5 Sign Resolutions for the New Year

With a week of 2019 already behind us, it is easy to see how quickly time can pass us by. Some may already be abandoning those New Year resolutions they made. Others may not even have gotten around to them. Still, others may not have bothered to make them in the first place. But if we truly want to see changes in our lives, then we must take advantage of the here and now.  As leadership and management expert, Orrin Woodward wrote “a person either hates losing enough to change or he hates changing enough to lose” (1). If one wants something different for their lives or their business, they have to do something different.

For a business looking to improve upon their marketing, become a more recognizable brand, or increase their customer count, investing in signage is an ideal resolution to make. Depending on your goals and current signage, there are several sign resolutions you can make this New Year that can bring about the positive changes that your business needs.

#1: Obtain a Monument Sign

Monument Sign by Landmark Signs Inc.

Many people make the mistake of overlooking the powerful tool that a Monument Sign is. A Monument Sign lets your customers know about you when they are passing by on the street. This is especially effective during crowded rush hour traffic when thousands of potential clients are driving by.

Another way that Monument Signs can benefit the business they represent is through the message that they send.  A Monument Sign tells others that you are a substantial business that is here to stay. Why else would you bother investing in such a permanent, long-lasting sign? It must mean that you there for your clients now and will continue to be there for a long time to come.

#2: Upgrade to an Illuminated Sign

Illuminated Blade Sign by Landmark Signs Inc

Another commonly overlooked marketing strategy is sign illumination. If a business wants to fully take advantage of the customers that pass by on a daily basis, they must make sure that they can be seen during the entire day, not just when it is light outside. This becomes especially important during the winter months when it gets dark during one of the busiest driving times.

Illuminated Signs get a business noticed. They help a business stand out from other surrounding Business Signs and get attention in the dark. They also tell potential customers that you are a serious business who wants to be found.

#3: Invest in An Additional Sign

Why isn’t just one sign enough? Well, while sometimes it might be, in our experience it very rarely is. This is because the more you can get your businesses name out there the better. And only have a sign that is visible from one direction is not enough to capitalize on the customers that are passing by.

Whether you are a business set back from the street, one  with multiple store front spaces from which they can be seen, or one that requires more than just one sign type, purchasing an additional sign allows you to fully take advantage of the potential clients in your area.

#4: Acquire an Another Sign Type

High Rise Building Sign by Landmark Signs

Word & Brown Lobby Sign by Landmark Signs

Like we alluded to in our last point, some business have sign needs that require more than one sign type. This is because each sign type serves its own purpose and sends its own unique message.

Maybe a business already has an elegant Illuminated Sign above their door, but need a Monument Sign to get noticed from the street. Or perhaps they have a powerful high-rise Channel Letter Sign on their building, but want Directional Signage to make navigating their property easy for their customers. They might even have a Gold Leaf Sign that lets clients know they are as “good as gold”, but require a Pole Sign so that they can be viewed from afar. Whatever the need, there is a sign type that can get the job done, and it usually means having more than one sign type.

#5: Improve Your Current Sign

Another sign resolution a business can make if they want to see a difference, is to improve the sign they currently have. We already know that a business is often judged by their sign. A poorly made sign reflects poorly upon the company it represents. If your sign does not send the right message, it is probably time for an upgrade.

This can mean illuminating it, using better quality material, getting a better design, or using a different sign type altogether.

Landmark Signs

No matter what sign resolution you want to make for your business in 2019, Landmark Signs can help you fulfill it. 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 2019

 

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Top 5 Monument Signs: Each Sign Tells a Story

“Remember that your very first words, actions, and attitudes invariably sound the keynote.”

― Les Giblin, How to Have Confidence and Power in Dealing With People

We make impressions without even realizing it. Others are making assumptions about us based on things about us like our clothing, our hair color, and even the way we smile. Strangers in coffee shops form quick snap judgments about us without us ever opening our mouths to speak. A blonde woman in high heels and flashy jewelry is making impressions on every one she passes by without having the opportunity to confirm or refute those assumptions. As a result, a narrative about her life and her personality is created without her consent. An unauthorized autobiography. And once those stories are written, they can be very difficult to rewrite.

And it is not just in our personal life where this applies. In business, the way we conduct ourselves with our employees, how we treat our clients, and what services and products we provide all make impressions upon those that interact with us. And as Giblin noted, the very first interactions set the stage. Oftentimes, the first impression we make upon customers is our signage. Signage is out front, either above a building, on the street, or in the complex and it tells a story about our company long before we ever have the opportunity to tell it ourselves.

Monument Signs, being out on the street, are usually the first sign that someone sees. Thankfully, when designed well and installed properly, they send a very positive message. One of confidence, permanence, and dependability. Any company that takes the time to invest in a substantial Monument Sign is not going anywhere. And those viewing this sign receive this message, just like when they stand before the monuments in Washington DC, reflecting upon the long-lasting American democracy.

Let’s take a look at 5 of Landmark Signs’ Monument Signs and learn about what story they tell.

