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Creating effective signage is essential for any business. Signage plays a crucial role in attracting customers, enhancing brand awareness, and providing necessary information. The right signage can make a lasting impression and drive sales. In this blog post, we'll explore the top tips for creating impactful signage that resonates with your audience. Signage Tips for Effective Communication When designing signage, clarity is key. Your messaging should be direct and easy to understand. Use simple language and avoid jargon. The ideal sign should communicate its message within seconds. For instance, a study by the Sign Research Foundation found that 60% of consumers have visited a business because of its signage. This highlights the importance of clear and concise messaging. Use bold, legible fonts that can be read from a distance. A font size of at least 24 points is generally recommended for maximum visibility. Captivating storefront signage that attracts attention. Colours play a significant role in signage design. Use colors that contrast well to improve readability. According to colour theory, certain colors evoke specific emotions and actions. For example, red and yellow are excellent for grabbing attention, while blue and green suggest trust and calmness. Choose the Right Material The material you choose for your signage is just as important as the design itself. Different materials serve different purposes. For example, if your sign will be displayed outdoors, opt for weather-resistant materials like aluminum or PVC. On the other hand, indoor signage can be made from lighter materials such as foam board or acrylic. Durability is critical. A sign exposed to harsh conditions will wear down quickly and may not serve its intended purpose. For permanent outdoor signage, consider investing a little more in higher-quality materials to ensure longevity. Durable outdoor sign designed for long-lasting visibility. In addition to durability, think about the texture and finish of the materials. Matte finishes can reduce glare, while glossy finishes can enhance colors but may be harder to read if there is too much light. What is ACME slang for? "ACME" has become synonymous with anything that is the highest quality or top-tier in a given field. The term, originating from the ACME Corporation in the fictional world of cartoons, conjures images of superior products and services. When creating impactful signage, consider aiming for the “acme” of design and execution to leave a lasting impression on your audience. Incorporate Branding Elements Your signage should reflect your brand identity. Use your brand colors, logo, and fonts consistently across all signage materials. This consistency improves brand recognition and trustworthiness among consumers. For example, if your company’s color scheme is primarily blue and white, ensure your signage aligns with these colors for a cohesive look. A well-branded sign not only communicates information but also reinforces your business's identity. Statistics show that consistent branding across all platforms can increase revenue by up to 23%. Thus, effective signage is not only about providing information; it also plays a significant role in brand loyalty. Branded business sign showcasing company colors and logo. Plan for Location and Visibility The placement of your signage can significantly impact its effectiveness. Signs should be positioned where they can attract maximum attention. Consider high traffic areas, such as near the entrance of your store or at eye level on busy streets. Performing a visibility test before finalizing your signage location is crucial. Stand back and evaluate whether the sign is noticeable. Does it stand out against the background? Can people read it from a distance? If the answer is no, consider relocating or redesigning it. Additionally, outdoor signs can be enhanced by ensuring proper lighting. Illuminated signs are easier to read during the night, further extending your advertising hours. Use Engaging Visuals and Graphics Imagery can boost the effectiveness of your signage. Using relevant visuals can quickly convey messages and help draw in potential customers. High-quality images catch attention and can often communicate messages faster than text. However, be cautious of using too many graphics or intricate designs. Cluttered visuals can dilute the message and make it harder to read. Focus on a singular image that complements the text without overwhelming it. When choosing graphics, ensure they align with your brand. If your business deals with eco-friendly products, consider using natural themes in your visuals to resonate with your audience’s values. Test and Revise Your Signage After creating your signage, don't stop there. Testing its effectiveness is crucial before going live. Collect feedback from a diverse audience to understand what works and what doesn’t. Questions to consider during your testing phase include: Is the messaging clear? Does the design attract attention? Are there any obstacles to visibility? Use feedback to revise your signage accordingly. This might include tweaking the wording, changing the colors, or adjusting the placement. Regularly updating your signage is also crucial. Seasonal changes, promotions, or updates in services should reflect on your signage to maintain relevance. Final Thoughts on Impactful Signage Crafting effective signage is not merely about aesthetics. It's about creating an impactful communication tool that drives engagement and conversation. By following our top tips, you can ensure your signage stands out and serves its intended purpose effectively. Whether you are a new business or looking to refresh your existing signage, always aim for quality and clarity. If you want more in-depth exploration into signage solutions, visit ACME . Your signage will not just communicate—but create an impact.

