How to Avoid Common Sign Mistake #10

Image Source: British Battles

“Don’t ask for permission, ask for forgiveness.” This common utterance is often used when motivating someone to be proactive. Taking initiative is especially encouraged in business. In fact, Andy Robinson, the founder of Career Success Partners and a career coaching veteran for fifteen years, explains that “Initiative correlates strongly with personal achievement and professional development…it is a clear sign of your capacity to develop as a leader. So what are you waiting for? Take action today; don’t wait to be asked – be proactive” (1). In work environments where many employees wait to be given direction and miss opportunities to stand out from their co-workers, it is great to inspire people to step up to the plate and take a big swing. You may not always hit a home-run, but you will certainly get farther than if you just sat on the bench.

Business owners are certainly familiar with the need to take initiative. There are many day to day decisions that require a leader who is going to take action right away and get the job done. However, Laura Stack, a Leadership, Sales, & Team Productivity Expert warns that one needs to “consider the repercussions. It may be better to beg forgiveness than ask for permission in some cases, but not when you embarrass or damage the company. If there’s a possibility of causing havoc by taking initiative with something, back off” (2). This is because sometimes “just going for it” can backfire. If a business, or person, does not ever take the time to pause and reflect before making decisions, it can cause major problems down the road, costing a company, time, resources, and money.

When it comes to purchasing a sign, sometimes taking initiative can backfire. For example, if you decide to go ahead and make the sign yourself without letting a professional sign company do the job, you will probably regret that decision. Additionally, acting quickly without checking in with your landlord or the city before investing in a location for your property, might result in not being able to have the kind of sign you really want. Several common sign mistakes can be avoided if a company thinks about what problems could arise ahead, including the sign mistake of not getting a permit.

Channel Letter Sign Designed, Manufactured, and Installed by Landmark Signs Inc.

Common Sign Mistake #10: Not Getting a Permit For Your Sign

Dealing with the city government seems to be fettered with meaningless logistics, annoying paperwork, and unnecessary costs. Sometimes, companies can be tempted to simply skip dealing with the city altogether. They think, why should I have to ask permission to put up a sign for my business? So out of principle, a desire to avoid a time delay, or simply wanting to save some money, they will forgo getting a permit before having their sign installed.

And we can’t say that we blame you. At Landmark Signs, we have years of getting sign permits and understand just how complicated the process can be. However, we have been around long enough to see that when a business avoids getting a sign permit, it usually comes back to haunt them. It may have saved them money in the short term, but when a landlord, property owner, or city employee eventually visits your business and sees a brand new Business Sign, Monument Sign, or Pole Sign, they are going to want to see the permit that goes along with it.

When you can’t produce that sign permit, a business is risking paying hefty city fines and having to pay additional fees to have the sign removed. Furthermore, because they already paid for a sign they may no longer have the budget for a new sign designed with the city requirements in mind. If they do, they have essentially doubled their sign costs by not getting a permit from the start. It will not matter to the city how much forgiveness you ask for; having failed to ask for permission in the first place means the damage is already done and you will have to pay for it.  

Avoid this common sign mistake by making getting a sign permit. But don’t worry, you won’t have to deal with the complicated city yourself. We are experts at getting through the paperwork and dealing with city personnel in order to get the sign you really want! With experience in dealing with design committees, planning commissions, and city councils, there is no department or sign issue too difficult for us! Call or email us for your own sign (with a permit) today.

Landmark Signs

Experience and innovation have been the backbone of Landmark Signs for more than 40 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!

© Landmark Signs Inc 2018

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How To Avoid Common Sign Mistakes #9

“Location, location, location!” This is a phrase commonly reiterated when someone is buying property of any kind. Whether it be a house someone is buying for themselves, a piece of property a real estate agent is looking to sell, or a spot for a business to sell their goods and services.

Being a local Southern California sign business we certainly understand this. We are located in one of the most expensive places in the United States for buying property of any kind. For instance, in Orange County, there is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1566 square foot condo listed at $319,00 (1). Meanwhile in Snellville, Georgia $310,000 can make you the proud owner of 9 bed, 5.5 bath, 5,525 square foot house (2). And people pay for property in Orange County for one major reason. The location! In Orange County, most houses are no more than an hour from the beautiful beach. And let’s not forget that California is a place where the sun shines an average of 278 days a year! Plus, we are never lacking in things to do with an infinite number of movie theaters, shopping malls, restaurants, and more right around the corner.

