Graphic design is everywhere.

It’s on your favorite bag of chips when you finally clock off for your lunch break. It’s on billboards you pass by on the way back home. It’s on your shirt, your television, your complimentary mug. It’s so common, in fact, that we can really start to take it for granted after a while. The art of the sign isn’t dead, not even in today’s digital world, and to get the most out of your outdoor metal sign stands you need to get in touch with graphic design’s roots. This means familiarizing yourself with color theory, placement and different sign types. Sound like a lot to take in?

Put aside that stress and brush up on your design basics so you can get customers talking even before they step through your front doors.

Keep Things Simple

A key element of graphic design anybody can appreciate? Keep things simple! When someone looks at a sign they’re not trying to be impressed by how many letters, pictures and colors you can squeeze into a small space. They need you to get the message across as quickly as possible so they can move on with their lives. According to marketing data released in 2014, there are over 30,000 SKUs launched every year. The average consumer is also exposed to over 3,000 advertisements every day.

Use Clever Placement

When advertising your store you need to make sure customers are getting the message no matter where they happen to be. This includes installing outdoor metal sign stands outside to lead them inside and creative retail display ideas to keep them accommodated as they browse. It’s well worth the effort, since one study revealed shoppers will make over 80% of their purchase decisions in-store. Another 2014 Mass Merchant Study found over 15% of unplanned purchases being influenced by a display noticed while shopping.

Save Some Money

What’s another reason to get acquainted with smart graphic design? Save some money! Businesses these days spend a significant portion of their annual earnings on marketing, whether it’s a strategic digital marketing campaign or a series of newspaper advertisements cropping up multiple times per month. Signs are useful because they keep working day in and day out with little effort on your part. The cost to reach 1,000 adults with a sign or store merchandiser is between three and 37 cents. Compare this to a 30 second commercial, which is closer to $7!

Use Different Signs

Why put all your eggs in one basket? Shake things up by shaking up your signs. Outdoor metal sign stands are a good way to catch a customer’s eye, while acrylic display stands can greet them as they walk through the door. Clear price tag sleeves have remained popular for their ability to be neatly added and customized at will. You can also pair these with clear window decals and custom retail sign holders to create a truly immersive experience for newcomers and repeat visitors alike. According to a 2011 report, over 85% of customers will pay more for a better experience.

Embrace Graphic Design

When you’re not making the money you deserve? It’s time to embrace graphic design and all it has to offer you. A customer today decides to stick with a brand or buy a competitor in just three to seven seconds, meaning it’s up to you to do your best with the resources at your disposal. Outdoor metal sign stands or an acrylic window mounting sign will do a nice job of snagging a customer’s attention, while a variety of brochure display racks and custom retail sign holders will guide them through your place of business. Full-priced merchandise also sells up to 20% with signage than without.

Graphic design is everywhere. Are you making yours count?