In today's fast-paced world, getting noticed is more important than ever, especially for small businesses. Traditional advertising methods such as print ads and radio spots might not always yield the desired results. For many businesses, vehicle wraps have emerged as a potent solution for enhancing brand visibility. In this blog post, we'll explore the advantages of vehicle wraps, focusing on durability, advertising value, and design flexibility. What Are Vehicle Wraps? Vehicle wraps are large vinyl graphics or decals that are applied to vehicles, effectively turning them into mobile advertisements. These wraps can cover a portion of or the entire vehicle and can be customized to feature a business's logo, contact information, and unique branding elements. For small business owners, this is a fantastic opportunity to promote their services while on the go. A colorful vehicle wrap displays a business logo and information. The Durability of Vehicle Wraps One major advantage of vehicle wraps is their durability. High-quality wraps are designed to withstand various weather conditions, from scorching sun to pouring rain. Unlike traditional paint jobs, which can chip or fade over time, vinyl wraps maintain their vibrancy for several years when properly cared for. Vehicle wraps have an average lifespan of 5 to 7 years. This means that once you invest in a wrap, you can enjoy long-term benefits without significant additional costs. Regular cleaning and maintenance can further extend the life of the wrap. Maintenance usually involves washing the vehicle with mild soap and avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage the vinyl. Here are a few tips to ensure your vehicle wrap lasts as long as possible: Regular Cleaning : Wash your wrapped vehicle every two weeks to keep it looking fresh and clean. Use Gentle Products : Choose mild, non-abrasive cleaners to avoid damaging the wrap. Park Smart : Whenever possible, try to park your wrapped vehicle in shaded areas to minimize sun exposure. A well-maintained vehicle wrap shines brightly under the sun. Advertising Value You Can't Ignore The advertising value of vehicle wraps is truly remarkable. They turn your vehicle into a 24/7 advertisement on wheels, reaching potential customers who may not ever see your other forms of advertising. On the mainland (Vancouver) wrapped vehicles can generate between 30,000 to 70,000 impressions daily. Having your vehicle wrap designed and printed is a one-time cost, unlike ongoing advertising methods such as social media marketing that require continuous investment. Additionally, the cost per impression for vehicle wraps is significantly lower than many traditional forms of advertising. Many small businesses have reported an increase in leads and customers following the installation of vehicle wraps. I know of a local company that saw a 15% boost in inquiries after just a month of having their vehicles wrapped. Key Advertising Stats for Vehicle Wraps : 76% of people can recall the branding on a wrapped vehicle they saw in the past month. Vehicle wraps can lower the cost of advertising by approximately 60% compared to traditional media. Design Flexibility for Unique Branding One of the most compelling advantages of vehicle wraps is their design flexibility. Whether you want a bold, colorful wrap or a sleek, minimalist design, the possibilities are virtually endless. We are quick to understand your brand's vision and can create a wrap that encapsulates your business identity. You can include your logo, taglines, and any relevant imagery that represents your services. The wrap's design can also be tailored to fit your specific vehicle type—be it a sedan, van, or truck. Moreover, vehicle wraps can be updated or replaced easily. If your branding changes or you want to run a special promotion, you can modify your wrap accordingly without needing a complete redesign. This adaptability makes wraps a wise marketing investment. A vehicle wrap design meeting displays multiple vibrant design options. How Vehicle Wraps Increase Brand Recognition It's important to understand the impact of brand recognition in today's competitive market. The more people see your brand, the more likely they are to remember it. Vehicle wraps help create and reinforce your brand identity, even when you are not actively engaged in marketing. The key to successful brand recognition lies in clarity and consistency. Make sure the wrap's design aligns with your overall branding strategy. Use the same colors, fonts, and logos that appear in your other marketing materials to ensure brand unity. Cost-Effectiveness of Vehicle Wraps For small businesses operating on tight budgets, every marketing dollar counts. Vehicle wraps offer a cost-effective solution for advertising. When you compare the longevity and exposure of a vehicle wrap to other traditional advertising forms, vehicle wraps prove to be a savvy choice. Once installed, vehicle wraps require no ongoing costs, while advertisements in print or online often require repeated payments. Given that a single wrap can last for several years and create thousands of impressions daily, the return on investment is substantial. Incorporating vehicle wraps into your advertising strategy not only helps in saving money but also maximizes your outreach in your local area, providing a reliable way to get noticed. Vehicle wraps offer small businesses significant benefits, from durability and advertising value to design flexibility. Investing in a quality wrap transforms an ordinary vehicle into an extraordinary marketing tool that works around the clock. By promoting brand recognition, enhancing visibility, and saving on advertising costs, vehicle wraps are an effective way to get your business noticed. As a small business owner, consider how a vehicle wrap could enhance your marketing strategy. Start reaping the rewards that come with this innovative advertising solution. Your vehicle can do more than get you from point A to B—it can promote your business and help it grow.

