Window graphics are a great investment and for good reasons. But, you need to know your options and how to approach your design.
How to Use Window Graphics Efficiently?Window graphics are literally the marketing asset that is in your face. Efficient and effective, window graphics are also adaptable to any surface or window shape and offer features like privacy protection, security, and some level of solar control. It is useless to mention that they are a sure investment to make for any business trying to make a bold brand statement. However, coming up with the “right” window graphic for your business is difficult. If you are thinking to install window graphics on your office windows or storefront, there are a few design principles to keep in mind:
Before digging too deeply into the above - with the exception of township regulations - a good way to start is thinking about what you want to do; and it starts with some simple observations. Therefore, get out of your building, walk away, and check out the size of your windows and surface you have available. Then, let your imagination work its magic. Imagine what you could do with that surface:
Ultimately, only imagination is the limit. Well, that... and readability. Choose Readability First.If increasing sales is your goal, then make sure people can read the information that you want to display. It seems obvious and yet, designs can be sometimes too busy, thus negatively impacting the readability of the window graphics. When it comes to graphic design, the size of the letters, font, and the choice of colors matter. A simple rule is to determine how far will a passerby be from your window and how far you want your window graphics to be seen.
Depending on your answer, the text size of your window graphics will vary. This is when the subtle choice of color will kick in. Indeed, another component of readability is color and the contrast between the background and the letters. If you need your letters to be visible, they need to contrast with the background. Take time to be selective and critical. Some combinations can be very difficult to process for the eye. Hence, readability becomes a challenge. Again, contrast is everything. That and fonts. Some fonts are more legible than others. As you only have four seconds to grab the attention of your prospects, a good rule to apply is to use very legible fonts such as:
There are many more legible fonts and our list is not exhaustive. That said, the idea is always to prioritize the effectiveness and functionality of your window graphics. Try to Wow But Not Distract.Thinking about design, sometimes the lesser, the better. If you choose to add design elements to your window graphics, try to keep it simple and not too busy. Your window graphics should support your marketing intent and not distract from the essential. Think about the hierarchy of your design elements and remember that nothing should be more important than your message or offer. Therefore, if you need to integrate a picture in your design, that picture should always be subordinate to your message. Refrain from copy-pasting a picture from a website, not only for copyright reasons but also because that might be a low-resolution picture. Always use high-resolution pictures. The higher the pixels, the better. What Have We Learned?Window graphics are a great investment and a smart way to gain advertising real estate. To keep them efficient and functional, there are some basic design principles that you should remember:
The graphic designer in charge of your project should think in terms of message or offer first. Ultimately, keep track of your marketing goal. Are you ready to sell more?
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And, there is no better way to direct your customers to the exact area or location where you want them to be. Therefore, factoring placement, content, design, and materials is essential to achieve the ideal mix to promote a product and have a successful launch or boost sales. What are some of the most effective methods to achieve that competitive advantage? Here are four different ways to promote a product on-site. Keep it simple but attractive.Have you ever heard “less is more?” It’s actually true. The best way to convey a message is to make it simple enough. What does that mean? Imagine that you promote a product that you launch, and you only have two to four seconds to attract a passerby’s attention. What should you consider? The first thing to keep in mind is to limit the information on your sign to avoid confusion. Keep it simple and straightforward. The information should not require too much effort to read and understand what it is about. So, do not try to squeeze all information on one sign. It seems simple and yet, this is harder than it seems. Just keep in mind that you can have an attractive eye-catching sign that remains nevertheless effective. Therefore, be extremely selective with your wording, because words are important and should be impactful. We are not suggesting to be dry or too short, but sweet and straight to the point. In other words, try to emphasize the key information or message that you want to convey to people. Offer a call-to-action when it’s meaningful.Once you convey the information or message you want, how about using a call-to-action? It may not be possible on all your signs depending on the space available. But, if you can add a call-to-action on one of them, it can be a powerful way to help promote a product. What is a call-to-action? It’s typically a short phrase that is used to tell exactly what you expect people to do. It’s that simple. On a sign, a call-to-action can be as simple as:
That’s one way to express a call-to-action. Of course, you can be creative and try to express a clear message about a benefit people will get if they buy your product or service. As long as your call-to-action delivers instantly the benefit expected or what you promise, then you have a good call-to-action. If you are not super creative by nature or do not know what your call-to-action should be to help promote your product, then try to stick to the following rules:
We do not suggest putting call-to-actions on all your signs. Here again, be selective and use call-to-actions appropriately where they make the most sense to promote a product. Choose colors wisely.Your favorite color may not be the best choice to attract potential clients. It’s hard to believe, right? Yet, colors are extremely important to promote a product. It is always a good idea to understand what colors suggest because they can:
