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The Power of Signage in the Real Estate Industry

The Power of Signage in Commercial Real Estate

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Commercial real estate relies on signage in a variety of ways. Signs point potential investors and business owners toward an available commercial listing. They indicate which real estate agents or developers to contact to check out the property. They also provide specs showing potential buyers what the property has to offer. Utilizing eye-catching signage in real estate sets your property apart from others, making it a quicker sell.

Let’s break down how to use signage in commercial real estate. We’ll discuss how a sign affects curb appeal, the types of real estate signs that are used, and tips for creating effective real estate signage.

The Importance of Signage Placement

Commercial real estate is all about “location, location, location”. Effective signage can help create a strong first impression of the property, showcase its unique features, and communicate important details such as availability and pricing. Additionally, it can be used within a property to help direct visitors, label spaces and showcase tenants and occupants.

Well-designed and strategically placed signs can help capture the attention of passersby and draw them to the property, increasing the chances of generating leads and ultimately closing a deal. Signage can also help establish the property’s brand and identity, making it easier for potential tenants or buyers to remember and recognize it in the future. You may display signage in the following locations to attract attention:

  • Lobby or common space
  • Hallways
  • Parking garages
  • Rooftop or exterior walls
  • Windows facing busy streets
  • Elevators

Types of Real Estate Signs

There are many different types of commercial real estate signage. Below are some of the most common types:

  • Building Identification Signs: These signs are used to identify the name of the building and its tenants. They can be located at the entrance of the building or mounted on the building exterior.
  • Window Graphics: Window graphics are used to display logos, messages, or promotions on the windows of a business. They can be applied to the interior or exterior of the window and come in a variety of materials, such as vinyl, perforated film, or static cling.
  • Banners: Banners are temporary signs that can be used to promote events, sales, or other time-sensitive messages. They are typically made from vinyl or mesh material and can be hung on buildings or freestanding frames.
  • Directional Signs: These signs are used to direct customers to a specific location within a property, such as a parking lot or entrance.
  • Project Signs: Project signs are temporary signs that are used to promote a development or construction project. They often include renderings or artist impressions of the finished project and can be placed on the project site or nearby.

To be most effective, signs should always be posted in easy to spot locations and should be designed in such a way that they’re readable from the street and sidewalks. Prominent placement is important, as is use of contrasting colors and legible fonts.

Tips for Designing Effective Real Estate Signs

Below are a few tips for designing effective real estate signs.

  • Size and Placement: Consider where the sign will be placed when choosing the size of the sign. The farther away from the street or sidewalk the sign will be placed, the larger it will need to be in order to get noticed.
  • Color Selection: Contrasting colors are easier to see in a variety of lighting conditions. Be sure to use contrasting colors that look good together – avoid using colors that clash.
  • Text and Font Choices: Sans serif fonts are often easier to read than serif fonts. The more straightforward the font, the better. Avoid use of fonts with curly letters or fanciful shapes.
  • Imagery and Graphics: Imagery and graphics can help attract attention to a sign. Use images carefully and stick to use of simple graphics to avoid cluttering the sign

The Benefits of Using Professional Printing and Signage Services

Although commercial real estate signage may sound easy to design, many struggle to create signs that are easy to read and useful to the audience that would be paying attention to them. The best way to ensure that your sign is as effective as possible is to work with a professional printing and signage service to get your sign designed, printed, and installed.

Bishop Image Group has done it all, from commercial real estate signage and high rise signage plastered across a building to storefront signage intended to drive customers through your front door. Contact us today to request a free quote on your real estate signage. We’re here to help!

The Essential Components of a Successful K-12 Signage Plan

The Essential Components of a Successful K-12 Signage Plan

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Sign placement is important on K-12 campuses where students, teachers and parents all rely on adequate signage to navigate the school and reach classes, events and locations. Eye-catching messaging and visual elements are important in these settings, but creating a plan can be overwhelming.

Let’s break down how to create a successful K-12 signage plan and what components should be considered. This will include understanding your audience, placing signs strategically, using consistent branding and design, maintaining clear and concise messaging, and performing regular sign maintenance and more.

