How The Right Signs Can Grow Your Business

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It’s a new year, and you’re probably thinking about how you can grow your business. Did you know that quality signs could be the best way to start? No matter what kind of business you’re hoping to grow this year, good signs can help. 

If you own a brick-and-mortar shop, it might be time to refresh your exterior with signage that catches the eye of potential customers. If you set up a booth at trade shows, local markets, or expos, you need durable banners that travel well. If you have company cars, vans, or trucks, vehicle graphics can help you make your brand visible all around town!  

What makes a “good sign?” As it turns out, you need four things: 

  • visual appeal
  • consistent branding
  • quality materials
  • the right fit. 

Here’s why these things matter when creating quality signage for your business.

4 Ways Good Signage Helps Your Business 

  1. Visual appeal boosts brand trust. 

Have you ever driven by a storefront or logged onto a website and felt confused — or worse, visually repulsed? Bad signage leaves a bad taste in our mouths. Instead, you want potential customers to be intrigued by your brand. When your sign has visual appeal, they’re more likely to remember it when they need what you have to offer. 

Additionally, audiences associate quality signage with a quality company. On average, potential customers only need seven seconds to decide about a retailer. In that time, they likely have not yet spoken to you. They also haven’t had a chance to interact meaningfully with your products or services. That means they’re making their decision based on visuals. 

If you want to grow your business and build brand trust, it’s the perfect time to invest in signs that appeal to your ideal customers before they even say “hello” for the first time. 

  1. Consistent branding helps in marketing efforts. 

Marketing is a string that connects you to your customers. It draws them in until they reach their goal: purchasing your product or booking your service! If you want your marketing efforts to go further, make sure to implement consistent branding across your business — and yes, that includes your signage. 

Think of it this way: if clients see an ad for your company on social media, they’re being introduced to your official branding. Then, if they drive down the street the following week and see the same branding on a storefront, they’re already making a valuable connection. 

When they enter your store, they might find matching interior signage, from floor graphics to sidewalk signs to labels on each of your gift bags. All of this connects your customer to your brand, putting your marketing to work for you. 

  1. Quality signs save you money over time.

It’s true that you can find signs at just about any price point. But in reality, choosing the cheapest option can actually become a bigger expense over time. When you invest in quality signs, you’re opting for value over cost, which can save you time and money in the long run. 

Quality signs are made with quality materials, which means that your sign will last longer, especially with proper care and positioning. If you buy a temporary banner annually instead of installing a permanent exterior sign that will last year after year, your total cost will be higher – not to mention the hassle of repeated reinstallation! 

When you work with a sign shop like Optima Signs & Graphics, you can get expert advice about how to get the best quality sign within your budget. 

  1. Ordering the right sign makes all the difference.

Even if a sign has visual appeal, a consistent brand, and quality materials, it might not help your business grow if it’s not the right sign for you. At Optima Signs & Graphics, we help customers in the Atlanta area and beyond create signage solutions that truly work. 

We’ll help you bring your signage dreams to life by recommending the proper materials for your needs, from vinyl banners to aluminum signs. Using our decades of experience in signage and design, we can also help you select the right colors, styles, and sign sizes to guarantee the right fit for your business. 

If you’re ready to invest in signs that will serve your business well in 2024, Optima Signs & Graphics is here to help. Contact us for a quote or get started with your design online today. 

Top 6 Unique Sign Designs in 2023 

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You may be familiar with “standard” vinyl banners and permanent exterior signs, but they only scratch the surface of the projects we completed in 2023. Our customers came to us with unique jobs of all shapes and sizes, and we had a blast designing and installing solutions for each and every one of them. 

At Optima Signs & Graphics, our aim is to create custom signs worthy of your business and brand—no matter how creative we need to get to accomplish that goal. Here are some of our favorite out-of-the-box projects from this year. 

Our Most Unique Sign Solutions in 2023

1. Custom “Wet Floor” Signs

The Los Angeles Airport Marriott wanted to be certain they protected guests from slips or falls when the weather gets rainy or a spill takes place. They called us to create 40 custom movable signs that they could use throughout the hotel property. We designed and printed them in-house before shipping them cross-country to their new home! 

Most people may only need one or two portable signs, but if you’re looking for a larger quantity, you’re in the right place. We’d love to help you create a sign that works — and we can ship your order directly to you when it’s ready!

2. Magnetic Roster and Record Boards

A local girls’ cross-country team here in Georgia had a good problem—they kept breaking their own records! This school was looking for an innovative way to update its roster and top times from season to season, and one of our newer products provided the perfect solution. Branded magnets aren’t just for vehicles anymore!

We updated all nine of their roster and record boards using a unique magnetic receptive material. While most magnetic systems use a receptive backing board and smaller magnets, this brand (Switch It) offers the reverse—a magnetic board with magnetic-receptive strips to place on it. 

The result? It’s easier than ever to update the boards, and these materials gave the entire space a fresh, updated look. 

