Physical signage, such as awnings and pole signs, is an aspect of traditional branding and marketing that is here to stay. Even if your physical establishment has some serious online advertising, that’s a supplement to your marketing efforts, not a replacement. Even 100 percent online businesses can benefit from physical signage. Think billboards, car wraps, and other forms of high-impact and/or mobile marketing.

However, you may be surprised at how much of an impact a signal really has. According to Signs.org, the international non-profit organization dedicated to sign data collection, support and services, this is a numbers game with the odds clearly in your favor. If you’re on the fence about signage, check out these figures:

1. Signage puts newspaper advertising to shame

Advertising in the local newspaper can still be a great way to get your name out there. However, keep in mind that the signage on the site is monetarily equivalent to 24 full-page newspaper ads each year. If you’ve recently researched the cost of newspaper ads, you know they’re not cheap. A single investment in signage can last for years. Save newspaper ads for special events and leave daily advertising for your signs.

2. It’s a dumb change for you

How much does a single sign on the site cost you per view? According to Sign.org, it’s two cents per 1,000 views. Of course, this figure can change a bit, depending on your location and population, but it’s a pretty solid number no matter how you look at it. Do you think your sign is worth 1,000 people seeing? Also, compare that to $2.81 per 1,000 visits with newspaper ads and it’s an easy pick.

3. Locals see your log twice a day

The vast majority of your customers live within five miles of your establishment. This means that the average person (not just your customers!) sees your signage 50-60 times a month. That’s a lot of free publicity and a way to snuggle into your psyche. They may not need your services right now, but as soon as they need dog daycare, a wedding cake, or a yoga class, your name (ahem, sign) will be the first thing they think of.

4. More than a third of people walk past businesses without signs

Here’s a scary stat: 35 percent of people have no idea a business is there if it doesn’t have signage. What would you think of a building without signs? It was probably privately owned and has nothing to offer you. People aren’t going to dig to find information about your business, it’s your job to provide it.

5. Bigger store signs equal bigger profits

If you replace your store sign with a larger one, you’ll see an average 7.7 percent increase in profit. It’s true: size matters. Make sure your sign is a sizable mermaid.

Signage can either help a business succeed or drag it to the ground. Whether you’re a startup, small business, franchise, or large corporation, make sure people know who you are, where you are, and have a general idea of ​​what you do. You don’t want to miss out on the merchandising, impulse buyers, or making a claim in your neighborhood – sign up!