Understanding Your Audience

Before you can create adequate signage design for your K-12 campus, it’s important to understand your audience, including their needs and expectations. Ask yourself:

  • Who will be navigating the campus?
  • What type of labeling (written words? pictures?) will they understand?
  • What information should be conveyed through signage?

Create a description of the people who need to understand the signage on your campus and use this as a roadmap for your signage plan.

Signage Placement

Once you’ve identified your audience, the next step is to identify key locations for signage, including the height of the sign and readability. On a K-12 campus, some students are still growing and may be less likely to see signs that are well above their heads. When determining strategic sign placement, it’s important to:

  • Determine best size and height for each sign: In an environment where adults and children mix together, it’s important to keep in mind who needs to read the signs the most, and what size and height will capture their attention.
  • Choose the right colors for visibility and readability: Colors should contrast enough with the environment to be noticeable.
  • Determine what type of sign should be used: The type of sign used should be one that makes sense for the purpose and environment. For example, a sign meant to be seen in an emergency may need to light up, especially in windowless corridors, since power outages can happen during emergencies.

Campus Signage Design and Branding

Branding and design play a role in your campus signage and will allow you to create a cohesive look and feel across your campus. These tips can help you create an effective signage design:

  • Avoid small, difficult to read or “fancy” fonts
  • Use eye-catching graphics
  • Include your logo or mascot
  • Use simple language and convey a simple message, in as few words as possible
  • Use large letters that can easily be read from a distance
  • Use colors that are consistent with your brand
  • Leverage visual aids when possible

Clear and Concise Messaging

Clear and concise messaging in signage is critical. Use as few words as possible to convey your message. More words mean more time to spend reading the sign, and that means that fewer people will have the chance to digest your message. If the message can be conveyed with pictures, it should be – especially on a campus with small children.

For example, a sign that says “Library” and includes an iconic picture of a book can be read by students and teachers alike, because it includes one word and a picture. This is an effective sign for a K-12 campus.

Signage Maintenance and Updating

As things change at a school, so does the need for signs. Signs at a K-12 educational facility should be inspected at least once annually, and if needed, the signs should be updated.

To minimize the cost of updating a sign, all signs at the educational facility consider creating portable banners that can be easily taken down and replaced when needed. You should also consider multi-purpose signage that can be used for recurring events or programs.

Start Your K-12 Signage Plan Today

A successful K-12 signage plan will include locations, plans for maintaining brand consistency and plans for ensuring sign clarity for students, teachers and parents.

Once you have your signage plan in place, work with a trusted partner such as Bishop Image Group to help with design, printing and installation. Bishop Image Group is a certified Chicago Public School vendor allowing us to provide quality signage services to CPS students, associations, and staff members. As sign designers, printers and installers, we can help your educational facility develop signage that helps ensure a safe and easy to navigate campus for all who enter your school’s doors. Contact us today to get started on your next printing project!

commercial real estate signage

7 Things to Consider When Vetting a Commercial Signage Vendor

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Finding the right vendor for your commercial signage project is crucial for ensuring high-quality results. While there are many options to choose from, not all signage vendors offer the same degree of expertise, attention to detail, and customer service.

Wondering how to select the right vendor for your next big project?

Seven Things to Consider When Vetting a Commercial Signage Vendor

1. Experience and Reputation

First things first—make sure your vendor has experience producing the signs you’re looking for, and has received positive feedback from past clients. Start by reviewing previous projects listed on the vendor’s website, and note if those jobs were similar to the services you need. Then, gain a sense of the company’s values and mission and read customer reviews for an overview of the average customer experience.

2. Variety of Options

With so many design options available, it’s essential to partner with a vendor who offers the sign varieties you need for your project.

Sign varieties include options like:

3. Quality of Materials

If you want a long-term signage solution for your business, invest in signs made with durable materials and high-quality finishes. Using top notch materials ensures your signs will last for years and still look sleek and professional even after exposure to weather and sun.

To understand what materials are used during the fabrication process, look into each stage of the sign’s production.

