Monday, November 7, 2011

How Commercial Signage and Awnings Can Boost Your Marketing Efforts

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In the United States, branding has become increasingly important in influencing consumer behavior. To that end, local businesses and larger chains are seeking out commercial signage designers and manufacturers, who can bring their brands to life, whether through a traditional sign posted near their doorway or in the form of an awning atop their building's facade.
Signs and awnings are more than a message, they're a symbol. Unlike a message, which delivers specific information, symbols are a way of projecting and marketing the emotional connection consumers have with particular products. Think about the Nike Swoosh. What comes to mind? Sleek? Cool? Perhaps even the motion of a running foot? The Swoosh doesn't just inform the consumer that it's Nike, it's sending a symbolic message of what Nike stands for. The same goes for the Audi rings, which, like the Olympics, suggest strength in unity. And where would the world be without the Golden Arches? To a very real extent the McDonald's arches, often towering over a parking lot, suggest that the restaurant chain is the gold standard of fast food franchises, soaring high above the competition.
Considering the symbolic importance signs and awnings play in a successful business, selecting the right awning and signage company is fundamental to implementing your branding ideas. The awning or signage needs to be profound enough to stay with the onlooker, but not so bombastic as to turn people away. In other words, businesses need to come up with a sign and/or awning both they and their customers can identify with. They need to accurately assess how their target audience would perceive them. Once the internal brainstorming is complete it's time to send in the reserves: the services of a top-notch signage company that can deliver the message in an effective and yet, subtle manner.
Innovative outdoor signs and awnings are essentially an extension of your traditional marketing and branding campaign. Think about it this way: a recent survey by the University of Cincinnati reveals that next to television, customers find traditional signs and awnings the most affective means of advertising, and that half of American shoppers would like to see larger signs - especially when driving. What's more, two-thirds of respondents ages 18-24 said they had even driven past a store whose sign or awning they failed to read or worse yet, find.
Captivating signage creation is tricky to accomplish; however, hiring an organization with a proven track record means that half the job is already done. Quality signage companies don't just mount and hang your sign; they're a team player in deciding what works and what doesn't work, addressing an assortment of aesthetic needs as they come up. Working with the clients regarding every aspect of the awnings, they ensure that the idea comes to reality.
Additionally, awnings also add a distinctive curb appeal to outdoor spaces, setting the tone, and transforming a space through custom lettering, colors, patterns and designs. However, for optimum impact, awnings need to be designed and installed in way that is sure to attract passersby. A good commercial sign and awning company will begin by collaborating with you on the objective, design and aesthetics of the project.
Originality is the basic requirement for branding success. Tailored designs with well-suited texture and color make the right impact. You need to work with your contractor to come up with a design that is unique, and capable of creating your own unique identity. You have to be clear about your objective as it will define the contours of your campaign.
Like the Nike Swoosh, the Audi rings and the famed McDonald's arches, signs and awnings create the first and lasting impressions of your business, making them an important aspect of your marketing campaign. Do thorough research before deciding on a company, making sure that you take on the right team to handle the task. It's a job too important to be done in haste.
This article has been written by an expert associated with Academy Inc., a premier manufacturer, designer, and installer of commercial signs and awnings. Academy Inc. is located in Los Angeles, and has a wide array of products outside of commercial signs and awnings including, but not limited to canvas awnings, canopies, umbrellas, shade structures, and cabanas. They are a fully licensed and insured company that has built a great reputation by combining quality products with unparalleled customer service.

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