by Guthman Signs | August 20, 2019

So you have an LED church sign, but now what?

There is a saying the LED sign industry, “Content is king.”

Quite simply put, if your LED sign has the most amazing brightness, full-color range, and high definition, and your content is lacking, it won’t matter how much you’ve invested.

Effective LED sign content for churches is THE most important factor for your project. As a marketing tool, LED signs are made to produce high-quality dynamic marketing strategies. Below are some tips and strategies to make the most of your LED church sign’s content.

#1: Take the time to create a strategy and vision.

Since LED signs are a considerable investment, it is important to formulate a strategy to maximize that investment. Think about what your church’s mission and vision statements are. How can they be shown in text, photo, or video clip form? What about activities, events, and initiatives like fundraisers that are going on? Think about how these activities can be shown in text, photo, or video formats. Most LED sign software packages allow you to work ahead and create graphics, animations, etc and schedule them out as far in the future as you’d like. Most LED sign manufacturers provide unlimited software training to assist you.

#2: Know your limitations.

LED sign definitions can vary widely. Know before you buy it. Definition, in LED signs, is measured in millimeters and is often referred to as “pixel pitch”. These measurements represent the distance between the pixels on your sign. So, the smaller the number, the better the definition and the larger the number, the lower the definition will be. In general terms, definitions of 6mm-16mm are capable of displaying full-color photos, animations, and text with clean lines. Definitions from 19mm-32mm+ are ideal for marketing that is focused on larger-scale text applications.

#3: Take advantage of your resources.

Most LED sign manufacturers are very interested in having great content on your sign. They will often provide training, demonstrations, and consultations. Some even offer content creation packages as well. Most LED signs will include standard graphics packages you can take advantage of as well. Remember, LED sign companies depend on their reputation in the field, so they want your sign to look amazing, just as much as you do.

#4: Stick to the basics of color.

Color combinations that look good on computer monitors or televisions do not always translate well to LED signs. This is due to the difference in definition and brightness between indoor ultra-high definition screens and outdoor high brightness displays. Contrast is of immense importance. Light tones on dark tones always create better contrast. Choose 2-3 colors your church feels comfortable with and return to these regularly in your content to provide a sense of the continuity of your brand.

#5: Think about the scale of your sign.

You will be previewing your sign’s content on a computer monitor most likely. Take that into consideration. Many people write full sentences over photos etc and neglect to recognize that with each word added, the text size must become smaller. Your goal should be to minimize the number of words used at any cost. Ask yourself, “can this be said with fewer words?” If the answer is yes, your content isn’t ready. If the answer is no, and your text size is too small, consider separating the message into two slides.

#6: View time.

The minimum time required for a passer-by to be able to capture your message is 5 seconds. Consider the speed of traffic as part of this equation. You can refer to a speed-view time-text size quick reference chart, can be found here: https://guthmansigns.com/led-signs/

#7: Slots and cycles.

Outdoor marketing professionals refer to a standard of eight (8) seven-second slots that rotate every 60 seconds as a rule to optimize repeat views. It often takes many views or “impressions” for the public to make a decision to act on your content. So establishing a 60-second loop with a max of 8 slots of content will allow you to standardize your consistent message while allowing you to change some slots depending on what events, initiatives, or seasons are currently important to the church.

Steps to take for your Church Sign messaging:

Take the time to create a strategy and vision
Know your limitations
Take advantage of your resources
Stick to the basics of color
Think about the scale of your church sign
View time
Slots and cycles

Contact Guthman Signs today to learn more about which Church LED sign is best for your needs!

by Guthman Signs |

As students, teachers, and faculty return to their daily routines, they often disconnect on important school issues. This time of year can be absolutely chaotic for parents, and students as well. So communicating effectively with your LED school sign will be an important way to bring everyone back together again and keep them in the know about important messages you have for the community. But how? The following tips will help you produce great dynamic and engaging content for the new school year.

#1: Keep it simple.

Schools often try to convey their messaging in its entirety by adding many too many words or too many slides. Parents, students, and faculty are all extremely stressed and busy during this time of year. They need to know the most important things to help them engage with the school’s community, but they need these messages to be delivered in 2-5 words over a maximum of 3 slides of 5 seconds each.

Segment your messaging for morning and afternoon pickup times so your main audience is getting the information they need in a quick and effective format. During the day schedule your content to display what you need the community at large to know in addition to the important messaging you’ve created for morning and afternoon pickup times.

