Signage is so ingrained in our collective minds that most of the time we go about our daily activities without even knowing they are there. They direct us, remind us and sometimes even inspire us to make decisions each day. For local small businesses, they are a priceless way to establish an identity and gain new customers.

Signs attract new customers and alert them that you exist. Recent surveys found that many customers would have never found a business unless they had seen its sign.

Signs help your business be more profitable. Installing a new sign such as a vinyl banner or yard sign, can increase business as much as nearly 16 percent. You might consider other types of banners as well as decals and vinyl in your signage mix as well. It’s a fast, easy way to plump up your bottom line without spending a bunch of money.

Small business signs are a vital part of the community. Many new people move into your neighborhood every year—your sign encourages them to drop by your business. Over 85 percent of your customers are neighbors—they live or work within 5 miles of your business. Your customers drive past your business daily; your signage keeps you top-of-mind. Studies show that consumers are more likely to remember your business from your signage than they are from television or radio ads.

Your signage draws people in on impulse. One survey showed that up to 45 percent of people reported stopping at a business on impulse last year. You’re already making money from customers who have planned to shop at your store—why not entice a few in on impulse? You’ll gain a new customer and they’ll gain a great new place to shop.

Infographic Transcription

The Benefits of Signs

Signs bring in new customers – The question was asked: How did you learn about us? The responses were: 50% On-Premise Sign, 33% Word of Mouth, 9% Newspaper, 6% Yellow Pages, 1% TV, and 1% Radio. Signs attract half of a start-up business’ new customers, 35% of passersby wouldn’t know your business was there without a sign.

Signs Increase Profits

Studies show that adding or changing a sign directly improves sales revenue. Here are the average increases in sales revenue for the Fast Food Industry: If you add one monument sign 9.3% increase and if you add a large pole sign (144 sq. ft.) 15.6% increase. And for the Retail Industry: If you add a large pole sign (144 sq. ft.) 8.6% increase, if you add a chain identity to the plaza identity sign 7.7% increase, if you add two new directional signs 8.9% increase, if you replace storefront wall sign with larger sign 7.7%.

What can signage do for you?

Research indicates that 85% of your customers live or work within a five-mile radius of your business. 17% of Best Buy’s walk in customers did so because of a sign.

Percent of Customers That Stop on Impulse:

Shopping Center

– Larger than 400,000 sq. ft. 20% on impulse

– 100,000 – 400,000 sq. ft. 25% on impulse

– Smaller than 100,000 sq. ft. 35% on impulse

Convenience Market 40% on impulse

Discount Club/Warehouse Store 20% on impulse

Fast Food Restaurant 40% on impulse

Sit Down Restaurant 15% on impulse

Service Station 45% on impulse

Supermarket 20% on impulse

Relocation = New Customers

13% to 20% of the population moves each year, which means you have 13% to 20% new customers to attract each year through signage.

How customers know about local businesses: 35% saw it while passing, 29% always knew, 14% word of mouth, 10% advertising, 6% all other, and 7% don’t know.

Signs Compared to TV & Newspapers

Billboard – A single on-site sign costs $.02 per one-thousand views

Newspaper – A 300 line newspaper ad costs $2.81 per one-thousand views and might only reach 53% of the market

TV – A single TV ad costs $9.82 per one-thousand views and might only reach 14% of the market

One Billboard – The value of on-site signage is equal to 24 full-page newspaper ads every year.

Sources:

http://www.signs.org/SignIndustry/Signage101/SignsTheBottomLine.aspx

http://www.signs.org/SignIndustry/Signage101/SignsasMarketing.aspx

http://www.bangadvertising.com/Why_Signage.pdf

http://www.whatsyoursignage.com/StepOne4.aspx

http://www.impactsignandapparel.com/PDF%20Files/SIGN%20FACTS.pdf

The Benefits of Signage [Infographic]

What is the Best Way to Mount a Banner?

Mounting a banner can be done in various methods. The best way depends on whether or not your banner has grommets or pole pockets. Grommets are metal rings inserted along the edges and corners of a banner, reinforcing holes for tear-resistant hanging. Pole pockets, on the other hand, involve folding and sewing the banner to create an open pocket on one or both ends for pole or rope hanging.

