When Do You Need Backlit Signs?
Though the principal purpose of a sign is to convey a message, that is not its first job. While a sign can be used for promotion, advertising, branding, or creating an atmosphere, its first job is to get noticed! If people don’t see your sign, it won’t matter how pertinent the information on it is or how great of a marketing slogan it has. So, what is the best way for a sign to get noticed?
Getting Noticed
The art of getting noticed is an important skill to master in business. It’s at the heart of every marketing campaign, and it is also true of signage. The best way for a sign to stand out and get noticed depends on several factors, including the sign itself and the environment in which it is situated. Placement is crucial. If your sign is installed behind a plant, it’s not likely to be noticed. Big, bold lettering is also important for making text readable. But there’s another thing you can do to make your sign more noticeable:
Illuminate it
Illumination makes any sign stand out a great deal more than it would otherwise. There’s a reason why Yonge & Dundas Square in downtown Toronto is so vibrant and bright; those signs light up the night sky so that we’ll notice them better. While you’re probably not looking for a sign on quite the same scale, illumination definitely won’t hurt your sign’s chances of standing out. Backlit signs are some of the most popular illuminated signs.
What Are Backlit Signs?
Backlit signs work by illuminating a graphic from behind using a stationary light source. They can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments and will stand out wherever they are placed. The major components of a backlit sign are the printed graphic and the lightbox that houses the light source from behind the graphic. The three most common types of lightbox are:
- Fluorescent
- LED
- Edge-lit LED
The best lightbox for you depends on the environment you want to install the sign, the type of graphic you’re using, its size, and how concerned you are with durability and longevity.
Backlit Signage Works 24/7
As a business owner, you know how important it is to reach your audience no matter where they are or when. Thanks to their distinctive glow, backlit signs help you capture the attention of people going about their business outside of regular daytime hours and be seen at night and in darker conditions like storms. Not only that but bright lights have also been shown to make people more alert, especially at night. This means that even drowsy or inattentive people will be more likely to see and take notice of your backlit signage.
How Light Affects Mood
Bright lights make people feel things more intensely than they would in a darker environment. This means that if someone is excited about your products or services, a bright backlit sign might make them even more eager to check out your store. On the other hand, this intensifying effect works both ways. If someone doesn’t like your brand, a backlit sign might make that feeling worse. Be sure that you understand how your sign design comes across to viewers before you commit to having a backlit version made. If you are unsure if you’re sending the right message, a professional sign company can point you in the right direction.
Other Considerations for Backlit Signs
Of course, cost is always a concern for any business, especially smaller businesses. While they generally cost a little more than non-illuminated signs, backlit signs are not necessarily expensive. Furthermore, you need to consider what the right backlit material is for your backlit sign:
- What kind of backlit paper do you need?
- What kind of printable film will work best for what you want?
- Do you want inkjet backlit film?
- Would a vinyl or fabric base work?
Applications of Backlit Signage
Retail Storefront
Retail storefront signs are the most common type of backlit signs. They are usually made from fabric or vinyl stretched over the frame of a backlit LED lightbox. You can use LED backlit signs as your store’s main sign or in a window to add extra visual interest to your front display. This is the most important location in your store for attracting customer interest, so if you’re only going to invest in one backlit sign, it should be this one.
Retail Walls
Backlit retail wall signs are smaller versions of storefront signs, often showcasing products or promotions. Backlit signage makes a great alternative to paper posters, improving the store experience and giving your establishment a more upscale look. You can even use them in foodservice locations to display your menu items.
Exhibition Stand Walls
Crowded exhibition floors are full of exciting and innovative products. If you don’t take care to make your stall look distinct from those around you, potential customers and investors might pass you by. Adding backlit signs to your display can help you stand out and gives your business some modern flair. You can use freestanding signs for this purpose or affix your backlit signage to your counters or shelves.
Pop-Up Stores
Because pop-up stores tend to have very few resources to devote to displays, they sometimes have trouble attracting attention in a crowded street or mall environment. Backlit signage is a cost-effective way to draw people’s attention and hopefully interest them in your products or services. Use your signs to clearly show what you’re selling to the hurried people passing by, and they may stop and check out your wares.
Events
Backlit signs lend a professional touch to events and help make the occasion feel even more special. You can use these to display some products debuting at the event, useful information like schedules and itineraries, or hospitable touches like welcoming messages for the guests.
Get Professional Backlit Signs for Businesses in the Greater Toronto Area
There are many questions to answer when choosing a backlit sign, and many of these are best tackled by someone with expert knowledge of signs and sign design. At the Sign & Graphics Manufaktur, we are here to help you answer all those tricky questions and create the perfect backlit sign for your Toronto-area business. To request a quote or find out more information on backlit signs, please get in touch with us online or call us at 905-670-0797.
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