Creative Ideas that Make Your Campaign Banners Standout

Running a campaign and expanding it to even broader horizons requires a comprehensive marketing strategy. This is precisely where campaign banners come into play. With the right banner, your campaign will be able to expand outreach and capture new voters. But how do you make sure your campaign banners are visible to your target audience?

Nowadays, a fair majority of campaign banners are sold at economic prices. Although they are sometimes designated as “cheap banners”, we can assure you that there is nothing cheap about them. In fact, with the right design layout and color scheme, your cheap banners won’t appear very cheap at all.

If cost-effectiveness is not enough to convince you about the effectiveness of cheap banners, please read on. Here is a trove of creative ideas that are sure to make your banners stand heads and shoulders above the rest.

 

What’s So Great About Cheap Banners Anyway?

Ever had the feeling that a sign is speaking directly to you? Think of all the times you’ve been driving by somewhere and have seen a banner that plants a message right in your head. This is all the proof you need to know that a solid signage strategy will help you capture more attention and form a comprehensive customer base. But that’s not all—with campaign banners, the possibilities are practically endless.

 

 

All About Visibility

The purpose of using a banner is to capture the attention of any passerby and rally them around your cause. Beyond that, you want to send a message that inspires people to take their politics to the streets, either by canvassing or supporting your campaign in some other way. In this regard, it is important to keep in mind that most voters will not spend more than 4 or 5 seconds reading your banner. Further, some may not even register it at all.

Fortunately, the above problems are easily solved with a little visibility. Developing a visual strategy will capture more attention and understanding from your target audience. When formulating your strategy, keep the following rule at the forefront of your mind: for every 10 feet of distance, your lettering should be at least 1 foot high. On that note, make sure the text and graphics on your banner provide a clear representation of what your campaign is all about.

 

All About Readability

Another core tenant of an effective visual strategy is readability. Remember what you learned in art class: the bigger the content, the easier it is to read from a distance. Don’t be afraid to mobilize the white space, using limited amounts of content is actually the most efficient design strategy in today’s advertising landscape. Additionally, using bold contrasts will ensure that your banners are even more prominent.

When placing your sign, it is always a good idea to keep the speed of passing traffic in mind. This will help you in determining where your content should be placed and how big it should be. Ideally, even speedy traffic should be able to read and absorb your message. As always, be sure to avoid adding any unnecessary clutter, and if ever in doubt remember that minimalism is the cream of the crop when it comes to effective design strategies.

 

On Obstruction

We’re not talking about politics here. Imagine spending considerable sums of money on an arsenal of cheap banners only to find that the places you have designated to place them are all obstructed by something, be it trees, power lines, excessively bright streetlights, or even buildings and billboards. Doesn’t this go against the core tenant of opting for a banner in the first place?

If your answer to that question was “yes”, then you are certainly on the right track. According to Bloomsburg Rentals, That’s because the primary purpose of making a campaign banner in the first place is to elicit a response from potential voters. As such, no matter where you place your banner, make sure that there is a clear line of sight from distinct vantage points. To this effect, make sure that all components of the banner itself are distinctly visible, otherwise, people will not know what to focus on and may not even register that it is a campaign banner.

 

brand creativity

Have A Way With Words

When it comes to your banner’s text, don’t be afraid to be picky. Ensuring your wording is as precise as possible will only help your message achieve greater reach over time. Here, the tried and true formula “keep it simple” is more valuable than ever. In today’s world, most people won’t even bother to look at a cluttered banner for very long, much less commit any of its messages to memory.

 

 

Designing Your Banner

When it comes to effective banner design, one of the biggest hurdles people face is determining the appropriate size and scaling for all graphics and text. When it comes to sizing your campaign banners, make sure you know where each will be placed, as doing so will provide all the information you need in order to determine size and scaling.

A good rule of thumb is that size and visibility have a direct correlation. The bigger the banner, the more visible it will be. However, some spaces will likely necessitate smaller banners. When viewing your campaign banner, double-check the spacing and styling to make sure text visibility is not obstructed.

 

color creativity

 

Attractive Colors

What’s better than cheap banners? How about cheap banners with attractive color schemes. Science has demonstrated that our brains typically perceive colors before anything else. Like scent, colors bypass most of our conscious faculties and hit us right in the brain. As such, colors are crucial to communicating your message to potential voters.

Some studies have concluded that as much as 80 percent of brand recognition is accomplished by way of effective color schemes. But don’t take our word for it—can you think of any campaign logos that have captured your attention recently?

When it comes to tactful color schemes, make sure to use lighter shades with darker backgrounds, as the reverse is difficult to spot from a distance or from a moving vehicle. Here, take care that the letters do not contrast the background, as this could also adversely impact visibility. Additionally, research current trends and select colors that adhere therein, as voters will likely be more receptive to them. Finally, keep it simple—using only a few colors makes a much larger impact than an oversaturated billboard with more than three colors.

 

 

From A Distance: On Legible Fonts

One aspect of an effective campaign banner that is often overlooked is the importance of fonts, which can be just as essential to a message as the text itself. Indeed, fonts convey meaning as much as the text they cradle. This is precisely why selecting the perfect font is a core tenant of effective marketing strategies. But what makes a good font?

Good fonts are not hard to read and should compliment your design and color scheme. If you are placing your banner outside, keep in mind that this will impact the readability of your banners, even from a long distance, so be prepared to adjust accordingly. You would also do well to keep the lessons of minimalism in mind. Detailed and cluttered fonts are not as memorable as simple ones.

When it comes to cheap banners, people often think the text that is entirely capitalized has greater visibility. Hopefully, these tips have already helped you realize that this could not be further from the truth. Rendering your font in all caps will make it too heavy and could completely disorient the visual appeal of your banner. Some of today’s most popular design fonts include Display, Helvetica, Sans Serif, and Serif fonts.