  • Base materials: From vinyl to acrylic to wood and glass, look at the options available for your desired final result.
  • Inks and printing: Whether you want simple text or striking graphics, research the printing process and the inks used during manufacturing.
  • Weatherproof features: If you’re looking for an outdoor sign, note whether the vendor offers weatherproofing technology like fade-resistant inks and waterproof coatings.

4. Knowledge of Permits and Regulations

Depending on the purpose and placement of your sign, you may need to navigate various permits and regulations for formatting, visibility, and accessibility. Additionally, larger signs on buildings or streetlights may need proper authorization from the city before installation. An experienced vendor will be able to help you navigate the installation process including adhering to signage regulations and obtaining the proper permits if applicable.

5. Installation Services

Just because a company can print a sign, doesn’t mean they’ll install it too. If you need support with a tricky installation, or don’t have the time to manage installation yourself, finding a vendor who offers installation services will be a game-changer.

6. Customer Service

Nobody’s perfect, and sometimes things go awry during the production process. Whether there was a miscommunication about sizing, materials, or delivery, it’s essential to partner with a vendor who has your back and values providing customers with a stress-free experience. Customer service that’s simple to access and offers fast solutions is integral to the success of a project. Look for signage vendors who offer stellar customer support and satisfaction guarantees.

7. Price

Last, but certainly not least, you’ll have to find a vendor whose services fit within your budget. Start by comparing quotes from multiple vendors to get a sense of the industry standard. If one quote is an expensive outlier, that should be a red flag. Additionally, notice what services are included in the price. Is one vendor charging the same for production as another charges for design services, production, and installation? Do a little research to find the best price for your needs.

Look for a Company Who Has Your Back from Start to Finish

At Bishop Image Group, we offer our customers professional signage solutions designed to meet their unique needs. With over 20 years of experience creating custom signs, the team at BIG is dedicated to producing high-quality results while prioritizing customer satisfaction. From design, to production, to installation, BIG offers end-to-end services at affordable prices. Developing a new signage solution for your company should be a rewarding experience, even if you get a late start. That’s why we pride ourselves on delivering polished results even under the tightest deadlines.

Interested in learning more about our process? Get in touch today!

cubs case study

Case Study: WGN-TV and the 2016 Chicago Cubs World Series Celebration

WGN-TV is one of Chicago’s best-known independent television stations, and has partnered with Bishop Image Group plenty of times over the years.


In our long relationship, one project stands above the rest in testing our motto “printers of the impossible”:


The Chicago Cubs World Series.

This month, we wanted to share a special moment in the history of our company – the time when we printed one of our largest orders to celebrate the victory of the Chicago Cubs over the Cleveland Indians. Read on about how we helped printed 50,000 signs in only a matter of days to celebrate the 7th largest gathering in human history.

Read here

maintain vinyl banners

How to Maintain Vinyl Banners When Not in Use

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How do you maintain vinyl banners when they aren’t being used? Favored for durability and easy customization, vinyl is a popular choice for indoor and outdoor banners. When cared for properly, vinyl banners can last up to a decade or longer, so they are an excellent investment.

To get the best results from your vinyl banners, it’s essential to know the ins and outs of storage, cleaning, and mounting. Here are our top tips on how to maintain your vinyl banners, so they stay in top condition for years to come.

What is a Vinyl Banner, and How Should I Maintain Vinyl Banners?

Vinyl is a robust plastic material made to be waterproof and rip-resistant for continued outdoor use. Vinyl banners are fashioned from sturdy cloth-like material that’s flexible while still holding its shape while on display. Vinyl banners are excellent for advertising local events, festivals, and businesses. Banners are typically secured into place with metal grommets at the corners and edges of the banner.

For the best results, purchase high-quality banners that are built to withstand continued use and inclement weather. Outdoor banners can be digitally printed using UV-resistant inks to prevent fading and discoloration after continued sun exposure.

How Do I Clean and Maintain My Vinyl Banners?

Cleaning is one of the best ways to keep vinyl banners looking vibrant and well cared for.

Do:

  • Wipe down the surface of the banner with a soft cloth. Try a damp cotton rag or a microfiber cleaning cloth that won’t damage the banner’s surface.

