How to Protect Yard Signs
Yard signs are an effective marketing tool to generate awareness among residents and drivers passing along a street. Yet signs are vulnerable to weather, vandalism and natural deterioration if not properly constructed, maintained or replaced. Finding ways to protect yards signs and effectively use them to generate word-of-mouth referrals can boost local awareness of any sized business.
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Things You'll Need
- Designer or graphics program
- Wooden post
- Metal stakes
- Lights
- Laminator
- Drill (optional)
- Concrete
- Crushed gravel, 5 to 10 lbs.
- Primer
- Paint
- Stencils (project dependent)
- Print shop
Instructions
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Protection
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1
Laminate smaller yard signs to protect against weather. Measure the dimensions of the sign to post and the thickness of the lamination needed, according to the website homelaminatingmachines.org. Add up how many total signs need protection and then decide if going to an office supply store or purchasing the right size and strength laminating machine is most cost effective.
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2
Sand larger wooden yard signs and then coat with primer, paint or stencil lettering, and coat with clear varnish. Check signs every six months for fading if the signs are re-used.
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3
Anchor wooden posts for larger signs in concrete to protect against vandalism or objects knocking over the posts. Dig a hole 12 inches in diameter and 2 feet deep. Drill holes toward the bottom and place a bolt through. Mix in crushed gravel and concrete then tamp dirt on top to make level with the yard.
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4
Print signs on sturdy vinyl to withstand heavy rains. Stretch and mount the signs over sturdy metal stakes to plant firmly in the yard. Measure the stakes so at least six to eight inches is in the ground and the sign remains 2 to 3 feet above the yard. Make mini sand bags of about 8 oz. to 1 lb. to place against the stakes in case of seasonal or normally windy conditions.
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Position a light on the sign to discourage vandalism at night and serve as an after-hours marketing tool. Determine that the light on the sign is, in the words of the International Sign Association, "bright enough that it can compete with other signs in the area without being annoying."
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6
Hang discount coupons as incentives for passersby to utilize signs and not destroy. Generate word-of-mouth marketing off of yard signs featuring a testimonial from the homeowner or other satisfied customer. Creatively leverage word-of-mouth marketing, which is expected to grow nearly 80% in the next three years according to an online article by Paul Rand on the American Marketing Association website.
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7
Create a four-sided wooden frame on posts to act as an outdoor sign "house" for appropriate projects. Use a router to create a shallow inlet to fit a sign's edge. Drill hinges on the posts to create a clear plastic door for installing and removing the sign.
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Tips & Warnings
Reimburse a homeowner for even minor electric costs if using nighttime lights.
Check signs after high winds and heavy rain storms.
Assign field workers such as the sales team to replace worn signs.
Only purchase equipment if it will be used multiple times.
