class="tag"Posts Tagged ‘business’
Getting The Right Business Signs Can Make All The Difference
Business Signs You Will Need
We often have new business owners come to us unsure of what kind of business signs they need. There are several options, but we know that there are many costs involved in starting a new business venture so we want to ensure you get a great signage starter package that fits your brand.
According to Entrepreneur’s post on Creating Memorable Business Signs
“Great signs are always the most interesting piece of scenery in their vicinity. This is why they’re noticed even when people aren’t looking for them”
Below are the Top 3 Signs you will need to start your business.
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Custom Exterior Signs
Whether you need retail sign to advertise your restaurant or clothing store or an outdoor sign to let you people know you are doctor / lawyer / professional in the area, custom exterior signs are key to informing potential clients about your business.
These signs are a 24 hour advertisement for your business and should serve as memorable landmark. It should be made from outdoor quality materials that can weather the elements and the sign(s) should look attractive to your target market.
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Reception Signs
Once someone comes through your door, you know they have an interest in your business. This is where a fantastic reception sign can make a difference. Your entrance-way is a welcoming area where everyone should feel comfortable upon arrival.
The reception sign should be the focal point of the office / showroom / waiting room to reinforce brand recognition. It should work with all the other marketing materials there. IE it should have the same logo as the pamphlets, brochures and business cards that sit in that area.
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Wayfinding Signs
If someone has to ask which floor your office is on or where to find the exit, then you know you need to improve your wayfinding signs. They keep your clients informed without making them ask the awkward questions like “Where is the washroom?” or “Do you have an elevator?” Wayfinding and interior directory signs are often subtle signs that blend with the decor
and provide clear information.
The Next Steps For Your Business Signs
The above 3 types of signs are a great place to begin when it comes to starting a business. To further establish your business we also suggest, vehicle graphics, window decals, A-frame signs and signs for your trade shows. As you can see getting the right business signs can make all the difference when it comes to beginning a new business.
To get quotes on any of the signs listed on this post visit our CONTACT US page. We look forward to hearing from you and want to #StepUpYourSignage.
Client Spotlight – Cambridge Pallet Ltd. #StepUpYourSignage with Business Signs
Signs of Good Things To Come
Last year Cambridge Pallet Ltd. collaborated with Sign Depot on a new reception sign. You can read about the process at https://sign-depot.on.ca/collaborative-sign-design-cambridge-pallet. This also signified the commitment of a new ownership team that had recently been implemented and lots of changes to way the company operates including automation processes to make their workshop floor more efficient.
In preparation of Earth Day we visited the Cambridge Pallet Ltd. industrial workspace to learn about their Repair, Reuse, Recycle process.
During the tour we could see how the blue wooden pallets became the inspiration for their reception sign, which greets you as enter the building. Each of the pallets pictured above make their way through a system so that they can be sorted, repaired and painted in preparation to be shipped to the next user. This thriving business is located close to the highway to make it accessible for transportation and logistics purposes. Part of their mission is to be
Always acting with integrity and respect for the community and the environment
which is why we were so interested in seeing their facility and learning more about what they do. Because they make it a priority to minimize waste, conserve resources and protect the environment we think they will continue to have a very busy production line and become a leader in their industry.
Signs That Tell A Story
Does your business sign match your brand? Perhaps,just like Cambridge Pallet, your sign tells the story of your business. If your signs do not match your company and your brand, then we are here to help. We can assist with integrating your company story into your business signs which will elevate brand awareness for your business. Visit our CONTACT US page to connect with our expert sign designers.
Ways To Make Business Signs Part Of Your Marketing Mix In The New Year
Managing Modern Marketing
With the New Year just around the corner, now is the time to decide how your business will move forward in the coming year. Many business are finding it difficult to maneuver their way through a modern marketing plan and are looking for ways to update their marketing and advertising campaigns. We want to ensure your branding is at the forefront of your marketing mix, so we have put together a plan that is simple to incorporate and meant to elevate your business.
A Business Sign Is Your Best Branding Tool
An outdoor business sign is a 24 hour advertisement for your business. Make sure it represents what your company stands for and properly brands your establishment. It is best when choosing your business sign to select something that is highly visible. This mean it can be seen by both vehicle traffic and those passing by. You also want it to be memorable and create buzz around your business.
