What's Your 20?

Your 2020 Sign Budget That Is..

Or perhaps I should say, do you have a sign budget at all? It's that time of year folks. It is the beginning of a new year where your trusted professionals at Vital Signs remind you that it is critical to do an annual (if not on-going) sign/advertising review and/or possible update of your business branding/signage.

As busy business owners caught up in the day-to-day management of running a business and all that goes with it (not to mention the other outside life events that occur), a signage and visual branding review is easy to push aside when things get busy.

Though signs and sign budgets can sometimes seem like a less than critical business priority, nothing could be further from the truth. The updated and current visual daily branding of a business often serves as the lifeblood and bottom line of the business.

Effective Sign Advertising Builds Business

In today's advertising and media-driven climate, every business should be maximizing every advertising opportunity at their disposal within the bounds of their business budget!

Sign Details To Consider When Establishing A Sign Review And Budget 

• Sign(s) Condition: What shape is/are your existing signs in? Are your signs in dis-repair or showing serious signs of aging? Do they have vinyl peeling or do they appear faded, weathered, worn or worse? Are parts of your lit sign(s) burnt out or not working at all?

Has Your Sign Seen Better Days Like This One?

• Impression: What type of impression does your sign(s) leave with viewers? Do your signs and visual branding have big, colorful and instant impact? Is the sign design attractive or outdated for 2020? Is the message what you intended? Be very critical in your assessment of your signage/visual branding.  Are your signs screaming for a facelift? Does your sign(s) design reflect your business in the way that you want customers to see/think about your business?

Proof Your Signs Carefully To Ensure The Right Message Is Sent

• Functionality: Is your sign bringing you business? Do you have enough signage/graphic advertising throughout your entire space to ensure that your marketing message is received in the way that you want it to be? Does your visual branding work for you 24/7

Is This Message Working 24/7 For This Bank?

• Location(s): Are your signs placed in the most strategic location(s) of your business space? Are there additional locations within and without your business footprint that would increase viewer exposure from a different vantage point? Or perhaps adding new creative signage ideas not currently being utilized, such as: Ceiling danglers; floor graphics, sidewalk graphics or advertising wraps (on walls or objects).

Lights, Lights, Lights And Location!

• The Right Sign For The Job: Do you have the correct sign for the job? That is, maybe when first starting your business, you desired a large monument sign with a changeable LED message center, but could only afford a post and panel sign. Or perhaps your company has developed a company-wide environmentally-friendly philosophy that you would like to extend to your signage and advertising graphics. The world of digital graphics and signage is dynamic and constantly exploding the market with new and innovative sign products for every taste and budget.

A Well-Chosen Post And Panel Sign That Fits The Neighborhood Aesthetic

The Bottom Line

The reality is that the physical review of your signage/advertising/graphics is only part of the sign review process. The true assessment of whether your signs/advertising are working for you, is looking at the financial health of your business. Are your visual advertising efforts adding or subtracting from your bottom line? Reinventing or refreshing your business brand and signs, costs money and takes time. The return on your investment however, can be far greater than the time and expense extended to upgrade them.

Can't Replace Them All At Once?

No worries. Let us help. We sign folk will be the first to tell you that signage can be costly, but we can help your prioritize your signage/graphic needs. The Vital Signs Design Team is happy to sit down with you and develop a sign plan with different phases to meet your needs. We can even offer sign financing through some of our leasing partners. Buying signage can kind of be like dieting and losing weight... we don't want to suffer through the efforts, but are glad when we have a success story to tell. If you've taken the time to create financial goals to increase your income by growing your business, then you have included a marketing path to help get you there. Signs/visual branding should always be a part of that plan! Vital Signs is happy to help you evaluate your current signage/advertising and brainstorm the possibilities!

Call Us TODAY for your FREE 2020 Sign Review!

(412) 494-3308 or www.vitalsignspgh.com

Does FUNNY Sell?

When Signs Make You Laugh

In the past I have written about whether a funny business name helps to make a business successful. Today, however, I will pose the question, does a funny changeable message on a sign have an impact on one's business?

We frequently pass by a local (Big Guys Pizza) in Bridgeville, PA. Their sign cracks me up every time I pass it (and that's saying a lot when you're a sign professional who deals with signage daily).

Medical Marinara..Yes, Please

The First Time I Saw It...

I thought it was hysterical! There on the sign was the message: Now Selling Medical Marinara. Insert..'rolling on the floor laughing' emoji. Of course, one immediately understands the humor of a pizza establishment using lots of Marinara Sauce for their menu offerings. But the correlation of the message to the use and current debates of "Medical Marijuana" in many communities cannot be missed and why it especially makes the sign message funny.

So does it really work? The answer is Yes..in my opinion. While I am not looking at a sign study that proves it, I do know that a good advertisement is one which sells the product without drawing attention to itself. Advertising messages are supposed to be impactful and clever, but not overpowering.

Do Funny & Clever Messages Change One's Perception Of A Brand?

Most Animals & Owners Can Relate To This

I absolutely think so, because the business has reached the viewer on an unconscious level. These messages use various colors, shapes, images or words which enable customers or potential customers to make small but powerful associations between a brand and an intended meaning.

Indian Hills Community Center

Yes..It's Funny!

And let's face it, our culture is so frequently bombarded with negative news stories, maniacal politics and the like, that quite frankly, we enjoy seeing a humorous sign message that makes us laugh or smile. And..if the business owner is really savvy, like the Indian Hills Community Center in Colorado, they have realized that the regular & consistent use of humor in their messages, has built a following in the community, 'Drive-by-ers' and established or potential customers look forward to seeing each new message. Can that translate to increased business? You bet it can. Of course the food, product or service of the business has to have raging fans and keep customers coming back for more. But the bottom line is that these messages are funny and funny equals memorable and often, brand-building and socially shareable.

