In today’s signs of all types are everywhere. As diverse as the types of signs that are available are the messages that come with them. Signs are used for everything from inviting customers to purchase a good or service to giving instructions (like in social education campaigns and traffic signals). One thing is for sure, irrespective of the type (i.e. design style) and the message conveyed, signs are a call to action for all who interact with them. Consequently, signs are judged based on their effectiveness in securing the desired response. So, just how the sign industry get started? Keep reading.

Early Beginnings of the Sign Industry

The first instances of signs being used dates back to 3000 BC and 500 AD during Roman and Greek times. Back then, leather, wood, stone, and terra cotta were the materials of choice and information was communicated using images as opposed to text that is popularly used in signage today. Importantly, while some of the earliest signs were used to represent religious affiliations (like the early Christians wearing the sign of the cross of ichthys), ancient Rome was also home to some of the first commercial signs available. 

Some signs were placed to identify shop fronts while others were used to identify certain trades and industries (like the red and white pole for barbers). Trade signs were also used to identify one house, street, or community from the other when the trade differed one to the next. 

Of course, as the times and technology evolved, so too did the type of signs we began to see. As the 1940s and 1950s rolled around the economic boost led to an increase in commercial activity – including, the production of quality plastic acrylic signs. As these were cheap and durable, these signs grew in popularity and many were used with fluorescent and neon bulbs in some instances. Eventually, other kinds of outdoor signs such as flags, banners, and A-frame signs became popular as well.

The Sign Industry Today

Today, more than ever before, there is a wide range of materials to choose from to make signs. Additionally, the technological revolution has allowed for new printers and material cutters that help to make signs more dynamic and well-designed than ever before. The addition of energy-saving LED bulbs will allow for 24/7 lighting that is cleaner and brighter than anything that has come before.

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There you have it. The evolution of the sign industry from inception to where it is today. For the best-suited, most effective signs for your business needs, please contact us today. A member of our team will be happy to speak with you about your options.

A properly installed and clear sign is critical since it speaks volumes about your business and shows you care about your image and presence. It also goes further to showcase that you are keen on the quality of your products. On the other hand, a poorly maintained sign can damage your image and create a completely opposite impression. By working with a reputable and experienced sign company, you can give your business a face through a good lighted or non-lighted sign. In this article, we focus on different types of signs, their pros and cons. 

Illuminated Channel Letter Signs

Lighted channel letter signs are becoming popular in the signage and advertising industry today. If you are looking to install lighted signs, then you are probably wondering if your utility bills will be sustainable. Without a doubt illuminated signs are powered by energy, but the extent of the cost can vary depending on the type of sign lighting. Read on to find out more about outdoor and indoor signage and the energy efficiency of each type. 

LED Signage

Light-emitting Diode commonly known as LED lights, are now used as both interior and exterior signage. They come in different designs, colors. They are considered the most energy efficient type out there. LED lights do not have filaments, so they do not produce heat. This means that every watt that you consume goes into creating light as opposed to heat. Energy experts have found that LED lights consume less than 20% of the energy used by incandescent lights to give the same amount of light. Besides, LEDs are durable (they last approximately 50,000 hours or roughly 11 years), so you want spent more on replacing your lights often. Check out our LED signs here.

High Intensity Discharge Lights (HID)

High intensity Discharge (HID) lights have been around for more than a century and have been used in the signage industry before the introduction of LED lights. However, their popularity has dwindled since the LEDs are twice as energy efficient compared to them. LED lights. HID lights have been in use for over 100 years and are available in a variety of colors.

Although they are still in use, albeit on a small scale, they take some time to warm up, they produce UV and IR radiation, which are a health risk. In addition, they begin to flicker and fade when they approach the end of their lifespan.

Neon Signs

Neon signs have been used for over a century but their popularity has dropped because of lack of aesthetic appeal and the fact that they are not as energy efficient. They are not as clear as one would want, so they are less preferred today.

Free Standing Signs

Freestanding signs are the type of signs that are not attached to a structure. They can be classified as pole signs and lower profile monument signs. They are used to identify a business or entity. They feature a perpendicular orientation for increased visibility.