#2: Focus on what’s important in the short term.

Many schools try to blast the community with their entire schedule of events, requirements, and initiatives from day 1. Bad idea. Consider segmenting your calendar into 1-3 month segments to narrow down the content into easily digestible playlists of 3 slots of 5 seconds each for parents to take in. You can schedule these out ahead of time as well so the sign doesn’t become a constant time drain.

#3: Focus on images.

A picture says a thousand words. It is a cliche, but in the case of LED signs, it is absolutely true. Think about what moves your community emotionally? A simple photo can often send a strong message for you, allowing for 2-5 words to be used to convey the action you’d like the audience to take. In short, the image tells the moving story, and the text tells them what to DO with that emotional response.

#4: Watch the brightness.

Many schools have their LED sign installed, then forget about it, as if it were a lawn ornament of sorts. It won’t matter if you have great content and marketing strategies if your sign has degraded to the point it won’t compete with the sun. When admin and faculty return for the school year, the sign can be forgotten about. People don’t see signs that don’t compete with the sun’s brightness. Sometimes a setting can be made in the sign’s software to remedy this problem, but often full replacement is required. Consult the manufacturer if you are unsure how to increase the brightness settings for your sign.

#5: Highlight your heroes.

You have the community’s attention now, perhaps more than you will for the rest of the school year. By creating encouraging content around the accomplishments of star students, star faculty members, or even star parent volunteers, can all set the tone for encouraging community involvement. People are much more likely to support the school if they see others being recognized for doing so. Students and parents alike respond to this in surprisingly effective ways.

Back to School Signs 101 Recap:

Keep it simple
Focus on what’s important in the short term
Focus on images
Watch the brightness
Highlight your heroes

Contact Guthman Signs today to learn more about which School LED Sign is best for your needs!

by Guthman Signs | August 1, 2019

Churches are installing LED signs across America in growing numbers thanks to the plethora of options to fit most church budgets in one way or another. Although this is an exciting and beneficial trend in church marketing, LED signs are often an entirely new endeavor for most church staff members. This lack of experience matched with the extreme importance of high-quality content on LED signs, means most LED signs are not being used to their fullest potential. The following 5 methods, ideas, and considerations are meant to spark creativity for Churches with LED signs to help remedy this trend.

#1: Fundraisers.

Most churches know how to plan and implement fundraisers. But how do you use your LED sign to market the fundraiser? Consider the digital sign at the earliest stages of planning, to be sure your marketing content across bulletins, website, and/or other notices are all complimentary with the sign’s capabilities.

Pro Tip: If your LED sign is a lower definition, make sure the principal message is short enough to be read easily on the display. IF you have a high definition sign, be careful not to crowd the sign with too much text, rather focus on a single powerful and recognizable image with 1-3 words to compliment. The goal is to create interest in 4-6 seconds, not communicate all the details.

#2: Spotlights.

Churches have everyday heroes in their congregations. People that demonstrate the church’s vision for service are community champions that deserve the spotlight. By using your sign to recognize amazing acts of service in the community, your church can communicate exactly how it is helping the community. Trust, excitement, engagement, and fundraising all benefit from getting the word out on the heroes we drive past every day.

Pro Tip: Don’t ask permission. Service heroes tend to be humble and don’t usually seek public recognition. They do like to feel loved and appreciated (don’t we all?). It isn’t necessary to use names on the sign of course, but a powerful photo of a service hero in action can provide the background for powerful and engaging messaging.

#3: In times of need.

Congregations often seek ways to serve in their communities, but in times of dire need (ie imminent danger, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or others) it can be hard to coordinate so many willing community servants in time-efficient ways. Use your LED sign to help coordinate times, dates, places, and initiatives quickly and efficiently. When you update your social media sites, website, blog, text groups, or community email, update the sign as well, so those who wish to serve have the information they need to be able to engage with the community’s urgent needs.

Pro Tip: Create an emergency playlist template in the LED sign software so you are ready when the time comes to simply edit the text and post quickly. Creating a playlist to upload on the sign at the time of need can be impossible due to time constraints. Having a playlist on hand will make it a no brainer when/if the time comes.

#4: Team up with other churches.

By co-sponsoring, events with broader community impact are possible. LED sign marketing allows for co-branding on events such as concerts, revivals, VBS events, camps, performing arts programs, etc. Larger draws such as famous artists etc can be expensive. But sharing cost by providing marketing spots on your sign can allow your reach to grow exponentially.

