies, wrote more than 4,000 newspaper columns, and was the highest paid Hollywood film star of his time (Source).  Adored by the public and sought after by directors, editors, and even the world-renown Ziegfeld Follies, Rogers knew how important it was to make a first impression that would turn into a lasting impression.

So what does all of this have to do with your business sign?  You already, no doubt, make a great impression upon your potential clients.  As soon as they enter your business, they are greeted by a warm, friendly receptionist who directs their attention to water or coffee available while they wait.  They happily sip their coffee while flipping through a Star magazine to catch up on who Taylor Swift is dating now in your lobby that feels more like a relaxing, welcoming spa than a cold, matter-of-fact business.  Soon, they are introduced to your best salesman, dressed for sales success in a tailored, navy blue Armani wool and single-breasted suit, and led back to a professional office with a mahogany desk and dark green leather chairs.  You have set up the perfect environment to give your potential customers the first impression that not only are they going to be taken care of, but that you are successful as what you do and your business is here to stay.

A business like that would have a harder time getting their customers to leave than getting them to stay.  However, for many possible customers this is not actually their first impression of you.  Their first impression of you is usually long before you have the chance to wow them with your personality and your professionalism.

Business Sign Statistic # 4: “When it comes to local business, a vast majority of what you’ll get comes from people who live within 5 miles of your store. That means the average person will see your sign about twice per day, or about sixty times per month” (Source).

Gold Leaf Monument Sign Designed and Installed by Landmark Signs Inc.

What this tells us is that many of your potential customers are actually getting their first impression about your company from your sign. Furthermore, they see your sign again and again, which means that whatever first impression they get of your company will most likely be solidified again and again. A study done by Bertram Gawronski, social psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, found that the “results support the common observation that first impressions are notoriously persistent.”

Think about your sign. In fact, you may even want to step outside for a minute and take a look at your sign.  Remember that much of your business comes from customers who see your sign first and that first impressions are notoriously hard to shake.  Consider what type of first impression is your sign making upon your potential customers. Are you proud of the first impression that your company makes?  Would you enter your own business based on your sign alone?  Does your sign tell of a business that is successful and longlasting?

If your answer to any of these questions is no, it is time to give Landmark Signs a call to make your best first impression. You will never be able to show your customers how valuable your services and products are if they do not even step foot in your door.

Experience and innovation have been the back-bone of Landmark Signs for more than 35 years.  Located in Orange and servicing all of California, our services include sign design, sign manufacturing, and sign installation.  Choose our specialized sign expertise to turn your ordinary sign into a Landmark!

Copyright Landmark Signs Inc 2018

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Why Do Signs Matter? Business Sign Statistics – Customers Refer Based on Signage

 

“Word-of-mouth is the primary factor behind 20 to 50 percent of all purchasing decisions” (Source).

In last week’s blog, we briefly touched on the changing role of the marketer from production centered businesses to brand-based strategies and finally to today’s modern consumer-focused industry.

The current consumer is sharp, savvy, and even slightly suspicious of your company initially.  There are many unfortunate instances of businesses making promises to their customers and failing to keep them. In the past, many were powerless to do anything about it because of limited choices or the lack of a platform to express their upsetting experience.  But the tides have turned and now a customer not only has the place to vent their frustrations for all to see (Yelp-a business’s best friend or worst enemy ), they also have more options than ever before.  Which also means that you have more competition than ever before.

Today, the customer is in charge.  Gone are the days of the door-to-door salesman, the convincing catchy jingle (at least not the ones we wish were not stuck in our heads; most of them are worse than the small world song), and intrusive sales calls (why do they always come during dinner?).  They decide if they want to learn about your business, try your business, and whether or not they will recommend it (or strongly advice against your services) to their friends and family.

Think about it?  How often do we try a new company without a recommendation from someone that we trust?

So what does all of this have to do with your business signage?  Well, according to the following statistic, 75% of your customers think it has a whole lot to do with signs.

Business Sign Statistics #3: “Three out of four consumers saying they have told someone about a store based simply on its signage” (Source).

Most businesses are already well aware of the fact that a customer will make a decision whether or not to continue working with you based on their overall experience.  This is why we go above and beyond to make their time at our company the best we possibly can from the friendly greeting as soon as they enter our building to the follow-up calls after they have used our services to make sure we did everything for them we possibly could.  For example, Trader Joe’s actually delivered food to an elderly man who was snowed in after his daughter called worried that he would not have food to endure the storm.  Delivery is not a part of their service.  Talk about amazing customer service! (Read more about other amazing customer services here).