3. Halo Lit Dimensional Logo 

We may not offer electrical signage in-house, but don’t let that stop you from finding the perfect sign solution with us! This construction company wanted a halo-lit dimensional logo in their interior lobby, and once we saw the space, we knew we had to find a way. 

Our trusted partner in metal lettering offers halo-lit cast metal options, so we coordinated with them to bring this dream to life. They manufactured the lit logo and then shipped everything to us for a custom installation. 

This may have been our first halo-lit install, but we bet it won’t be the last! Our team loved the finished product—and so did our clients. 

4. Oversized Fabric Banners

This medical company is always innovating new solutions to help others, and they often keep track of complicated biological equations on long whiteboards while they work on a new product. However, this room is also home to countless conferences and meetings! They wanted to find a way to keep their notes on the whiteboard while hosting others for meetings. 

Together, we designed an oversized fabric banner to cover whiteboards during conferences or meetings. It was designed to stretch across permanently installed hooks, and the entire piece of fabric sits just off the whiteboard, so as not to erase any of the important equations! 

After the meeting or conference ends, they can easily store the banner away until it’s needed again. 

5. Giant Individual Letters

We’re not strangers to individual lettering, but a local high school came to us with the biggest job yet. These letters are eight feet tall! 

We worked with the school to customize a solution that would stand out in any crowd, yet be lightweight enough to be held up by students and transported around the gymnasium. With letters this big, every pep rally is amazing! 

6. Chalk Box Decals

An entrepreneur we know came to us with a very unique problem. There were no manufacturers of quality writing chalk in his country, the Central African Republic. He had purchased the equipment to make chalk, and the boxes to put it in, but he needed an economical way to brand the boxes.

So we created custom decals for packages of chalk that literally made their way halfway across the globe! Now, kids can write on chalkboards using quality chalk, manufactured in their home country, fueling their creativity and assisting in their education. 

Creating Custom Sign Solutions for All

No matter what your signage needs are in the year ahead, Optima Signs & Graphics can help. Even if you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for on our service menu, we’d love to hear from you. 

We come to work every day ready to dream up creative signage solutions for our customers, from the smallest decals to the largest exterior installations. We can deliver and install your order, or we can ship it directly to you! 

At Optima Signs & Graphics, the display options truly are endless. Start your next project with us by getting in touch today. 

How Long Should My Sign Last?

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The lifespan of a sign is versatile and varied, depending on its use and your preference! Some customers want a permanent storefront sign that will withstand the sun and elements for years, while others may only need a vibrant banner for a one-weekend event. 

So, how long should your sign last? The answer is as individual as your order. 

How Long Will My Sign Last? 

To make a long answer short: it depends. This is not a marketing tactic or a way to avoid answering your question—there truly are a number of factors that determine the lifetime of a sign or banner! Here are just a few factors to consider:

Is the sign painted, printed, or made from cut vinyl?

Dimensional letters and logos are usually painted with a durable, UV resistant finish that will last for many years. Some even come with a lifetime guarantee. 

Flat, two dimensional signs are usually printed or made from contour cut, adhesive backed sign vinyl. There are two main types of vinyl on the market today: cast and calendered. Calendered vinyl is rolled out from solid form until it is a few millimeters thick. Cast vinyl is created from a liquid pour. Cast vinyl is often referred to as “high-performance” vinyl. It has a higher price point, but also provides nearly double the lifespan of calendered vinyl in many situations.

Printing is a great choice for intricate logos or multicolored designs. However, ink fades faster than solid-colored vinyl, so keep in mind that your printed signs may need to be replaced more often than a solid vinyl sign would. Inks used for printed signs are UV stable and can last up to three years unlaminated and may last twice as long with a quality laminate.  

The substrate

The substrate, or base material that the image is printed on or vinyl letters applied to, varies, depending on how the sign is being used and how long it needs to last. When we first started our business almost all signs were made from vinyl letters cut with a plotter from rolls of adhesive backed vinyl,which were then applied to the substrate with transfer tape. 

Thankfully, the signage industry has come a long way! Even though we still make many signs using cut vinyl letters,  we make most of our signs by printing directly to the substrate.

Common sign substrates include: 

  • PVC/Coroplast — best for indoor or short term outdoor use. 
  • Acrylic — best for backlit outdoor signs. 
  • Aluminum or Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) — best for long-lasting signs. 

For example, a printed Coroplast sign might last a few months in a particular location, while an aluminum sign with high-performance cast vinyl could last for many years. The type of sign you should choose depends on your preferences and needs.  

Location 

Sun is the top factor in a sign’s lifespan. Western-facing signs fade the fastest, so if you can choose your sign’s location (or at least its direction), consider north, south, or east-facing signage. If direct sunlight is a concern, ask about our metal exterior sign options!

How to Prolong the Life of Your Vinyl Sign or Banner

Want to prolong the life of your vinyl sign or banner? These three tips can help. 