Pole Signs

Pole signs, also called pylon signs, feature poles, columns or sign cabinets as support structures. The signage can be installed on a simple pole or an elaborate structure that feature architectural add-ons such as cornicles, tiles or stucco that blends well with the structure. The downside of pole signs is that the local codes may restrict their height hence may not be visible by motorists moving at a faster speed.  These signs are common to restaurants, gas stations, and hotels.

Street oriented pole signs are smaller (usually under 50 feet high) and are meant to attract the attention of slowly moving motorists travelling on surface streets. They can be used in combination with freeway signs to create a more detailed signage.

Monument Signs

Monument signs are used to identify the business to pedestrians passing by and motorists. They are usually shorter than pole signs (they range anywhere between 3ft and 15ft), and feature a base to provide support. They are preferred by landlords and local codes to declutter the place. In other words, they are designed to complement that structures.

Final Thoughts

If you are keen on the aesthetic value and energy efficiency of your signs, opt for LED digital signage since they are about 10 times more energy efficient compared to neon signs. For more information about lighted or non-lighted signage, contact a reputable signage company to help you design your interior and exterior signs so you can increase the visibility of your business.

Customers and their trends in purchasing items can be rather difficult to predict. What if there’s a way for you to be absolutely sure that you’ll get an increase in income by doing one step? The secret is the business signage.

The modern age has clouded our physical senses with all the latest technology. This has left many businesses confused as to which new marketing systems to utilize. However, scientific studies have shown that advertising, especially using LEDs and on-premise signs, has a special ability. Partnering with a signage company in Edmonton and Calgary can help you leverage this advantage effectively. These companies are skilled at designing and implementing LED signs that catch the eye and communicate your message clearly, ensuring your business stands out in a crowded market.

Not only will they attract a larger number of customers, they tend to aid in increased revenue as well.

Why Physical Signage is Still Significant in this Digital Age

You might wonder how something as simple as a sign can have such a benefit. It almost seems too good to be true. A sign doesn’t seem to correlate to sales or increased revenue. However, keep these points in mind:

A Top Advertising Tool

The first factor to consider is the sign itself. Humans have adapted to communicate through symbols and signs. As a result, this makes it a prime marketing tool when reaching out to new markets. 

Not only is it effective, it is also ‘permanent.’ This is because a person viewing the sign won’t have the ability to close the ad like on a website or flip a page in a newspaper. The bright lights and bold lettering draw people in and make their shopping experience easier. Utilizing digital signage in Canada enhances this effect, as these modern, dynamic displays can adjust content in real-time, engage customers more deeply, and provide vital information efficiently, ensuring that your message remains both visible and impactful in a variety of settings.

According to a study conducted by Rich Media Technologies, 63% of people tend to notice signs more than any other type of advertisement. 

Furthermore, VA Global has discovered that 42% of people would choose to go to a store with digital LED signs rather than one with none at all. Reasons ranged from the signs being informative to keeping them from getting bored

Customers: New and Old

Attracting customers is a whole different ordeal. The signs that grab these people’s attention actually lead to roughly 50% of your walk-in customers, as described by Signs: The Bottom Line.

With the ever-changing globalization, the wave of moving people is a constant. Studies have reported that 12-20% of people emigrate annually. With signs being one of the best ways to get a hold of people’s attention, you can gain new customers through this tactic as well.

Brand Awareness

As most people in business would know, branding plays an extremely vital role in a customer’s interest towards your products. You’d want your brand so ingrained into their minds that if you only gave them the slightest of hints, they would still gravitate towards your products. 

A UK study conducted by Samsung UK proved that 83% of businesses placed signing as their main factor when it came to customers recognizing their brands. 

Need Convincing?

If you still aren’t sure how effective signage can be to your business, let’s do a clear comparison. You can have the same budget amount for an advertising campaign. 

The cost and effectiveness of using one large LED sign are the same as 24 full-paged newspaper advertisements. Using a sign will let you keep the advertisement in place for a longer period of time and give your business larger exposure to the public.

Conclusion

Let’s just base it off the numbers: having a sign really has no evident setbacks towards your business or sales. Instead, it provides a great range of benefits that your business can gain from.  

Plus, all you have to do is design and install the sign in the desired area. After that, you let human nature and science do all the marketing for you.