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Attract guests with outdoor dining, year-round

Patios aren’t just for summer. With heat lamps, cozy blankets and fireplaces or fire pits, restaurants can capitalize on additional seating any time of the year.

Council adopts sign rules: Panel votes to block billboards along Grand Ave., Loop 303

A recent ruling in the city of Surprise, AZ may not set off alarms in the greater business community (or signage industry) but we see a number of important lessons to be learned from this article, and the process it describes. We invite you to read it – and don’t be surprised when you hear more from us on the subject of planning, zoning, and sign design. We could write a book based on our experience, just from here in New England!

Outdoor Signage is Advertising that Drives Traffic, online and off

Outdoor signage, particularly vehicle wraps and large, attention-grabbing exterior building signs, are often overlooked in marketing budgets. Ironically, they are consistently high-payoff investments, driving local search and traffic, both online and off. Translation: you want customers in real life? Make sure your signage is showing them the way!

New Research Available on Healthcare Wayfinding

The specific and at times tedious information in this report reminds us why we enjoy our jobs, and why we are so committed to each and every part of the signage process. Few projects highlight the importance of getting it right like wayfinding for a large medical campus. Even when signing a single medical building, the details that must be included in the planning process number in the hundreds – at least. The end result, however, is worth it – signage that matters and makes getting there as clear and easy as possible.

While interior wayfinding, or directional signage, obviously shares the same goals as exterior wayfinding projects, a different set of details must be addressed. Whether inside a hospital or medical campus, in a school or other public building, or a corporate headquarters, those details include branding and message management, maintenance, ADA compliance, and safety factors.

Download the report for a great overview of wayfinding, and call us with questions at (978) 238-0211. We’d love to help you with your next project!

A Small-Business Guide to Designing Compelling Signage

As long as your business relies on real (not just virtual) traffic and your brand exists in the real world, your signage must physically represent your business and brand. Good tips here about how to ensure all the variables – design, materials, lighting, placement, and regulations – work together to provide you with the best signage.

Insights from the International Sign Association

So much we could say about Downtown signage and visitor experience – and for that matter, there’s much to be said for signage that improves resident experience, as well. It’s simle and true: when signage makes sense to tourists, that signage also helps improve traffic management, safety, and other details that are critical to a vibrant downtown district. That’s why we’re happy to share this great resource from ISA, as it highlights fundamental pieces a city must plan for when building or revitalizing a downtown shopping area, convention center, or mix-use development. The bottom line, of course: each business, downtown location, and signage need is unique. Contact us with questions about getting the best signage for YOUR business needs and your customers and downtown visitors.

See our portfolio to view some of our Boston-area signage projects.

Finding Common Ground: Answers to Common Questions About Electronic Message Centers (EMCs)

Great info to consider when planning how to best use EMCs. Questions? Call us!

4 Tips for Making an Impact with Your Business’s Sign

All four are good points, especially the last one in this article. Re-evaluating your business signage as your company evolves is important to ensure it best represents what you offer and properly communicates your brand. We’ve been busy with rebranding projects in the past few months. Take a look at some of our recent installs, and stay tuned – more are coming!

Metro Insight-How Signage Keeps It Real In The Digital Age

‘Real world’ is a phrase that’s popping up with increasing frequency related to advertising. In this case, the author says “offline marketing … is a good way to increase your brand’s awareness, and it brings your brand into the real world.” Your business signage is about as real as it gets. We agree, of course. Get your business noticed in the real world by making the most of your interior and exterior signage.

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Transformation over turmoil: Why reports of traditional retail’s imminent death may be premature

We like the sound of a “creative reinvention” of traditional retail, and in fact, that’s what we’ve seen here in Boston. To take it a step further, we’re seeing a great burst of creative signage not just in retail and hospitality, but in every industry vertical. If you’re looking to get the signage your business NEEDS and not just the signage everyone expects, partner with Metro Sign & Awning. Taking creative visions and turning the into reality is what we love to do!