1. Choose quality materials. 

If you’re looking for a short-term option, we’d be happy to talk you through our most affordable sign solutions. But if you’re hoping for a l sign that stands the test of time, opting for materials that are designed to last can really make a difference. We like to think in terms of value instead of cost. 

While your initial price may be higher for top-quality materials, your value over time will actually be better, because you won’t need to replace it nearly as often! 

2. Use good transportation habits. 

Buying a sign that you want to use again next weekend — or even next year? Temporary banners are reusable many times, depending on care and use! When you pack up your banner, remember to roll instead of fold. 

This keeps your sign from getting permanently creased, which can eventually cause weakness. For the best results of all, get a tube to transport your banner from place to place.

3. Consider your location.

Today’s signs are made to last, but placement can greatly affect your sign’s lifespan! Remember that western-facing signs receive the brightest and harshest sunlight, and elevated or open spaces face higher winds. Placing your sign with these factors in mind could extend its life significantly. 

Your Custom Sign and Banner Solution

No matter what kind of sign or banner you need, Optima Signs & Graphics is here to help. Our team has decades of experience in helping customers create signs that last, and our on-site design team can bring your logo and your vision to life. 

We provide fast turnaround times, with same-week delivery for many vinyl banners and signs. And if you’re looking for even more signage options, we aim to be your one-stop shop! Ask us about our vehicle wraps, window graphics, custom decals and labels, and more. 

We love creating unique products and solutions, both locally in Georgia and across the country. Start your next project with Optima today! 

What Is the Difference Between a Sign and a Banner?

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It would be nearly impossible to count the reasons customers walk into our doors needing signage. From charity events to corporate conferences, home renovation sites to office boardrooms, retail stores to hospitals, every place needs a quality sign at some point in time. 

For every reason someone needs signage, there are endless ways to create a functional and beautiful solution. At Optima Signs & Graphics, we offer all types of signs, from permanent metal installations to temporary banners. 

Often, we can even help you determine what kind of materials work best for your needs. Many of our projects and installations fall in one of two categories: signs and banners.

Key Differences Between Signs and Banners

Differentiating between signs and banners can be tricky. We’ve been known to say, “All banners are signs, but not all signs are banners.” In other words, a banner is a type of sign, but generally, banners and signs serve different purposes. 

Temporary vs. Permanent

Most signs are installed as permanent fixtures in a space. They’re designed to last for years, even decades. Because of this, signs are typically created with text that won’t need to change very often. Common sign usage includes business logos, directional signs in a building, and commemorative plaques. 

On the other hand, banners provide the perfect temporary solution. Banners can be printed for lower costs with fast turnaround times, making them an expedient option that still provides both professionalism and durability. 

Although they are considered “temporary” options, a well-made banner can last for months or even years in the right location! 

Flexible vs. Rigid

Signs are created with rigid materials like plastic and metal. This makes them durable, but it also makes them difficult to transport—especially if they’re large or heavy! 

However, banners are easy to roll up and carry onsite for your event. Because they’re created with fabric, vinyl, or mesh, they typically offer easy installation and transportation. We’ve even had customers carry on banners for a flight! 

4 Popular Types of Banners

If you’re looking for a short or medium term signage solution, banners are a fantastic option. Consider these four types of banners for your upcoming event! 

1. Vinyl Banners

Known as the original temporary signage solution, vinyl banners provide the ultimate versatility in both size and design. With reinforced edges and quality grommets, they’re durable enough to last through many uses. 

Vinyl banners are often used indoors, but they also work well outdoors against a solid surface. With their quick turnaround times, easy transport, and reusability, a vinyl banner might be just what you need. 

2. Retractable Banners

If you’re looking for a lightweight signage choice with minimal setup and tear down, a retractable banner is the perfect fit. These transportable options are a common choice for trade show vendors, recurring conferences, and other traveling events. 

3. Mesh Banners

Want an outdoor signage solution that lasts in the elements without tears and rips? Mesh banners are your best option. 

While vinyl banners work well when tethered to a solid surface like an exterior wall, they can be prone to tearing (or flying away entirely!) under adverse weather conditions. Mesh banners solve this problem by providing a place for the wind to flow seamlessly, eliminating pressure build up. 

You may have seen mesh banners on construction site fencing, stretched across columns at a church or university, or in open-air outdoor settings like race finish lines or festivals. They function well even in dimensions that would be considered oversized with other materials. Our mesh banners are built with webbing in the hem to withstand an even higher wind load! 

4. Fabric

For indoor projects, a fabric banner can offer an aesthetically pleasing solution. One of our favorite recent projects involved creating custom fabric banners with permanent wall hooks to stretch over whiteboards in a conference room. 

This allowed easy access to the whiteboards when needed, while still creating a beautiful environment for meetings (without erasing important information!). 

Create Your Custom Signs and Banners

No matter what type of sign or banner you have in mind, Optima Signs & Graphics can help you bring your vision to life. 
If you’d like to discuss the best signage solution for your project, give us a call or stop by our Marietta, Ga. storefront. Already know what you need? Start your project online right here for a seamless process.