Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI has been one of the most upcoming technology trends to rule every sector, be it manufacturing, automobile or retail. AI integrated with in-store signings allows market researchers to collect the demographical data pertaining to their visitors and customers. This study helps to predict and reflect common customer behaviours, leading to improved product offering and optimization of information.

Virtual assistants

Does the word ‘virtual assistant’ bring memories of the ‘Microsoft Word assistant’ that used to help us with word documents some years back? Well, the modern virtual assistants are a much technologically advanced and digital endowed version of that simple assistant. Sure, the functions remain the same but modern day virtual assistants give real-time solutions, take care of repetitive tasks and provides a truly interactive experience for customers.

Interactivity

With reference to the prior point about interaction, it is imperative to know that the modern day customer continues to have a much-advanced expectation of interaction rather than just an answer to a question. Interactive signages are expected to provide information, images, options, links, alternatives, and even possess a voice. With suitable tools and high level of technology application, it is not far fetched.

Screen space

Today’s customers do not just browse on a desktop, it is to do with laptops, palmtops, mobiles, Ipads and other numerous screens that we are probably oblivious to. Today’s signage technology is not just advancing in terms of bringing new developments, it also has to deal with accommodating technologies in newer screen spaces. Retailers are under immense pressure to offer parallel user experience not just in in-store signage but also probably on their website and app.

Infusing e-commerce

One of the most obvious steps in retail signages is to offer the concept of automatic e-commerce. Retailers who are already aware of customer’s preference call it the paradigm of technology, personalization, empowerment and freedom. Customers can go to retail spaces to see and feel the actual products but the payment process can be automated so that they do not have to wait in queues for a long time. Alternatively, they can maybe browse through the store physically and scan the products they wish to buy. Simply automate the purchase and complete the payment. Almost like buying online but after physically inspecting a product.

Whatever your innovative idea is, partnering with the right signage company can be a great start to get any kind of technological elements you are vying for your retail business. If you want to make your retail signage contemporary and technologically advanced, speak to Sign Nation. We are helping our several retail clients to realize smart and technologically advanced customer interaction through our signages.

Size Matters

Small signs do not get noticed much. It can be difficult to take in a small sign as you drive by or if it is clustered with several other signs. You must first choose the size before you can move on to the design aspect of creating a sign. The size will also determine how big the lettering can be – the larger the letter, the easier it is to read. Font size is especially important if the sign will be seen from afar like a road or conference. A good reference is to think of each inch of letter height as 10 feet of visibility, i.e. 10-inch letters will be most effective at 100 feet. The typeface you use will also affect how legible your copy is. A flowery script may look appealing to you, but it can be difficult for people to read from a distance.

Simplicity

Less is more when it comes to brand signage. You could add your company logo, design features, and details like, “est. 2018.” Be sure not to overdo it though – too much information can overwhelm and confuse your customer. A custom sign should draw people in, not ward them away.

Creative Colours

Different colour combinations give off different energies, influencing the way people perceive it. If you are a restaurant you may want to choose red tones because it induces hunger in people, a medical office may stick with blue tones because it is recognized as professional and sanitary. Studies have show that 80% of the recognition of a brand is due to its colour. Pick a palette that will stand the test of time and avoid colours that are trendy as they can become outdated quickly.

Contrast

While considering the colours for your sign, also make sure there is enough contrast between the background and the foreground. Text and graphics should stand out, or it risks being overlooked by people. Similar colours paired together can reduce a sign’s readability. Adding a border around letters can increase readability while keeping colours similar, i.e. a white background with white text that has a black border.

Rules

There are no hard and fast rules for designing a sign, only best practices that have been proven to work effectively. Although, there are rules and guidelines that must be followed regarding the type and size of signs in exterior commercial areas. Be sure to know the rules in your community and follow them before spending money on a sign.

Work with Professionals

Sign Nation has helped various businesses signs for many uses. We have several years of experience creating signs that draw people in and leave a lasting impression on them.

A good sign will be able to establish effective communication with your customers, and also advertise the products and service you are offering. Having a good sign is an efficient and cost-effective way of advertising to get brand exposure and also attracting customers. So what are some specific reasons that your business need a business sign that stands out?

Increases Brand Exposure

Having a good signage will make your business stand out from the crowd because it will increase the brand exposure. A good sign will attract attention as well as reinforce brand recognition. Customers take note of well-designed signs, and if you have an enticing sign they will be interested in finding more about your business, who you are, and what you do. You will start to see new customers and repeated business by having great signage.

Differentiation

You will be able to differentiate your business from competition using good signage. You will be able to build a unique brand in the eyes of your prospective customers. However, if you want to have a sign that stands out, you will need to invest in beautiful design and effective signs, or else the sign will end up not living up to its potential. Go to a professional sign shop so they can help you in designing a sign that will stand out and works best for your business.