What a difference location can make!

When investing in property for your business, it is extremely important to consider the location. Any serious business owner has to answer several questions before settling upon a location. Is it near major areas where my clientele can be found? Am I located by my suppliers? Is there a lot of traffic that passes by? If so, can they see my business from the street? (Read here to learn what to do if your business is located away from the street).

However, if a business focuses solely on the location of their business, they will be in danger a making another major sign mistake.

Common Sign Mistake #9: Not Checking In With Your Landlord or City About Sign Restrictions

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A business that is looking to increase their sales, grow their brand, and establish their presence must have quality signage (Learn more about how signage can increase sales here). In fact, studies show that people view the a company’s sign as a direct reflection of that company (3). It makes sense. If a company doesn’t bother to purchase a quality sign, why would a potential client think that they would be provided with quality services and goods?

Perhaps a company has visions of an elegant Storefront Sign proudly proclaiming its name and location, while also having a substantial Monument Sign to catch the attention of those driving by on the street. Or maybe another business wants a classic Blade Sign over its walkway to let those walking by know where they are and a powerful Pole Sign to get noticed from far distances or on the freeway. However, even if a company fully intends to invest in the most valuable and varied signage, their dreams may be stopped dead in their tracks if they are at a location that limits their sign options. Different cities, property owners, and locations have their own sign requirements and restrictions.

Some cities are very flexible with signage and allow a business to invest in multiple sign types and accepting a different sign designs. However, there are several cities that limit business signage severely, even to the point of only allowing that business one Business Sign that must look the exact shape and size of all the other businesses in the center. So much for standing out!

Taking the time to check in with both the city and the landlord before setting up at a location, can make all the difference for your signage. Avoid this common sign mistake and invest in the signage that will send the right message to your customers. Need help determining city sign restrictions and requirements from the experts? Email or call Landmark Signs today and we will help you get the sign you need for your business to grow.

Landmark Signs

Experience and innovation have been the backbone of Landmark Signs for more than 40 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!

© Landmark Signs Inc 2018

How To Avoid Common Sign Mistake #8

DIY-Do It Yourself. This acronym has gained increasing popularity over the years as thrifty consumers are looking to save some money and take problem solving into their own hands. A simple internet search will result in DIY ideas for anything from nail art to halloween costumes to home repairs. There are an infinite amount of possibilities when it comes to DIY. After all, why pay the professionals money for something that you can do for yourself for much less money?

Well, here is one reason:

 

And another:

And one more just for fun:

Don’t get us wrong: we certainly applaud and understand those looking to take some of their needs into their own hands in order to save some money (we are business owners, of course we value thriftiness). If someone is looking to paint their nails a simple color, like red or pink, why not grab the nail polish at the store and paint your own nails? However, don’t expect to be able to complete a complex nail art design yourself. There is a reason we pay the professionals for the more complicated tasks.  They are the ones who are trained and specialize in their specific trade or vocation.

Sometimes, when you want a job done right, don’t Do It Yourself.

Instead, turn to those who have the skills, resources, and know-how to do the job right the first time. Yes, you will be paying more than if you do it yourself, but you will be paying for it to last a long time and to be done right the first time.

Common Sign Mistake #8: DIY (Do It Yourself) Signage

Signage is one of these areas where DIY will not cut it. These jobs are much too involved to be done by anyone but a specialist.  From surveying the job site, getting the permit, designing the sign, manufacturing the sign, to installing the sign every step of the job is detailed and takes an understanding of many factors that require a professional touch.

Most people do not try to tackle actually manufacturing a sign themselves. That requires materials, equipment, and expertise. Nevertheless, some think that if they cannot manufacture the sign themselves, they can at least handle creating the design that will be used on the sign. In fact, some insist on designing the sign themselves looking to save money. They have some graphic design experience or work in a creative field. How hard can it be?

Apparently, pretty difficult. Let’s take a look at DIY design attempts.