There are 2 methods for installing decals: WET or DRY Below are instructions for both methods. The dry method is quicker, while the wet method is safer. Smaller stickers can typically be applied dry directly onto the surface without needing to be taped and sectioned. Larger decals need to be taped in place and applied in sections. In either case, proceed carefully and slowly. Dry decals may stretch if they accidentally adhere and then need to be removed and reapplied (if you can lift the vinyl at all). The wet method allows for safe removal and repositioning during application.*** Note that the wet method only works with vinyl that uses solvent-based adhesive. It does not work properly with water-based glue, so ensure you know the type of adhesive you're working with! 85% of our vinyl uses solvent-based adhesive. DRY METHOD Clean your destination surface. With your decal as-is, lay your decal (wax paper backing-side down, application-tape-side up) and align as you like it. It should be adhesive side down, looking like it will look after applied. Once you have it lined up, place a strip of masking-tape (vertically) down the center of the image to hold in place, over-lapping the edge onto the destination surface. Make sure it won't move. Once fixed... Pull one side of the image back flat against itself, folding over the masking-tape centre-line that you placed to hold it down. Don't crease it, just fold it. Using a sharp angle, start in a corner and peel away the image's backing until you get to the masking-tape-centre-line you laid to hold it in place. Keeping the vinyl (on the application-tape) pinned back with your finger, cut away the removed backing along the centre-placement-tape line. Careful not to scratch surface or cut your vinyl. Using any squeegee like item (a credit card works well), begin to lay your graphic down onto your prepared surface from the masking-take centre line outward. DO NOT LAY DOWN ALL AT ONCE! Hold the image at an angle above the destination-surface, and slowly, starting at the centre-placement-tape-line, press down the image from the centre out using the squeegee. Squeegee from the centre-tape-line outward as you lay it down, pushing out bubbles as you go. Once one side is laid down, remove the centre-tape-line, then remove the other half of the vinyl backing the same way as before, and repeat the process for the other side. Squeegee the entire image a few times, from the centre outward, each time with greater pressure, making sure that you get all the air bubbles out. Begin peeling the shipping tape off using a sharp angle. If the image comes off the surface (sticking to the shipping tape), simply lay back down and squeegee hard a few times, then try again to peel back the tape - remember, a sharp angle works best when separating vinyl from either the backing or the tape. ​ WET METHOD Clean your destination surface. Mist the cleaned surface with clean water, then using a sharp angle - peel the vinyl-backing away from the application-tape that is holding the vinyl image and mist the vinyl image also with clean water. The more water you apply to the destination surface, the more you can slide the graphic around before it starts to stick, but too much water can cause problems with smaller detailed decals, so don't go crazy with the water if you have small lines and details in your decal. Place the image (still stuck to the application tape) onto the destination surface as close to perfect as you can get it. You can slide it around until it is lined up how you want it. Be careful of small lines and details. Once aligned - Starting from the image-centre and moving outward, squeegee out all the water and air bubbles. Start with light pressure, and slowly build with each pass over the graphic. Let the image stay on the surface with the shipping/application tape on for about an hour to dry (direct sun and heat speed this up. Decals for floors, as well as cold, humid and rainy days can take up to 24 hours). Once dry, begin peeling the shipping tape off using a sharp angle, as this helps to keep your image on your surface. If the vinyl is not sticking, its not dry yet, or your surface was not clean. If the image comes off the surface (still sticking to the application tape), simply lay back down and squeegee hard a few times, and give it as much time as it needs to dry and adhere.