It is Cost Effective

Signage is one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies out there. You will need to make a considerable initial investment but once this is done, you will not have to spend any money, and it will be advertising your business every day. Maintenance is also cheap because you don’t have to repair or replace anything, just keep it clean and make sure it is well lit and not obstructed.

Year-round Advertising

Depending on the location that you are in, exterior and interior signs will work for you all year round. They can be seen any time of the day, any day of the week. This makes it a good investment for your business because the benefits it brings are way more than what it will cost.

Let the professionals at Sign Nation help you get the perfect sign for your business and take advantage of the many benefits of having an eye-catching storefront.

The Ontario government has recently introduced the small business lighting incentive program that helps small businesses to invest in energy efficient lighting. Having energy efficient lighting will not only save you more money on your operating costs, but it will also give you more attractive lighting to show off your products, give the customers a better experience since they won’t be irritated by flickering lights, and help your employees focus more on their work.

Here is what eligible small businesses will receive when they opt into the lighting incentive program:

• Get up to $2,000 for energy efficient lighting upgrades.
• Free onsite assessment of your building or facility.
• A stress-free lighting installation process that gets rid of the need to find a certified contractor, obtain and compare quotes, project management, and the cleanup.

Here are the types of businesses that are eligible to participate in the Ontario lighting incentive:

• Businesses who use less than 100kW on average per year.
• Past businesses who participated in the Power Saving Blitz (2008-2010) or Direct Install Lighting (2011-2015) programs can also participate in the new Ontario Small Business Lighting Incentive Program.

You should note that some companies will receive the full benefit while others may only be partially funded through the program. There may also be additional opportunities to exceed the $2,000 incentive in the new program.

Why should you apply to participate

If you are eligible to participate in the Small Business Lighting Incentive Program you should seriously consider joining it because there are so many benefits that your company will receive. As mentioned above, the program will provide all the services necessary to install your new lights and clean everything up after they are done. You will also see more savings with your energy bills, plus the following:

• Have better visibility in your building which is a lot safer to walk around in.
• Have better curb appeal because your lights won’t be dull or flickering anymore and you can better showcase the products within your store.
• The average lifespan of the new lighting system will reach around 50,000 hours, meaning you won’t have to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
• Have a more comfortable and friendly environment that your customers and employees will enjoy their time in.

How do you sign up?

All you have to do is follow these steps:

• Call your local hydro utility: Ask the representative if your area offers the program. If they do, they will help you determine if your company is eligible to participate in it and get you started on the installation process.
• Review the options: An onsite assessment will outline your energy efficient lighting upgrade options. You will sign some paperwork if you do decide to go through with the upgrades so the installation process can start.
• Your lighting will be installed: You will be provided with up to $2,000 in lighting upgrades which do include the cost of labor and materials. You utility representative will tell you how much of the benefit you will receive before the installation process starts.

Acrylic halo-lit sign.

Where To Start?

Getting a sign for your brick and mortar business is exciting. A sign is a representation of everything that you are as a business, and you want to make the right decision as it will live above your storefront for years to come. There are many things to consider when you purchase a sign. You need to look at zoning restrictions, analyze cost, look to your neighbours, think of the people who will be viewing your sign, and many more things. This does not even take into consideration the fact that you need to find a sign that you like first and foremost. Here is our list of what you need to consider when buying a sign for your storefront.

Zoning Restrictions

All cities have different zoning rules for hanging signs, and often need permits to hang a sign. Depending on your area these zoning restrictions can vary wildly. Always ensure that you check these restrictions before you commission a sign, you would not want to purchase the sign of your dreams only to find that you cannot hang it.

Location

When you are installing a sign, while you want your store to stand out you may not want it to stand out too much. Take a walk around the neighbourhood and check out the general feel as well as what signs work well for other businesses. This can help inspire you and will help you understand what sign may be too flashy or not flashy enough to compete.

Demographics

Depending on who you are catering your business to, you may want to make decisions about the sign to attract them to it. Different demographics are drawn to different designs, and a talented design team, like those at Sign Nation, will be able to help you make these decisions. Your sign communicates who you are to the world, and communicating directly with your key audience is a huge factor.
Foot Traffic vs.

Vehicle Traffic

Depending on where your store is, you will have different levels of foot traffic versus vehicle traffic. If you are inside of a mall, for instance, you will not have anyone drive by your store, but if you are on a main road, you will have a lot of cars going by. Different signs work better for people who are going to take a quick glance versus people going by on foot, who have more time to spare your sign a look.

CONTACT SIGN NATION

Sign Nation produces some of the most innovative designs in Canada, we work with architects, developers, and designers to be at the forefront of creative development. Start your signage or custom project today!

647-930-7446 Ext.100.