At Vital Signs we love a great, funny sign message or business name! If we can help to craft yours, please give us a call or stop by to speak to our design team.

(412) 494-3308 or visit us at: www.vitalsignspgh.com

A Little Hamstring Humor..

Runners Euphoria

Getting Your Money's Worth

Without any direct, personal knowledge, I have heard it said that avid runners are often the beneficiaries of what they call, a runner's high or euphoria when running. I would imagine that the feeling that they are referring to is generated from a physiological response of some sort of endorphin release. But there are other things that can add to the joy of running also, like: Humorous Signs!

I am always on the lookout for a fun sign story and this one did not disappoint. Apparently, the Bank of America in Chicago sponsors an annual marathon. With every marathon brings a big batch of screaming and supportive family members and friends to cheer their favorite runners on and holding their heartfelt, homemade signs. These signs are from various Chicago Marathons and one Pittsburgh Marathon..

An Infectious Dose Of Energy!

Motivators!

As I scrolled through the list of fun sign messages, I could not help but to think about how these signs would make me feel if I were the marathon contender, running by them. They are really hilarious. I can just imagine the tired, beleaguered folks running by and struggling to maintain their dwindling energy when coming upon the sign(s). Talk about a pick-me-up!

A Sign Of Unity

Banana Humor

What I especially love about the humorous marathon sign idea is that it is so much fun for everyone. It unifies the runners and their cheering crowd, but also makes any marathon planners or passers-by....happy! Wouldn't it be nice if the signs we hold up for most events, made us happy in this way..

Pittsburgh Marathoners...

This Sign..Found Only In Pittsburgh

In honor of the upcoming Great Race in Pittsburgh this weekend, Vital Signs wishes for you all:  Perfect weather, lots of hydration and a sprinkling of funny signs to propel you to the finish line!

If Vital Signs can help create your humorous message, please give us a call! 

(412) 494-3308 or www.vitalsignspgh.com

Happy Trails Ya'll!!

Windows Of Opportunity

Customized Window Graphics

Allegheny Health Network

In contrast to the past, there are now a variety of branding/home decor ideas within the space of digitally printed graphics. Our Vital Signs ' customers seek customized window graphics options for privacy, brand promotion, artistic work and home decor.

Branding.. Not The Same Ole, Same Ole

Back In The Day

There was a time when a business identification sign was the only source of business branding, unless a business could afford to feature a billboard message somewhere...not anymore!

The sky is really the limit for business branding options and even the sky can be used for moving airplane messages. A much easier and affordable solution is to utilize the windows/doors within a business space. Window graphics are an affordable and easily changed option for business owners and others.

Customers may be looking for window coverings to send an internal or external branding message, for privacy or simply as an artistic touch to the work environment. Fortunately, Vital Signs can take care of all of these for you.

Dual Solutions

It is not uncommon for customers to request window graphics as an extension to their custom wallcovering (another custom solution that Vital Signs offers). Looking to add a very custom touch to your corporate or home interior with wallcoverings, we can assist with the design, production and installation of your one-of-a-kind wallcovering/mural.

Home Decor Options

Frosted Vinyl Design For Bathroom Privacy

Whether you are looking for custom corporate wallcoverings or custom wallpaper and applications within the home, Vital Signs has an option(s) for you. Looking for a small frosted vinyl enhancement for a window...we can do it!

Artistic Bamboo Design

I Can See Clearly Now

Perhaps you have thought about adding window graphics but you're afraid to block the view/light? Not to worry, Vital Signs has a see-through vinyl option which allows the message to be seen for outside viewing, but does not obscure the inside views out of the window(s). 

Looking For An Effective Way To Brand Your Windows?

Call Vital Signs TODAY for a FREE Estimate!

(412) 494-3308 or Visit us at: www.vitalsignspgh.com

It's That Halloween Time Of Year!

October 31, 2019

Whole House Silhouette Windows

It's always fun for me to write about the fun and and sometimes over-the-top Halloween decorations that we can create for our customers at Halloween time. Halloween is one of those holidays that is almost universally loved. Not only can we don our colorful or creepy costumes, we get to decorate our living and work spaces to reflect our love of Halloween.

Custom Murals or Wallpaper (Removable)

Fun Finger Wallpaper

A Nightmare On (YOUR) Street

Embellished Mirrors

No matter what you are planning... a Ghoul's Night Out, a Halloween Hootenanny or simply choose to hand out candy and watch all of the kids in their most spooktacular costumes, cool Halloween decorations are a must. Inside or out; the mood must be established and Vital Signs has the design team to do it!

Vinyl Window Graphics Draped With Sheer Fabric

Give Me Some Ideas...

Custom Signs With Your Design

There are a large variety of Halloween Decorations that Vital Signs can produce to give your space that perfect holiday touch. Whether you are considering Kid-Friendly designs or an all out Boos & Booze Bash, we've got your covered (or at least your space covered).

Zombie (or your Halloween choice)  Bathroom Signs

Some of the Halloween themed products we can create are listed below:

Back-Lit Halloween Silhouettes

                                                                                                                                                               

• Applied vinyl to windows/doors (inside or out)
• Back-Lit Silhouettes
• Fun & Frightful Signs
• Door Decorations 
• Vinyl Embellished Mirrors
• Floor Graphics
• Whole-House Silhouette-Figured Windows
• Wall Murals/Custom Wallpaper (Removable)
• Halloween Themed Wrapped Objects

We Want To Help!

If you are need of some Halloween decorating assistance, we are only a phone call or email away! But you better be careful if you're trying to text us....

We Couldn't Resist!

Call Vital Signs (412) 494-3308 or visit us at:

www.vitalsignspgh.com