With a quality, custom sign (see what a gold leaf sign can do for your business), you are adding to the customer’s experience from the very start. However, you will never have a chance to impress your customers with your stellar service if they do not give you a try.  For many consumers, their first impression of you is you store front sign, monument sign, or pylon sign (more on that in next week’s blog).    Before they even have the chance to speak with you, they may have already made a decision about your services based solely on your sign.  A poorly-made sign (read more about that here) reflects on the quality of your service.

It is essential that we, as business owners, utilize every resource we have available to create the best customer experience possible, and that starts with our sign.

Copyright Landmark Signs Inc 2018

Why Do Signs Matter? Business Sign Statistics – Poor Signage Deters Customers

“Customer service is the new marketing.” – Derek Sivers, CD Baby

The role of salesmen and marketers has radically transformed over the last century and a half.  For instance, the Industrial Revolution was a time when consumers had the opportunity to buy many products, rather than having to make them themselves.  It was also a time where there were few competitors, so businesses did not have to put a whole lot of effort into convincing their customers that they were the best.  A business’ main focus during this time was their production, not their customer.

Right around the turn of the century and into the 1940’s, competition in the business world increased.  And the focus turned from producing to branding.  Companies took advantage of the newer technologies like the radio, television, and phone to reach their consumers. While the goal was to convince their customers that they were the best, the customers themselves were still not the main focus. Building the ideal brand was the top discussion around the conference room table.

Fast forward to today and not only do businesses have to compete with innumerable competitors, we also have to recognize that our consumers are now the ones in control.  Because they can access information anytime they want through social media and the internet, harassing them with phone calls, emails, and TV ads only alienate them. Jingles won’t do the trick, no matter how catchy.  They do not need more information coming at them trying to convince them that our service or product “Cannot be beat!” Instead, they rely on their own impressions, and the impressions of their friends, to determine whether or not to give a company a try.

The focus of any successful business should not be solely on creating a better product or building a stronger brand.  In today’s marketing industry, it is vital that the customer not only be taken care of, but actually listened to.

Last week we learned that 68% of customers see a direct correlation between a company and its sign.   That is two of out every three customers!  What can be gained from this insight is that a sign is an absolute necessity for any serious business.  Today, we will learn that not only do customers connect the dots between your business and your signage, they also might not even step foot in your door if they do not like what they see.

Business Sign Statistic #2: “Poor signage can deter consumers from entering a store, with over half (52 percent) saying they are less willing to enter a store with misspelled or poorly-made signs” (Source).

It is hard to argue that a sign is not necessary, especially after looking at last week’s blog and the statistics.  However, some companies just stop there.  And really who can blame them.  With all the costs it takes to run a successful company – supplies, advertising, employees – businesses are always looking for ways to cut costs.  Sometimes this can make the difference between being able to pay all of your employees and having to let go of a member of your business family. Being a business ourselves, we understand the importance of staying within the budget.

But as the numbers suggest, your n, should not be on the place where you spend as little as possible.  In fact, since we see that over half of your consumers are less likely to give your business a chance if your sign is poorly made, really, you can’t afford to be cheap with signage.  You have got to make the best first impression possible and for many of your potential customers, your sign is their first impression of your company and how it operates.

We take the time to buy a nice suit, keep a nice haircut, and smile whenever we meet a new customer all in the effort to make the best first impression.  The same attention to detail and quality should be put into your business signs. Investing in a quality sign is an investment in your business.  Not only does putting in the extra effort into a top business sign means that your sign will require less maintenance and last a lot longer (we’re talking 10 years), it will also send the message to your customers that you are the best, you take your business seriously, and you are willing to put in the effort required to produce quality.

Leave it to the sign experts to get your customers in the door with a premium sign.  Once they step inside, we are confident that you can take it from there.

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Copyright Landmark Signs Inc 2018

Why Do Signs Matter? Business Sign Statistics – Signs Reflect Quality of Business

We can debate about which type of signage is best – a store-front sign, a Monument sign, a Pylon sign – and where a sign should go – above your door, along the street, inside your office– but there is one thing that we, here at Landmark Signs, believe is not up for debate: that signage is an absolute necessity for any serious business.  And there are oh so many reasons why this is true: signs make it easier for people to find you, signs let your customers know that you exist, signs market your business without you having to lift a finger.  The list goes on and on, and believe me, we have this list memorized by heart.

But of course we are going to say that, right?  You don’t work in the sign industry for over 40 years without having a serious appreciation for signage.  It is literally in our blood, and our family, with our own owner first learning the trade from his father and then passing it down to his own children.  Wouldn’t you say that might make us a little biased?  Why should you listen to us?

The good news is you don’t have to. We can save our breath and you can save your ears…and time…and energy, because sign salesmen, am I right?  Research has been done asking the consumer directly what they think about signage, its importance, and why (or even if) signs matter.