  •  Use mild, non-scented soapy water for cleaning.

  • Ensure the banner is completely dry before storing.

Don’t:

  • Use abrasive cleaning tools like sponges or paper towels.

  • Use harsh chemicals, bleaches, or disinfectants for cleaning. Harsh chemicals can damage printed banners by distorting images or causing colors to fade.

If banners aren’t cleaned and stored properly, they easily become cracked, faded, or damaged from moisture. With proper care, you can keep your banner in mint condition for years.

How Do I Store My Vinyl Banners?

Vinyl banners should be stored in a cool, dry location. Keep your banner away from direct sunlight to prevent fading, and away from potentially damaging agents like bleaches and detergents. Store your banner in a clean, airtight container to prevent damage.

Roll Your Banner

Banners shouldn’t be folded or crumpled while in storage. Folding a vinyl banner may cause creases or permanent cracking in the material. For the best results, store the banner lying flat and avoid wrinkles, creases, or folded edges.

If the dimensions of the banner or space won’t allow for flat storage, carefully roll the banner into a tube before storing. Don’t put a rubber band around the tube, as this may cause a permanent crease. For banners with raised lettering, ensure that the lettering is facing outward when you roll the banner to prevent the banner from sticking to itself. If you have a digitally printed banner, roll with the lettering facing inward to protect the print.

Removing Wrinkles

If your banner does become wrinkled while in storage, there are several tricks to smooth out creases and keep your sign looking good as new.

  • If you have access to an outdoor area with plenty of sun, place the banner in the direct sunlight for up to 30 minutes. The heat from the sun will soften the vinyl and help smooth out wrinkles.

  • If you don’t live in a sunny area, or are worried about your banner becoming faded, you can achieve the same results using a hairdryer. Aim the dryer at the banner and wipe with a damp cloth. The heat from the dryer will soften the material and the damp cloth will smooth lingering creases.

Finding the Perfect Banner from Bishop Image Group

Here at Bishop Image Group we are printers of the impossible. With over 20 years of experience in the printing business, we pride ourselves on our ability to tackle difficult jobs with creativity and dedication. Our team doesn’t shy away from a challenge, no matter how last minute, because customer satisfaction is our top priority. From vinyl banners, to decals, to informational signage, we print and install signs across the country for businesses of all sizes. Interested in transforming your signage? Contact Bishop Image Group to get started.

heavy duty vinyl banners

What Are Heavy Duty Vinyl Banners?

Vinyl banners are an attractive and versatile way to advertise your business. Made to endure a variety of climates, settings, and seasons, heavy duty vinyl banners are highly customizable and add a professional flare to outdoor events, fundraisers, conventions, and more.

Here’s why adding heavy duty vinyl banners to your next marketing campaign is both practical and stylish.

What are the Materials?

Heavy duty vinyl banners are made from thick vinyl fabric. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, vinyl banners are easy to assemble and mount using metal grommets along the edges.

Weather-Proof Technology

  • Water-proof – Vinyl is a water-proof material, which can withstand harsh elements without sustaining any damage.

  • Sun-Proof – Heavy duty vinyl banners can be printed using UV-resistant inks, so banners displayed in sunny areas won’t fade after prolonged exposure.

  • Rip-Proof – Reinforced edges make vinyl banners rip resistant.

How Are Heavy Duty Vinyl Banners Customized?

Since each banner is printed to-order, there are limitless possibilities for design options. Digitally printed with vibrant inks, it’s easy to incorporate company logos, slogans, and graphics into your design. Plus, vinyl banners can be printed double-sided to provide advertising from all angles.

Customization Tips

#1 – Choose easy-to-read fonts to clearly convey your message. Make sure the lettering contrasts with the background color.

#2 – Select high-resolution graphics. Avoid pixelated or grainy images, as this will make your banner look unprofessional.

#3 – Pick a bold color palette that reflects your business’s aesthetic or theme.

#4 – Don’t over-crowd your banner with too much text or too many images. Keep it clean and elegant.

