Your business sign is one of the first pieces of your brand to be seen by customers. It can make or break the first impression they have of your company and its value to them. Fortunately, you can make a positive first impression on your potential client with just a few strategies, such as maximizing the amount of visual information they see in your signage.
As a young child, you likely heard the old ad campaign for Head and Shoulders shampoo: “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This popular slogan is more than just a marketing cliche—it is a social psychological truism that holds true across many areas of life. Whether you’re on a blind date or in an interview, first impressions have powerful influence over the course of the relationship and can even dictate future job opportunities and collaborations.
Substantial research has confirmed the power of first impressions and explored a wide variety of factors that contribute to their formation. From the way you dress to your body language, first impressions can impact everything from your chances of getting that new job to how well you connect with a significant other. Even seemingly minor things such as a limp handshake can give the wrong impression that you are inactive or unassertive.
While most people would love to make their business signage as big and bold as possible, zoning rules, setbacks, and city codes limit how much you can communicate on your signage. You can’t go overboard, but if you aren’t making an effort to be noticed, you’ll miss out on important opportunities for growth and revenue.
Moreover, there are several cognitive biases that can negatively impact the accuracy of your initial impressions. The most famous is the halo effect, which occurs when a positive first impression of one trait—such as beauty—leaves you with the assumption that the same positive impression will apply to other traits—such as intelligence. This is particularly problematic during interviews, where the halo effect can cause you to hire the wrong person at a cost of up to seven times that employee’s first year salary.
When you’re researching the best options for your company’s signage, visit local competitors to see what kinds of signs they have. Notice the colors, location, and design of the signs. Take photos of the signs, especially at different times of day and in weather conditions. Make a list of features that you like about each and compare them to your own business needs. Your sign professional can also provide samples of their past work so you can understand the style and fabrication options that are available to you. Then you can make a “wish list” of features to include in your own business’s sign. Even if you can’t afford the full feature set, your business sign company in Corpus Christi will be able to work with you to create a customized solution that fits your budget. You may be surprised at how close you can come to your ideal signage.
Signs are more than just visual elements; they are powerful communication tools that convey a brand’s message and identity. A reputable Corpus Christi sign company understands the psychology behind effective signage and employs a range of design techniques to create impactful visuals.