Over the next few blogs, we will break down some of these enlightening statistics so you, as a business owner, can do what you do best: listen to your customers.  After that, we leave it to you.

Business Sign Statistic #1: “More than two thirds (68 percent) of consumers believe a store’s signage is reflective of the quality of its products or services” (View Source).

­Yep, you read that correctly.  A whopping 68% of consumers see the business sign above the door as a direct reflection of the business inside the door.  That means that 2 out of every 3 customers are judging your company based on the sign.  Which means that you could lose 2 out of every 3 customers if they do not like that they see.

It almost seems surreal.  What does a sign have to do with the quality of a business?  Yes, it lets a customer know that the business is there, but isn’t that enough?  You might even be thinking that a sign is really just an inanimate object that my business didn’t design, manufacture, or install.  It tells nothing of how well we treat our customers, how valuable the service we provide is, or the quality of our product.  It has absolutely nothing to do with my actual business.

But the numbers clearly display that customers feel differently.  And any successful business knows that the customer is always right.  But, even if you are a business that rejects this philosophy, the reality is that a happy customer means repeat business not only from the client, but most likely the new business they bring in when they tell their friends how great you are.  At the end of the day, these customers are paying the bills, and companies cannot risk potentially losing a client, or having them not even step in the door, because of your lack of quality signage.  Let them learn about the quality of your business by impressing them first with the quality of your sign.

The Sign Expert Says: “Why Refurbish an Old Sign? Is it Possible?”

Surprisingly, instead of refurbishing an old sign, many decide to scrap it.  Is that a good idea?  When should that be the alternative?  Can an old sign be successfully made new?

Below we’ll discuss some good reasons to keep an old sign and give you some examples of some of our successful refurbishes.

City Codes

Over time, city codes and ordinances for signs typically change – and not in the favor of the business owner!  Most often the sign allowances get smaller in terms of how many square feet of sign area an owner can have and it’s overall height.

Recently we contracted to remake a shopping center monument sign that had been completely destroyed by and auto – so that no part of it could continue to be used.  In going back to the city it seemed that over the years the code had changed and now, in order to obtain a new permit, the sign had to be made half as big!  We are still negotiating through that one.

If you have a large sign like the Super A Foods shown above (over 45′ tall) its not likely that the city will allow a completely new one nearly as large.  On the other hand, most municipalities do have what is called a “grandfather clause” that allows that as long as you don’t structurally modify a sign and only maintain it and change it cosmetically, you can keep it.

That allowed us to clean and repaint all the surfaces of Super A, completely rewire and re-lamp it’s interior electrical lighting and reface it with new flexible faces.  The new lighting is eco friendly and less energy consuming and costly to operate.  The new faces are flexible and guarantee not to blow out in high winds and framed in non-rusting aluminum.  Though it was not inexpensive, it was probably only about 1/4 the cost of a brand new sign.  And having lasted probably 40 years, it will easily last another 40.  Not bad!

 

Identity

Another reason to keep an old sign is identity.  Sometimes a sign has such a long history and presence that it “becomes” the business in people’s minds.  Perhaps it’s unusual and iconic such as the Peppertree Lane awning sign above.  If the sign is removed and / or changed, that valuable presence in the mind of clients can be lost, causing negative reactions that can harm the business – even if the new sign is “better” or more “fashionable”!

Imagine if you had been used to seeing this lovely awning when doing business for years at Peppertee Lane.  Then one day you come back, only to see this special sign no longer there.  Would you be pleased?  Very possibly not.  You might even experience such disappointment that you would never return.

Instead you should consider refurbishing your old sign and making it look brand new.  On Peppertree Inn, located across the street from the ocean, we were able to make improvements that will make the sign last even longer than the first time.  We completely kept it’s iconic look while replacing the letters with new ones, using all aluminum and stainless steel parts.  Instead of a painted finish as before, the new letters are anodized Gold which outperforms paint every time.  The result is a great looking sign that is better than before and yet causes none of the disappointment that their long term clients may have experienced if we had changed it.

 

Cost

Another issue at stake is cost.  The footings and structure of new signs can cost from 1/3rd to 1/2 the overall price of the sign.  If you have an existing structure that can be reused, it is often better to use it even if you have to drastically modify it.

On DDL above, we had an unusual situation in which the old sign was dated in style and had a security fence placed right over the middle of it!  The city was okay with allowing the same size and  location, and historical identity wasn’t an issue.  We just had to update it and eliminate that odd fencing issue.

So what we did is “sleeve” it.  In other words we manufactured an aluminum framed “sock” that simply slipped down over and completely covered the old sign.  No new structure or footing was necessary.  We also fabricated the back half with a black finish, causing it to “disappear”.  The result?  A more contemporary and handsome monument sign at probably half the cost of a new one or less.

