Outdoor Business Signs
7 Ways to Increase Your Curb Appeal
If new customers can't find your building, because building numbers aren't easy to find or easy to read, traffic on your street is fairly heavy or moves quickly, or there is not good signage in place, they might not stop in to see you at all. Make sure you have street-side signs to make sure people looking for your business address or who might be curious about your store know exactly where to turn in and where to park.
Mark the entrance
If you own your own building, you can use carved wood signs which are branded and in harmony with one another to lead customers right to the entrance of your building. Or if you are in a business park or shared space, customers will know they've found the right suite when your branded carved wood sign welcomes them to the right door.
Reinforce your brand
All of the signs of your business, from marquee on the street or building, to those on your doors and all of the signage inside your business should be consistent with your overall visual brand identity and with one another. Think about the example of Target; they use their bright red target emblem consistently inside and outside of their buildings. Think about Starbucks, whose logo and name appears in exactly the same colors, fonts and imagery not only inside and outside of their business, but on all their merchandise.
Your brand is built in the customers mind by laying a good first impression and then layering positive interaction after positive interaction on top of that foundation. When your logo, name and other elements of your visual brand identity are used consistently and become part of each and every one of those positive customer experiences, the positive feelings they have become intertwined with the elements of your visual brand identity. That's one of the reasons why seeing the logo of your favorite brand triggers positive associations in your mind.
Welcome people
Many businesses position greeters near their door, but this isn't financially feasible for every business, especially for small ones. Create your own welcome station complete with a carved wood sign that says "welcome" which is mounted near your entrance or that sits on a reception desk, shelf or is free standing, in order to set the tone for the client's visit to your business.
Display a directory
When customer's arrive you can display options for frequently asked questions or staff to direct them to the right office in your building, the right department (such as customer service), to your lounge, waiting area or restrooms. Your building directory can be displayed on a carved wood sign; not only will it be beautiful and practical, it also sends a message to your clients that your business is built on a solid, long-lasting foundation.
List hours of operation
Nothing looks worse or more temporary to a prospective client or new customer than to see unframed, copier paper (or worse, hand written signs) taped up on the door or window of a business with scotch tape. Display your hours of operation on a carved wood sign near the entrance to your building or business.
List experts, specialists or specialties
If your business is a partnership or has more than one expert in residence (such as medical practices, dental practices, law offices, artist communities, craftsmen or other professionals) give each their due with a carved wood sign that displays the names of the professionals your customers might be specifically looking for. Not only will it make things easier for your clients, it is a sign of respect for and another way to give employee recognition to the professionals who help to bring clients to your business.
If you would like a quote for a customized or branded sign for your business, give us a call at (253) 348-7995 or contact us with your questions or to request a free quote.