Suddenly, I am not very hungry. What a difference the font choice can make! (Image Source)

Yikes! What would it look like with the window rolled completely down? A beheading? (Image Source)

Sasa Lele? Execution is everything. (Image Source)

The truth is that there are many factors that go into designing a sign. It is not as simple as thinking up a beautiful design and putting it on paper (or on Adobe Illustrator). Instead, it is an intricate process that requires taking into account a number of factors such as city ordinances, materials used, color considerations, the building process, the installation, and more. All of these elements must be considered in order to make sure that the design will be able to come to life.

Now, let’s check out some Landmark Signs Design Attempts.

Designed, Manufactured, and Installed by Landmark Signs Inc

Monument Sign Designed, Manufactured, and Installed by Landmark Signs Inc

Illuminated Sign Designed, Manufactured, and Installed by Landmark Signs Inc.

Okay, we admit it. That last one is a Landmark Signs DIY project.

To avoid ending up with your own DIY sign fail by calling or emailing Landmark Signs today. Save the DIY jobs for home decoration and crafts.

Or maybe not…

Landmark Signs

Experience and innovation have been the backbone of Landmark Signs for more than 40 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!

© Landmark Signs Inc 2018

How To Avoid Common Sign Mistake #7

When the winter months begin to roll around, the sky darkens earlier and earlier each day. Today, November 20, for example, the sun will begin to set around 4:47 pm in Los Angeles, CA, which means that between 5:15 and 5:45 the sun will dissipate and leave the night sky behind to take over (1).

For those driving home from work, this can be a wonderful break from the summer months. The sun that would have been glaring in their eyes only a few months earlier, sometimes blocking their vision, is gone. Instead, they can take notice of what is around them. The brake lights on the cars in front of them and the headlights from those passing by catch their notice; the Christmas lights that often go up after Halloween bring a smile to their face; and the illuminated signage that catches their gaze reminds them that they need to drop off that package at UPS, grab a carton of milk at Albertsons, or take their family out to dinner at Red Robin.

What do all of these eye-catching sights have in common? Lights! You see, in these months where nighttime occurs around the same time that many commuters are driving home from work, the only items that truly stand out from the darkness is illumination. Everything else tends to blend into the background. Which means that everything else that is not illuminated, will fail to be seen during these extremely marketable hours. Since “forty-five percent leave from work or school in the afternoon or evening between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM [and] n additional 17% leave after 5:00 PM” it is very important that every business avoid our next common sign mistake (2).

Common Sign Mistake #7: Not Illuminating Your Signs

For many businesses, a large portion of the customers they acquire comes from people “who live within 5 miles of [the] store. This means the average person will see your sign about twice per day, or about sixty times per month” (3). However, this type of exposure can only occur if the sign is seen. And if those business signs are not illuminated, from the beginning of November to the beginning of March, those signs are not noticed by the thousands of commuters who pass by on their drive home.

That is almost half the year! Which means that a business is cutting down on almost 25% of its possible exposure by failing to illuminate their signage so they can be seen during the winter months.

And there are not only many ways to illuminate your signage, but also almost any sign you have can be illuminated (read here to learn more about ways to illuminate signage). Signs such as Monument Signs that are right on the street, Retail Signs that are directly above your door or on your building, and Pole Signs that get your business seen from afar can all be illuminated. Not to mention Directional Signs, Gold Leaf Signs, Awning Signs, and many more.

Illuminated Signage, such as LED Signs or Neon Signs, is one of the best tactics you can take in order to get more exposure for your store. Still not convinced that illuminating your sign is the best option? Check out our blog here, here, or here, to learn about ever more reasons why Illuminated Signage can make all the different for your business.

Want to avoid this common sign mistake? Call or email Landmark Signs today for your own Illuminated Sign.

Landmark Signs

Experience and innovation have been the backbone of Landmark Signs for more than 40 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!

How to Avoid Common Sign Mistake #6

 

 

“The possibilities for signage are limited only by imagination and budget.  In fact, many businesses will benefit from using more than one type of sign as part of their overall strategy” (1).

 

When businesses think of purchasing signage for their company, they are often considering just one sign type. They might have just moved into a location and need a new sign above their store, so they stay focused on purchasing just a Channel Letter Sign. Or maybe a property owner sees the need for a Monument Sign so that his or her tenants can advertise on it from the street. And there are those that want to capitalize on having a business right by the freeway so they get a Pole Sign to be seen from far distances.