Pro Tip: Check with your local radio station, performing arts theater, and/or nationally recognized speakers as well as local and regional businesses, churches, etc to combine efforts in this way. They will often partner with churches to share costs, especially if they can market to the community through your LED sign.

#5: Be funny.

A quick humorous message or photo on an LED sign can be a memorable experience. Communities feel a sense of trust when comedy is use don signs. Since they are not being “sold” or “marketed” to per se many people become more curious about an organization. Quite simply put, comedy builds a sense of trust.

Pro Tip: There’s a comedian or two in every congregation. Ask around for ideas and you might be surprised at the great ideas already waiting in the minds of your church members.

Best Ways to Engage Your Community with Your LED Church Sign Recap:

Fundraisers
Spotlights
In Times of Need
Team Up with Other Churches
Be Funny

by Guthman Signs |

How to make your signs or LED signs last longer? Whether you have a church sign, school sign, business sign, or municipal sign, it can be hard to know when the time has come to replace it, or whether it simply needs some TLC. Many people view signs as oversized lawn ornaments, thus they don’t pay attention to them until it is often too late. Your sign is an important marketing tool that often acts as the first impression you make on the community. The following insights can help you add years to your sign and make the most out of your investment while avoiding some common mistakes.

#1: Keep the outside clean!

It might seem like a no brainer, but many organizations forget about the fact that their sign is outdoors 24 hours a day 7 days a week, exposed to the elements constantly. This means, just like your car, your sign is constantly being exposed to dirt, dust, pollen, and chemicals that can degrade the sign little by little.

Pro Tip: Spray off the sign with a hose (freshwater only) if possible at least once every 3 months. If you live in a coastal area, or in arid environments, you may want to do this once a month. Do not use chemicals to clean your sign.

#2: Check on the inside.

Signs make great homes for dust, cobwebs, and debris to hang out. Open up your sign and vacuum it out with a handheld vacuum at least once every 6 months to keep illumination showing through clearly and protect against damage to electrical components. Be sure to cut the power to your sign prior to performing this maintenance. Ask your Sign Specialist to provide guidance as needed.

Pro Tip: A dry soft brush can also come in very handy for removing debris etc in tough spots. Be sure not to use cloth, paper towels, etc., as these can lodge particles in electrical connections without you knowing it causing failures and/or short circuits. Do not use any liquids to clean inside your sign.

#3: Keep it on.

It might seem counterintuitive, but “resting” a sign by turning it off entirely does little to nothing to make your sign last longer. In fact, stresses from power-up, and power-down cycles can often actually cause more wear and tear than would otherwise be the case.

Pro Tip: If your electrical service is inconsistent, or if brownouts and/or blackouts will occur from time to time, it may be a good idea to ask your electrician to provide an electrical conditioner to be sure consistently clean electricity is being provided to your sign.

#4: Hands off.

Signs are damaged every day by well-meaning individuals looking to “polish” their sign. The materials used for modern electronic signage, are durable, but they are not made to withstand abrasion or friction of any kind. If your sign is dusty or dirty, a simple spray off with clean freshwater is all it will need. If you think the sign needs a heavier cleaning and you aren’t sure how to do it safely, consult with your Sign Specialist as the best heavy cleaning method to perform will depend on the materials used for your specific sign.

Pro Tip: Power washers can come in handy, but the widest possible setting (lowest pressure setting) should be used. Paint, vinyl, acrylics, and polycarbonate materials can all be damaged by high-velocity power washing.

#5: Keep it rust-free.

Steel poles and/or tubing are commonly used for structural elements of signage for the material’s durability and strength. Even though most steel poles are treated, painted, or powder coated to avoid rust, it will still occur. Aluminum structures are used from time to time as well, but even aluminum can degrade causing the sign’s support structure to be compromised. During periodic cleanings remove any dirt or debris that has built up at the base of the sign and be sure no water is able to “pool” near the structure.

Pro Tip: In regions where rain and/or snow is prevalent it is often a good practice to add a thin layer of cement around the base of each pole to avoid pooling around where the foundation meets the pole at ground level.

How to Make Your LED Sign Last Longer Recap

Keep the outside clean
Check on the inside regularly
Keep it on
Keep your hands-off
Prevent it from rusting

by Guthman Signs | July 24, 2019

Businesses, Churches, Schools, Civic Organizations, and Municipalities are all adopting LED signs at a record pace, but why? Although LED technology is not necessarily a new thing, many organizations are unsure about adopting an LED sign into their marketing plans. In this edition of Sign Language, we will review the top 10 reasons why any organization should consider making use of modern LED technology. The following is in no specific order of importance, as reasons will vary in importance from one organization to the next.

