THE BENEFITS
The Benefits of Illuminated Signs
Now you know what an illuminated sign is and the many forms it can take, you may be wondering why you would choose an illuminated sign over a flat panel sign. Here we have summarised the main benefits which are apparent, and why you should heavily consider them for your next signage project.
ILLUMINATED SIGNS ARE MORE VISIBLE
It goes without saying that humans are visual creatures, and we are naturally drawn to things that catch our eye. Any sign illuminated with LED lights immediately has an advantage over standard signage as we naturally are drawn to such lighting, especially when the brightness and design contracts drab or dark surroundings.
But what about during the day? Even during daylight hours, the design and lighting elements will stand out from the crowd even at a distance. It makes you easily recognisable, easy to find, and stand out from businesses operating in the same area. This added visibility can help drive an increase in sales and profits.
ILLUMINATED SIGNS PROVIDE NIGHT TIME VISIBILITY
Like daytime visibility, the night is where LED illuminated signage comes into its own. This is especially important during the winter time from September through till March when daylight is short. Using illuminated signage promotes your business throughout the evening and night time, giving you 24/7 visibility.
This is good to take into consideration if you have longer opening hours like bars and restaurants as you may be missing out on a fair amount of business when people are looking for a 'sign' you are open, host late shopping hours seasonally (especially around Christmas), or operate in a busy foot-traffic area even after closing. You will definitely maximise your reach with an illuminated sign, and be remembered the next time a person wants to go shopping.
ILLUMINATED SIGNS IMPROVE BRAND PERCEPTION
Have you ever walked past a shop not wanting to enter because the signage was dirty, bare, broken or lacklustre? The message that gives off it that the business is equally as faded, and as a customer, you may not be looked after either. That first interaction with your brand is crucial for public perception. Everything from placement, design, colours and font for text are important, and beyond these specific aesthetic design features, it is the visibility and presentation of the sign that will have the most impact. An illuminated sign gives off the message you are successful, vibrant, inviting and interesting, and well worth that consumers time browsing your wares.
ILLUMINATED SIGNAGE IS LOW MAINTENANCE
Illuminated signs are constructed using high-grade materials that offer long-term resistance to weather, ware and tear, as general usage. An LED sign for example can give you over 50,000 hours before you would need to consider changing the bulbs. Pending on the material used for the illuminated substrate (acrylic, a fabric print, plastic or PVC vinyl are the most common) most signage suppliers will give you a 5-10 year guarantee before the face shows signs of needing replacing, and will only need mild cleaning to keep it illuminating brightly before that time.
If your illuminated sign is outdoors, the aluminium components can last over 25 years, are rust-resistant and will likely not need full replacing, only a deep clean and weather-resistance adding to keep it going. Your branding is most likely going to need updating before that time, so if you have opted for a flex-face skin, this can easily be re-branded and applied back on your existing illuminated tray.
ILLUMINATED SIGNAGE IS AFFORDABLE, AND NOT AS EXPENSIVE AS YOU THINK!
The return on investment of lighted signs always exceeds the initial investment. Business signage will be part of your company for life or until you choose to upgrade or change it. Compared to other effective advertising strategies, signage solutions and substrates signage can be made of, as well as considering their longevity, maintenance and how often you would need to endure the cost of replacement, illuminated signs will give you a considerable return on investment in terms of financial input, maintenance and added customer value and therefore, sales.
ILLUMINATED SIGNS ARE SUSTAINABLE
LED lighting can now commonly be found for bulbs in your home over halogen and fluorescent options - LED offers more than double the efficiency and increased life expectancy. Neon bulbs need 15,000 volts to run, while LEDs need just 24 volts. If you are thinking about a large outdoor display being illuminated, investing in an LED model means a huge saving in running costs. With reduced energy-use and longer lifespan, LED lighting is seen as the most sustainable solution, and accounts for its continued growth as the source of lighting in commercial signs.
As for the components to build the sign, aluminium is widely recyclable, long-lasting, and any sign makers go-to choice for sustainable signage. As mentioned earlier, the original investment is worth it, and will serve you for years to come.