While all of these investments are worth it, a business does itself harm when it gets hyper focused on just one sigh type and does not see the other opportunities that different sign types can provide them. This is often the result of companies wanting to fix the immediate problem. However, in an article entitled Why Great Business Leaders Must Address the Big Picture, it states that

“big picture thinking means strategic thinking. Brand strategy and business strategy are all about seeing the whole picture. Considering things in a silo never creates impactful strategy. And often leaders get hung up on tactical details that stall powerful, strategic thinking” (2).

Signage is a critical part of your big picture business strategy, and if it isn’t already, now is the time to make it a part of your brand strategy. There are many reasons that signage is an integral part of marketing a business (click here to learn more), including the fact that 75% of consumers have said that they have referred a business simply because of its signage (3). The value of that word of mouth marketing cannot be overstated. So it is vital that when purchasing signage, a business thinks long term and examines all the sign opportunities they have.

Common Sign Mistake #5: Only Having One Sign Type

It is important that in order to capitalize on the benefits of signage, a company invests in several sign types since each sign type has its own unique advantage. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the different sign types and what they can do for your business.

Wall & Building Signs

High Rise Building Sign by Landmark Signs

These are some of the most common sign types, since Wall & Building Signs go directly above a store’s door or right on the building. While they most obviously provide the opportunity for a customer to identify your company and its location, it also provides other benefits.

First of all, a Wall Sign, like a Channel Letter Sign, if it is done well and is of high quality, often makes the first impression upon your customers. They usually see this sign before even being greeted by your receptionist. Additionally, a company that takes the time to put up a Building Sign shows those passing by that they are a company that is there to stay. And like with most signs, if you illuminate your Wall Sign, then you will stand out even more from all the other signs in the area (to learn about the other benefits of illuminated signage, click here).

Monument Signs

South Coast Neon Monument Sign by Landmark Signs

While you may not know what they are called, you have most definitely seen a Monument Sign. They are the ones that are located right by the street.

What is the point in having a Monument Sign? Well there are many reasons. One of which is the fact that they get your business to be seen by people driving by on the street. This is vital if your building is set back from the street and further in the complex. This is also helpful if your building is blocked by trees, another building, or some other obstruction that makes your building hard to see from the street.

Furthermore, a Monument Sign, made out of substantial materials and large in size, tells your potential customers that your business is substantial and permanent. Click here to learn even more about how Monument Signs can help your business grow.

Directional Signs

Interior Directional Signage by Landmark Signs

Directional Signs are located within a building and outside of it around a complex. For schools, malls, hospitals, and more these signs are a must. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to find the location of a company and not being able to. Directional Signs can ensure that your customers arrive at your company easily and in a good mood.

In addition to helping your customers quickly find your building or office, Directional Signage also shows a consumer that you care about them and want to make sure that they are taken care of. It also sends that message that you are a legitimate company and have invested in not only your business, but also in your customers. Click here for even more information about Directional Signage.

Conclusion

These are only three of the many different sign types that are necessary for most, if not all businesses. In order to make sure that you take advantage of all the benefits that signs have to offer, contact Landmark Signs today. Check out this blog to learn about even more sign types.

Landmark Signs

Experience and innovation have been the backbone of Landmark Signs for more than 40 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!

How to Avoid Common Sign Mistake #5

Several years ago, Landmark Signs worked with a nationwide distributor of dental supplies, Benco Dental. They were looking for signage for their Costa Mesa, CA office. Their building was located on the corner of the street, which meant that they had two sides of their building that would face the street. In a desire to cut costs, they very easily could have been satisfied with one Store-Front Sign, assuming that that one singular sign would increase their viewership and sales enough.

And it is true, signage does result in an increase in sales. In fact, a study found that “Three out of four consumers say they have told someone about a store based simply on its signage” (1). This shows that signage leads to a 75% increase in their word of mouth marketing, which is one of the most significant forms of advertising in today’s world (click here to learn more about advertising with signage). Your sign, its existence and its quality, make a substantial impact on your visibility and consumer reach.

With such an boost in visibility, many businesses stop with just one sign because they think it is enough. However, they are often missing out on an even larger jump in sales by not thinking big enough. David J. Schwartz, author of the “The Magic of Thinking Big”, advised that people “look at things not as they are, but as they can be. Visualization adds value to everything. A big thinker always visualizes what can be done in the future. He isn’t stuck with the present” (2).

