SmallBusinessNewz

Sign company FastSigns issued a press release today, no doubt as a way to sell more signs, but they do bring up some good points.

For example, signage is a cheap way to advertise. In fact, it is the least expensive, yet most effective form of advertising according to the U.S. Small Business Administation.

As FastSigns points out, signs are cost-effective, and easily changeable. "Studies show by rotating among several designs, you can keep your message fresh and your customers attentive."

You can achieve this with other forms of advertising as well, but for the brick and mortar business, there are few more effective tools for bringing in customers off the street. FastSigns cites:
- Custom banners

- Banner stands/exhibits

- Labels and decals

- Vehicle graphics

- Magnetic signage

- Point-of-purchase signs and posters

- Window, floor and ceiling graphics

- Backlit displays

- Yard signs

Window, floor and ceiling graphics. This one particularly stands out to me. Most stores have some kind of signage in their windows, but what about the floor and the ceiling?

I like this concept. Why not use your store as a virtual advertisement for products you wish to promote? It may take away from the elegance of a hardwood floor or Oriental rug, but depending on the atmosphere you are going for with your store, this type of signage may be appropriate.

It is basically free ad-space, and you can't get much closer to the point of sale than in the store itself. Of course there are always the walls too ;)