Below are some ideas that may help you when trying to promote your business. Bottom line, know what you want before you go in and you will be much happier with the results when you walk out. Why you need to get your message out there? This will be the foundation for your sign plan and should be taken into consideration when you ask... Are you trying to improve your Brand awareness? Do you have a sale or special on? Do you need to tell people where you are or when you’re open? Does your audience need to know about your products or service? Who is your target audience for your message? This will influence the style of your design and the information on it. Is your audience walking past your shop with an empty stomach looking for a great meal or is it someone browsing past looking for a new outfit or gift on sale today only? Are they young, old, require your services for work or play? What is the key message for each sign? We have far more time to take in the message of a fixed sign on the side of a building or in a window than on a moving object. Keep your message appropriate for its location. Your audience needs to know in a very short space of time what you are trying to say so keep the message short and the font large, not the other way around. Are you trying to promote your products or your business? Who you are, what you are, How to find you. Where are you going to put your signs? Do you have permission? Check with your landlord, building owner or the city before placing any new signs. If you have taken over a new lease there is no guarantee you have the right to the existing sign in a common area. Check the legal requirements with your town in regards to signs as they can vary from a residential zone to retail and industrial location. How much money do you have to spend? The old saying you get what you pay for counts in signs just like many other areas in life. Get a good idea on what your budget is and what you hope to see in return. Your budget will dictate not just the size but the quantity, location and materials. A solid message on the right sign in the right location should cover its costs quickly. Where do you go to get the message out there? Who are you going to use to spread your message? Local is always good. Don’t be afraid to shop around for a few quotes and don’t think that the cheapest quote is the best way to go. If you are looking at multiple products and the costs vary ensure they are comparing apples with apples and don’t be afraid to haggle.... But don't do it to me as I'm usually the sign guy for for way too little! Show loyalty to your sign shop and they will be loyal to you. If they are reputable they will keep all your artwork on file for future use which will help to keep costs down. Branding. Branding is one of the most important pieces of the marketing model. It helps your suppliers and customers tie your whole story together. Make sure when you are putting your message out there that your logo, message, fonts, images, etc. reflect your Branding. People see the logo/colour schemes way before they see the many bullet points on what you do. Research. Next time you are driving in the car look around at the various signs and take a mental note on what caught your eye and why. Try and read the A-Frames as you are driving by or the message on the back or sides of the car, did you get all the information on the Banner in front of the local school or church? Look for your competitors, what are they doing, do you think it is working for them? If a sign catches your eye stop in and ask the owner how it works for them. Most people are more than happy to tell you. When was the last time you wrote a phone number down from a sign? Lacking design skills? Don’t worry - bigger sign companies will have a design team in house... prices vary of course so shop around! We're a smaller sign shop here, but very busy... Usually it doesn't take a lot of time or money for us to come up with what you need - But if you do have your own graphic designer, they will most likely have a connection with a local sign company and be able to point you in the right direction to a trustworthy company. Yes even the sign business has its sharks!

On average, a typical driver travels over 20,000 km per year. That’s 55 km a day, which means there are a lot of people on the road that could be potential customers! Gone are the days when people lived, worked and played in a few square block radius. As North America’s population has surged over the last 75 years, we've become more subdivided and our dependency on automobiles has increased. Consequently, car advertising has become a legitimate form of marketing. One that, if you are a local business looking to attract local customers, cannot be ignored. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits vehicle advertising can have. Lots and lots of impressions – According to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, it is estimated that during an average day, a car advertisement can reach up to 70,000 impressions. That’s a lot of eyeballs! In fact, vehicle advertising reaches more people than billboards, radio, direct mail, local group mailers and mass transit advertising. But here is the best part – most individuals say that advertisements on vehicles are actually more noticeable, more memorable and caused them to take action quicker than traditional forms of advertising. Inexpensive – Like any good marketer, one cannot simply look at the amount of impressions a campaign might get and conclude that it is going to be successful or not. There are a lot of mediums out there where you can buy millions of impressions but it’s going to cost you a pretty penny when it is all said and done. So, let’s stack up car marketing costs to other advertising opportunities out there. When you break down the cost-per-thousand metric for each of the main advertising mediums, you can see that car advertising is clearly less expensive than it's counterparts. Keep in mind, this is for a single advertisement. Even if you had a fleet of 5 or 10 vehicles, each with their own ads on them, at $.35 per thousand, it would still be $1850.00 cheaper than the next closest medium on the list. Tax write offs – Before you start jumping up and down, thinking you can write off your whole car by slapping a decal with your business logo on it…..you can’t. Truth be told, auto deductions are highly scrutinised and shouldn’t be taken lightly. It's been a rule that a business can not write off 100% of a vehicles expenses simply because of an advertisement. The good news is, any expense that goes into placing said advertisement can be written off. So, if you want to have your truck wrapped or just place a cool decal in your rear window, go for it. Just keep track of the expenses and write them off come tax time. It’s pretty clear that vehicle advertising – in whatever form (decals, wrap, magnets...) is a great way for small and local businesses to market themselves. For little investment, you can turn your car or truck into a mobile billboard that reaches potential customers and causes them to take action. Besides, with advertisement on the side of your vehicle, you won’t mind being stuck in a few more traffic jams!