Benco Dental certainly personified this quote when they thought long term, looked ahead, and realized that an extra investment now would pay off ten-fold down the road. Not only did they purchase a high-quality Building Sign for one side of their building, they also took advantage of the extra store front space, and purchased a second Channel Letter Sign. Plus, to reflect even more positively on their company, they also bought a sleek Monument Sign to send a message of permanence and class. Check out their elegant signage below:

Settling for one sign, when you have the opportunity to have several, is missing out on a great opportunity to grow sales and viewership.

Common Sign Mistake #5: Having One Sign, When You Need Several

Depending upon your building, there are often several places where additional signage can be placed. Sometimes a building has an interior face within a complex, while the back of the building faces the street. This is an excellent place to put another Store-Front Sign in order to be seen by passers-by on the street.

Or perhaps you have the chance to add a Monument Sign to your property that already has a Channel Letter Sign. Adding a Monument Sign pulls in people driving by who would otherwise not realize that your business is inside that complex.

Or maybe you have a Store-Front Sign, but have additional wall space within your building for a Lobby Sign. A well-designed Lobby Sign warmly greets customers walking into your store and solidifies the positive impression they have of you after seeing your Business Sign.

Word & Brown Lobby Sign by Landmark Signs

High Rise Building Sign by Landmark Signs

What about also having ADA Signs to make your interior easier to navigate? Or adding Directional Signage to make your complex more customer friendly? Or placing a Pole Sign on your property to also be seen from far distances?

There are endless possibilities for almost every space in which additional signage can gain new customers and sales for your business. Think big, take advantage of your location, and capitalize on every chance to increase your business’s presence. Email or call Landmark Signs to learn how your business can avoid this common sign mistake.

Landmark Signs

Experience and innovation have been the backbone of Landmark Signs for more than 40 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!

How To Avoid Common Sign Mistake #4

In today’s extremely competitive environment, it is extremely important that brick and mortar businesses give themselves an edge in order to make more sales. Between low price retailers like Walmart and the ever present online giants like Amazon, competition is more intense than ever. Every opportunity needs to be explored; every advantage capitalized upon; and every open door walked through.

That’s not to say that the competitive environment means that it is hopeless for brick-and-mortar stores (learn more about how to fight amazon with signage here). In fact, what Walmart and Amazon are lacking, is what your business most likely excels at. American businessman and politician, Matt Bevin stated that “While it may seem small, the ripple effects of small things is extraordinary” (1). What this tells us is that while it is important to think of the big picture, sometimes the best way to reach that end goal is to focus on the little things and watch them add up over time.

It can be easy to think that skipping steps and taking shortcuts in order to reach your destination may be the best way to go. But cutting corners is hardly ever the way to create a well-made product. This also applies to any sign decisions that you make.

Common Sign Mistake #4: Not Having Directional Signage

Interior Directional Signage by Landmark Signs

“The easier you make it for your customer to find what they are looking for — be it your office, or a product within your store — the easier it is to get a sale. If a customer can’t find what they need, they may become so irritated that they give up and your sale is then lost” (2).

There are very few experiences more frustrating than getting lost and not being able to find what you are looking for. Directional Signage is vital for any large or complicated complexes, particularly, churches, shopping malls, universities, sports or concert venues, hospitals, parks, and office buildings. It keeps your customers from arriving at your store or building irritated, or even worse, it keeps them from not arriving at all.

Exterior Directional Sign by Landmark Signs

There are two different types of directional signage: interior and exterior. Interior signage is the kind that directs customers and visitors to different offices or stores within the office. For larger places, it is not enough that your customers were able to find your building, they must also be able to navigate their way within that building. Additionally, there are also exterior signs that help your customers navigate their way around the outside of the complex, assisting them with finding buildings, parking structure, or stores.

Not only do these types of signs make it more likely that you are going to make a sale, they also send a positive message to the customers about what type of business you have. It tells them that you care about your customers and that you want to take care of them and their needs from the second they step foot on your property. Furthermore, “with these signs, visitors or customers are less likely to get lost which helps to avoid a situation that could reflect badly on the business” (3).

Take care of your customers and make the sale by avoiding this sign mistake and others. Landmark Signs can help you with all of your directional signage needs, whether you need interior signage, exterior signage, or both.

Landmark Signs

Experience and innovation have been the backbone of Landmark Signs for more than 40 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!