Is It Instagram Worthy?
Will it make it to IG? Did it get liked and shared on facebook? How many times was it re-pinned? Did they RT it? When it comes to modern marketing, nothing has changed the game the way social media has. It is important that your signage makes to masses, as many people spend a good part of their day on at least one social network. It is a way to get your messaging across many platforms to connect with both current and potential clients.
Your Influencers Can Be Found In Your Client List
Influence marketing is one of the best ways to keep your business current and on trend. All it takes is the right people talking to your target audience to create online buzz and potentially media attention. Often the influencers you need are already on your client list. Be sure to engage with your customers online by sharing their content and quite often they will reciprocate by sharing yours as well. They may even talk about your services and products online and refer others to you. This is a great way to get your brand in front of their audience and bring your business to those who may be unaware of it.
These are just a few ways that your business sign can used in a modern marketing mix. If you have other ideas or insights, please let us know by leaving a comment below.
Spellbinding Custom Sign For The Toronto Harry Potter Themed Store Curiosa
Many Are Curious About Curiosa
Over the last few weeks there has been a lot of buzz about the Harry Potter themed store that popped up in Toronto. With both Halloween and Christmas around the corner, the timing for the store’s opening couldn’t be better. This shop is sure to be a favourite for eclectic collectors, board game fans, movie fanatics, aspiring magicians and “would be” wizards. Curiosa is a retail shop branded as Toronto’s Purveyors of Extraordinary Things. Their establishment stocks mystical, magical, magnificent items and they needed their sign to reflect that.
Custom Sign Crafted For Curiosa
The sign for the Curiosa store was created from western red cedar. The sign was sandblasted on both sides with the store name and logo. It was given a dark finish with white highlights. This keeps with the colour scheme of the the store but also makes it highly visible to vehicle traffic and those passing by on foot.
Findability is key when it comes to opening a new retail store. The storefront must be welcoming and the sign should generate interest about what can be found inside. In this case, the sign sparks curiosity about what can be found on the other side of the door through the use of the image of an eye peaking through the keyhole. It brings the idea of a “focal point” to a whole new level. Do you recall the FLYING KEYS scene in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone?
The idea that this shop might provide the keyhole for one of those flying keys makes it even more mysterious!
Crafting signs to reflect the business it will represent is something we take pride in and we are thrilled to see the attention this sign is grabbing.
We Want To Put A Spell On YouWhen it comes to creating business signs, we can create something spellbinding for your company too. All it takes is a visit to our CONTACT US page to connect with us.
Custom Signs That Leave A Lasting Impression
Who Said It First?
No one really knows who coined the phrase
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression!”
While, this rings true when it comes to storefront signage and reception signs, but our stance here at The Sign Depot is a little different.
Because you never get a second chance to make a first impression, make sure your signage leaves a lasting one.
We want your business to look impressive from the moment that a potential customer sees it, but we want your company signage to leave a lasting impression as well. Choosing to brand your business with custom signs is the best way to ensure your company is memorable. This is of great importance when it comes to current clients recommending your business to others. They want to refer their friends and colleagues to well established professionals. If your signs don’t convey that sentiment there is less of a chance that your will get that word of mouth recommendation.
What Do Your Custom Signs Say About Your Business?
Springtime is always a good time to take a look at your building’s curb appeal. Take some time to pass by your business. See how it looks to those traveling past in a vehicle or just walking by. Will they be impressed by what they see? What is your signage saying about your business? If it’s not conveying the message that you are the expert in your industry, it would be a good idea to change it. You may just change the impression of your business in your community.
Have The Last Word
Choosing to create a custom sign that elevates your brand is the best way to make a statement both visually and in your field of business. It acts as a 24 hour advertisement for your company, so be sure to consult the expertise of a professional sign company. They will make recommendations that fit your business and your budget. Your custom sign might start a conversation with a potential customer or help influence a decision maker looking for a new supplier. Here at The Sign Depot we want to ensure your company is always top of mind and leaves a lasting impression.