Categorizing methods into grommet and non-grommet options, we’ll explore these accessories and the ideal locations for hanging banners.

Note: We’ll use ‘banners’ as a general term that applies to vinyl banners, fabric banners, and mesh banners. 

How to Hang a Banner With Grommets

The best way to hang a banner with grommets is to use display accessories like bungee cords, nylon rope, hanging clips, zip ties, and suction cups and hooks. These accessories work great with grommets and other banner finish options and expand their functionality while ensuring that the banner is secure.

Bungee Cords

Bungee cords are excellent for pulling your banner tight when displayed. Hook one end of the cord onto the grommet (included for free with all of our banners) and the other to an anchor point of your choosing. Ensure adequate tension from each bungee to pull the banner evenly across its surface.

Nylon Rope

Nylon rope is one of the most common ways to hang banners, whether or not your banner has grommets. Loop through the grommets or feed through pole pockets to secure banners to posts and fences or suspend them from ceilings of overhangs.

Hanging Clips

Hanging clips, commonly called carabiners, can be easily clipped through grommets, which can then clip to anchor points or objects. Carabiners can be used for both permanent and temporary displays. These make an excellent option for displaying a banner on a chain link fence as carabiners can hook into the fence and to the sign through the metal grommets.

Zip Ties

Zip ties are designed for temporarily displaying your banner on fences (chain link fences are the best for this). We recommend zip ties for casual, outdoor events such as fairs, food truck advertising, grand openings, sales, and birthday parties. Zip ties are also more commonly used for extended periods as they are more permanent than bungee cords, ropes, or clips. To hang your banner using zip ties, put the zip tie through the grommet and the anchor point wherever you’re hanging it, then secure it by attaching the ends. To remove it, cut the zip ties.

Suction Cups and Hooks

Suction cups allow you to hang banners on non-porous (smooth), flat surfaces. The most common application surface for these is glass. Hooks extend from the suction cups that can go right into the grommets of your banner. It’s important to mention that suction cups are not meant for large or heavy banners. The weight of larger banners can be too much for the suction ability of this accessory.

How to Hang a Banner Without Grommets

If your banners don’t have grommets and you want to hang them on a wall without drilling, consider Velcro strips, pole pockets, magnets, or tape. Here’s how you can use them:

Velcro

Velcro adhesive strips can be included to attach to the back of your banner. The strips come in two parts; one adheres to the surface you want to connect your banner to, and the other attaches to the back. Velcro strips will do the job if you want to display your banner on walls indoors or wrapped around a surface. They’re also convenient if you want to continually swap out banners in the same display position or a banner without grommets around the edges.

Pole Pockets

You can slide the banner over a pole and suspend it on both ends — picture the start of a parade where two people are holding a suspended banner — or thread something through the pole pocket, like a rope or cord. You can have pole pockets sewn on all four sides of your banner or just one, the choice is yours.

Magnets

If you’ve got a metal surface, strong magnets are another option to consider. To secure the banner in place, make sure to stick the magnets strategically so that they won’t easily fall off from the surface.

Tape

If you want a quick and temporary banner setup solution, use tape to attach your banners. Make sure the tape has strong adhesion and stick it to the back of the banner and affix it to the chosen surface.

Best Places to Hang Banners

Directly On A Wall

One of the most popular ways to hang a banner is on a flat wall. Use Velcro adhesive strips for a flush display on smooth walls. For brick walls, opt for screws or hooks for and use washers for added stability. While double-sided tape or glue are other options for displaying banners on walls, we don’t recommend using them due to potential damage and their permanent nature.

Suspended Between Posts

Suspending or hanging a banner between posts is another standard display method. We’d recommend including grommets on all four corners to allow the banner to be pulled taut between posts. To do this, use rope, zip ties, or screws to secure the banner (wooden posts are ideal for using screws). You may also install hooks into the posts to utilize the grommets of your banner. For larger banners, use a middle post to not only keep your banner taut but also to avoid potential damage in windy conditions. We always recommend taking down banners in extreme weather conditions, and to use mesh banners instead since they are the best option for often windy areas.

Hanging From an Awning or Ceiling

Hang banners from higher points using grommets and rope. Make sure the rope is long enough to feed through the grommets and back to the anchor point of the rope. Metal chains, fishing lines, and the like can also be used. However, we have found rope to be the best option for this location. The aesthetics of the different materials will also play a role in which one you choose.

