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SPRINGFIELD SIGN BLOG |
 Drive anywhere down a busy city street, and you’ll see two different types of signs and billboards: digital and traditional. Digital signage can change its message, flash letters, numbers, and images, and capture your attention. Traditional signs mark where your business is, how late it’s open, and what your business does. Which is better for your business? Today’s blog from Springfield Sign outlines the advantages and disadvantages of traditional versus digital sign installation.
Costs Sign installation follows two different cost models. You must take into account upfront costs and long-term costs. Digital signs may cost more upfront compared to traditional signs. Electronic components like LEDs cost more than traditional materials, even compared to neon or light-up signs. However, a digital sign that can change saves money over the long term. What if you want to change the message on the sign? You’ll have to get a new sign printed if it’s made of traditional materials. What if you rebrand in five to 10 years? Your old static signage becomes outdated. Flexibility Static signs say the same thing every day. They’re great for brand recognition as traffic and pedestrians pass by your establishment. However, you’ll need to pay for printing, processing, and labor costs for your new signage. Digital sign installation allows you to change the message on the sign to just about anything. Post your weekly specials, tout your social media websites, update customers on any changes, and engage with your target audience better. Wow Effect Digital signage looks great thanks to improved technology in the past five years. Vibrant colors and moving messages on digital screens attract attention easily and connect with your target audience. Let’s say you have an upcoming event and you want to market it. Post a photo or video of the event to the digital sign, alerting people of what’s coming. Static or traditional sign installation would mean you’d have to order an entirely new sign and wait for it to be delivered. Once you plan for the event, you can put it on your digital sign ASAP. Branding Static signs are fantastic for branding. Springfield Sign can make your font, color scheme, and logo stand out with brilliant designs. Over time, your signs help you achieve better brand recognition. Digital sign installation goes one step further with updated information. A digital sign shows you’re ahead of the game and with the times. Consider combining traditional and digital signage for a complete branding package. Whatever you choose, traditional, digital, or a combination, Springfield Sign’s team of experts can help you put the right message in front of the right people. Contact Springfield Sign for Sign Installation Springfield Sign is a world-class sign designer, builder, and installer. We’re not happy until you’re happy. We use high-quality materials and expert designers to ensure your goals are met during the entire build process, and we provide service after the sale. Contact Springfield Sign or call 417-862-1887 to learn more about our static, electronic, and digital signs.
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 If you’ve lived in Springfield for any amount of time, you’ve probably seen at least one neon sign or two in town. Bars and restaurants have them as main parts of their signage or near the front door. Many establishments proclaim they’re “open” with a red or blue sign. In today’s blog from Springfield Sign, we explain how neon signs are made.
Glass Neon sign manufacturers rely on soft lead glass tubes for construction. Soft lead glass is easily bendable into various shapes. The diameter of the glass ranges from 0.3 to 1 inch in diameter, while the length of each tube runs 4 to 5 feet. At each end of the tube is an electrode that supplies an electrical charge to the gas inside. Special machines blow the glass to just the right thickness for neon signs. The glass dries and cools. Then, small burners heat up certain sections of the glass so workers can bend it to form letters, shapes, and numbers. Manufacturers finish this process by bombarding the tubes with electricity and heat to remove any impurities from the glass. Air Specialized vacuums remove all air from the inside of the tube after it’s in the final shape. Then the electrodes are attached. Inert gas is then pumped into the tube. Despite the name, neon signs don’t always have neon in them. Neon is only used to produce red and orange colors. Argon and a neon-argon mixture is also used. The intensity of the light color changes based on small amounts of mercury added to the gas mixture, which is particularly true of blue lights. Zenon, krypton, and helium all create special effects. Glass tubes can also be coated to make various colors. Electrical Current The electrodes on either end of a glass tube on a neon side produce the electrical current that makes the inert gases glow. Typical currents range from 30 to 60 mA (milliamps), meaning it doesn’t take a lot of electricity to light a neon sign. Aging Neon signs need anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours to age. This is when manufacturers run the lights to get the right glow. If there are any problems, such as flickering, the manufacturer takes off the electrodes and removes more impurities through bombardment. Installation Finally, it’s time to install a neon sign. The glass is mounted on a metal frame and wired. Any parts of the tube that don’t need the light to shine through are covered in an opaque material. Lifespan Neon lights typically last around 30,000 hours of operation, or about 1,250 days (3.5 years) if the light stays on all the time. The less someone uses a neon sign, the longer it lasts. Neon Signs From Springfield Sign Springfield Sign is your full-service sign design firm based in Springfield, Missouri. We can craft and design the perfect sign to elevate your brand, including neon signs. Contact Springfield Sign or call toll-free 1-800-845-9927 for more information.  Your business sign is the first impression most clients will have with your company. Your sign should be attractive, thoughtful, and representative of your business. If you haven’t put much thought into your sign design, now is the time to start. Today, the team at Springfield Signs will discuss a few ways in which you can create a sign that will better represent your business.
