Trends change. That’s a good thing, otherwise we’d never have a chance to express ourselves. But it’s also one reason the commercial awnings and signs you created years ago are starting to look a bit dated. Refreshing them with a trendy new look can make your business look brand new, too.
Renewed awnings and signs can capture the attention of people who’ve become used to seeing you and – horrors – perhaps stopped noticing your business.
What colors are hot for 2014?
Every year brings a new palette of “in” colors for clothing, home exteriors and furnishings, graphic design, even landscaping. Since commercial awnings and signs are an important fashion accessory for your business as well as crucial promotional and identification tools, color trends affect them as well.
For this year’s awnings and signs, you’ll want to consider:
- Earth tones, as eco-friendliness and sustainability remain top of mind for business owners as well as homeowners. Think of these colors as “earthy urban” — cocoa, smoky shades or gray or blue or green.
- Coastal tones – softer blues, sand and peach.
- Colonial tones – gray-blue and rose.
- Naturals – not just the all-time-basic black and ubiquitous khaki, but more interesting options such as soft yellow, leafy greens or warm rusty reds.
And speaking of sustainability . . .
Going green can save your business money on energy costs and can attract eco-conscious customers. You can choose commercial awning fabrics that augment your building’s LEED credits for energy savings and atmosphere.
Technology is trendy.
For commercial awnings and signs, that means remote controls for illumination, retractable awnings and window blinds. With automatic timers, you’ll never have to stop what you’re doing to manage these items. The trend toward increasing digital signage for businesses of all types and sizes offers new ways to integrate awnings and signs.
Shades as signs.
Every business owner knows awnings and signs can be one and the same, or they can complement one another. Trendy new window films and one-way shades add another dimension and more opportunity to promote your business while making it look smarter than ever. Shades have even greater value if your business is located in an area where awnings and signs are severely restricted by building or zoning codes.
Better integrated marketing is a trend that’s always in style.
It’s imperative to use graphic design consistently throughout your marketing and visuals. Above all else, awnings and signs should reinforce your branding so they can properly identify your business and sell your products or services to passersby.
2014 brings renewed emphasis on local marketing.
Whether you’re a big name or a neighborhood secret, marketing close to home is hot this year. While we don’t want to say consumers are tired of malls, the numbers show they’re flocking back to downtowns and neighborhood shopping streets. It’s all about reclaiming our neighborhoods, and the right awnings and signs show your business is a leader in localization.
Customer experience is #1.
Business owners that expect to thrive in 2014 and beyond know that providing a memorable customer experience is fundamentally important. That starts with awnings and signs, because they create your first impression — as important as a friendly “hello” when someone walks in. And awnings and signs keep talking about your business even after you’ve closed.
Think about your customer’s “sidewalk experience,” too. Awnings and signs can welcome people and reflect your business personality, but you have to help them by making sure the rest of your exterior – including the sidewalk – is clean and inviting. The most amazing awnings and signs will go unnoticed if people rush by to avoid your unsightly trash, graffiti or grubby walkway.
It can be fun – and good business – to show your trendy side. But when it comes to awnings and signs, sometimes you can get the most bang by bucking the trends. Be yourself, no matter what everyone else is doing.