 

 

The Importance Of Contrast

Those of us with an advertising background are already likely aware of the fact that engaging signs drive more engagement. This is as true for business as it is for politics. Therefore, throwing up vast amounts of cheap banners with bright colors will make them less readable. For this reason, it is important to keep a few key aspects of color theory in mind.

For one, consider your campaign banner’s surroundings. Is it in a rural area or a massive city? What is the lighting like? How is the weather on a typical day?

If the surrounding colors are primarily primary, make sure you select colors with just the right amount of contrast, as doing so will render them more visible to those passing by.

If your banner is outdoors, try to refrain from using blue as a background color. Blue corresponds with the color of the sky and will make your message difficult to read. Finally, be aware that inefficient color contrasts can be enhanced using shadowing, so be sure to experiment if you find something you like that initially does not seem to work.

 

Go Bold Or Go Home

Remember that branding and identity have a direct relationship. In this regard, don’t be afraid to make your campaign banner stand apart from the pack. When designing your banner, consider aiming for something with balanced contrast and larger lettering. And remember—less is more: keep your messaging clear, concise, and relevant as opposed to bombarding viewers with a dizzying array of colors and text.

 

Concentrate On The Focal Point

Knowing the focal point of your banner will help you increase its effectiveness. This should be easy to ascertain provided you understand your products and have a strong vision for your brand. As always, keep it simple: nobody likes to sift through the clutter, especially when they’re out and about.

 

Location, Location, Location

It may sound cliche, but one of the most important factors in ensuring that your campaign banner stands out is where it is located. Before you place your banner, be sure to double-check zoning and leasing requirements, as poor verification could lead to a slew of unsavory problems down the line. When placing the banner, consider the amount of traffic that will pass by each day. Will most people be on foot or in vehicles? How fast will they be going and what other distractions will be present?

 

brand identity

Your Banner Should Promote Your Sense Of Identity

Let’s be honest, campaigning means you are up against other personalities. For this reason, it is important to ensure that your message is as singular as it can possibly be. Think of it this way: who are you and why should people care?

When evaluating your brand identity, pay close attention to what your opponents are doing. Conducting a little research will give you ample opportunity to consolidate your resources and discover what is truly unique about your message. It will also keep you from repeating the talking points of your competitors, as well as lay bare any issues they are ignoring. Remember, appearing more unique will increase the impact of your message.

 

Spruce Things Up A Bit Every Now And Then

Studies show that confronting people with the same stimuli over and over will eventually cause them to ignore it, which is bad news for you if you are still using last year’s campaign banner. On the other hand, having to rebrand every year will consume a lot of your time and resources. Fortunately, the solution is relatively simple: make small changes to your banner over time so it stays relevant and, consequently, captures the attention of your target audience.

 

On Clutter

As mentioned, when it comes to running an effective campaign, or effective marketing in general, it is always a good idea to keep things simple. This proclivity is even reflected in our architecture and technology: minimalism pervades our designs. While this may seem like an unnecessary restriction, it actually makes things easier for you.

Recent studies show that some of the most effective cheap banners do not contain more than seven words, as using more results in decreased rates of retention. To this extent, “less is more” could be reappropriated to mean “fewer words result in greater understanding.” In other words, only use the information that is most essential to the message you want to convey.

Text aside, make sure to leave ample amounts of negative space. This will make your banner much easier on the eyes and afford users more space to absorb your message. Some studies indicate that as much as 40 percent of your banner should be comprised of negative space.

Why Car Magnets are Great for Small Business Marketing

Are you a small business owner, marketer, or public relations professional looking for something to take your advertising game to the next level? If you already have several banners and signs placed in advantageous areas but know you could be capturing more attention in more compact spaces, why not consider cheap car magnets?

By equipping your business with the advantage of mobility, car magnets will ensure increased visibility in locations where it would otherwise be ignored. Additionally, if your business sells a variety of products, car magnets are a great way to advertise each of them on different days or in different areas.

If you’re still on the fence, here are some reasons why car magnets are the perfect tool for small business marketing.

custom car magnets

The Pros Of Magnetic Signs For Cars

Functionally, vehicle magnets are constructed from matter magnetic material for ample longevity. Where painted advertisements and semi-permanent vehicle graphics have their own advantages, neither achieves the same level of versatility as car magnets.

Functionally, most vehicle magnets are constructed from some kind of matte magnetic material for ample longevity. From their aesthetic flexibility and versatility to their compact size, car magnets inherently provide plenty of customization options that are sure to put your business at the forefront of viewers’ minds. Beyond that, they are one of the most effective and flexible means available for transforming your vehicle into a marketing powerhouse.

Vehicle Magnets Keep Your Costs Down

Vehicle magnets will ensure that your costs remain low while still affording the ability to maintain an effective advertising campaign. In particular, magnets are a cost-effective advertising solution that consumes less than half of the financial and material resources that television commercials or advertising billboards typically do. This enables you to maintain financial stability by allotting your funds to other promotional endeavors while simultaneously maintaining a meaningful approach to marketing and engaging prospective clients.

The Ability To Experiment Is An Advantage

Every professional marketer knows that maintaining the ability to experiment always assures an advantage. This is because experimentation allows you to test the effectiveness of certain approaches with different demographics. Vehicle magnets, which can be repurposed in a variety of locations, afford this degree of versatility. Additionally, if you opt to purchase several different designs you can use incoming phone calls to measure the effectiveness of each one.

effective advertising

Car Magnets Are The Epitome Of Effective Advertising

Recent studies indicate that a large percentage of people (as high as 90 percent according to some numbers) are able to remember marketing messages they have seen printed on vehicles in one form or another. From those pools, about 70 percent said the signs allowed them to form an impression of the business. Obviously, this is something that is crucial to any comprehensive marketing strategy.