Match Your Business Aesthetic The first thing to consider when building a sign is the material you would like your sign to made from. You will want to find a material that matches your business aesthetic. Neon signs may be the perfect fit for a retro arcade, while a treated iron sign could fit a luxury boutique. Consider your business, your style, and choose a material design that matches. If you choose a vinyl sign, you will have many available options for printing and colors. A wood sign can be very luxurious and last for some time as long as you choose a type of wood that can stand up to the elements. Plastic and metal signs come with their own benefits and drawbacks. Whatever you choose, it is important to consult with a professional sign team to find the right style for you. Explain your vision, your ability to maintain the sign, and your budget, and they will be able to offer you options that will be the best fit for your business. Placement Regardless of how beautifully designed your sign is, if people can’t see it — it isn’t going to do you much good. Consider the environment of your building. If businesses around you are close together, how can your sign stand out? If you are the only business in your area, how can you catch the attention of people who pass by? Make sure your sign stands out from the surrounding environment. You want it high, but not too high. Again, this is an excellent time to consult with a sign designer to ensure you find the location that will work best for your business sign. Create an Easy to Understand Message Many people make snap decisions to visit a business as they pass by the storefront. Your mission, as you design your sign, is to create a clear message that allows potential customers to recognize what it is you do with just a glance. Make your message and branding clear and concise and your business will benefit. Contact Springfield Sign Today If you are in Southwest Missouri, Springfield Sign is the most-trusted sign design and manufacturer in the area. We use high-quality materials and expert designers to ensure your goals are met during the entire build process. Reach out to our team today at 417-862-1887 to learn more.  The very first thing most people think of when they envision a business is the signage. Your business sign is your identity and should let your customers know exactly what you are about. Today, the experts at Springfield Sign will explain how your business sign helps to establish your brand.
Convey Your Message Your commercial sign should work to inform your customers about your business. What differentiates you from the competition? Say you are the owner of a breakfast diner. Your specialty is big, fluffy pancakes that everyone around town loves. How can you convey that with your sign? Maybe you place your restaurant name directly over a large stack of pancakes? If your business sign announces the reason a customer should choose you, it is already successful. Show Your Personality Signs are a great way to share the culture and personality of your business. Think about your target audience and what they will find interesting or attractive. Your business personality may be upscale and luxurious or homespun and vintage — whatever it is, your sign should relay that message to the clients you are actively targeting. Stay Consistent When establishing a brand, consistency is key. You want your signs, banners, website, and sales materials to have a consistent brand identity. That may include colors, logo placement, font, and voice. Repetition leads to recognition. The more you hammer home your brand identity, the better it will stick in your customer’s mind. Work With Professionals When designing and installing branded signs, take advantage of the experience and knowledge of a professional sign company. In Springfield, MO, businesses know that Springfield Sign is the place to go for expert sign design, installation, and maintenance. As an industry leader, we are confident that our signs will portray the message and personality of your business. To learn more about our services, reach out to our team today. You can call us at 1-800-845-9927 or reach out online here. We look forward to hearing from you.  It could be argued that no industry benefits from a quality business sign quite like restaurants. Whether a classic neon sign for a diner, a digital sign that updates daily specials, or a luxury style sign for a boutique restaurant — a restaurant’s sign is the first thing your clientele will interact with during their visit. As such, it is crucial to design and install a quality sign that fits your brand and helps establish the environment your patrons will experience. Today, Springfield Sign will share exactly why your restaurant should invest in a quality sign as soon as possible.