Better Materials

One last thing to consider is that technology has advanced such that the material used in refurbishing old signs can be superior and longer lasting than the original ones!  Less likely to rust or oxidize, many sign paints and metals such as aluminum and stainless steel are much better, readily available and cost effective.  Lighting and electrical has improved, with new LED lighting products that are just as effective and yet drastically less costly in energy.

So if you have an old sign and don’t know what to do with it, consider the above reasons and decide whether refurbishing is might not be the best thing for you.  If you are still unsure, call Landmark Signs at 714-637-9900 or email us at sales@landmarksignsinc.com today and let us show you how your old sign can become a new gem!

Here’s to great signs!

John Myres, The Sign Expert

The Sign Expert Says: “Wall Signs – What You Need to Know”, Blog Four

A great Wall Sign is essential to your business success.

A Wall Sign is a good way to get your business recognized very effectively.  At the very least it can identify you and tell others what you do.  More importantly it can set the tone, telling your potential and existing clients what positive experiences they can expect in doing business with you.  It can sell your business as being superior and preferable to other businesses nearby or in competition with you.  If you have the opportunity to have a good Wall Sign, you would be remiss in passing it up.

But the questions remain.  How much should I spend?  Do I need something great or is “just enough” going to work?  Are there any issues such as codes or regulations that I need to consider?  How do I know what is best for me and what I have to do to get it?

Codes and Regulations

In most metropolitan cities there are specific codes that regulate how large a Wall Sign can be, what it can be made of and where it can be located.  On top of those, there are often “Sign Programs” or documents required by the city from landlords that give more specifics on how signs can be done in developments such as shopping centers and complexes.  And often, apart from a formal Sign Program, owners will have some language in your lease that tells you what you can and cannot do.

So, the first thing that needs to be done is to determine what restrictions there are, either from the city and / or from the property owner.  At this point I’d like to suggest two things:

1. Find an honest and reliable sign company to research and interpret these for you.  Not everyone is an expert in everything so it’s okay to be a great lawyer and not understand the city or landlord regulations in regards to signs.  An experienced sign company should have the ability to find creative and effective ways to get the best possible Wall Sign for you through these obstacles.  If you try this yourself though, you may miss some opportunities that you could not be expected to recognize.

2. Consider finding out first before you lease!  “Location, location, location” is often the first order for many business people, but what good is it if you find what seems to be the perfect place for your business, only to find out after signing the lease that the restrictions for signs are too severe?  You may have a beautiful building in a lovely spot but can’t even sufficiently tell people with signs that you are there.

We at Landmark Signs have many decades of experience in successfully interpreting and finding ways through the maze of regulations to get our clients great Wall Signs.  In fact it’s the first thing we do – check out the codes and landlord restrictions – and then we fight for you to get you the best sign you can have.  We even offer a service to check out the restrictions in advance of your signing a lease, so that you are completely informed before you commit.  Call or email us today and we can help you avoid a potentially bad decision!

The Type and Cost of a Great Wall Sign.

We are of course advocates for signs – it’s how we make a living!  But the facts supported by scientific findings are that there may be no greater, more efficient and cost effective form of business advertising than a good sign!

Especially in these days when “millennials” are traveling less far from home, your potential clients are most likely going to be those nearby, the ones passing by your business right now.  You can spend thousands on a continual basis advertising on the internet, radio or TV and yet most of those impressions are going to people who because of distance will never use you!  But almost every dime you spend on your Wall Sign is being seen by people who can use your services.

Also, a lot can be said about the quality of your business, how much you care and how well you conduct it by your location.  But far more positive things can be expressed by a good, properly designed, correctly executed and maintained Wall Sign.  Since it is “artistic” it can be designed “demographically” like a logo or advertising, to make an intentionally targeted positive impression upon your most likely or most desired client base.  Using the right materials and design, you can tell people that you are “substantial and secure” or “creative and exciting” or “helpful and friendly”, etc.  Before your clients ever enter your door, they can already have an encouraging idea of what to expect from you!

And lastly, though a good Wall Sign can be expensive, it is typically a “one time” cost.  Qualified sign companies will typically make signs that can last 10-20 years or more, with relatively low maintenance.  Comparatively, many other forms of advertising may not cost as much initially, but over the same amount of time those costs will add up many times the price of a good sign.  And since a great Wall Sign may be a more effective way to make yourself known, why not “bite the bullet” if you can and get what really works?

What Landmark Signs can do for you.