Ways To Increase Your Visibility In Your Community
Top 5 Ways To Improve Your Company’s Visibility Within Your Community
- Do Not Put It On The Back Burner – Many businesses say that they are going to eventually work on their company’s visibility, but you need to state when this will happen. Figure out how you will accomplish this and set a timeline for each step of the way. Once you have put these steps of action in place be sure to celebrate each milestone that you execute and achieve.
2. Get Your Business Involved In The Community – Sponsor local events that are a good fit with your brand. Be sure to bring signs that represent your business so that you can be fully present during the event. Always follow up with the people that you met during that time to get their feedback about how they liked the event overall.
3. Network Within Your Community – Join local business groups such as your local Chamber of Commerce and see what opportunities they provide for networking within the local business community. Make sure to contact the business representatives you connected with to see how you can work together going forward. A B2B relationship can be lucrative for both sides.
4. Find Local Influencers And Make Them Your Ambassadors – Check out who is talking about your local area on social media and connect with them. Find ways you can work together to increase your visibility to their audience, and be sure to reciprocate by sharing their content with your networks as well. It makes for a win-win situation for both parties.
5. Refresh Your Signage – Your business signs are 24 hour advertisements for your business. Nothing captures attention like a bold new custom sign in front of your company. Be sure to increase visibility by adding vinyl window graphics and A-Frame signs. The ensures your business is noticed by both vehicle traffic and those walking by.
These simple steps will quickly improve your company’s stature. By making a few changes it will make a positive impact on your business and your company will become known as an establishment that your community respects and connects with. This keeps your business top of mind with those within your vicinity, which makes it more likely that they will give their business to your company down the road.
The Importance Of Custom Signs – Global Entrepreneurship Week
Global Entrepreneurship Week Information
Mid November means the start of Global Entrepreneurship Week. This is a week for entrepreneurs world wide to celebrate their accomplishments and tackle new goals. It is also a time for governments to look how to assist businesses from a political point of view. Here at Sign Depot we recognize Global Entrepreneurship Week as a time for companies to look towards the new year and see how their custom signs can be refreshed to increase brand awareness and push sales.
How Custom Signs Assist Entrepreneurs
Whether you are a startup, an expanding business, a family run business or a business to business company, the right kind of custom signs can elevate your company in the marketplace. Below are a few examples of businesses that use custom signs as part of their marketing strategy.
Supporting Startups With Custom Signs
Thamlic Labs is a great example of a company that began as a startup in the Communitech Tannery building an has gone from tech startup to an Internet of Things business.
Another way we custom signs have been used is by startup incubators such as Velocity. They have changed their branding as their involvement with startups changes.
Custom Signs For An Ever Expanding Business
If you are a fan of Dragon’s Den then you will recognize Balzac’s Coffee Roasters as one of their ongoing success stories. As they continue to open locations their custom signs reflect the surrounding area of each location.
Finding A Way For Family Run Business To Stand Out From The Surroundings
Robin’s Goldsmithing is a locally run family business that is known well in the community. To make their customers aware of a location change they used a mix of temporary and permanent custom signs to ensure they kept their current clientele and attract new customers to their establishment.
Help Build Your Business To Business Company With Custom Signs
Some businesses are not retail based, but rather business to business based otherwise known as B2B. Little Mushroom Catering was known to many in Southern Ontario as the go to catering company for their business. Their focus on B2B, brand recognition and word of mouth referral has since brought them into the wedding catering space as well. This opens a brand new sector of clientele to their company and thus and increase in sales.
Do you know an entrepreneur that uses custom signs as part of their sales and marketing strategy? We would like to learn more about them during Global Entrepreneurship Week. Let us know their story in the comments.
As always, feel free to CONTACT US for any custom signs you require.
Creating Custom Business Signs That Work For Your Business
Do You Realize That Your Sign Is Working Hard For You?