Signs Are Key to Your Communication Your restaurant benefits from a sign that communicates expectations to potential patrons. Whether that includes branding, daily specials, or simply the style of restaurant you strive to be — your sign offers a unique opportunity to communicate with potential visitors. Many restaurants opt for digital signs in order to keep their information current and flexible. Not only can you instantly engage with customers through flashy graphics and eye-catching designs, but you can also help to direct them towards deals and specials that can be easily updated daily. For franchised restaurants with multiple locations, a digital sign provides the ability to easily coordinate sign updates at every location, all from a single online portal. You can keep track of each franchise location from anywhere in the world, giving you the oversight and agility you need to out-position your competition. You Can Establish Your Restaurant Experience Early Restaurant signage enables owners to establish the culture and experience you are striving for at your establishment. Are you a high-end date night destination? Maybe you are a fast-casual lunch spot that targets business clients? Or perhaps your restaurant targets sports fans for big games and events? Whatever your specialty, your sign helps to carve out your niche and establish your location as the go-to spot for whatever environment you target. Your Sign Is the Number One Way You Build Your Brand A quality sign is the first thing that comes to mind when you are imagining branding. Signage is so crucial to restaurant brands that most people see the two as synonymous. McDonald’s and the golden arches go hand in hand. Braums and their giant pink ice cream cone are tied together. The reality of the restaurant industry is that potential visitors will judge a book by its cover. A good sign will reflect your brand, your values, and your goals and portray that information to customers. Contact Springfield Sign Today If you are ready to design and install a sign that you can be proud of, contact the experts at Springfield Sign today. Our team will discuss what is important to you and ensure your needs are met and exceeded. Call our team at 800-845-9927 to learn more.  As they say, change is good. Your commercial sign may have been a real eye-catcher twenty years ago, but it may feel a little dated today. At Springfield Sign, we know everything there is to know about commercial signs. With that in mind, here are a few reasons it may be time for an update or redesign to your sign.
Your Sign Has Noticeable Wear and Tear Any sign that is outdoors will eventually experience some general wear. However, if your sign is noticeably damaged — rust, paint peeling, chipped, or faded — it’s probably time for an update. Your sign is the first thing customers see, and you don’t want to give a bad first impression. The Style Is Outdated Just like your old bellbottoms, trends that used to be considered attractive may now seem passé. Fonts, graphics, and color schemes can appear dated before you know it. Maybe it is time to look into a 3D sign or maybe you want to go from neon to a more environmentally friendly LED sign to better fit your business ethos. Your Business Has Changed Businesses change their direction all the time. It’s important to stay fluid and mobile. As you change, it’s crucial for your brand to stay relevant to your message. A rebrand can target new demographics or better describe your new direction. Once your brand changes, it’s important for your sign to change with it. Consistent marketing messages help to build and develop your identity in the mind of the consumer. Order Your Next Sign From Springfield Sign As an industry leader, we know that our sign products will exceed the quality of our competitor’s products. If you are truly looking for the best sign company in Southwest Missouri — Springfield Sign is your only choice. Reach out to our team today at 800.845.9927 to get started with a consultation.  An outdoor business sign is an investment in the future of your business. It helps to establish your brand as well as attract nearby pedestrians. A smart business owner takes the time to plan and perform maintenance on their sign to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Do’s of Outdoor Signs Do Provide Cover & Shade Two reasons sign quality degrades over time are the sun and precipitation. Signs that are exposed to the elements are more likely to fade or malfunction. Do Use High-Quality Materials You want to ensure your sign is crafted with high-quality materials that will look great and stand up to the elements. Your sign is an investment, and starting with quality materials can help that investment last. Do Schedule Regular Maintenance Maintenance is especially important for businesses with an electrical sign. Have a team you can trust periodically check for sign integrity as well as any touchups or repairs that may be needed. Don’ts of Outdoor Signs Don’t Ignore Malfunctions Signs that have bulb issues or flickering lights will not only look bad to potential customers, but can eventually lead to further electrical issues. If you notice a malfunction in your sign, make sure to contact a professional team to address the problem as soon as possible. Don’t Place Your Sign Directly in Foot Traffic Sometimes placing your sign within reach of pedestrians is unavoidable. However, if your sign is within reach of people passing by, you are placing it at risk of vandalism or accidental damage. It will help to minimize potential risk if you can place the sign overhead ten feet or higher. Don’t Place Your Sign Near Your Sprinklers This may seem obvious as you read it, but many businesses don’t consider their sprinkler system when installing their outdoor sign. Most signs contain wood or metal, so water from your sprinkler system can quickly degrade the quality of your investment. Trust Springfield Sign With Your Next Outdoor Sign If your business is looking for an outdoor sign that will look great and last, contact Springfield Sign today. Our expert team will provide you with all the information you need to ensure your sign is a success. Call our team today at 800.845.9927.  Outdoor signs can require quite a bit of maintenance due to the impact of weather as time passes. If you’re looking to update your sign and keep it looking new, Springfield Sign has a few maintenance tips for you.