In a nutshell, colors are a versatile and highly efficient communication tool. Therefore, take some time to understand their symbolism. There are many websites that you can check to gain more insights. Ultimately, every little detail counts to influence your future client’s feelings and behaviors directly. Vinyl is a superstar.If you want a versatile material that can stick to windows, complement a ceiling, organize a floor space, dress-up a wall, wrap a vehicle, a piece of furniture or pillar, vinyl is a material you must consider. Easy to apply on various materials or textures, vinyl has a broad range of sign applications to respond to any customization need. Only imagination is the true limit. Strategically placed on your site, vinyl signs or wraps can adhere to any surface to improve your customer experience. If you have a solid surface, you can apply a vinyl without breaking the bank. This is why vinyl is the most popular choice of so many businesses. Multiply the visual experience with signs of different sizes.Signs of different sizes have different objectives when it comes to promoting a product. Large signs are made to attract the attention of passersby. Of course, since they are bigger, they are visible from far away. Whereas, smaller signs can be positioned closer to the viewer because they are smaller. Therefore, think about your space to determine where each size can be appropriately positioned to promote a product in the most optimal way possible. Here again, take some time to think strategically where you need signs, their size, and content, and how you should diversify the tactical visual experience. Try to consider your space as a whole composed of windows, doors, floors, ceilings, and walls. Then, try to put yourself in your future clients’ shoes and imagine their track that will lead to your product. Think in terms of customer experience, because, if you multiply appropriately visual signals, this is the most effective way to promote a product with your signs. It’s time to take advantage of your space! How to spark interest and draw attention? If strategic placement and space optimization through appropriate signage help to promote a product, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The most important aspect to promote a product is to claim the location as your commercial lab and test, test, and test. Based on many businesses we have helped, there are a few rules to help promote a product on-site:
In other words, reach people where they are through the surrounding visual noise by providing a better or unique experience. What are you going to do with your signs to have them act as a beacon? As businesses begin to reopen from the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing signage is becoming a necessity.
Fundamentally, as business owners, we need to help our customers adapt to the "new normal." When it comes to social distancing signage related to COVID-19, we must take action. As each business is unique, every individual has their own unique approach to social distancing reminders. We find that many businesses are using social distancing signage such as floor graphics to keep customers and employees safe. So, what now? We have chosen to prioritize safety and take action. Now, let’s take a deeper look at the best way to use this new "social distancing signage." Consider Social Distancing Signage Personalized for Your Business or IndustryLet’s start looking into the true impact of social distancing signage. The CDC guidelines recommend staying at least 6 feet away from other individuals when out in public. However, when in a grocery store, hospital, restaurant, pharmacy, etc., this can be difficult. Alternatively, people can simply forget about these new guidelines and slip back into old ways. To keep everyone safe, social distancing signage can be applied to your store or physical space. Consider some of these options to show clients and employees that you are taking necessary precautions:
One popular social distancing signage option is a Floor Decal. These vinyl decals are applied to your store or shop’s smooth or textures aisles or floor to remind people about social distancing. Alternatively, these signs can be used to signal one-way traffic. One-way traffic has been a popular method for reducing head-on interaction with other customers in the same store or aisle. Notably, these floor decals can be removed with no damage to the flooring space. As stores progressively return to normalcy, these decals can be removed seamlessly.
What if you could reduce the traffic in your store or location altogether? Many businesses have been turning to a curbside pickup service to continue operations. Plus, many businesses are predominantly operating from take-out orders. Thus, pavement decals act as a great addition to these businesses. Depending on the township you live in or the location of your business, they can mark specific parking spaces as Take-Out or Pick-Up spots, you can ensure clients can quickly come in and out of your store. By reserving these spaces near your storefront, customers can easily come and go. Plus, the professionalism of a proper pavement decal will show clients how much you care for them. It’s truly a win-win situation. These decals can be applied to smooth or textured sidewalks or pavement. Plus, they can be removed easily when no longer needed.
Social distancing signage goes beyond informing to stay ‘six feet apart’. With window graphics, you can inform clients of the current state of your business. Currently, many businesses are operating with new or adjusted hours. Or, you are only comfortable with a certain number of customers in the store simultaneously. If this is the case, make sure your customers are aware! With a customized window graphic, you can rest assured that your clients are informed and prepared. These vinyl window graphics can be customized with any message that you would like to convey to your customers. Tagged with your logo and unique brand design, it’ll fit right into your image. Hence, these signs can be a great addition to your business. Inform clients, reinforce your brand, and enhance your professionalism. Sounds good to us! Beyond these options, social distancing signage takes many forms. Start Protecting Your Business and Community During COVID-19For a little while, social distancing signage will be the new normal. Plus, clients will notice!
We have just given you a small sample of the signage options for your business; ultimately, there are many, many more. Whether outdoor banners, freestanding informational banners, privacy screens, business backdrops, or more, we are in a new stage of business. As always, we strive to learn, adapt, and overcome. Let’s get through this together, keeping our customers, employees, and communities safe! Have you started using other social distancing signage for your company? |
By George
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