Displayed on a Flagpole

Use grommets with metal clips or zip ties for hanging banners on flagpoles. Remember to ensure the pole is designed to fit the ¼” clips. Pole pockets are also ideal for sliding a flagpole through the top or bottom of the banner. Though in both of these cases this is not the recommended use and we offer custom flags that can be displayed on flagpoles.

Note: Our pole pockets are 3” in diameter.

Hanging on a Fence

Banners are commonly displayed on chain link fences using grommets, zip ties, or hanging clip, while pole pockets can also secure a banner to a fence with the rope being fed through the pocket(s). Fences that aren’t chain-linked can have banners attached using rope and an anchor point on the fence (this varies depending on the type of fence).

Hanging on a Table

Hanging a banner on a table can be done in multiple ways. Include grommets on the four corners (and around the outside edge if necessary) to secure the banner so that it hangs in front of the table. If your banner has a pole pocket, a rope or string can feed through the pocket to secure the banner to the table.

Hung Up On Hanging?

Banners are a versatile and durable indoor and outdoor signage option. Assuming you’ve correctly hung your banner, you shouldn’t have to worry about it tearing or prematurely failing in any way. Regardless of the location or manner in which you hang them, these banners should last for years to come. If you’re still unsure how to hang your brand new banner outside or inside or are wondering what accessory you should include with your purchase, call us at 888-222-4929. Need some design help? We also offer free design services that can assist you in designing the perfect custom banner for your next event.

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A Guide To Outdoor Banners – Signage 101

Signage 101 – How to Hang Your Banner

The main idea behind temporary signage is it’s both flexible and functional.

Rather than hassle with nails and screws that leave permanent, unsightly holes, temporary signs typically offer all-in-one or other simple display options, making installation and removal quick and clean. And as these materials tend to be lightweight and durable, their portability makes them easy to transport quickly and to install without the need for specialized hardware or additional manpower.

In addition to their easy set up, temporary signs are typically manufactured out of low cost, recyclable materials, making them more cost-effective for virtually any budget. That lower price point means you can buy signs in bulk, maximizing your ability to reach more potential customers, or to notify your regulars of short-term changes.

Then when you’re done, temporary signs offer the convenience of no-hassle disposal in a way that leaves no mess and that’s friendly toward the environment.

The ability to easily swap out and update creative assets on the fly makes temporary signs the ideal solution for displaying any short-term message!

What are Temporary Signs used for?

Temporary signs are used everywhere. They’re perfect for promoting limited sales events, providing directional signage at construction sites, and even in advertising a realtor’s open house. In this article, we’ll cover the main advantages of temporary signage and how it’s used in various industries, from businesses and nonprofits to consumers, alike. So whether you’re promoting your local food drive, planning a yard sale, or ramping up awareness for your local 5K, here are the 7 types of temporary signs you’ll want to consider:

Posters

A common form of advertising, posters are incredibly easy to display (even in mass quantities). Hang posters anywhere: inside in hallways and on doors, and outside on fences. You can even hold posters at sporting events or other outdoor events, as opposed to hanging them up. The caveat is that they aren’t waterproof. So make sure to only use them in suitable conditions if you’re going to use them outdoors! Use them in dry areas with low wind. They are lightweight so they can be hung up with sticky-tack or tape.

Benefits of Posters

• • Large quantity orders / Budget friendly

• • Ideal for indoor use

• • Quickly post on bulletin boards, walls, sign and light posts

• More cost friendly than other sign types such as banners

Where They Fall Short:

• • Damage easily in tough weather conditions
    • • Rain/moisture
    • Wind

• Not rigid

Posters

Opaque Window Cling / Clear Window Cling

Clings are great for decorating windows for seasonal events or limited-time promotions; displaying store hours, social media links, or even online review ratings. They’ll even work great for stores or locations during renovation or construction. There really isn’t much hassle to them: just peel off the protective backing and slap them on a window and voila! – you have yourself quick and easy advertising or decor.