As mentioned, at Landmark Signs we have the experience to determine the best way to get a great Wall Sign for you through the codes and regulations.  We also, because of expertise and great “sign knowledge” are able to help you determine what types of designs, colors, typefaces, materials, etc. would be the most effective in making a positive, intentional impression upon your potential clients.  And because we are top-notch, award winning sign designers, we can create a custom sign that’s perfect for you — and with an emphasis on cost effectiveness if you need it!

In manufacturing, we know how to fabricate great signs, using the right materials and processes that last and make the best impressions.  While other sign companies typically give a one year warrantee, Landmark Signs offers warranties for 2-3 years or more!

I encourage you to contact us today and let us work to get you the great Wall Sign you need and deserve.  Call us today at 714-637-9900 or email us at sales@landmarksignsinc.com.

Sincerely,

John Myres, The Sign Expert

johnm@landmarksignsinc.com

 

The Sign Expert Says: “Wall Signs – What You Need to Know”, Blog Three

In any discussion about Wall Signs, the issue of Channel Letters just has to come up.  Channel Letters are by far the most common form of wall sign for several reasons: (1) they illuminate, making them just as effective at night as in the day, (2) they are versatile and can be made to replicate a wide range of custom logo styles, fonts and have many color and type variations, (3) and they are often specified as the only option in many shopping center Sign Programs and even by some city codes.

What they are

Channel letters are called that because the letters are formed with a metal back or face in the shape of the letter or logo.  Then an thin metal edge is welded around that piece from 2″ – 5″ wide (called a “return”), forming a c-shaped or u-shaped channel.  That is the basic piece of a channel letter.

From that point, in times past a neon piece, very similar to the ones you see in lighted window signs, was formed in a shape that made it fit right down the middle of the channel.  It was fixed in place with glass or plastic “standoffs” that kept it centered and distant enough from the channel to keep it’s electrical charge from “arcing” to the metal where it would build up heat and cause damage.  These days, flexible strips of LED (light emitting diodes) are placed inside instead which only require 12 volts of electricity rather than the up to 15,000 volts that neon sometimes required.  LED channel letters are therefore much less dangerous and much more cost efficient as far as electrical usage is considered.

Now you have the metal channel formed into the shape of a letter or logo and a lighting element that is flexible enough to fit right down the middle of the channel.  Next you will have a “face” or a plastic cover that is typically added to the front of the channel.  This is held on to the channel by means of a plastic trim glued around the edge of the face in which a screw is placed, holding the trim to the metal channel.  The plastic face being translucent allows the light of the neon or LED modules to pass through, giving that distinct and clear night time image we all have seen.

This the basic construction of a Channel Letter but there are many variations we will now discuss.

The Standard Channel Letter

A standard Channel Letter is what I just described.  During the day it looks nice on a wall being very individual and dimensional, with the face color very often being a pleasantly contrasting color to the exposed metal returns.  At night the letter glows out very crisply (if done properly) and is easy to read.  A simple, not too decorative or complicated standard channel letter is the least expensive of all the possible channel letter alternatives.  So why would you want anything else?

The first answer is, everybody’s got them.  Being the least costly and simplest to produce, they are everywhere.  And if you are in a line of shops that all have the same basic thing, how are you to stand out?  That’s why some savvy retailers and restaurants such as Rubio’s and Verizon are using more sophisticated and colorful types of channel letters, with rear (halo) lighting and front (direct) lighting at the same time, placed upon some creative backgrounds.  If you want your business to stand out from all the rest, you should definitely consider paying the extra cost for all these “bells and whistles” because the letters will last a many, many years.  Determined over time your sign will be the single most effective and least costly form of advertising you can do even if you spend a lot more than usual.

Secondly, they are a little too bold and unabashedly commercial – meaning they can cheapen the appearance of your business by begging too brightly for people’s attention.  If you have a professional office or a business that caters to an upper class clientele, you may want to consider more conservative and less blaring types of channel letters such as the halo (back or rear) lighted letter.

The Halo Channel Letter

In construction, the halo channel letter is very much like the standard, front illuminated letter, except that it is turned around.  In other words, the solid metal that forms the back of a channel letter is now facing forward, with the channel and it’s lighting elements facing the wall.  There is a plastic piece, but it’s now hidden from view and only acts as a seal to keep dust and water out of the letter.  This letter is now installed with a space (generally about 1″) between itself and the wall.  When the lights go on, you see a halo glow of light on the wall, putting the letters themselves in a dark silhouette.

What’s great about these is their understated, classic appearance.  The metal faces and returns can be made of brushed aluminum or stainless steel for that extra classy daytime look, or use any nice color.  At night they don’t blare as if to say “Look at me!” but they give your business that very professional and impressive understated appearance that says “I really am awesome and I don’t need to prove it to you.”  High end clientele want to think they are dealing with businesses that are exclusive and don’t need to beg for clients because they are better than all the rest.  And if you show confidence in your abilities as indicated by your sign advertising, you give people a sense of security which is especially important for the legal or medical professionals.

