As the cold weather finally leaves us and the summertime approaches, it’s important for sign shop owners to remember the significance that weather-based advertising has. Did you know that weather is the second-biggest influence on consumer behavior after the state of the economy? This is a great tidbit to share with clients who may be looking to invest in some new banners, marketing materials or even an electronic messaging center or digital signage network at their place of business.
A restaurant may want to advertise their happy hour and newly renovated beer garden, the local waterpark may want to let passersby know about discounted day rates or the ice cream shop may want to stand out as people pass by on a hot day. As a sign shop owner, it’s your responsibility to make your customers aware of the opportunities that embracing weather-based advertising present. Calling upon someone’s desire to cool down on a hot day or drawing attention to an affordable family deal that can break up the monotony of a long, hot summer can bring in good business for your clients.
So, what are the best ways that your customers can utilize a weather-based advertising strategy? Let’s start with a vehicle wrap. A partial wrap of a restaurant’s delivery vehicle to draw attention to a summery menu favorite can do wonders for their out-of-home (OOH) advertising success while their delivery person is out delivering meals to their customers. An HVAC provider could do a partial wrap of their fleets to advertise their air conditioner repair services while the team is out completing jobs.
A classic offering like banners can of course be designed to bring in customers when draped in front of a brick-and-mortar operation like an ice cream shop or Italian ice establishment. Window graphics can also offer a similar temporary, weather-based advertising strategy.
One of the more lucrative weather-based sales you could make revolves around digital signage. Does your shop possess the capability to install an electronic messaging center (EMC) for your customers? EMCs are perfect for weather-based advertising because a business can customize their message at will to address changes daily. For example, the local Mexican restaurant can encourage passersby to stop by for an ice-cold margarita during a heatwave or the bowling alley can entice people to bring their kids in on a rainy summer day to keep them entertained. You get the picture.
If your shop hasn’t looked into to providing digital signage for your customers, this summer is a perfect time to start. You still have time to get ahead of the trend and generate a new revenue stream for your business as the current economic state continues to create doubts and fear amongst small business owners across the country. Innovation is the key the growth, and without staying abreast to the trends, you could fall behind.
According to Verified Market Research, the global OOH digital signage market was valued at $24.B in 2024 and is anticipated to grow to $42.5B by 2031. That’s not the type of growth you want to miss out on. Your shop can work as the original point of contact that brings a digital signage solution to your customer, even if you’re not currently equipped to install digital signage. All it takes is a quick call to a provider like Thinksign to start your journey and open a new stream of income.