#5 – If you’re advertising for an event or festival, incorporate seasonal elements to give your banner a festive appearance.

What are my Display Options?

Heavy duty vinyl banners are made for hassle-free transport and assembly. Relatively lightweight and easy to fold into a compact shape, vinyl banners are the perfect accessory for traveling conventions, shows, and markets. Banners are usually secured by lacing strong cordage through the metal grommets to secure the banner to a pole, building façade, archway or other location.

Some of the most common uses for heavy duty vinyl banners include:

Over-Street Banners

For street-festivals, historic neighborhoods, and seasonal events, over-the-street banners welcome visitors with timeless charm. Over-the-street banners are eye-catching, and provide pedestrians and drivers alike with event information such as dates and times. These banners are excellent for creating a demarcation for event boundaries during a street fair, art-market, or parade.

Building Façade Banners

Need a striking way too advertise your grand opening? Vinyl banners are fantastic for draping on building facades to announce big events, special offers, and new businesses. Banners hung directly on your building help draw attention to your location and entice customers to visit your business.

Building façade banners are also commonly used to alert potential leasers that a location is available to rent. Hung in the window or across the side of the structure, vinyl banners are a great way to display the rental agent’s contact information.

Construction Site Banners

Need to alert the public to city planning information, construction site details, or contractor info? Vinyl banners are perfect for displaying along the edges of construction site areas as resilient, weather-proof signage. Since banners are easy to set-up and transport, they provide excellent temporary signage and can be easily removed once the project is completed.

Pole Banners

Heavy duty vinyl is an excellent material for outdoor pole banners along avenues, sidewalks, and throughout college campuses. Vinyl banners mounted on poles are attractive and sturdy, and are perfect for marketing events, concerts, ceremonies and more. Since vinyl banners are affordable and customizable, it’s simple to switch them out to advertise seasonal events and rotating exhibitions.

Designing Your Heavy Duty Vinyl Banners with BIG

Looking for the perfect signage solutions? Here at Bishop Image Group we pride ourselves on our innovation, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills. With more than 20 years in the business, our team is fearless when it comes to last-minute projects and tight deadlines. Our commitment to fulfilling even the most complex orders is part of what sets Bishop Image Group apart. We value communication, creativity, and flexibility, and are passionate about helping our clients reach their goals. Contact us today to get started!

feather flags

Choosing the Right Size and Design for Feather Flags

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For indoor and outdoor advertising alike, feather flags are a versatile and timeless option that will make your business shine. Feather flags are designed to be bold, bright, eye-catching, and weather resistant, making them an excellent choice in a wide variety of situations.

Choosing the right size and design for your feather flags will make all the difference when it comes to grabbing customer attention. Here are our top tips on how to design effective and elegant flags for all your business needs.

Materials and Design for Feather Flags

Feather flags get their name from their feather-like appearance. They are designed similarly to a sail, with a fabric banner attached along one side to a stiff pole. This gives flags stability while still allowing them to freely flutter in the breeze.  

Most feather signs are fabricated using a weather-proof polyester fabric. Polyester fabric is easy to clean, highly durable, and can be printed with UV resistant inks that don’t fade with prolonged sun exposure. The lightweight nature of their design makes feather flags easy to transport and assemble at tradeshows, events, and festivals.

Sizing

Feather flags are customizable and can be designed to accommodate a wide variety of height and size requirements. Generally, feather flags range between about 6’ and 17’, and the height of your flags will depend on their placement and visibility. For outdoor flags we recommend using large or medium signs, while indoor flags are more likely to be smaller.

To help guide your sign sizes in terms of legibility, we recommend using the 10-to-one rule. That is, lettering that is 1 inch high is legible up to 10 feet away and so forth. This will help you estimate how large your sign needs to be for customers to effortlessly read your messaging.

Graphics

Feather flags can be printed either single or double sided, allowing you to customize the image placement based on the flag’s location. Since flags are typically digitally printed, it’s easy to customize the design and color palate. Select durable UV resistant ink options for long-lasting outdoor signs.