Halo Channel Letters are fractionally but not exceptionally more costly than standard ones.

Exposed Neon Channel Letters

On the other hand, if you want to make your sign a “star” so that it looks different than all the rest, you can use an exposed neon letter.  This is made just like a standard channel letter but with either a clear plastic face or none at all, so that the colorful neon piece is entirely visible on purpose. You do this when you really want to stand out – but be careful – it’s the opposite of a halo channel letter because it can scream rather than quietly state your message.

As mentioned, the main benefits are it’s uniqueness and brightness.  It also has a very “old fashioned” appearance that is great with businesses that rely on nostalgia.  So it can be used for theme restaurants and theaters, etc., where that idea is desirable.  But it has also become dated so that you should avoid it if you want to appear contemporary.  Like halo letters, they are somewhat more costly than standard channel letters.

Mixed Lighting or Direct / Indirect Channel Letters

The most expensive (often twice the cost of standard letters) are those of mixed lighting effects.  Often called “Direct / Indirect”, they both light through the face and on the wall.  And it doesn’t to stop there.  These types of channel letters can use every one of the above lighting effects and more, include exposed, halo or standard (front lighted).  Yes they are a lot more costly, but if any type of channel letter sign can be called “sexy”, this is it.

If you have a restaurant or any business that wants to really stand out and look impressive, you may want to use mixed lighting effects in your channel letters.  Though they are usually very bright, the fact that they obviously do things everyone else’s sign doesn’t adds a touch of class.  They say you can afford to do better than everyone else, possibly care more, and are very likely to be successful since you probably paid more.  And people like to do business with a successful companies.

What people often get confused about when buying signs is the initial cost.  Signs typically cost many thousands of dollars.  But here’s the rub: the on premise sign is proven to be the most effective and least costly form of advertising you can do (click here for a good study on this).  It advertises only to people that are in your neighborhood or passing by so you aren’t paying for advertising that is sent by means of print, radio or video to a lot of people that will never do business with you.  It’s typically a one-time cost that over the time is very inexpensive as compared to the over and over, month after month hundreds of dollars other advertising that adds up to tens of thousands of dollars over the same period.

So, if you are spending less over time, getting a better share of attention, and only pay for it one time (with some maintenance along the way) why not make the best of it and get something that really works?  It’ll still cost a lot less over time and will be a permanent, standing and obvious “sales person” that will over and over again tell people your business matters.  What can be better than that?

The Bottom Line

Whether you purchase any of the several types of Channel Letter signs, you need a professional, knowledgeable sign company.  Your sign is an extremely beneficial and important part of your business success.  Channel Letters make a great wall sign but if they are done just as an afterthought, you will lose the opportunity to really represent your company well with an appearance that can enhance your business and even set the tone for it.  If you are in need of a great wall sign, whether using channel letters or not, give us a call at 714-637-9900 or email us at sales@landmarksignsinc.com today!

Next time in “The Sign Expert Says:  Wall Signs – What You Need to Know, Blog Four” we will wrap up and talk about all of the options and what you will need to take into consideration in purchasing your wall sign.

Best wishes!

John Myres, The Sign Expert

johnm@landmarksignsinc.com

Just Completed – Broadway Thomas Sign Program!

Hello everyone! We just wanted you to know that we have completed one of our most intense and beautiful sign programs yet!

Broadway-Thomas Plaza is an excited mixed use development, consisting of several first floor retail spaces along Broadway and three floors of office / commercial spaces with ample interior parking.  It’s architecture and design are attractive with great office amenities, such as upper floor covered patios with a view.  If you are interested in leasing any part of this building, please contact Erick Marchena at Erick@charles-company.com.

Along with the Sign Program, we’ve also completed extensive design drawings for all of the signs to be used on the project.  If you want to know more about what we can do or are interested in knowing more about what a Sign Program does, just click on either of the links below:

Broadway-Thomas Sign Program

Broadway-Thomas Sign Designs

Also, if you’d like to see more of our Sign Programs click on this previous blog of a three-part series:

The Sign Expert Says: Comprehensive Sign Programs – What Are They?  Why Should I Care?

And you can also look at another recently completed sign program in our blog:

Announcing: Completion of the 900 Wilshire Sign Program

As always, if you have an interest in our helping you with your Sign Program or sign designs, permitting, manufacture and installation, please email us at sales@landmarksignsinc.com or call us at 714-637-9900 today!

Best wishes to you all!

John Myres, The Sign Expert.