Update Any Fading Sections Over time, wind, rain, and sun can take a toll on your sign. The lettering on your sign may begin to fade when exposed to extreme weather conditions. When you notice your sign fading, take the time to replenish the color with a new coat of paint or updated lettering. Not only will it make your business appear professional, but it shows that you care about your business’s appearance and image. Fix Any Cracks or Damaged Spots If you notice any damaged spots or cracks in your sign, it’s crucial to fix them as soon as you see them. Call a local sign repair shop or business, and they’d be happy to provide some maintenance on your sign. Check for Electrical Problems If you have a neon sign, you may want to check for any electrical problems, because a burnt-out sign can’t do you much good. If you notice your exterior neon sign flickering or burnt out, you sign may need a bit of electrical maintenance done. This can be anything from replacing bulbs to rewiring the entire sign. Remove Any Obstructions Overgrown trees or shrubbery in front of your sign can limit your clientele from viewing your business. If you notice any obstructions in the way, it’s important to take action to prevent a reduction in business traffic. Remove any tree branches or other obstructions to keep your sign viewable. Tidy Up Leaves and twigs can often get stuck in the small crevices of your sign. Every few weeks, take the time to clean your sign and remove any debris from the logo or lettering. A clean commercial sign shows that the business cares about its appearance. Sign Maintenance With Springfield Sign If you notice any cracks or lighting issues with your commercial sign, Springfield Sign in Springfield, MO, can do the job. We’ll have your sign looking brand new in no time. Contact us today at 800-845-9927 or fill out our sign maintenance request form.  There are many steps that you, as a business owner, can take to prepare for the commercial sign installation process. If you want the process to go as smooth as possible, Springfield Sign has a few suggestions to prepare your business for sign installation.
Schedule the Installation Time As your sign is being drafted and created, you will soon end up with an amazing finished product. Setting up a time for the installation helps prevent any scheduling mishaps or delayed turnarounds. Just as Murphy's Law states, anything that can happen, will happen. The earlier you can get your installation date on the calendar, the better. Prep the Area While we don’t expect you to have a ladder up and ready for the installation, there are a few things you can do to prep the area designated for your sign. If your sign is going to be placed above your business, you may want to power wash the front of your building or clean any debris that may obstruct the view of your sign. When the installation team arrives, it’s good to have everything in order so your sign can shine. Double Check Measurements & Placement If you’ve checked it once already, it’s always a good idea to recheck it. You can never be too careful with sign placement and measurements. Coordinate With All Involved Parties You may need more than just yourself and the installation company involved on installation day. If you’re renting a building, you may need the building manager there for liability reasons. Before you begin the installation process, confirm with the building manager or property owner that you are installing the sign. Sign Installation Made Easy With Springfield Sign The great thing about Springfield Sign is that our sign installation process always goes smoothly. We are dedicated to ensuring the installation process is done correctly the first time with no errors. If you have a sign that needs to be installed on your building or billboard, we can do the job. Call us at 800-845-9927 to learn more.  The sign installation process can be an exciting time for your business. It means that your sign is close to completion and it's time for the big reveal to your audience. While the installation process is a standard procedure, there are a few things you can do as a business owner to make it go a bit smoother. Springfield Sign lists a few ways you can make the process easier.
Have a Location in Mind The sign installation process will certainly go a lot smoother if you already have a location in mind for your custom sign. Before you give us a call, have an idea of where your sign will be placed. Do you have a billboard location set-up? What about the front of your business? Near the street? While having a location in mind may seem like a small step, it can get the process rolling a lot quicker. If you’re not sure where to locate your sign, you can always call us and we will give some pointers on the best locations. Related Post: Sign Installation: Concept To Completion Take Careful Measurements The worst-case scenario is that you have a sign ready to be installed, but it doesn’t fit in your desired location. That’s why measurements are so important. Before your sign can be installed, take the measurements of your designated sign location. We can determine from there how we’ll install the sign and if it’ll work in the selected space. Survey the Site Several Times While an initial survey of the location site is standard, it may be wise to survey the site several times before installation day. Typically, the whole sign creation process can take up to 90-days, and a lot can happen between now and then. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your location and make a few visits before the big day to make sure nothing has changed. Leave It to the ProfessionalsWhen it comes to sign installation, leave it to the professionals. While it may be tempting just to install the sign yourself, professionals will know exactly what they’re doing. An installation team will know how to do it the right way the first time, protecting your investment. Related Post: What Attributes Contribute To A Successful Sign? Choose Springfield Sign If you’re looking for a professional sign installation team, choose Springfield Sign. Not only does our team have years of experience, but we guarantee we’ll install your sign correctly the first time. Call our Springfield, MO, office today at 800-845-9927. Don’t forget to check out the work we’ve done for other businesses in our design gallery. |