Kelvin Court Apartments Monument Sign

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

Like most Monument Signs, this sign tells those passing by that this particular apartment complex is here to stay. But with this elegant and classic design (the clean aluminum lettering on the solid black face) one gets the message that the apartment complex itself is elegant and classic. Upon viewing this sign, one gets the impression that these apartments are beautiful, well-maintained, and that those in charge of the complex can be depended upon. Most apartment hunters would turn into this apartment complex expecting that what they find inside will live up to what the sign promises.

 

Christ Lutheran Church & School Monument Sign

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

People do not always think of schools and churches as needing a powerful Monument Sign. These types of business do not come and go very often like some other businesses might. However, people that walk past these Monument Signs are entrusting those inside the building with their children, their worldview, and their education. With a Monument Sign like the above, proudly displaying the name of the business, individuals are opening a book with a story that they expect to end well because this place appears reliable and solid.

 

Park Del Amo Monument Sign

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

Complex, centers, and property with several tenants find Monument Signs to be very useful. This allows all businesses within the complex to make a substantial impression all at the same time. These types of Monument Signs work on two levels: first of all, it shows businesses looking to rent a space within the complex that they can trust the property will not be going anywhere; secondly, it allows the businesses within the complex to capitalize on this impression themselves.  

 

First American Financial Corporation Monument Sign

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

When it comes to business that we trust with our money, first impressions are crucial. If a customer gets even a hint of unreliability, they will look elsewhere for services. So, by using Gold Leaf lettering on this Monument Sign, not only does this sign tell others that they are trustworthy and dependable, but it also tells the story that their company, and services, are “as good as gold.”

 

County Line Animal Hospital Monument Sign

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

Any sort of business that is caring for people or animals has several impressions that it needs to make. They need to appear both reliable and supportive. In the service industry, knowledge is not enough. One must feel cared for as well. This Monument Sign with a comforting wood face and solid aluminum lettering shows customers that their sick or wounded animals will be looked after by not only a knowledgeable staff, but a caring one as well.

Landmark Signs

Ready to tell a story that you have authorized? Call or email Landmark Signs today to make a powerful first impression with Monument 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

Top 10 Common Sign Mistakes to Avoid

High Rise Building Sign by Landmark Signs

Any major investment has pitfalls that can be avoided with insider tips. For example, Matt Jones, a former car salesman, recommends that those looking to buy a new car give themselves an advantage “when you’re trying to negotiate a lower sales price, [by] giv[ing] the dealership a reason to discount the price. If you’ll use the service department, say so. If you’ll refer friends, be sure to say that, too.” (1). For those wanting to cut down on expensive flights, the Airlines Reporting Corporation advises that travelers “book seven weeks in advance. Passengers pay the lowest price, nearly 10 percent below the average fare, if they buy 50 days before their flight” (2).

It is impossible to be an expert in everything. But sometimes it feels like you need to be one in order to get the best deals and avoid major mistakes. While, we cannot ease the demanding process of purchasing a house or booking a hotel, we can certainly make the business of investing in a sign much easier. Avoiding these top ten sign mistakes will help you get the sign you want, when you want it and where you want it.

#1: Not Obtaining a Monument Sign

Monument Signs are a must for any business that is set back from the street or within a complex with several other stores and businesses within that center.

To learn more about why you need a Monument Sign for your business, click here.

#2: Not Investing in a Quality Sign

It can seem wise in the short term to opt for a cheaper sign if you are looking to save a few bucks. However, this usually causes problems a lot sooner than one might think. Investing in a quality sign will make a positive impression right from the start.

Learn how to avoid this sign mistake by clicking here.

#3: Only Having One Sign Type

This often has to do with a business wanting to save money or not thinking about the long term. But this can lead to a company missing out on reaching different types of advertising, like the far-away marketing Pole Signs offer or the street advertising Monument Signs provide.

Read more about avoiding this sign mistake here.

#4: Not Having Directional Signage

Directional Signage is a must for any business that has a large complex or several interior spaces. It will not do a company any good if their customers arrive frustrated because they could not find their center or even worse, if they simply give up because they can’t find it.

Avoid this sign mistake by clicking here.

#5: Having One Sign, When You Need Several

For some complexes, maybe one sign type if enough. Still, there is a big advantage to investing in multiple signs in order to capitalize on all potential customers.

Learn to avoid this sign mistake by reading more here.

#6: Not Benefiting From Multiple Sign Types

Each sign type provides its own benefits and in order to reach all potential clients, it is vital that a company have several sign types in order to get every advantage.

Read here to understand how to avoid this common sign mistake.

#7: Not Illuminating Your Signs

Again, this often happens because a business wants to save some money. However, by not illuminating their signs, they are missing out on many visibility options.

Learn more about this sign mistake here.

#8: Making a Sign Yourself

In the age of DIY, it can be tempting to apply this to your signage. However, this rarely works out and can end up costing you more money down the road or eating up your sign budget all together.

Read here to avoid this common sign mistake.

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

This mistake can cost you big as you might end up in a building that does not allow you to have the signs you really want.

Figure out how to avoid this common sign mistake by reading here.

#10: Not Getting a Permit For Your Sign

Permitting fees can seem unnecessary. However, since they city says they are, make sure to save yourself trouble down the road by getting a sign permit for all of your signs.

Avoid this common sign mistake by reading here.

Call or email Landmark Signs today to make sure every sign mistake is avoided and you get the signs you really want!

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 #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

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!