How to Avoid Common Sign Mistake #3

A gym-goer decides that he wants to bulk up his biceps. So he hits the gym everyday working through multiple sets of dumbbell curls, bar curls, chin ups, and more. His sole focus, 5 days a week, is to get biceps that will impress anyone who glances at him. And soon, he has achieved his goal. His “guns” are thick, masculine, and as well sculpted as an ancient Greek marble statue. As he admires his man of steel biceps in the mirror, he notices for the first time that while his arms look like the hulk, the rest of his body is starting bear a striking resemblance to Gumby. As a result of his hyper-focused workouts, the shape and definition that he once had when he had been spending time on an all-over body workout has faded and left behind a figure that leaves much to be desired.

While this may seem like an exaggeration, the truth is that it is very easy to get too focused on one aspect of life and disregard the others. The result is disproportionate; one area may be blossoming with attention and effort, however the benefit is usually overshadowed by all the other facets that have been neglected.

This often happens in business, especially in moments of crisis. If a company notices sales steadily decreasing, they can be so focused on increasing sales and saving money, that components like employee training, customer care, and marketing strategy falls by the wayside, sometimes leading the very ending that a company was working so hard to avoid.

Investing in signage follows the same idea. Businesses taking the time to purchase a well-made, unique sign will most definitely increase sales and exposure of a business (Check out why this is true, here). Let’s take a look at a common mistake that businesses can make when they get hyper-focused on just one sign type.

Common Sign Mistake #3: Only Having One Sign Type

Purchasing a sign is a great step for any business anxious to improve sales and visibility. However, many times a business will stop once they have one sign type. Perhaps they have a Store-Front Sign and feel that now that their business name is visible to anyone near their front door, than their sign needs are taken care of. Or they are now very proud of their Directional Signage that leads customers right to their door. Maybe their Illuminated Signage captures the attention of people passing by during their night capturing business they never had access to before.

All of these sign types are an excellent choice for any business wanting to make a powerful impression upon their current and potential clients. However, most locations provide businesses the opportunity to gain even more visibility by having more than one sign type.

Different sign types provide the option to gain access to different clients and make unique impressions. For instance, a Monument Sign gets a business visibility from the

First American Gold Leaf Custom Monument Signs by Landmark Signs

street, which is especially important when a business is set back in a complex or located far from the street. They wow clients with an impression of permanence and power. Also, Blade Signs are often placed above a walkway and meant to get the attention of passers-by walking directly in front of your store who cannot see the Wall Sign. Their impression is one of class and helpfulness. Additionally, Pole Signs are a great chance to get attention for your business from great distances or from the freeway. They make a dramatic impact every time.

Call or email Landmark Signs today and take advantage of all the benefits that having multiple sign types offer.

Landmark Signs

Experience and innovation have been the backbone of Landmark Signs for more than 40 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

How to Avoid Common Sign Mistakes #2

“There are two surefire methods to fail financially…The first is to spend when one should be saving and the second is to save when one should be investing” (1).

Business owners, property managers, CFO’s, and other money-conscious careers are often looking for ways to effectively cut costs in order to increase profits and save money. There are several areas of a business where this can be effective and should be pursued whenever it makes sense in the long run. However, trouble comes when businesses begin to prioritize saving money above all else and actually end up losing money down the road.

Take, for example, a decision the electronic services company, Circuit City. Back in 2007, in an attempt to cut costs, the company terminated over 3,000 of its best salesman. They then replaced these experienced salesmen with newer employees whom they could pay less money. Yes, in the short term, they saved a lot of money. However, their sales dropped significantly and by November 10, 2008, they filed for bankruptcy (2).

The cutting cost strategy is not only used with salaries and employees, but also with the products and items companies spend money on. As a sign company, we have seen time and time again when a business was much more concerned with getting the least expensive sign possible than with investing in a quality sign that would reflect well upon the business and draw in new customers. Because, “the fact is that cheap items of inferior quality might have to be replaced more often, a fact that could negate any savings potential. You might even find yourself paying more to buy a new product than if you’d purchased the more expensive, high-quality one the first time around” (3).

Last week we looked at a common sign mistake that is often made when a company does not purchase a Monument Sign, effectively cutting down on their company’s visibility. Today, we will look at another common sign mistake that occurs when a company attempts to save money at the expense of investing in a quality sign.

