Small businesses need big signage

In a report by the House of Commons it was found that there were 5.5 million small businesses, making up 99% of all UK businesses.  The statistics also showed that in London there are an estimated 1,519 businesses per 10,000 adults.  As the number of businesses continues to grow, the high street has never been more competitive and standing out from the crowd is more important than ever.

Danny Adamson, Stocksigns Group Managing Director said, “Good signage is crucial for a small business.  A creative and attractive sign can bring new customers and make you stand apart from competition.  Signs are part of the marketing mix and have a huge number of uses from advertising to providing directions. 

We understand the needs of small businesses and our team has created a useful guide which shows companies how to make the most of their signage.”

Stocksigns Small Business Signage Guide

Stand out from the crowd

According to analytics and marketing platform Kissmetrics**, 93% of consumers value visual appearances over texture, sound and smell before they make a purchase.  Brand identity is also an important factor for a small business to consider and conveying a strong message through appropriate signage is key. 
Make sure you have an impactful sign that reflects your brand.  Signs can be any size and shape and made from a variety of materials. You have invested in creating a logo, so make sure you show it off.      

Brighten up the high street

Why not make a difference and be seen all hours of the day?  LED and moving signs are a reliable and easy to install form of signage and can be used in a wide variety of situations.  The use of digital advertising allows information to be displayed in a dynamic format that captures the attention of passers-by, indoors or outdoors.  New LED technology implemented signs can give amazing viewing angles of up to 160 degrees, allowing a wider scope of audience for the advertisement.

Signs help you sell

Signs act as a silent salesperson and, if used effectively, can enhance the key messages of a business for their passing audience.   Small businesses face a hard task of getting recognition in an ever-changing market.  While external signs draw attention to your location, interior signs help customers locate merchandise and could lead to impulse purchases.
If all of your signs follow the same pattern, layout and colour scheme it will help build brand recognition and creates a sense of familiarity.  Consider signage for name boards, on-site entrances, hoardings and perimeter fencing.  This will minimise time and effort when setting up for a small business.

Signs are cost-effective

Purchasing high-quality signs is a worthwhile investment.  Exterior signs are visible for 24 hours a day throughout the year.  They have multiple uses and change the physical look and feel of your business.
Additionally, you can take lightweight signs along to events and have something which can be easily featured on social media – plus, they can be used again and again.  

Have the right signs in place

Due to the huge variety and types of signs available, it can be difficult working out where everything should go.  Signs can be mounted on buildings or in the ground.  Ground-mounted signs should be near a road to attract the attention of passing motorists, especially if your business is located away from a main road.  If signs are clearly visible, then it could make a huge difference to traffic online and through the door. 

Signs improve safety

In 1992 the safety signs directive was adopted by all European Union member states.  In 1996 the changes were implemented through the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals Regulations) act. This required employers to provide specific safety signs whenever there is a risk that has not been avoided or controlled by other means.   The introduction of Safety Signs and Signals Regulations protects workers and members of the public.  Since 1992 the rate of fatal injury has reduced by over 50%. In 1996 there were 0.9 fatal injuries per every 100,000 workers, today the figure is 0.4***.

There is a correlation between the introduction of safety signage and a reduction in the number of accidents.  The first step of ensuring safety to everyone is being able to alert them to danger and having compliant signage in place.  Today there is a huge range of signs available for all types of hazards.  Signage is a small investment, but it will encourage safer environments.