714-944-7257 (cell)

johnm@landmarksignsinc.com

The Sign Expert Says: “Wall Signs – What You Need to Know”, Blog Two

 

In any discussion about what you should know about Wall Signs, the first place to go is the various forms.  There are a lot of controlling factors that will determine what type you can use that we will discuss later, but it’s best to know what your options are and to understand them well.

Last time we began by talking about Hand Painted Wall Signs, Wood Wall Signs and Dimensional (3D) Letters.  This time we’ll continue our descriptions by discussing Neon Signs, LED Signs and High Rise Wall Signs.  We will discuss Channel Letters in blog three as there are quite a number of options and issues to talk about.

So let’s continue!

 

Neon Signs

The term “Neon Signs” has over the years become just another phrase people generally use for any lighted sign.  But what we are talking about here is a sign actually made using “Neon” or the bent glass tubing that when electrified is capable of displaying a very wide range of bright and unique colors.

Neon as a lighting technology has been replaced by LED signs and lighting, especially as it comes to its use inside of Channel Letters (see blog three).  But it’s still a viable and unique option for certain sign opportunities.

The main benefit of neon is it’s brightness and clarity.  LEDs are good in places where there is low light or in night time applications, but there is still nothing brighter than neon.  And properly done, it can be seen for greater distances and with better clarity than almost any other type of sign.

It also has that nostalgic quality that lends itself well to restaurants and boutiques, both inside and out.  And it’s a highly custom media that can be adapted to a wide variety of conditions and design needs, being entirely hand shaped.

Landmark Signs has the skilled neon tube benders to make a great Neon Sign for your building, and the design expertise to make your logo or message work beautifully.  Be sure and call or email us if you are interested!

 

LED Changeable Message Signs

Like the phrase “Neon Signs”, LED Signs has also come to be a generic term that is a little confusing.  Many people think of them as the changeable electric multicolor sign boards that are more typically are seen on freestanding monument, pylon or pole signs.  They are rarely used on walls, but they can be in some cases a good option.

The benefit is of course the ability to display multiple, changeable messages and graphics.  Some units (if you can afford them!) are capable of such color and resolution that they are like a bright television set, able to clearly display almost any beautiful image at will.  Their downsides are expense if you want a really good, high quality unit, and the fact that most cities either outlaw them or highly restrict their use.  It will probably be only in rare cases that you will be able to use one as a Wall Sign.

In the sign industry however, most actual LEDs are being used in Channel Letters (see blog three) instead of Neon as an internal lighting source.  As such they are the preferred option, being considerably easier to install and less costly in energy use.  You can see some examples of these on our website at http://landmarksignsinc.com/LED-signs-signage-landmark-signs.html.

 

High Rise Wall Signs

The “uppermost” Wall Sign is the High Rise, pun intended.  It’s the “corporate image” wall sign because it’s typically placed upon office buildings where corporation offices are and which aren’t typically visited by walk in clientele.  It’s usual use is to make a big impression, to leave viewers with the distinct notion that the business is very big and very successful, if only for the immensity of the sign alone.

They can be quite large (8-10 feet tall and 100′ in length) and are usually atop very expensive office and business buildings in the high rent districts.  Very commonly they are of the illuminated channel letter type, since letters that look individual are especially impressive at night.  They may also use a logo or simply be a logo (see photo below) in order to establish a brand identity properly.

The main benefit of a High Rise Wall Sign is it’s impressiveness.  It’s hard to think of a downside.  If you have spent the cost of renting some of the most expensive office spaces there are, why not take advantage of the opportunity to let everyone know?  And you don’t even have to be a large corporation.  Any business that wants to really show off and has the resources to do so can make themselves look successful virtually overnight.  Just pick a spot in the nicest part of town, throw up a High Rise Wall Sign, and voila, you are the A-Rod of Professional Companies!

We at Landmark have designed and installed many High Rise Wall Signs.  Needless to say, there are not a lot of companies that enjoy installing signs 300 feet in the air, but we do!  If you have any interest in this type of sign, don’t hesitate to call us at 714-637-9900 or email me directly at johnm@landmarksignsinc.com.

Next Time . . .

Be sure and check back next time as we tackle the most prevalent type of wall sign, Channel Letters.

Thanks for tuning in!

John Myres, The Sign Expert

 

The Sign Expert Says: “Wall Signs – What You Need to Know”, Blog One

Of all the varieties of sign types you may use, the Wall Sign is the most prevalent.  The problem is, there are so many kinds!  What’s going to work best for your particular circumstances?  Should it be lighted or not?  How much should I spend?  these are some of the questions you may have.  In this series of blogs, I will answer all of these questions and more.