Do:

  • Choose bright, saturated colors that are attention grabbing.
  • Select fonts that are easy to read.
  • Make sure the lettering contrasts with the background color.
  • Select high-definition images that are simple and recognizable.
  • Utilize company logos and slogans.

Don’t:

  • Overcrowd your design with too much text.
  • Use low-quality, pixelated images.
  • Use similarly colored lettering and backgrounds (e.g. orange letters on a red background).
  • Use cursive fonts that are difficult to read.

Location

Signs are communication tools, indicating your business’s location or emphasizing ongoing deals and promotions. To this end, the placement of your signs is the most crucial element of running a successful advertising campaign.

Outdoor Signs

Outdoor signs need to be visible from a distance, and easily legible for passing customers. If you’re placing your flags along a road, ensure that the advertising copy is facing oncoming traffic, and the flags aren’t obscured by trees or other obstacles. You may choose to place several similar, yet different, feather flags in a row to grab customer attention and provide visual interest.

Indoor Signs

Indoor feather flags are less commonly used, but are highly effective for demarcating a sales area within a large store, or signaling the entrance to a conference or convention. Like outdoor feather flags, indoor flags should be visible, and help guide customers and clients to your business or event. Indoor feather flags are easy to move and set up, which makes them ideal for tradeshows and other temporary exhibitions or events.

Designing the Perfect Feather Flags with Bishop Image Group

At Bishop Image Group we’re dedicated to meeting all your signage needs by providing custom-made, high-quality solutions. Choose from a variety of designs including banners, feather flags, decals and more, to outfit your business in style.

Bishop Image Group is unique in our commitment to customer satisfaction. With years of experience in the sign industry, we embrace challenging projects and are committed to fulfilling even the most last-minute orders. From design, to production, to installation, Bishop Image Group with work with you from start to finish. Contact us today to get a free quote!

trade show kiosk

4 Ways to Make Your Trade Show Booth or Kiosk Shine

With COVID-19 restrictions coming to a close, trade shows are ramping up around the country, and companies are hard at work to ensure that their trade show booth or kiosk shines above the rest.

Trade shows are massive events, and your trade show booth or kiosk can quickly blend in to the background if you don’t make a dramatic presence. Finding a reliable printing shop can ensure that you not only get visually compelling graphics, but also get the printing job completed on time, every time.

What are the best ways to make your trade show booth or kiosk make a lasting impression? In this blog, we not only outline strategies for making a booth stand apart, but other considerations to draw as much traffic as possible.

4 Strategies that Go Beyond Just the Trade Show Booth or Kiosk

Prepare in Advance

Attending a trade show is more than just showing up and expecting the best – to get the best results, you should be preparing well in advance rather than rushing it last minute.

When people typically think about a trade show, they only consider their presence at the show, and possibly building relationships that will propel their sales moving forward. This is insufficient. Instead, you need to consider three distinct stages of trade show attendance:

  • Preparation
  • Execution
  • Follow-Up

Fortune favors the prepared. While Bishop Image Group can help you create your trade show booth or kiosk on a time deficit, you’ll thank yourself later for taking the time to plan a detailed strategy around your presence at a trade show.

Announce Yourself Through Social Media

Trade shows can be massive events. How are you going to make sure prospective clients know where you are, and how will you draw them to your booth?

Social media is a powerful tool for drawing attention to your trade kiosk. Anyone attending your event should be posting about where their booth will be located on their own social media, at minimum.

What other, less conventional ways can you reach your audience? Think beyond simply announcing your attendance on your company’s Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn pages. Email campaigns can be a very effective way to connect with prospective clients, allowing you to control the cadence of when they receive messaging. For instance, the night before the trade show, you can send an email alerting people where your trade booth is, keeping you top of mind.

Choose The Right Staff

In a world characterized by Zoom calls and remote working, people forget the power that a magnetic personality can hold over a group of people in-person. Finding the best person to man your booth is critical for your success.

The objective of your trade show should be to form connections that can lead to long-lasting business relationships. This means that you should choose people who are naturally good at attracting attention and are conversational.

The best people to man your booth may not be your best closer, but instead think about your best “people-person”, someone who can stand on their feet behind a booth rather than sitting down, and have the energy to push through busy trade show days.