When compared to other mobile advertising solutions such as permanent vehicle wraps and the like, car magnets get the job done even more efficiently and can be removed whenever you do not want them visible. This effectively puts all the power in your hands, meaning you control when your messaging is visible and when it is not.

promote effectively

When It Comes To Your Advertising Game, Promote Don’t Demote

No matter what type of business you are promoting—be it an instrument distributor, plumbing service, construction service, or even a small coffee shop—vehicle magnets are the perfect way to increase your visibility. Just think about it: how many times have you been driving around town only to come across a car magnet of some kind? Maybe you are even able to remember a few of the printed messages and logos. Quality car magnets will equip your small business with the same strategic marketing advantage.

Car Magnets Promote Customer Retention And Evoke An Immediate Response

As a business owner, you are likely already aware that the primary goal of any small business is to capture new leads while satisfying your existing customer base. Even if you are doing an exemplary job of both, there will always be circumstances outside of your control. For example, customers will move out of state, change cities, or even leave the country.

With all of this rapid fluctuation, it is up to you to do whatever it takes to make sure your small business is able to stay afloat. This is where an effective marketing strategy comes into play. Ideally, effective marketing should ensure that you bring in more customers than you lose on an annual basis. If you’ve been paying attention, you should know that car magnets are perfectly suited for this task.

For one, car magnets tend to evoke an immediate response. As people drive by, they will instantly notice your logo or advertisement, making them more likely to engage your services. To this end, take the time to ensure that your logo is cleverly positioned and colored for maximum visibility.

Maintaining Portability Is Paramount To Effective Marketing

When it comes to advertising, portability always seems to be an issue. Billboards are too static, making you completely dependent on material factors completely outside your control. However, decorating your vehicle with magnets that sport your business’s graphics and logo means you can literally put the pedal to the metal and take your business straight to your prospective clients. It doesn’t matter if you are driving all over town, to another state, or simply leaving your car parked in an extremely visible location, vehicle magnets will ensure that your advertisement reaches your intended audience.

brand trust

Car Magnets Promote A Sense Of Trustworthiness

One of the most essential and invaluable things vehicle magnets promote is trustworthiness. As prospective clients see you or your customers driving around with your logo all over the vehicle, they will automatically assume that your brand is trustworthy—after all, why would everyone be sporting your logo if you weren’t? Compared to billboards and yard signs, which seem like a more self-serving way to advertise, car magnets promote a sense of community and intimacy that a large sign, business banner or campaign sign could never match.

Beyond that, car magnets are usually manufactured with versatility and durability in mind. In addition to being constructed from a highly resilient magnetic material, quality magnets are extremely resistant to the elements and will look nice for years to come, even in dismal weather conditions. In terms of maintenance, most magnets can be removed and cleaned whenever you need, just be sure to follow whatever cleaning instructions are provided to make sure nothing happens to the magnet or your vehicle.

Once you place a few car magnets on your vehicle, you will be able to advertise your logo, slogan, and services wherever you go. Most magnets are designed for safe use with any steel surface and any paint job (again, provided you follow the proper cleaning instructions). Additionally, consider pairing car magnets with yard signs for a promotional double whammy. Together, these two products form an effective advertising combo that is sure to give your small business a necessary boost.

Vehicle Magnets Are The Perfect Way To Amplify Your Message

As prior studies indicate, car magnets are proof that there is no better way to amplify your message while creating the necessary space for handling business as usual. Once you have strategically placed your magnets on one or more vehicles, everything they are affixed to essentially becomes a mobile billboard, giving you a razor sharp advantage over the competition—especially when compared to businesses that have only invested in static methods of advertising, such as a billboard.

However, the advantages don’t stop at brand awareness or conveying particular messages. That’s because car magnets are the perfect way to save money on advertising while still making a meaningful impact on the market. They truly are one of the most economical ways to make your voice heard while saving considerable sums of money that would otherwise be spent on lavish billboards or expensive commercials.

You could use your car magnets in any or all of the following ways:

  • Highlighting important brand information
  • Promoting general brand awareness
  • Conveying a promotional message
  • Familiarizing people with your mascot, logo, or icon

Strong Returns on Branding

Car Magnets Provide The Biggest Return On Your Investment

Think about how much driving you do in a single day. How much of that consists of time spent on the freeway or crowded residential areas, where you may literally pass hundreds of vehicles? Think of all the difference a cleverly designed magnet or two could make in these situations. No matter where you go, you create the potential for generating more revenue for your business or attracting more attention to your message.

If you think one magnet will not be enough, consider placing an order for two or three. Affixing a magnet on each side of your vehicle as well as on the rear creates plenty of opportunities for people to see them. You should even consider experimenting with various sizes, which also afford their own distinct advantages. For example, placing two equal-sized magnets on the side of your car and a larger magnet on the rear is a great way to capture the attention of just about any passerby.

Applying And Removing Magnets Is A Cinch

Maintaining car magnets is usually quick and easy. In addition to being easily removable, they are extremely easy to clean. In most instances, all you have to do is apply a small amount of soap, gently rinse, and you are ready to go. This way your magnet will always be legible to everyone who passes by.

In most cases, applying your car magnet is as easy as following these steps: first, make sure to carefully clean the surface where you will be applying the magnet. A small amount of soap should suffice—however, if your vehicle is extremely dirty then it may be a good idea to give it a more comprehensive cleansing.

Next, ensure that the surface is completely dry. As with the previous step, be sure to focus on the area or areas where you want to apply the magnets. This will help you avoid compacting dirt and grime into your vehicle’s paint job and optimize your magnets for years of use.

