Just as you have seven seconds to make a first impression, so does your shop window and your sign.  But, how many of us simply put our company logo on our signs and mistakenly think that’s sufficient?  We have an amazing opportunity to share our marketing messages, but we choose not to.

Top Tips for Making the Most of your Corporate Signage:

1. Tell people who you are
2. Tell people what you do
3. Tell people why you’re good
4. Give them a way to contact you
5. Give them a call to action
6. Locate it where it can be seen by the most people
7. Illuminate it, so people can see it at night
8. Use your corporate colours to great effect
9. Ensure it matches your other branding
10. Use a professional

Your sign may be the first point of contact between you and a new prospect.  It’s a perfect opportunity to create an impression of your business, so don’t leave it to chance.  Have your signage professionally designed – by someone who understands both design and signmaking, so they can advise you on the best brand design as well as the best materials to achieve the look you’re aiming for.

We’ve mentioned all week that people form an impression about you in just a handful of seconds but, often you haven’t had chance to speak at that point.  So how are people forming impressions about you?

• 55% of your first impression in created non-verbally

This is usually how you look, how you stand, your body language, whether you smile and make eye contact.  It includes your clothing, haircut, accessories, shoes…  And it makes up over half of the first impression someone makes about you – perhaps it’s time to invest in that full-length mirror?

• 38% is translated in the tone of your voice

It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it – and it makes up a huge part of the impression people have of you.  This picks up any excitement, enthusiasm and passion in your voice, and equally boredom, disinterest and monotony.

• 7% is the words you use

Just 7% of people’s first impression is in your choice of words.  So you could have the best elevator pitch ever, but if you’re dressed inappropriately or deliver it without any passion, your marketing message is likely to be lost.