The U.S. Small Business Administration Bulletin on signage for businesses says, "...signs are the most effective, yet least expensive form of advertising for the small business."

Yet how many businesses are aware of what the options are for using banners and signs to promote their businesses? Do you want a banner, sign or LED? Metal, vinyl or grass? Store front, vehicle signage, billboard or portable tradeshow display. There are so many factors that might influence your decision size, cost, weight, durability, speed of delivery.

These days many signs are printed on a digital printer which makes it fast and cheap to produce spectacular one-off signs. And not withstanding all the modern technology, sometimes what you really need is a traditional sign-writer and a lot of paint.

Let's consider the major decisions:

• Short term or long term? Sometimes you'll just want a banner to promote a short term event like a seasonal sale. In this case you might want to use cheaper less durable materials. If, however, you're looking for a sign to promote your shop front for years you'll want something that will last.
• Portable or permanent? Vinyl banners, A-frames or tear drop banners are easy to move around for events or to put outside just to indicate your shop is open.
• Indoor or outdoor? Most forms of signage are designed to handle the weather except where it's quite obviously not, but making sure it's not going to blow away or cause havoc is a vital consideration.
• Daytime, night time or both? If you want your sign to be visible at night you'll need to consider lighting. LED signs are becoming increasingly popular and are particularly eye-catching at night, but there is a cost trade-off. Obviously also, all lighting requires access to electricity.

An often missed opportunity is to use company vehicles as active advertising billboards. With professional vehicle signage you'll be promoting your business where ever you go. Many big companies hire temporary signage on the back of special vehicles that drive around just for the exposure because people are quite receptive to advertising messages while in the car. Without going to special expense and burning unnecessary carbon dioxide hiring a vehicle, you can make your everyday travel work for you with custom vehicle decals and reach people while they are bored in traffic.

Perhaps it's time for you to give your business a a fresh burst of colour with a new banner or sign.