Once everything is prepped and ready, double-check your work then go ahead and apply the magnet. Take care to massage out any curves or bumps, as these could cause problems down the road. To prevent any long term damage, even without bumps and curves, be sure to clean and dry the space underneath the magnet on a daily basis. Additionally, make sure that you remove the magnets whenever you get your car washed, as not doing so could result in loss or damage to the magnet.

Branding Considerations

Things To Keep In Mind

Before you finalize the design of your magnet or spend so much as a dime for that matter, you should thoroughly consider whether or not the look of the magnet (i.e., it’s color and general aesthetic) will vibe with your vehicle. Nothing stands out more than a dazzling color scheme, and your vehicle is certainly part of the equation. In this regard, keep in mind that minimalism is the hot trend right now—so when it comes to designing a custom magnet, less is definitely more.

Most people only have a limited number of seconds to read a vehicle magnet, so using large letters in tandem with short phrases is an excellent approach. The font choice should also correspond with your other marketing materials to promote a sense of uniformity. Additionally, consider using a border around the sign, as this has been known to focus attention and make content easier to read.

In regards to color combinations, using darker backgrounds with lighter colors optimizes readability and, depending on the colors, usually doesn’t result in significant eye strain. Get creative with your color scheme to focus viewer attention on the most important information, such as your website, phone number, or the sense of gratification your customers will get from doing business with you. Some studies have shown that simply rendering your most essential text in a different color can increase retention by as much as 75 percent.

The 10 Most Creative Ways to Advertise With Yard Signs

In addition to their affordability, yard signs are both lightweight and portable. With this in mind, it’s no wonder why they are so popular with both large and small businesses alike. That’s because no matter the size of the business, yard signs are an excellent means of capturing the attention of anyone who passes by.

However, while yard signs do contain a ton of potential, there are other factors you need to consider to amplify their effectiveness. After all, a sign without a coherent strategy isn’t all that effective, is it? So before you spend so much as a dime, ensure that the text you are using is proportional to the overall size of the sign and the distance of visibility you hope to achieve. Additionally, make sure your color scheme is simplistic and straightforward to capture the maximum amount of attention.

Needless to say, yard signs can be appropriated for various uses and applications. To help give you a better idea of potential uses, here is a list of 10 creative ways to use yard signs.

Custom Yard Signs

1. Yard Signs Are Ideal For Home Businesses

Working from home comes with distinct advantages—unfortunately, crowds are not one of them. While most businesses attract a decent amount of foot traffic, working from home may mean you are tucked away from all the action. However, a cleverly placed yard sign will ensure that you can capture a sizable customer base by appealing to them as they drive by. It will also attract the attention of your neighbors and any visitors they may have.

When placing a yard sign in front of your home, check local ordinances, as you may be able to carry out some tricks that will give you another leg up on the competition. For example, you may be able to place a few signs at the end of your block, cul-de-sac, or even at an intersection. Even better, yard signs are inherently mobile and can be moved wherever you desire.

2. Raise Awareness For Nonprofit Organizations

As far as your nonprofit organization is concerned, yard signs make it that much easier to make an impact. Whether you aim to point people towards a secure donation box or initiate a dialog with one of your representatives, yard signs work best when erected in high-traffic areas with ample visibility. To further inspire people, you could even include some of your talking points and desired results or explain more about how donations will be used. However, you should be cautious of cluttering your sign too much, as doing so could drive people away. What better way to raise awareness for a particular cause than with a yard sign? Placing a sign in your yard is a great way to compel your neighbors to do the same, which will only serve to further amplify awareness and rally even more people around the cause. Just be sure your sign contains a concise summary of the objective, as well as legible contact information so anyone wishing to obtain additional information can do so.

QR Code Yard Signs

3. Ever Thought Of Using A Yard Sign For A QR Code?

This one is a little more esoteric but is becoming more imperative by the day. Yard signs are great for displaying QR codes. Simply use an online generator to create your code, print it to a sign, then place that sign in your yard. If programmed correctly, the QR code should link to a page that will enable you to provide potential clients with more information, as well as monitor the effectiveness of your yard sign.

4. Give Your Political Campaign An Extra Edge

When it comes to political campaigns, name recognition is essential. This is precisely why you see so many political campaign signs pop up as election day gets closer and closer. Indeed, these yard signs have become essential to running an effective political campaign. So if you are planning on using a yard sign to raise awareness about a campaign or cause, be sure they include the name of the candidate or cause, as well as all necessary information required to make an informed decision when it comes time to vote.

Custom Fundraiser Signs

5. Promote School Fundraisers Throughout Your School District

Do you or your children have a school-related fundraiser coming up? This is the perfect time to place an attractive yard sign on every street. Regardless of whether your fundraiser is a one-off or recurring event, a few cleverly placed yard signs are sure to lure many prospective customers.

6. Buy and Sell More Real Estate

Yard signs are perfect for real estate companies looking to raise awareness about specific properties available for sale or lease. However, you may have noticed that they are quite overused. With this in mind, your sign must stand apart from the competition, at least if you want to capture a decent share of the market. Here is a short list of effective tips, followed by more comprehensive descriptions:

  • Conceive a creative color scheme
  • Make sure your yard sign has a distinctive shape
  • Use an effective tagline
  • Affix a brochure that customers can use to glean more information

When it comes to color schemes, don’t be afraid to take the time to decide exactly what works best for you. Changes may be dictated by demographic preferences as well as natural surroundings. A good rule of thumb is to notice what colors are popular within your area, ascertain the reasons why then implement them into your own designs where applicable.

