Thanksgiving & signs

A time for Thanksgiving from the sign guy

At this time of year we pause and reflect on all of the blessings we are thankful for. So here are some of mine as it relates to the sign business.

I’m thankful for:

• computers – they have revolutionized the quality of signs in Minnesota and around the world
• digital cameras – this tool is the handiest item in my tool bag. The ability to instantly provide sign installers a clear picture of where you want your wall sign
• internet – this ability to show off our sign gallery to anyone anywhere is truly amazing
• professional sign guys – the sign guys at my shop are tremendous and do an outstanding job of meeting our customers sign needs
• customers – We have some of the best customers, and some of the worst, for which I am truly thankful. For without them, there would be no sign guy and no need for lit signs.

Happy Thanksgiving

Good signing

Minneapolis signs and city issues

If you have a business in Minneapolis get your sign started now.

The Minneapolis Sign permit department is a very busy place. In that office their is a sign that states it could take up to 45 days to review a sign permit. Also, Minneapolis requires a licensed sign contractor approved by the city council of Minneapolis to do the sign installation.

Don’t get stuck with a company that can’t even get the permit. My company is a licensed sign hanger for Minneapolis and has been for several years. We also know the tricks to getting a sign permit in under 45 days.

How to get a sign permit in Minneapolis

1. research the sign code
2. design a sign that matches the code
3. have a sign hangers license already
4. get the sign design approved by the landlord
5. fill out a sign permit application
6. send in the application
7. wait 45 days before you start making your sign ( or hire me to do it quicker)
8. Pay your fee.

It’s as simple as that.

Good signing

What should my wall sign say?

With a wall sign, how much information can be put on the front?

A sign can do 2 things. Advertise or Identify. Some folks want their wall sign, or pylon to advertise every single item they sell. This is usually because the name of the business doesn’t mean anything, so they need additional information on the sign.

How to figure out the right size wall sign or pylon sign

Letter size for your sign is very easy to figure out. First determine the maximum wall sign you are allowed to have. (see city issues in this blog) Second, how far away is your sign going to be read on average. And third, how fast is the traffic driving past, or better still, how long does a car driving take to pass you sign.

Typically, a car driving by your business can see your pylon sign from 500-1000 feet away. It will take a care about 25-30 seconds to drive by your sign going at city traffic speeds and will only be able to read your sign in that time frame. Usually less, because of course they are driving. Most signs will be read in less than 10 seconds.

How much can your sign say in 10 seconds?

As a rule of thumb, make the letters the largest you can get and still look good within your maximum sign size, then limit your message to 7-10 words. Meaningful words. Picture words. Words that will create an immediate picture in the drivers mind.

You have a limited amount of time to pass along a message. KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid is the rule. If you put too much stuff on your sign, or the design is difficult to read, YOUR WALL SIGN OR PYLON SIGN WON’T WORK! I shout for effect. I am an advocate of simple & readable is better. Why design a sign that can’t be read by the audience you are trying to attract?

I live and work in Minnesota. As I drive through the Twin Cities I see so many signs that say way to much. You only have 10-15 seconds to get their attention, don’t blow it.

Good signing

What Should Your Wall Sign Say?

Should you just use your name on your Minnesota wall sign or pylon sign, or would something else be better?

This may not seem like a sign question, but it is very important to decide what should go on your sign. Many people automatically assume that the company name is all you need on your sign.

Before we look at some suggestions let me ask you this. What does Burlington Industries, Inc. do? Don’t know? Maybe manufacturing? Unless you live in Burlington, you most likely don’t know who this company is or what they do. This is there name, but should it be on the sign alone?

Identify or Advertise?

Your Minnesota sign can either do  things, it can Identify or Advertise. This means that your sign can tell people who and where you are but not tell them what you do, or it can tell them where you are and what you do.

Unless you have a major brand like McDonald’s or 3M, you may want to focus on the advertising part. My company is Signs by RSG. I chose this name because it tells immediately what it is that I sell. When I introduce myself to people and tell them the company I work for they know what I do without further explanation.

Have you ever been introduced to a person and even after they told you the company name you still had no idea what they did? Well your sign is like an introduction of your business to those people driving by. If they can’t figure out what your selling, they most likely won’t stop.

Your name may sound sweet, but if it doesn’t accurately describe what you do, consider some additional info on your wall sign.

Later I will talk more about what to put on your sign, but for now think about your name.

Remember, your building sign can either be  clear introduction into what your selling, or it can just identify your location. If you are looking for traffic then make your message as clear as possible.

good signing

Signs in Coon Rapids Minnesota

What are the typical signs in Coon Rapids, Mn and the Twin Cities?

The trend for wall signs in Minnesota shopping centers has been Channel Letters. Many landlords and retailers like the look of channel letters instead of wall signs. These letters have a cleaner look and higher visibility than many of the cabinet type signs.

Of course it is usually more expensive for these type of signs, but because of the higher readability, well worth the cost.

The other factor for using Lit Channel letters, is the fact that the signs look so much better next to the other stores.

READABILITY – BRIGHTNESS

For a business owner you should really consider it a blessing when a shopping center has a well thought out sign criteria. It benefits you and the entire shopping center when better signs are installed. People like to shop in a well lit clean looking area. Individual channel letters can draw in customers, thereby bringing you profits.

Good signing

Minnesota Signs & the Winter

It is winter again in Minnesota, is your sign ready?

We just ended daylight savings time, and now all of a sudden it is getting darker earlier. My shop up in the Ramsey area near Anoka / Coon Rapids begins to receive dozens of calls telling me that their sign is suddenly not working.

Well your sign probably was not lighting all along, your just started noticing it now because your leaving work when it is dark. If this describes you at least your looking into it.

Many business owners, trying to save a buck or two, won’t repair their sign. This is like paying for advertising in the phone book, but having your ad in only half of the books. That would be silly.

You bought a lit sign so that your sign could advertise 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It may cost you a few hundred dollars, but this is far cheaper than the yellow pages. Plus, your advertising directly to the people who buy from you, you know, the ones also driving home in the dark. Driving right past your sign that no one can see because your sign don’t work! (grammatically wrong for effect )

Don’t wait any longer, get it fixed and watch your sales increase.

Good Signing

Minnesota Signs

Minnesota signs and other city issues:

Minnesota was recently in the news over Electronic Message Centers. Minnetonka tried to have all the electronic billboards turned off.

For most of you your not going to face this dramatic of an issue. If you hire the right sign guy, you will be able to have a well designed and installed sign that complies with your city. Below are a few guidlines:

1 – Call the city first. Most Minnesota cities have the sign code online and are very willing to help you determine the size & type of signs you may install.

2 – It’s easier to say I’m sorry than to ask for permission, NOT! The city can and will make you take your sign down. If you don’t believe me, call Clear Channel and ask them.

3 – Call a sign guy. An experienced sign guy and work through and city issues. Call and ask, he is very willing to help you out.

4 – Your city may be easier than Minneapolis. Anoka, Coon Rapids, Champlin, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Maple Grove, Plymouth, New Hope, Fridley, Blaine, Woodbury and many other twin cities suburbs have very simple permitting procedures. But that doesn’t mean that they are all the same. Just because your business borders St. Paul, doesn’t mean you will have signs just like your St. Paul neighbor. Refer to #1

The cities of Minnesota want you to have a sign. They are just trying to prevent sign pollution which makes all of our signs less effective. They also are trying to keep the rules fair for all businesses.

Good Signing