Unlike traditional window decals, window clings do not use an adhesive backing to stick to the surface. Nonetheless, they are a durable short-term option that are removable and repositionable for reuse, whereas traditional window decals are semi-permanent in nature—you can remove them, but you can’t reuse them. Use static clings on various surfaces such as windows, glass, non-porous metal, and other smooth surfaces.

Benefits of Static Cling Decals

• • Advertise directly on windows, doors and other smooth surfaces

• • Removable and reusable

• • Easy to remove/install

• No adhesives/residue

Where They Fall Short:

• • Not as permanent as decals/stickers

• • Can’t be applied to fabrics or other porous surfaces

• Not as vibrant as other options

Opaque Window Clings

Clear Window Clings

Floor Decals

Not only are floor decals great for catching attention (think “Watch your step”) but they are great for temporary indoor use. Floor decals (also known as floor stickers) perform well as more permanent signage options, with some lasting as long as 3 years, but we recommend replacing them yearly for best results. Like with most temporary signage, there really isn’t a limit to what can be displayed. They can be placed on cement, tile, brick, and even carpet.

Floor decals are great for directing your customers or event attendees toward points of interest. They’re perfect for increasing brand awareness and messaging exposure even in heavily trafficked, indoor areas. Finally, once you’re done displaying it, just peel it away from the floor and quickly clean any adhesive that may remain.

Benefits of Floor Decals

• • Easily noticeable, eye-catching

• • Temporary or long-term use

• Can withstand heavy foot traffic
• Can be placed on both hard surfaces and softer ones like carpet

Where They Fall Short:

• • Receive a lot of wear and tear

• Only advertised on floor

Floor Decals

Foam Board

Extremely lightweight and easy to hang or prop, foam board can quickly be displayed in your store with no more than a few strips of tape or some plastic hooks. Foam board is great for a number of uses. Use them in a business setting to present a chart/graph, at a fair to advertise directions and/or rides, or at conferences to advertise keynote speakers.

Foam board is comprised of biodegradable foam and paper, making it a great option for projects ranging from one-time use with easy disposal to more permanent indoor applications lasting up to 2 years with proper care and maintenance. It’s not recommended you display foam board in wet conditions, but in the right conditions (no precipitation and no wind) you can even get away with using these signs outside for short stints of time.

Benefits of Foam Board

• • Lightweight

• • Cut-to-shape designs

• Rigid

Where They Fall Short:

• • Stiff–can’t bend or fold

• Not suitable for wet/windy conditions

Foam Board

Banners

One of the best-known temporary signage options, banners offer great functionality with a range of display possibilities. They come in a variety of formats, including vinyl, fabric, and mesh.

Vinyl banners offer a durable, heavy-duty display for outdoor use, while fabric and mesh are the lighter weight options, the latter enabling wind to pass through. Banners are excellent for promoting grand openings, holiday sales, birthday parties, baby showers, graduations, and so on. In addition to these, they are also perfect for seasonal hiring, construction sites, road work and temporary parking arrangements. You name it, banners can do it.

While we’re including banners in our temporary signage roundup, banners are very durable, often lasting years in extreme weather conditions. So they’re perfect for recurring events: ‘Now Hiring’ banners can be stored/used depending on when you’re hiring, ‘Happy Birthday’ banners can be used for multiple birthdays, and you can use them to advertise different recurring sales if you’re a business owner. Plus, banners don’t require any heavy duty hardware to display; simply tie them down using rope, zip-ties, or hang them from a pole with pole pockets.

Benefits of Banners

• • Extreme durability and water resistance

• • Large format signage

• • Easily rolled up for storage and reuse

• Vinyl, mesh, and fabric options

Where They Fall Short:

• • Not freestanding

• Must be hung using additional accessories

Vinyl Banners

Mesh Banners

Fabric Banners

A-Frames

A-frames, or sandwich board signs, are great for catching the attention of people walking by your restaurant or business and are very durable. Our premium A-Frame signs with a removable graphics give incredible versatility in what you display. Solve your temporary problem with an easy to set up solution. If something changes, store the current graphic, insert a different one and once again you’re effectively communicating or promoting the message needed.

The foldability and carrying handle lend to the ease of portability, allowing you to quickly set up and take down the sign when needed. So while this sign type is far from a one-time use product the versatility makes it a must for temporary display needs.