As far as selecting a distinctive shape is concerned, make sure to choose something that the surrounding area does not see every day. A sign with abstract dimensions that simultaneously provides extra room for additional graphics, text, or negative space will help underscore your brand. However, be careful not to clutter your sign with too much information, as this will detract rather than attract. Additionally, try to focus on a single unifying message that will simultaneously entice buyers and push your brand.

Yard signs and taglines go together like peanut butter and jelly. Just be sure to take the time to craft an effective tagline rather than rushing through it just to get your sign-up. Keeping your primary goal and focus at the forefront of your mind will help you assemble the perfect text.

Finally, attaching a brochure box will enable prospective buyers to find more information about the property, as well as obtain an efficient means of contacting you.

Custom Party Signs

7. Personalized Yard Signs for Parties And Other Celebrations

Make your next social gathering a smash with a personalized sign. No matter whether the event is a birthday party or that pool party you’ve been waiting for all summer, a prominent yard sign will ensure that your guests will know where the party is at. If your event is reasonably large or located in a hidden place, you may want to consider purchasing multiple signs with different instructions on how to navigate the area. Additionally, you could use signs to direct guests to key areas such as restrooms, trash receptacles, and food stations. Think back to your own childhood experiences on days like Easter. Wouldn’t an egg hunt have been much more fun with a couple of creative signs? In addition to informing people about the celebration in the first place, a few well-placed yard signs will result in even more fun. Just think about how you could confuse people or give understated hints about the location of specific eggs.

8. Yard Signs to Help Recruit the Best Employees

If you are a business owner looking for a way to accelerate your hiring process, look no further than a few yard signs. Placing a few of these puppies here and there will promote more visibility than other forms of signage and give you more control over how your message is displayed. Before printing your sign, consider what questions potential employees may ask, such as those pertaining to wages and hours, and be sure to include them in the text.

9. Conventions, Conferences, and Other Large Events

Even if the concert or convention you are promoting has been sold out for months, it never hurts to have a little more signage here and there. While signs can certainly raise awareness about an upcoming event, they can accomplish much more.

For example, in the case of a sold-out event, a prominently placed sign is the perfect way to direct the crowd to essential stations, such as restrooms, food, designated exits, will-call, and ride-share pickup locations, and much more. You can even tell people where not to go using signs with messages such as “Keep Out” or “Restricted Access.” The possibilities are virtually endless.

Random Uses

10. Spread Your Own Personal Brand of Joy in a Troubled World

What if you just want to place a sign in your yard because you feel like it? Nowadays, we are so bombarded with sales and related messaging (not to mention divisive political ads) that we forget life is supposed to be fun. Bring some much-needed cheer into your neighborhood with a random sign that conveys a funny or sentimental message that will brighten everyone’s day and bring us closer together.

No matter the use, or whether you opted for I-frame or H-frame signage, a tactfully placed yard sign is sure to get the point across. As with any public display, be sure to check with local authorities regarding specific rules governing signage. Doing so will help you avoid any unwanted confrontations.

Depending on the intended use, you may want to consider one of the following: ordering multiple copies of a single design or ordering multiple copies of several unique designs. Multiple copies of a single sign are great for handing out to friends and neighbors, but they could cause people to overlook the message if too many are placed in the same vicinity. On the other hand, ordering several unique signs gives you the option of diversifying your message to yield a much higher return.

Local Marketing Hacks To Keep Your Business Ahead Of The Competition

Signs provide on-the-spot information about your business.

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When you’re running a local business, it can be a challenge to stay ahead of the crowd. In the digital age, a two-pronged approach is necessary – companies need to invest in both traditional marketing and the latest online strategies.

Potential customers in your local area need to be aware that your business exists and that you can offer them the products and services they’re looking for.

And while local businesses are making a comeback (with more and more people choosing to shop where they are), many now find the most relevant stores through a web search.

What this means is that your marketing strategy needs to reach people both online and offline. You need a physical presence, as well as a virtual one.

Here are four marketing hacks for local businesses that will help point more customers straight to your door.

Optimize For Local SEO

When people search for goods and services online, they generally do it through their mobile phone. As long as their location settings are on, the search results will point them towards local stores.

When people are provided with a local suggestion, they will visit within 24 hours and 18% of those visits result in sales. So, it really does pay to make sure your business is one of those that are mentioned in search results.

But how can you make sure you appear near the top of the pile? There are a few things you can do:

  • Make sure you have a Google My Business account and enter as much information as you possibly can. You should always include your business’s opening hours, a link to your website, photos of your premises and a detailed description of what you do.
  • Do the same for Bing Local and Yahoo Local.
  • Show Google that you are relevant to the searcher’s inquiry by optimizing your description for the search terms (keywords) they might use to find you.
  • Go one step further with optimizing for keywords and set up a Google Places account. You can enter all of your relevant keywords here and they should be optimized for your location. For example, use ‘tire fitters Bradford’, rather than plain old ‘tire fitters’.

Ideally, you will only use high-resolution images and make sure the information you have on Google My Business, Bing Local and Yahoo Local is the same as on your website. You can add some keyword tools to your website builders, or use free web applications like Google Search Console and Suggestion Keyword Finder.

Create An Online Presence Through Reviews

Online consumer reviews play a key role in driving traffic to your business and boosting your search engine rankings. An astounding 93% of all consumers report that online reviews have a significant impact on their purchasing habits.

You can’t ignore the numbers. Harnessing the power of word-of-mouth by requesting reviews from your customers is one of the best things you can do for your business. You can start by:

  • Providing links to prominent review sites in customer follow-up emails
  • Mentioning reviews on receipts
  • Placing posters within your premises that point to places to leave reviews
  • Asking your staff to request reviews from the customers they serve

Encouraging your customers to leave reviews on Google, Bing and Yahoo can drastically increase your online visibility and make it more likely they’ll visit you when you come up in map search results.