To begin with, a Wall Sign simply means a sign that is placed upon an exterior wall, very typically right over your business entrance.  This should not be confused with the sign you may place on an interior wall in your reception area, or a small plaque mounted on the wall outside or your entrance.  But it does include those very large and very high signs placed upon skyscrapers, whether that wall is a solid one or made of glass.

So in this blog we will begin by discussing the various standard types of Wall Signs, from the simple to the sublime.  This will take more than one posting, so hang on and check back!  I know you will find this interesting, informative and possibly profitable, especially if it helps you to pick the right one, the one that advertises and represents your business best, drawing great clientele.

So we will start with the non-illuminated Wall Sign types, moving on to the lighted wall signs next time.  Here we go:

The Hand Painted Wall Sign

“Okay”, you may ask, “Why should I care about this outdated kind of Wall Sign?”.  Well, believe it or not, hand painted wall signs are making a comeback!  When you have a minute, check out this blog by a very skilled sign painter who is doing a new version of an old sign for people who want that nostalgic look.

When I was 15 or 16 years old, my dad (who was an “old school” sign painter) and I went and painted many Wall Signs of this kind.  Of course since that was before the invention of the camera (joke!), I don’t have any pictures.  And most of what is being done currently is restoration or imitations of old signs.  But just because most of what you think of are these older examples, that doesn’t mean a modern logo or current image can’t be applied to an exterior wall too, just as in the past.

What are the advantages?  Well for one, aesthetics.  If you have a business that is nostalgic in nature or longstanding and experienced, this may be just the right thing to do.  It immediately gives the viewer the impression that your business has been around for a while and gives it that very desirable classic image that is in vogue these days.

Another advantage is cost.  Now you should not think “cheap” because it’s definitely not.  There are few sign companies that can do this (Landmark can!), and so just finding a skilled sign painter is of course more and more rare.  And so “rare” often translates into costly.  But, the cost of materials is typically a lot less than any other sign type, and there are no mechanical installations necessary.

So, believe it or not, you may really want to consider a hand painted wall sign as an alternative!

The Wood Wall Sign

This is another sign type that is a little more rare but still very effective in it’s own way.

Wood wall signs are typically dimensional, being either sandblasted (as the example above) or routed.  Sometimes they are flat or hand painted as a less costly but not nearly as dramatic or impressive option.  If well made of the proper materials such as redwood or cedar, and finished with the right high quality sign paints (we recommend 1 Shot sign enamels), they can last a very long time and give you a lot of bang for your buck.

Their advantages are also mainly aesthetic in nature.  Being dimensional, they have an impressive and custom appearance that tells your customer that you aren’t satisfied with just another sign, that you care and are a company of substance.  They are also very well suited for doctors, lawyers and professionals, residential  complexes, gift shops in tourist areas, any business or enterprise that wants to portray a beautiful and impressive image.

Since they are mainly hand made, they are not especially inexpensive.  But they have an undeniably classic and custom appearance that can’t be matched in any other wall sign.  And if designed and fabricated properly, they will last many, many years with a unique appearance that will represent your business well.

At Landmark, we specialize in wood signs and can design and manufacture a great one for you!

Non-Illuminated Dimensional (3D) Letters

Moving on to the more contemporary and business sign appearance, we come to these.  Dimensional Letters are a very modern and desirable type of wall sign that we here at Landmark have done quite a lot of.  They are best suited for new professional offices and buildings.

Good dimensional wall signs are those made of a variety of metals, and which are either mounted away from the wall or have substantial depth, giving them the appearance of substance that reflects well on your concern.  We have used anodized brushed aluminum,  polished plated gold aluminum, anodized bronze and stainless steel as examples of metals and finishes that last a long time and look great for years.

Their advantages are longevity and impressiveness.  They work well for any business concern that needs to look substantial and solid.  If made of the proper materials with the right anodized or stainless finishes, they will stand up well to almost any environmental condition and come away unscathed.  Some of the materials we offer actually come with a life-time warrantee!

A disadvantage is the lack of illumination.  They are less costly than lighted alternatives but don’t do well for retail establishments that need to draw clients to their locations day or night.  So keep this in mind when considering them.  If you are a 9-5 professional office that isn’t looking to pull in customers off of the street, then you will be served well.  But if you rely heavily on attracting and bringing in people from your local area such as a restaurant, clothing store, laundry, or any typical retail business, you should use an illuminated sign.

Contact us today if you think this is the sign type for you!

Next Time . . .

So as mentioned, next time we will deal with the various types of Lighted Wall Signs, including LED sign, neon signs and high rise wall signs.

I hope you enjoyed this and as always, if you have any sign need or question, let me know!  You can reach me at johnm@landmarksignsinc.com.  I’ll always be glad to help you!

 John Myres, The Sign Expert