Reason #1: Return on Investment.

There simply is no better investment for attracting local markets to an organization than LED message centers. Since displays can last over 10 years, the investment should be considered a long term marketing investment, rather than a simple on time purchase. With this in mind, returns on investment are considerably higher with LED signs vs traditional formats like flyers, TV ads, newspaper ads, or radio spots.

Reason #2: Invisible vs. visible signage.

The next time you are driving through your local area, purposefully take note of the signs you drive by every day. Take note of all the signs you never noticed before when you were simply making your daily commute to work, for example. You will notice that most signs that are on that route most likely have been entirely invisible to you until now. Traditional sign styles are extremely common, thus they become all but invisible to passers-by. Dynamic LED signs with quality content displayed, stand out, in part, thanks to all the invisible signs surrounding them.

Reason #3: Staying top of mind with Community Relations.

How often have you taken advantage of someone’s LED sign to check the time, date, temperature, or local events? Banks were one of the very first business sectors to adopt LED signs in the late 1980s when LED signs were limited to a few simple words to display the time, temperature, and date. They found that even though the format was simple, having time, date, and temperature displayed on their sign brought attention and recognition to the bank as a community-focused entity. Passers-by often find that LED signs become part of their daily routines. Modern organizations are staying top of mind with their local market by providing not only time, temperature, and dates, but community events, and weather reminders.

Reason #4: Adaptability and flexibility.

Traditional sign styles are almost always static in nature. The purpose of these styles has always been to simply identify the location with very little targeted marketing involved. Today, LED signs offer a much more flexible platform allowing you to tailor your marketing efforts quickly and easily to focus on the right demographic at the right time with the right message to match your organization’s needs. Many LED signs even allow for cloud-based control systems so you can manage the sign from virtually anywhere.

Reason #5: Protection of your investment.

Many modern LED sign factories provide strong long term replacement and/or labor warranties for their signs. Compared to Other methods of local marketing, your investment will be unprotected and short-lived. LED displays offer the chance to invest wisely by providing people with a peace of mind that their hard-earned money will go to a worthwhile, proven, and protected medium.

Reason #6: Co-advertising.

Organizations of all types can benefit from co-branding and/or co-advertising on any marketing medium. LED signs offer a very attractive platform for advertisers looking to share marketing space and reach their audience. Non-profits, schools, and churches make great use of this for fundraising efforts and events to create momentum around their events, missions, and core vision. Businesses often team up with other local businesses to create synergy in marketing efforts, especially when the businesses relate to one another directly.

Reason #7: Prestige and confidence.

Electronic message centers are often used to create an air of confidence in communities. Few things say, “We are here to stay.” more than a well designed and implemented LED sign program. People go where they feel comfortable and well taken care of by an organization that is going to be there for them in the future as well. LED signs can produce these feelings in local markets before they even step through the door.

Reason #8: Multiple site control.

Today’s organizations are becoming increasingly focused on multiple sites. Franchises, multi-site churches, non-profits, chains, and municipal sign programs all require that branding and messaging be dynamic and consistent across all locations. Modern LED programmable signs can create this effect by allowing all signs to be programmed from a single account from anywhere in the world.

Reason #9: Safety and Emergency Messaging.

Through RSS feeds, Amber Alerts, FEMA notices, local police, firefighters, and EMTs are benefiting local communities every day with important messaging at the most important moments where getting the word out quickly and effectively can mean the difference between life and death.

Reason #10: Engagement is fun.

Many organizations find LED signs enlightening and fun outlets for creativity. By searching for new ways to engage with your local market in creative ways, it not only benefits the bottom line but creates a fun environment around organizations. Humans love to engage in creative ways and LED signs to provide a great platform to showcase this love in public. A funny message, enlightening message, or inspiring words of encouragement delivered with creativity can create lasting relationships between organizations and their communities.

Top 10 Reasons of Why You Need An LED Sign Recap

Return on Investment
Invisible vs. Visible Signage
Community Relations
Adaptability and Flexibility
Co-Advertising
Prestige and Confidence
Multiple Site Control
Safety and Emergency Messaging
Engagement is Fun

Author: Guthman Signs