Use Local Signage

To reach a wider audience, you need to expand your online presence. But tried and tested local advertising should not be ignored. Investing in local signage is one of the best ways to drive foot traffic to your business, especially if you’re not located within the main shopping area.

It’s also a great way to reinforce your company’s brand and make your business instantly recognizable to local people. Alongside the internet, signage is a 24/7 solution. It works on your behalf all day, every day.

For anyone attempting to find you from an internet search, some measure of signage that points to your premises is essential. Adding your website URL to your it can increase the ROI from your signage investment since a lot of people prefer to check out a business online before trekking out to their local store.

Some of the best signage solutions for local businesses include:

You can even mix up your strategy across your signs. On some, simply promote your business’s name and contact information. On others, advertise any local events your business is holding, or special promotions you’re running.

Final Thoughts…

They say diversity is the spice of life and this also rings true for advertising. But you don’t have to stay up into the small hours or be constantly on call to make a real difference to your online and offline presence. Both local SEO and physical marketing tactics work for you, even while you sleep. So get yourself on Google maps, invest in some local signage, and watch as the customers roll on in.

About the Author:

“Jodie is a passionate writer and editor (MSc BA Cantab) partnering with UK Web Host Review. She loves to translate dense material into information everyone can access and explores design, branding, and market psychology. Connect with her on Linkedin
 

Affordable Business Signs That Appeal to Customers

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Yard signs have stood the test of time and have been most popular to 3 local markets; good old fashion garage sales, political campaigns, and real estate. There are other markets to appeal to such as small businesses or contractors, but the ones mentioned before are the three main contenders. So, what does it take to make those signs eye-catching? Is it the font or colors? Is it a unique design? With only a few seconds to attract the attention of your audience, knowing these certain insights can give you an extra boost over your competitors and could have potential clients choosing you first. As we go over these tricks of the trade, keep in mind that your signs are not limited to these guidelines and you are free to create your signs as you see fit.

Why use yard signs for your business?

Yard signs are much cheaper than larger forms of advertising and are highly effective from a local standpoint. Made from a 4mm piece of corrugated plastic, most yard signs are 18” x 24” and are printed with a UV ink which helps for prolonged outdoor exposure. They’re less expensive than billboards, LED and digital ad displays, but will endure the elements as well.

Insider Knowledge

Something to consider when designing your sign is the budget you have to work with. The bigger the budget, the more colors and/or higher quantity you can attain. A smaller budget suggests a one-color sign at a much lower quantity. Another thing to think about is, what colors do your competitors use? You don’t want to have signs that match too closely to your competition’s colors or design. Below are more key points to help you achieve your goal of an affordable and appealing sign that gets your message across.

  • Keep It Local!Yard signs are a great local strategy for small businesses and using the local lingo to promote your message is a great way get your point across. If you can easily communicate with your community then it makes reaching your market that much more effortless.
  • Keep It Simple! – By keeping the message on your signs simple and clear, you’ll be able to get more attention with just a few words. Overdesigned logos or too many words can deter someone from wanting to read your sign. For yard signs, there is a small window to nab the reader’s attention so keeping it easy to read should do the trick.
  • Text Layout! – Make sure to distribute the words on your signs wisely. Too much clutter will defeat the purpose of the sign. You want to make it as aesthetically pleasing as possible, so simple fonts and bold colors are what you’re going to be looking for when designing your sign.
  • Location of Signs! – High traffic areas are key to the success of your signs. You’ll also want to consider the height of which your signs are going to be displayed. Finding that perfect viewing angle can be tricky, but oh so rewarding. The surroundings of your signs are something to think about as well. You wouldn’t want a pesky bush getting in the way of your reach.
  • Be different! – Having a funny slogan or a witty phrase can definitely help with standing out from the rest. As long as you keep it tasteful, non-offensive and in-line with the message you are trying to put out there, then there is no reason you can’t make a sign to remember.

These are just a few of the deciding factors to consider when creating your sign’s design. Remember, you don’t have to adhere to these methods entirely, just use what you need to help get your layout started. Hope these tips were useful and have answered some doubts you might have had about making your signs more appealing to your customers. With this new-found knowledge behind you and a wide variety of templates to choose from online, there’s nothing to hold you back from getting started!

SOLD! How real estate signs have last the test of time among other marketing tactics.

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There are numerous places where you can acquire real estate signs, be it online or at your local print shop. There are also many different styles of real estate signs that you could purchase, but how do you know which one to choose? As we further discuss what makes these signs affordable and captivating, we will discover price ranges, do’s and don’ts, and how to use them to your advantage.

What is a real estate sign?

The most standard form of a real estate sign is a 4mm corrugated plastic sign that commonly comes in the size of 18” x 24” and needs wire stakes or wood stakes to display them. These signs are also known as bandit signs, placards, or real estate lawn signs. More durable signs are made from aluminum and are printed digitally. These signs come accompanied by a steel sign frame that the sign slides into through the top or side. There are also real estate post signs or colonial post signs that are much more expensive but last quite a while. These usually have an upside-down “L” shape and have the sign hanging from the top. Metal or plastic signs can be displayed with the post. Also, the post and sign are usually sold separately, so keep that in mind when making your decision. Vinyl banners can also be used as signage for real estate. It really just depends on the 5 w’s: who, what, where, when and why the purpose of your message to determine the best signage to go with.

