11 July 2017
Why good signage is important for your business
As the old adage goes, 'first impressions count', and here at Allen Signs we have over 50 years' experience in helping businesses make a great first impression. We work with companies and organisations across the UK to ensure their signage conveys the key messages they want to get across.
Signage is a long-term investment and one well worth making. As long as it is well designed and in a good location, it will encourage customers to choose your business over a competitors' time and time again.
Choosing the right supplier
We thought we'd give you a little insight into our experience and offer some top tips when choosing your new signage.
- Make sure you choose a provider with a proven track record
- Get feedback, ask colleagues and friends for recommendations
- Look for companies which are accredited and members of professional bodies such as the British Sign and Graphic Association (BSGA)
- Choose a supplier who you feel comfortable with and who truly understands your business and what you want to achieve
- Don't make decisions purely based on price as sometimes it can be a risky compromise.
Next steps
A reputable sign maker will come out to your premises and find out more about your business and what impression you want to convey to your customers through your signage. They'll then carry out a survey of your site to ensure they can make the best recommendations for you.
Make sure whoever you work with manufactures signs that are made from high-quality materials which will stand the test of time and, in the case of outdoor signage, the weather! Look at examples of their work on their website, or ask them to provide you with some photos of recent installations they've undertaken.
If your business relies on foot traffic, consider whether your shop front and windows demonstrate show-stopping capability? Could you highlight your core products and services via eye-catching window graphics or a display? You might want to also consider free-standing signs such as an a-board to promote special offers.
First things first
Things to consider before instructing a sign company to produce and deliver your new business signage:
- Is your branding visually appealing and up to date or does it need re-designing?
- Does it convey your key messages?
- Do you have a good understanding of what you want to achieve?
- What is your budget?
- Where is the best place to position the signage?
- What type of signage do you need eg outdoor, indoor, window graphics, free-standing or a combination?
Getting it right first time
Don't forget that your signs are on display 24 / 7 and you only have a few seconds to make a great first impression, so make sure you get them right first time and use a professional, experienced sign maker to assist you in your decisions.
Outside space
Are you making the best use of your outdoor space? Is your car park well-lit and easy to navigate? Drive or walk through the entrance to your premises as if you are seeing it for the first time. Does your signage convey what your business or organisation offers and give visitors a reason to continue through your doors?
Indoor space
Create a greeting or 'landing area'; let your customers stop for a minute and consider their options. Provide them with clear directions, signs and information. Or consider a welcome display, we can help with all these things.
Sometimes we find that well-established businesses can forget the importance of coming across well to new customers and updating their signage to remain looking professional and relevant in the current marketplace which may have evolved since they first set up. By simply updating your signage you can transform how people view your company or organisation and even attract new customers who have previously driven or walked past your business many times before.
Finally...
We strive to provide excellent customer care and high-quality products that exceed your expectations. From design and manufacture through to installation our experienced team provide the complete package to make your first impressions count.
