Put a Sign on It
Signs are everywhere, residential streets, commercial buildings, and in many windows. Have you considered using signs to promote your service or product?
Often, in the construction industry, it is customary to fly banners or have signs on the property that list the companies working on the project. You will likely see a banner or large sign for the Bank, General Contractor, the Owner, and all of the other providers on both the architecture, engineering and subcontractor level. It is great advertising for all the firms involved in the project. But these signs can be used in many other industries as well and, quite possibly, your own.
Residential contractors always seem to be leaving lawn signs in my neighborhood when completing jobs at homes in the area. Gutters, roofs, pools, HVAC, painters, landscapers, the list is endless. Often, their contracts with homeowners state that they must be permitted to place a lawn sign on the days the work is performed. Or some may offer a slight discount if you agree to allow them to use your lawn as an advertising billboard. Well, some of the same approaches can be used for noncontractor services.
Consider what your competition may be doing. Can you place large signs inside your window that would face out onto a busy street? If so, this is a perfect opportunity to sell your company out of your own space. Just make sure your landlord is okay with it. It is a very cheap way for a small business or solopreneur to reach a greater audience with only the cost of the sign. If you work from home or in a secluded office building, this may not be much help but many of us take space on more commercial, heavily trafficked roads. Your next client may just be driving by!
Also, consider displaying business cards or counter signs at places who use your product or service. When we had monthly floral arrangements sent to our office for IWON meetings, we always displayed the card of the Florist in front of the arrangement. We also include a business card for things such as promotional items so people know where our company bling came from, particularly when the firm is local.
So, the next time you see a lawn sign, a project banner, or a business card display, think “can I put a sign on it?”. Every business is different, every service or product reaches across differing planes of commerce, just remember to consider the options. Putting a sign on it as the saying goes could truly extend your advertising reach for minimal cost. Unless there is a proprietary or legal reason that a client or vendor cannot display your sign when using your company, just ask. You may be surprised how many are willing to do this for you. And if your signs are bright and/or creative, it might also draw more attention to the company displaying your sign. This could be a good marketing opportunity for both of you!
Be well.
