From the January 20, 2009 Marketwire website comes this VERY good article about why a business should use digital signage. The FASTSIGNS people are absolutely spot-on right!  (The words belong to FASTSIGNS; the bold-facing was done by me.)

Advertising is about communication and image, and nothing conveys those messages more affordably, flexibly or effectively than the right sign or graphic. The effective use of signs and graphics are an integral way to extend the value of an advertising campaign, especially in these economic times. From in-store posters to vehicle graphics, trade show graphics to floor graphics, promotional banners to special event signs, at client meetings and in prospective client presentations, signs and graphics are being used to reinforce advertising messages.

Because of their relatively low cost, long life, and 24-hour-a-day work ethic, signs can carry a marketing message to more people per dollar invested than almost any other medium. A well-designed, well-placed sign can generate tens or even hundreds of thousands of impressions per day for months or years at a time — and depending on the nature of the business and the type of sign selected, it could pay for itself with the very first customer it attracts. According to a survey of 2,475 shoppers by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 50% of those surveyed learned about a business from their on-premise sign.

“Signs and graphics affordably extend any advertising message,” says Drue Townsend, senior vice president of marketing with international sign and graphics franchisor FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “Signs can put your advertising message in front of the customer when and where they are ready to learn or buy. With today’s technology, virtually any wall, window, ceiling, vehicle, or floor surface can be turned into a work of marketing ‘art’ by simply utilizing a vibrant graphic.”

Ad agencies are increasingly using signs and graphics to extend the value of their clients’ campaigns and reinforce its message. Signs featuring large-format, full color graphics are powerful tools that grab the buyer’s attention, and help put the campaign in places beyond where television, radio, the internet and other media typically reach.

There are virtually no limits to what a good signage program can do for a business, organization or event. Keep these tips in mind when putting a signage plan into effect:

--  Make it memorable -- fast.  You only have a few seconds to attract
    attention. Limit the number of words and use full color, large format
    digital graphics to bring products or services to life to make the message
    more memorable.

--  Keep it simple.  A logo, a colorful representative image, and a
    message that gets right to the point are effective designs for impactful
    signs.

--  Add variety.  A good signage program isn't just a single sign. Carry a
    theme through all signs and graphics: on vehicles, on walls, the floor or
    windows, the side of the building, and more!
    

Bottom line… advertising is about communication and image. Implementing signs and graphics can help convey messages for any business, effectively and affordably.

FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers use innovation and technology to make the sign buying process fast and simple by offering consulting, design, production, file transfer, delivery and installation for a full range of custom sign and graphic products. For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com.