Benefits of A-Frames

• • Freestanding

• • Folds up, making it easy to store

• • Easy to move

• • Replaceable inserts

• Very durable

Where They Fall Short:

• • One size

• Bulky

A-Frame

Yard Signs

You’ve probably seen a yard sign. They’re very popular with politicians during elections, among other things. These signs are designed for temporary display. They are lightweight, easy to move, and even weather resistant! They can be displayed in places where the ground is soft enough for the wire stakes to go in. Of course, these signs are also reusable, so you don’t have to dispose of them after a single use.

Buy yard signs in bulk to accomplish massive marketing and display efforts, or purchase just a few to place in your neighborhood for a yard sale or other event.

Benefits of Yard Signs

• • Quick and easy display

• • Lightweight

• • Rigid

• • Water resistant

• Often bought in bulk for mass signage

Where They Fall Short:

• • Limited to yards or similar surfaces

• • Smaller format

• Typically can’t be displayed indoors

Yard signs

Temporary Situations

Recap: we’ve covered 7 different types of signage. This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it should give you an idea of where to start with your temporary signage needs. As you’ve seen, there’s no end to the versatility of temporary signs.  Don’t feel limited by our recommendations for what you can use—be creative with how you use temporary signs for functional or promotional needs. We’ve included customizable templates to help you with design ideas for each temporary need. We also offer free design services if you’re in need of extra assistance with a sign design.

Yard Sales and Garage Sales

Fairs and Community Events

Rodeos

Neighborhood BBQs

Company Sales & Events

Trade Shows & Conventions

Concerts

Parades

Sporting Events

Real Estate

Construction Zones

Local Elections

Always Available

No matter the need or situation you can rest assured there are plenty of options for your temporary signage needs! These simple, yet functional signs get the job done for the time needed without breaking the bank. So if you’re looking for a custom sign that can be displayed for the short term don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!

Signage 101 – Temporary Event Signs

How-To: The Signs.com Online Design Tool

Designing your own custom banner has never been easier, thanks to the Signs.com Online Design Tool. Whether you’re creating signage for your business, event, or organization, our user-friendly tool puts full creative control in your hands — no design experience required. While this article focuses on banners, the same powerful features apply to all our custom sign types.

Below is a step-by-step walkthrough of how to use the design tool, plus an overview of key features like text editing, shapes, image uploads, and our built-in QR code generator.

Step 1: Choose Your Sign

To get started, select the type of sign you want to design. After selecting the sign type, you’ll see a few customization options you can immediately do. Banners, for example, give you the option to choose the exact size, printed sides, hems, grommets, and so on.

Step 2: Choose How You Want to Design

After making basic customization changes, click on ‘Get Started’. You’ll get a prompt to pick between Upload File, Design Online, or Search Template.

You can also get the assistance of a professional designer if you don’t want to do the design yourself.

Step 4: Config Module

This tool lets you:

• Adjust width and height
• Switch banner types
• Zoom in/out
• Toggle full screen
• Save your design progress
• Add to cart when ready to order

Step 5: Upload Images or Use Stock Graphics

Want to include your logo or a photo? Upload your own images directly into the tool. You can also browse our stock photo library and get licensed images.

Once added, images can be:

• Resized and rotated
• Aligned to other elements
• Brought forward or sent back in layers

Step 6: Add and Customize Text

Click “Text” on the left panel to start adding your own content. You can:

• Choose from a wide range of fonts
• Adjust font size, color, bold, and italic
• Move and rotate text boxes anywhere on the banner

Step 7: Add Shapes, Colors, and Design Elements

Need arrows, boxes, or other accents? The Shapes tab allows you to add geometric elements to guide attention or enhance your layout. All shapes can be resized, recolored, and rotated.

The Background module lets you play around with a myriad of background colors as well as add images and patterns.

Step 8: Generate and Add a QR Code

Want to send viewers directly to your website, event registration, or menu? Use the built-in QR code generator to create a scannable code right in your design.

You can customize its size and placement just like any other design element.

Step 9: Save or Checkout

Once you’re happy with your banner design:

• Click “Save & Continue” to save your design and add it to your cart.
• At this point, you can review the details of your project before completing the checkout process.
• If you aren’t ready to complete the purchase, the design will be automatically saved for later use.

How-To: The Signs.com Online Design Tool