Thread: Changing Times & Signs

In my former business of owning a chocolate store, I heard a lot of "I never knew you were here's" from new customers. That was normal because we didn't advertise in the newspapers - we advertised on a restaurant's permanent table top and we went into various stores with our product on trays and offered it to customers. This was done at both the shopping center where we were located and at other places that would allow us to give out 'samples'. In other words, by word of mouth - which I believe everyone agrees is pretty well the best advertising......

One thing I did find out from a very good marketing person made sense but I can't figure how to make it occur at my location.

A person will see a sign approximately 3 times and notice it. Then it becomes part of the background - UNLESS something changes about the signage or the front of the facility.

I have a permanent non-messaging sign and some very strict rules regarding no other types of signage is able to be posted, even on our own property.

Other than having someone stand outside at the street with a Wardrobe box on them and waiving a sign, any ideas how to make the background stand out?

Whew - it was long, but I hope you get the idea. Thank you.

Terri. We change our marquee sign twice a month on both sides.

We put phrases on there mostly not related to the storage industry...like: Life was so much simpler when girls had cooties!

or: Life is like toilet paper.. at the end it goes faster!!!

This has become a regular look for our locals to smile at and to look forward to. We also use a wind man ..not often but now and than as it looses his attraction if you do it to many day's.

I would also have definitely a banner with the website on it. Both other facility's left and right from us change there sign maybe once a year. Our friends from Extra Space have on there sign now for one year:..Specials..Specials WE SELL BOXES and SUPPLIES.

In my opinion this is not making any impact.

You need to have something special...flashing/funny and/or possible moving. You may like to hire somebody out front funny dressed and waving. Any way I agree with you and you need to get noticed.

Another way to get some attention might be to place a portable unit in front of your business. You'll want to check into zoning rules before getting into it, but it can be another way to display your marketing message in a big way.

The ones show in these photos are in Ontario. They have a local tow truck operator move them as needed. The ones shown in a neighborhood are from a charity event where they donated the use of the portables. That got them some nice publicity.

Steve
Trachte Building Systems
www.trachte.com
www.trachteportables.com

Everyone here has hit the nail on the head:

1) it needs to be BRIGHT and eye catching

2) it needs to be changed OFTEN!

These are the two things that most people miss.

Catchy phrases are great, but if you don't change it it will become boring.

I change my banners every 2 to 4 weeks - always on different days.

My facility is 3' above the main road and on a right turn curve.....I can't put up any temporary signage and the laws don't allow a temporary building such as was suggested.......

I figure the only way to get noticed is to do lots of marketing and brand my SELF and then people will learn where I work and come in.........not too many other choices.....

If I know you Terri you'll just dazzle them with fantastic customer service!

Once the word gets out you should have no problems!

I hate sign laws - here they wont let me have an automated reader board.

I'm pushing the rules with the banners, and I suspect one of these days I'll find a notice on my door requesting that I stop using them.