Eye-Catching Signs

Now that we know what real estate signs are, we can discuss how to make your signs attract some attention. The simpler the better. Too much clutter from too many words can have your audience shy away from reading your sign. You don’t want that, so simple fonts and bold colors are what you are looking for when trying to make your signs stand out. Also, consider how the words on your signs are arranged. Making your sign as aesthetically pleasing as possible is the goal here, too many words are a no-no. You can try using some of the local lingoes to help spread the word on a new property. Having a good understanding of your community can help tremendously with your future clientele. Where you choose to display your yard signs is going to play a big factor in helping you get more business as well. High traffic areas are ideal for signage. The more people you have passing by, the higher of a chance you have at turning one into a buyer. Another thing to try is making your signs funny. A witty slogan or phrase can go a long way with potential buyers/sellers. Make sure to keep it tasteful, non-offensive, and in-line with what you are trying to promote.

Cost

Corrugated plastic signs are usually going to be the most affordable option. An order of 100, 1 color, one-sided signs are only going to run you around $99 to $250 bucks. That includes the wire stakes or wood stakes. There are local shops or multiple online stores where you can order signs like these. Ordering higher volumes can help get some serious traction buying or selling houses.

Another option realtors go with is the aluminum signs with steel frames. These are a great choice when you need small quantities but also want something more durable. They won’t rust so withstanding the elements is no issue here, but because of the higher quality of material, they will be more expensive. If you ordered 5, 2-sided aluminum signs, with steel frames, you’d be looking at around 180 to 400 dollars.

Lastly, a more high-end choice we’d like to mention is real estate post signs. The post themselves can vary in material-type, such as wood, metal or vinyl PVC. The more common choice is vinyl PVC, since its plastic and less expensive than the other two. If you’re lucky enough to find both the signs and the posts in the same place, capitalize on it. Let’s say you ordered 5 of the post signs. On average, these are going to run you around 550 to 750 dollars. It could be more if you have to buy the signs and posts separately.

Conclusion

After checking into the different styles of real estate signs, it’s a fair assumption to say that the corrugated plastic signs are the most affordable choice. Next would be the aluminum signs with steel frames and lastly, the real estate sign posts. All of these have a similar purpose, but where and how you are displaying your signs will help determine which ones to get. If you have just 2 houses to sell, post signs or aluminum signs with steel frames would be ideal. You can fully customize your design with the tips provided to make them as appealing to your buyers\sellers as possible. Keep in mind that some brokers and realtors may have a franchise manufacturer they would rather you get your signs from. Talk to your company and see what you can do for your promotions. Making the best sign you can for the best price you can get is the goal and hopefully, these suggestions help you achieve just that!

Big Campaign Signs: A Big Winner Post-Election

Political Big Campaign Signs for 2018 Primaries
A row of political campaign signs greeting voters at a residential corner street for the 2018 primary elections.

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As the political campaigning season has come to an end, it seems the use for large campaign signs has dwindled down. Or has it? There are still other opportunities out there that we can grab by the horns and take full advantage of. We’re going to elaborate on those options and explain how big campaign signs can also make a big impression on your potential customers.

Business/Restaurants

Let’s say you have a new restaurant or business that you want to get more attention for. With a sign the size of a big campaign sign, you’re surely going to grab some attention, but using them closer to the actual location has proven to be more effective than just in the neighborhood. On the other hand, these are also effective from great distances. A sign for your establishment, saying that its 10 miles away and which way to head, will make it a lot easier for future patrons to find their way to you. Plus, it sure beats getting a billboard! Not that there’s anything wrong with billboards, but corrugated plastic is more budget-friendly, costing hundreds to thousands less depending on your area.

Real Estate

Another use you can find for these signs is for real estate. Now there are other options that may have worked for you in the past, such as yard signs, but why not add to your arsenal by having a big real estate sign for you to show future clients where to buy on a plot of land? Maybe a new subdivision is in the works and you need to bring some attention to it. One of these can certainly do the trick but keep in mind that MDO plywood signs are usually used for this kind of thing. A big corrugated plastic sign is still very worthy when displayed correctly and is significantly cheaper.

Promotional

You could be having an event special or a seasonal sale that you would like to advertise. Something like a firework stand or a Christmas tree farm. You can display some of these bad boys in likeness to the big business/restaurant signs but since you’re only going to have these signs up for a short period of time, your signs should last longer than your non-seasonal competitors.

Large Campaign Signs are made from a 4’ x 8’ or a 4’ x 4’ sheet of 4mm corrugated plastic and are digitally printed. That means that a large format, Inkjet or Laser printer will be used to print your signs. Think of how your desktop printer works, just on a much larger scale. They are printed with UV ink and are rated for 3 years of prolonged outdoor exposure. You can always display them indoors but because of their large stature, outside may be more fitting. Don’t forget that you’ll need posts that are sturdy to keep these big boys up, U-Channel Sign Posts are a great reliable solution.

Whatever the purpose of your promotional efforts, it’s a good idea to consider big campaign signs as a new, more creative approach to help with your promotional needs. We hope you find this information useful and that you can capitalize on some of these ideas. Who knows, you may even come up with your own use for these signs; the possibilities are endless.

How to Install Your Yard Sign!

Yard Sign With Different Stands
Yard Signs With Different Stands

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As you know, yard signs in general don’t do very well without the help of something keeping them in place. Even poster’s need thumb tacks. We understand your ad is going to endure things like heavy wind, rain, ice, and snow. We don’t want these or any other elements washing away your potential revenue. Knowing that the yard sign for your business or campaign signage is going to be secure is a must, so we’re here to help. Here we have gathered some items to help bring you peace of mind.

What are H-wires?