Sign Mistake #2: Not Investing in a Quality Sign

3D Sign by Landmark Signs

In our experience, often people fall into this sign mistake trap because they do not realize how powerful and effective a quality sign can be for a company. They understand the importance of having a sign in order to be easily identified and found, but struggle to believe that investing in a top sign by a top sign company will not only save them problems down the road, but will also greatly benefit them today.

But the reality is that “Poor signage can deter consumers from entering a store, with over half (52%) saying they are less willing to enter a store with . . . poorly-made signs” (4). This statistic takes the theory that quality signage is vital for a business and turns it into fact. If a business, in the interest of cutting costs, purchases a low-costing sign, the finished product with reflect that and over half of their potential customers will see this is as a direct reflection of what type of company you are.

This is true even if the sign “looks” well-designed. Because while it may initially be visually appealing, the low-quality of the materials the sign is made out of, will get you a sign with good looks that fade quickly and will need a refurbishment sooner than you would think. And let’s be honest, consumers can tell the difference between a sign made of top materials and one made of inexpensive ones. Low-quality signage is much like buying an extremely inexpensive car that will save you money in the moment, but cost you a lot down the road when it inevitably has problems.

Conclusion

Well-made signs with an elegant design and the highest quality of materials will give you a sign that is visually appealing and lasts your company for years without you having to spend another dime. Whether you are purchasing a Monument Sign, Wall Signs, Pole Signs or any other Landmark Sign, investing in a quality sign now will save you money in the long run and bring new business right to your door.

Avoid making this common sign mistake by calling or emailing Landmark Signs today and getting your own quality sign today.

Landmark Signs

Experience and innovation have been the backbone of Landmark Signs for more than 40 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!

How To Avoid Common Sign Mistakes #1

Did you know that a whopping 75% of consumers have said that they have told someone else about a business based solely on that company’s signage? (1) This powerful statistic reflects just how important your company’s signage is. Word of mouth marketing is one of the most popular ways to acquire new business. In fact, “customers acquired through word of mouth spend 200% more than the average customer and make two times as many referrals themselves” (2). Knowing that people will refer a company only on its signage means that every business has a great opportunity to increase their sales drastically just by investing in quality signage.

However, it is not enough to just have a sign. The previous statistic suggests that consumers will refer companies if they see a quality sign. But the following statistic does more than just imply this opinion, it solidifies it: “Poor signage can deter consumers from entering a store, with over half (52%) saying they are less willing to enter a store with . . . poorly-made signs” (1). This confirms that just having a sign is not enough; it has to be well-made and impressive (learn how to impress consumers with your signage here).

What does all of this mean? It means that signs, done well, can make all the difference between your business experiencing success or being one of the 70% of businesses that fail within the first 10 years (3). It is vital that a company not only invest in signage, but also makes sure they use signage to its full advantage and avoid common sign mistakes. For the next several blogs, we will discuss some common sign mistakes and how to avoid them.

Sign Mistake #1: Not Having a Monument Sign

First American Gold Leaf Custom Monument Sign by Landmark Signs

Why People Make This Mistake

Without a doubt, a store-front or building sign is worth obtaining. It tells customers the location of your building and with so much competition out there, it is extremely important that your customers be able to easily locate you.

Many people often stop there though, thinking that once they have a wall sign for their business, they are done. However, often times having just a store-front sign is not enough. Many companies are missing out on a great deal of sales opportunities by not having a Monument Sign.

Why You Need A Monument Sign

There are many reasons why having a Monument Sign is important for your business including the fact that they make a strong first impression, they are long-lasting, and more. However, one of the major reasons we want to focus on is visibility.

In a complex with several other businesses or one that is set back from the street, Monument Signs make sure that your company is noticed and found from the street. This can attract new business and let potential customers driving by on the street know that you are located in that center.

Additionally, if your company’s building sign has poor visibility because of something partially blocking it, such as another building or trees and foliage, Monument Signs are especially important.

Conclusion

Monument Signs help make your business more visible to local consumers. With so many customer referring based solely on signage, it is absolutely vital that your sign be seen by as many people as possible.

Avoid making this common sign mistake by calling or emailing Landmark Signs today and getting your own Monument Sign.

Landmark Signs

Experience and innovation have been the backbone of Landmark Signs for more than 40 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!
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