Many businesses think of their signs as an address marker but they are so much more than that. A custom business sign is an extension of your company’s brand and it serves as a 24 hour advertisement for your business. That means your sign is working to expand your business by attracting new customers to your location. By choosing a sign that reflects the standards for your business, you are conveying what you are able to offer consumers. Some of these items may include
- Quality
- Welcoming Atmosphere
- Transparency
- Attention Detail
These are just a few ways that your custom business signs show your potential customers what they can expect from you.Open The Door To New Business
Sometimes just getting them in the door is all it takes to showcase all that your business has to offer. By choosing a sign design that allows your establishment to look approachable and friendly you are sending out signals to passers-by that your company is inviting and looking forward to having them pop in. They see it as a new experience and you should see it as an opportunity to introduce them to your business.Leave Your Mark As A Landmark
Some of the best landmarks in a community are business signs. Think of when you are giving directions to someone new in town that is not familiar with the street names yet. You will often give them landmarks to let them know how to arrive at their destination. Make sure your business is a landmark in the area. Make it easy to recognize from a distance to ensure your company is easy to find and memorable to someone new.Shed Some Light On The Matter
As mentioned earlier your sign is works 24 hours a day, so be sure that it is visible day or night. By doing this you let others know that your are available beyond 9 to 5 to assist them with your business services.Is your sign working for you? If you think it’s not properly doing its job be sure to visit our CONTACT US page to connect with the expert sign-makers here at The Sign Depot.
Bringing Custom Business Bike Signs To Berlin Bicycle Cafe
Finding The Right Custom Sign Is Like Finding The Right Ride
Finding the right fit when it comes to custom business signs is like finding the right bike.
When Berlin Bicycle Cafe wanted to ensure that their signage was highly visible in the busy Belmont Village, they came to The Sign Depot to create signs for their exterior and rooftop. This was to let people know that their cafe was more than just coffee. They wanted to create a community for bicycle commuters that were passionate about bikes and being social over a cup of coffee.
Fabricating And Installing The Bike Themed Signage
The rooftop sign had to resemble a bicycle, but be sturdy enough to handle the elements.
It began as a CNC router cut piece. It was finished in black and installed on top of the cafe. As you can see from this image above, the replica bicycle structure is holding it’s own against Mother Nature. The Berlin Bicycle Cafe store front letters were a bold font finished white. The contrast from the dark facade of the building lets the text stand out and captures the attention of the traffic in the area. Whether the traffic is by vehicle, pedestrians walking by or those biking in the area, the Berlin Bicycle Cafe custom business signage is noticeable from all directions. When you are in a high traffic area, catching the busy passers-by can be a difficult task, but as you can see in the final installation image below, this establishment is making it’s mark.
Get Set For The Busy Spring Season
While you might be thinking about pulling your bicycle out and pedaling you bike around town, first take a look at your establishment’s facade. Could it use a refresh this spring? The Sign Depot is here to help with that. Visit our CONTACT US page to see how some new business signage can get you all set for a busy spring season.
The Meat And Potatoes Of Signage
Signage Basics – What You Need To Know
When it comes to choosing signage for your brand, there are some basics you should always keep in mind. The items below will give you a good idea about the meat and potatoes of signage. It is a great place to start and grow from there.
Listen To Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel’s advice when dressing with accessories was “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” That is also a great mantra for signage. Less is more. Make sure you know the message you want to convey and edit it down to as few words as possible.
Keep It Classy
Most marketing strategies have some amount of shock value. While we believe it is great to catch someone off guard, in order to be memorable, you must keep in mind your signage is often the first impression of your establishment. You want to ensure your business is remembered in positive light.
Stand Out, But Don’t Stick Out
Be sure that your signage stands out from the surroundings. Use lighting, projection and dimensional signs to achieve this. They are great ways to make your signs visible.
Notice how the above Beertown sign incorporates all of those signage elements? It goes to show that you need to always think about your brand, establishment and surroundings first in order to make a great impression.
However you don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb, so be sure the sign design you have in mind fits with the area it will be placed.
Be A Leader Of The Pack
Whether you are moving to new area, or rebranding an existing business, showing other companies that you upping your signage game sends a signal that your are prepared to be a leader in your industry. This will also convey that you are a professional business and strive to be known as the leading expert in your field.
Now that you have learned about the meat and potatoes of signage, be sure to contact one of our sign experts to see how you can elevate the signage for your business.