When designing window signs, banners, or car signs, make sure your target market can read what you want to tell them. The size of the letters and logos, as well as the colours you choose are crucial in creating a visible, easy-to-read sign. Your goal is to make the biggest impact on your intended audience. The size, colours, and styles you choose should all depend on what you want as your end result. Always consider how your sign will be viewed and who you are trying to reach. Trying to save a few dollars by purchasing a sign with smaller letters is not a wise decision. You may be wasting all your expense and efforts when the sign cannot be read by the customers or viewers you are trying to attract. RULE OF THUMB: The Letter Visibility Chart shows the maximum reading distance for your sign to make the best impact, as well as the overall readable distance. A good rule of thumb is every 1 inch of letter height provides 10 feet of readability with the best impact. For example, 3” tall letters make the best impact within 30’; however, they can still be seen and read from up to 100’ away. SIGN LOCATION: When designing your sign, consider how you will be using it, as well as how far away the readers you want to impact will be. For example, if you are placing a sales advertisement inside your retail store, your text only needs to be visible to the people in the store. 1-2” letters (or smaller) would work just fine. However, if you are hanging banners and want drivers on a nearby highway to be able to see them, design your letters at 3” or even larger. COLOUR SCHEME: Another important factor is to use contrasting colours when designing your sign. Text colour with a contrasting background significantly increases the impact and visibility of your sign by making your text stand out more. On the other hand, using a background colour that is similar to the text colour can make your message almost impossible to see at any distance. Some of the most-visible text colours include black, red, and white, each of which can be seen the best with a contrasting background colour. Readable distance can vary 10% depending on various colour combinations. FONT TYPE: The font type that you choose can also impact the visibility of your text. Very thin fonts and script fonts can potentially decrease visibility. When choosing fonts, you should select a bold style that is easy to read and sufficient spacing between letters (kerning). Test this by typing your message in a computer program using different font styles, colours, and sizes. Printing the document out and post it against a wall. Stand back and view the message at different distances to see how font choice comes into play when choosing the proper lettering for your sign.

Chalkboard Our Chalkboard Film is a 4 mil Hybrid film with a Deep Matte Black finish. It is rated for up to 7 years outdoors and comes coated with a Semi Permanent Acrylic Adhesive (removable for up to 3 years from some surfaces under controlled conditions). Both regular chalk, and liquid chalk can be used on this product. Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth when you're ready for something new. The Deep Black Colour makes all your creations seem extremely vibrant. Glow in the Dark This premium quality cast vinyl is designed for use in all emergency sign and marking applications requiring excellent retained brightness. The films have the ultimate properties for outdoor durability and are suitable for graphics on emergency equipment and exit signs. The vinyl is very conformable being able to be used on smooth, textured and contoured surfaces. Available in white and printable by our digital process. Perforated 8-mil white/black composite PVC with clear removable acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive and a release liner consisting of clear PET film laminated to perforated paper to absorb ink.  The holes are 1.5 mm in diameter and are in a 50/50 vinyl to void ratio. Window Etch Premium quality cast vinyl suitable for interior and exterior use on glass surfaces. The Window Film line is extremely conformable which makes it suitable for use on smooth and contoured surfaces.  The durability of this line of films ranges from 7 to 10 years (depending on which film you select). Most are suitable for use on signage and vehicles as well as office windows and doors. Due to variances in computer monitor displays, colours shown are only our best representation. Reflective A 5.5 mil premium cast vinyl suitable for use in all exterior marking and signage applications.  It has up to a 7 year outdoor durability and is designed to meet or exceed OEM specs. Available in standard colours, as well as printable too! Due to variances in computer monitor displays, colours shown are only our best representation.