Signage Types You Should Know (Part-2)

We looked at a few signage types and definitions in the previous post. We continue to look at a few more in this post.

• Mission signs: Also known as purpose signs, they give customers a clear statement of the ethics and beliefs of the business.
• Motivational signs: These are the same as incentive signs.
• Point-of-purchase signs: These signs attract interest to specific products, and prompt quick purchase decisions. They are usually found near checkout counters with the products exhibited nearby.
• Policy signs: These signs provide information on business policy such as exchanging products or returning those that are defective.
• Price only signs: A sign of this type displays nothing but a specific price – for example “$19.99”. No product information is given, and so such signs can be used for any goods of the same value.
• Product benefit signs: These are signs that provide information on the benefits a customer can expect, if the product or service is purchased.
• Promotional product signs:  These are small signs that look like price tags, placed on products. They contain usually the logo of the manufacturer or retailer, contact information and a tagline promoting the product.
• Proud papa signs: – Proud papa signs draw attention to those parts of a retail establishment the management is most proud of and wants to show off.
• Reminder signs: These signs do not directly sell, but remind customers of associated goods they may need. For example a reminder sign in or near the paint section of a hardware store could ask “Do You Need Brushes?”
• Story Sign: Story signs give background information of a product such as where it is from, or how it was created. These signs require very careful wording because the information given may be interesting to some but not to others; it must therefore be made clear that reading the sign is not essential. Additionally, it should be as brief as possible, or else the customer may lose interest in both the sign and the product.
• Testimonial sign: These signs repeat customer feedback on the excellent service received, or the high quality, or usefulness of products bought.
• Threshold sign: These signs are placed within a few feet of the entrance of the store. They provide the latest information that may be of interest, and direct customers to where they can find special offers and so on.
• Way finding Signs: These signs are used in large retail establishments to point to customers locations of products, for example “Toothpaste This Way.”
• Window Graphics: These signs are graphics, placed in display windows to attract the attention of those passing by and lure them into the store.

The various types of signs listed in this post are meant to help you understand better how they attempt to increase customer interest and boost sales. As marketing and selling need to be more sophisticated and customer friendly, consider how these signs can be exploited to expand your business.

A professional signage company will be able to provide you with reliable inputs on the latest trends in signage. They will be happy to work with you to create the kind of signs that will bring prospective customers into your store and push your sales up. If you want professional results, you need to use trending signs made for you by professionals.

Five Signs Every Restaurant Needs

Opening a new restaurant is challenging and knowing how to market is more challenging. So, once your business plan is in place get ready to address your advertising needs.  Begin with:

Interesting A-frame Signs

A lot of restaurant proprietors use A-frames in front of their establishments to attract customers. These menu signs are an easy and economical way of advertising specials or writing witty messages. In fact, the more creative a business gets with these boards, the more likely it is to generate interest of the passersby.

Why? Well, because witty signs play with human psyche and interest them to try out the eatery.

Way Finding Signs

Most restaurateurs talk about menu specials, interior design, and staffing. However, what’s hardly touched upon is the importance of way finding and the difference it can make between a good and bad experience.

If a customer enters an establishment and is not quite sure what to do, then that immediately causes debilitating anxiety. Should I wait for a seat? Where do I order? Where’s the hostess? The anxiety these questions pump, immediately demotes a Grade A experience to Grade B, all because of bad way finding signage.

So, what does “good” way finding look like?

To ensure good way finding, the owner should identify the main points of interaction- seating, ordering, restrooms, pickup, etc. These areas should be marked by using identifiable words and arrows. If a restaurant nails this part of the design, it will be a step closer to enhancing its customer experience to help build business.

Menu Boards

Menu boards intend to offer patrons with the information they need, such as specials or menu listings. To make a menu board an instant hit, the owner must always include three elements - list of food items being served, ingredients inside every dish and individual rates.

Proprietors will surely see an increase in return customers if they use their menu boards properly.

ADA Compliant Signs

ADA signs help protect customers with disabilities from any discrimination and ensure that they are able to dine as well as any other customer. To comply with ADA requirements, a restaurant must offer a minimum of one travel route accessible for those who wish to access the eatery from the parking space. There should also be wheelchair accessible seats in the dining area to accommodate disabled customers. Apart from this, restaurateurs must also follow explicit guidelines covering restrooms in the establishment.

Mobile Billboards

Advertising through a fleet of delivery vehicles is a clever idea. Mobility enables exposure at any place or time resulting in ads being exposed to a larger set of audience.

They say that advertisement is an important factor through which a business can bring its product to public view, and consequentially get identification. With a serious increase in the number of restaurants in California, the need for implementing good marketing strategies has become the need of the hour. The good news is there is still room for every food-service to do well. The secret lies in using restaurant signs more creatively and efficiently.