Don’t Skimp on the Trade Booth

At trade shows, standing out makes all the difference between success and failure. Having a booth with bold, vibrant graphics that naturally draws the eye can help whoever is manning it speak to more people and form more connections.

At Bishop Image Group, we specialize in printing everything from banners to event graphics. Trade show kiosks are one of our specialties. We understand exactly what it takes to bring success to your project, and we can help you be the star of the show with our innovative xPrint Methodology.

No matter where you are, or what your timeline is, we deliver the best results. Contact us today for more information about our services.

Making an Impact with Your Trade Show Booth or Kiosk

Success at a trade show is measured by paying attention to the little details. Are you making an effort to draw attention to yourself before the show has even started? How are you following up after the show has been finished?

These details may seem minor, but everything from the person manning your booth to the booth’s visual appeal can spell the difference between a successful trade show and a lackluster performance.

commercial real estate development signs

Commercial Real Estate Development Signs

For property renters and homebuyers alike, commercial real estate development signs are beacons that provide information about the developer and the property. Often, your real estate sign is the first impression your company makes on a prospective buyer, so it’s important to start off on the right foot. Much like a business card, these signs need to be visually appealing, easily legible, and provide crucial contact information.

If you’re hoping to upgrade your commercial real estate development signage, here’s our guide on how to create dynamic, eye-catching signs that will influence buyers and increase business.

Varieties of Commercial Real Estate Development Signs

Real estate development signs generally need to be visible to pedestrians and drivers and easy to transport to a variety of locations. There are a few signage categories that are particularly popular as choices for commercial real estate since they are timeless and simple to install.

Colonial Post Sign – Colonial post signs are a popular choice for real estate, since they are attractive and sturdy. Colonial post signs look like an upside-down L, with the sign hanging on the arm parallel to the ground.

Framed Sign – Framed signs are designed with a border of wood or metal framework around the sign, and are anchored into the ground with two long legs.

A-Frame Sign – Commonly known as sandwich board signs, A-frame signs are fantastic for capturing pedestrians’ attention.

Sizing and Placement

The size of your sign will depend on the sign’s location as well as your budget. Standard commercial real estate signs usually clock-in at 36” x 48”, but can be customized to meet your unique specifications. Remember, opting for standard sizing is usually more cost-effective since you won’t need to pay for customization.

Sign placement is fairly straightforward. It’s all about making your sign as visible as possible! This means avoiding shrubs, flowers, and bushes, and placing your sign close enough to the road to be legible while driving.

Materials

Since most commercial real estate development signs are displayed outside, they need to be weather resistant and highly durable. Consider materials that are rust-proof, and won’t fade in intense sun. Signs themselves are often made of vinyl or composite resins, while frames are fabricated using weatherproofed wood or powder-coated steel. Choose materials that are built to last, and can be treated to withstand the elements.

Sign Design

Quality commercial real estate development signs are crisp, concise, and visually appealing.

Font Choice

Successful fonts should be elegant and easy to read. Avoid ornate lettering and cursive fonts, and stick with straightforward sans serif options. For a striking visual impact, lettering should contrast with the background color, and be large enough to read from the street.

Graphics

Graphics on professional real estate signs need to be clean and simple. Remember, you don’t want to distract your prospects with intricate images or busy patterns. Choose a relevant image, like a picture of the agent affiliated with the property. Better yet, utilize this opportunity to spread brand awareness and include your logo on the sign.

Crucial Information

Above all, your sign is a tool for communication. To this end, it’s essential to provide current contact information to your prospects without going overboard. Signs should include a phone number at the very least, and may include a mailing address or email address as well. Remember, when it comes to text, less is more!

QR Codes

Have more information than you can fit on your sign? Post a QR code so interested prospects have the option to scan for more info, visit your website, and connect through social media.  

Commercial Real Estate Development Signs at Bishop Image Group

Still looking for the perfect solution for your commercial real estate needs? Bishop Image Group has your back. With over 20 years of experience in the sign business, Bishop Image Group provides quality signage to customers across the country.

