Basic Signage Decision Making

Signage

Signage are used in many areas such as displaying information, giving direction and advertising.

​In this post, we will like to share on how to make use of signage to improve shopfronts appearance, gaining more publicity and drawing in more clients.

We can create a effective marketing campaign, through placing of signage at the right location; not overcrowding.

Read on to learn about these signage displaying techniques.
​Here is how we shall begin...

Company Name Clarity

For instance, I am setting up a company - Amanda Pte Ltd. Could you tell what my company does?
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​So we shall come up with a more relevant name. How about Amanda Maid Agency Pte Ltd? Isn't it obvious now, I am running a maid agency?

After getting a relevant name, we shall then get a signboard that can truly reflect the company nature.

Logo Creation

Logo shall have been done at the early stage when starting a business. These logos shall have 2 versions: square & rectangular. I not literally saying is a must to have a square or rectangular logo. What we need is a logo design that can fit into a square and rectangular box as needed.

Rectangular version is for signboard. What about the square one?

​The square logo is for your website logo and social profile. Imagine after setting up your company and ready for online present, only to realise the rectangular logo doesn't fit into the picture container of the site. When this happen, any uploaded image will be cropped. In other words, the logo will be cut off at the side. 

OMG! What to do then? So it is better to think of the logo before getting any of your signages.

We will talk about this more in my next post on logo design.

Main Signboard

Of all signage, the main signboard is the most essential, representing the company as a whole. It is presenting the image that the company want to portray. The logo, wording styles, colours and material selection will all affect the signboard appearance.

SIGNBOARD MATERIAL SELECTION

Metal - A real robust feel. A way to show credibility and supremeness.
Plastic - Fun, lovely feel. Just relax and have fun.
Wood - A nature material that will make us feel comfortable.

Using my maid agency as example, I will go for either plastic or wood. Metal is of kind of masculine for a maid agency. No, there is no sexual discrimination here. We just have to follow social norm.
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P.S. I didn't blindly follow social norm.

For logo, wordings style and colours, we will talk more about them in our next few posts.

So after we have confirm the company name, logo & main signboard, we can then start planning for the rest of the signages.

Office Signs

Help organise stuff and navigation. Admin Room, Store Room, Pantry and so on. They also help to set rules and regulation, such as no smoking, no entry, etc.,

Die Cut Sticker

Die cut stickers are mostly used for displaying company operating hours and infor on the glass doors or shutters.

They can also be used to create encouraging quotes and company tagline, to be pasted onto the wall.

Frosted Sticker

Frosted sticker is mainly for privacy. It does sound werid to be categorise into signage products which are meant for publicity.

Seem it is meant for privacy, then how does it aids in communication, marketing or advertising?

We can use frosty effect in our design. In this way, we have the best of both worlds, privacy and publicity.

Frosted stickers offered high level of privacy and yet not complete blockage of light source or outside work. They are widely used in hospitals, clinics, money lender agencies and so on, where confidential is highly regarded.

Wall Graphic

We can beautify the place with scenery prints, showcasing our products and services on the wall. How about creating a timeline or milestones graphic? It is definitely awesome to have these information display onto the wall.

Window Advertising

Window advertising are extremely important to retail business. They can draw crowds and increase sales. I will recommend visiting this site for further reading. They post a real good explanation on that.

SECONDARY SIGNAGE

And now we can plan for a few more signs to make the best exposure possible. Is not by having signage everywhere, which will incur huge cost.

Double Sided Signs

Help draw attention from both walking direction of the walkway.

Back Lane Signs

Back Lane Signs? Isn't it a waste of money to construct any signs at the back alley?

These signs are not really meant for publicity. They are for clients who drive. A back lane signs will help them locate your shop easier. They can then park their vehicles at your back alley and walk to your shop. A simple acrylic signs will do the job well.

Outdoor Advertising

We can place pull-up banner, poster stand and movable light box at the walkway. But remember, not to block the walking path, causing any inconvenience for others. Neighbouring shops will most likely voice out their disapproval of clustering of signs. Surely, we all want to be in good relationship with our neighbours.

I won't advice on hanging outdoor banners for long term use. Banners don't last long under rain and shine. If it was meant for real estate advertising, then that shall be fine. Before the banner show signs of wear out, the property shall have been sold or rented out.

Banners will be great for opening and promotion use.

Sound too much work? Then get help from the professional. Most signs maker only provide fabrication service as per client request. My advice is to get help from signage company that offer design services too. They can then better advice you on your signage placements.

Editor's Note:

• Amanda Maid Agency Pte Ltd is just for illustration purpose. This is not an actual existing company. Prior to writing this blog, an online search show that there is no such company exist. Any resemblance is purely coincidence.

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