We have four basic H-wire stands that we sell from our warehouse, all of which easily slide into the flutes of your sign. Each H-wire is made of slim metal posts that are fashioned together to form an “H”. First, we have our standard H-wires which is our top rated and best seller. It’s 30” x 10” and is $1.19. Next we have our economy H-wires and they’re 24” x 10” with a price of $1.09. Then we have our heavy duty H-wires which are the same dimensions as our standard except the actual thickness of the metal is greater and the top posts are slightly wider. These go for $3.40 each. Last but not least are the half sized H-wires which are 15” x 10” and they start at $0.92 . All of our H-wires have available price breaks so don’t be afraid to order more and save.

Yard Sign Accessories

Aside from our H-wire collection we also have other accessories like wood stakes, plastic sign frames, and steel sign frames. We also offer U-channel sign posts and plastic A-frame sign holders for your more particular needs. A-frame sign holders are good for indoor ads, like in a mall. The plastic sign frames, wood stakes, and all of our steel frames are perfect for outdoor signage and can be installed with a hammer and some elbow grease. These will not only keep your signs in place but will stay there for as long as you need, while taking on the surrounding environment.

Here’s where you can get your yard sign accessories and get started! A good tip to remember when placing yard signs is that six feet from the curb is considered public property so if you don’t want your yard sign up for grabs, push them back a smidge; closer to the house so it’s on private property. This ordinance varies from city to city so make sure and check with the proper local officials. Some people are even adding extra protection to their signs to keep thieves from taking them. You can read about it here! We here at Super Cheap Signs are glad to be able to assist you with all of your sign needs and as always, thank you for your business!

Yard Signs: What They Are and What to Know

Yard signs fresh of the press!
Yard signs fresh of the press!

Why Yard Signs?

Signage has been around for quite some time, to put it modestly. More specifically, however, yard signs are being used as of more recent. Some would even say as early as the 60’s and 70’s, but why. Security alarm companies from that time wanted a new way to thwart burglars from entering a particular premises. What they started to do was put aluminum window signs on to real estate stakes and then introduced the combination to the customer’s yard. Since that time lawn signs have made their staple in advertising and don’t appear to be going anywhere but outside.

Corrugated plastic and a weather-proof ink are what most lawns signs are made of. Of course if you have some cardboard, a magic marker, a wood stake, and a sunny day then you can make a yard sign at your own leisure but that’s why we’re here. We can assist you with all of your sign needs. Our ads vary from real estate, campaign, special events, and much more. Have a custom design that you want to see on a piece of corrugated plastic? Then look no further because our design team is here to help. Or if you just wanted a blank piece of plastic to write your own message on then we can send you that too.

Get Your Yard Signs Noticed!

Now we have to get those signs to stand out and stand on their own. The most commonly used supports are wood stakes and/or H-wires. However, keep in mind our corrugated plastic yard sign material comes not only in 2 colors, but also 2 flute directions. The small spaces located on the bottom and top, or the sides of the plastic are called ‘Flutes’. If you want a sign with wood stakes then you’re going to want the flute direction to be perpendicular to the stake itself. With H-wires the flutes are going to be parallel. The 2 colors we offer are white and yellow, and come in a variety of sizes. Our standard is 18” x 24” but we also offer yard signs in the sizes of 12” x 18”, 9” x 24”, and our biggest of 24” x 32” that can be screen printed. Whether you need signs for your business or political campaign signs, here’s where you can get started!

How Effective Are Political Yard Signs, Really?

Political yard signs on a street corner in Austin, TX.
Political Yard Signs at Their Best!

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Are Political Yard Signs Effective?

    What if I said yes and no? Political yard signs have been around for a long time which brings people to ask how efficient they really are. Surprisingly enough, they are effective to the point where they can help a candidate by a little more than a percentage point. However, if you’re running for federal office then I wouldn’t count on it.

    A study performed by Columbia University – more specifically lead author Donald Green – told POLITCO that yard signs can add 1.7 percentage points on average. So yes, they help, but not as much as we have previously believed. According to the researchers, “It appears that signs typically have a modest effect on advertising candidates’ vote shares — an effect that is probably greater than zero but unlikely to be large enough to alter the outcome of a contest that would otherwise be decided by more than a few percentage points.”

    “We were surprised by these findings, because the conventional wisdom is that lawn signs don’t do much — they’re supposed to be a waste of money and time. Many campaign consultants think that signs ‘preach to the choir’ and not much else,” says Alex Coppock, a co-author in the study. At $3-$10 bucks a pop, it’s not hard to see why consultants would say or think this. That would also bring up more questions like; how many political yard signs can your candidate’s campaign afford? Who’s going to place and pick up your signs? It seems to bring more hassle than relief but there is a small light at the end of the tunnel.

Why campaign signs?

    “My guess is that part of the reason that the effect is small is because any campaign tactic — signs, ads, mailers, calls, etc. — only move people around at the margin. In many ways, it would be strange if the effect were bigger. Imagine a world in which the presence or absence of lawn signs could swing an election by 10 points.” Coppock later adds. If this were the case, many consultants would have their candidates’ campaign based around that tactic, along with a sizable budget to allocate those needs. That would leave too much uncovered ground, in many aspects, and make it too easy for someone to win, simply because they had an amazing campaign sign. Not only does that seem both, unfair and unfitting of a candidate, but also ridiculous. Thankfully, that’s not the situation.

    We can say that lawn campaign signage definitely won’t change any time soon, merely because there is still such a high demand for political yard signs. Also, we need to take into consideration the psychological effect that lawn signs can have on the opposing candidates. Seeing enough of your competition’s signs scattered amongst the community, that your trying to up-keep, can really deter a candidate’s enthusiasm and possibly shy them away from the idea of running completely. Plus, some supporters are going to feel comfort in having the person they support on the signs in their front yard. Either way, Political yard signs are a staple in campaigning and are going to remain so until a new, revolutionary tactic comes about. Until then, Super Cheap Signs will be here to answer the call.