We pride ourselves on our ability to problem-solve, and to implement creative solutions and design strategies. Our teamwork makes us fearless when it comes to completing last minute jobs and complex orders.

Plus, when you order with Bishop Image Group, we’ll help you install your sign, so you know you have the perfect angle! Contact Bishop Image Group today to get started.

street pole banners

Street Pole Banners: 3 Ways to Stake Your Claim

Eye-catching street pole banners are a charming way to advertise your business. Pole banners are versatile, customizable, and timeless, making them an excellent tool for widespread brand awareness.

Unlike other signage options, pole banners are easy to switch-up with the seasons. Their lightweight design makes them simple to update, and their elevated location makes them highly visible to both pedestrians and drivers.

Thinking of using pole banners in your next add campaign? Here are three ways to use banners as effective signage solutions.

Street Pole Banners 101

Before we dive into banner locations, here’s a quick overview of common materials and mounting techniques.

Materials

Pole banners are designed to be durable and weatherproof. Since most pole banners are hung alongside roadways or in outdoor public areas, it’s essential that they withstand the elements and maintain their vibrancy and clarity. Most pole banner signs are made from either vinyl or polyester fabric, and can be processed with UV printing techniques to prevent fading over time.

Design

Like many outdoor signs, it’s crucial to make your pole banners visually striking and easy to read. Bright colors, bold fonts, and simple graphics are all excellent choices for effective pole banner signage. To streamline the design process, decide what purpose your pole banners need to serve. Are they offering directions? Advertising an upcoming event? Demarcating a campus or shopping center? Make sure the information you’re communicating is presented concisely, and stick to a “less is more” mentality when finalizing your design. 

Hanging Methods

Most pole banners are secured with either grommets or pole pockets.

  • Grommets are holes punched into the edge or corners of your banner and reinforced with metal rings. Banners with grommets can be hung using methods like nylon rope, hanging clips, or zip ties.
  • Pole pockets are long sleeves along the edge of the banner, similar to the rod sleeve in a bedroom curtain. Pole pockets are made by folding the banner fabric over on itself, and stitching along the fold to create a long, open-ended tube. These banners are hung by threading a rod through the pole pocket, and attaching the rod to the light pole.

Visibility

Pole banner signs need to be visible in order to be effective. To facilitate 360° visibility, successful pole banners are often double sided. Additionally, it’s essential to consider the size of the sign. Remember, pole banners are often displayed at least 13’ above ground, and need to be large enough to be legible from a distance.

Common Places to Hang Street Pole Banners

Pole banners are fantastic advertising and wayfinding solutions in a myriad of situations.

#1 Along Avenues

Relaying information to busy commuters is challenging. Although billboards are certainly an effective method for roadside advertising, they only provide a fleeting glance before commuters zip past. Alternatively, pole banners offer consistent advertising stretching down avenues, parkways, and streets. Regularly spaced light poles all displaying the same pole banner provide curious drivers the opportunity to see the details of an advertisement more than once. Make sure you get approval from your city planning department to place pole banners in public areas.  

#2 In Shopping Areas

Pole banners provide quaint atmosphere to town centers, main streets, and popular shopping districts. Banners in these locations might advertise a local event or festival, or demarcate a historic neighborhood. Since it’s relatively simple to swap out pole banners, they’re a great way to add seasonal ambiance to any location.

#3 On College Campuses

College campuses are a perfect location to utilize pole banners. Strategically placed banners can advertise campus-wide events like commencement, theatrical performances, or concerts. Banners on college campuses are also a great way to differentiate the campus from the surrounding town or city, or to give directions to administrative buildings. This helps visitors feel welcomed when they step on campus for the first time.

Designing Your Pole Banner Signs with Bishop Image Group

At Bishop Image Group, we prioritize providing customers with high-quality signage at affordable prices. Drawing on decades of experience, our team loves to embrace new challenges. Here at Bishop Image Group we aren’t afraid to tackle even the most last-minute jobs, or complicated orders. Our commitment to creativity, teamwork, and communication is what sets us apart. Contact us today to get started!

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