When it comes business signs, an electronic sign is often the product of choice. Many businesses choose electronic signs for two purposes: marketing and identification. Electric signs can be used to identify exits, entrances, fire escapes and your business. They can also be used to powerfully display your company's marketing message.

Although you can certainly make a simple sign using printed materials, there are many advantages to going electric. Today's electric sign allows you to create moving messages that can capture a customer's attention. Electronic signs are also more visible, no matter what the lighting conditions are like. Finally, electronic signs are very flexible, and can be used indoors and out—you can even take them to conventions and trade shows. If you're ready to light up your business with an electric sign, consider:

1. Using a lightbox electric sign that allows you to replace your marketing messages regularly.

2. Buying LED signs that let you add animation and video to your messages.

3. Purchasing economic neon signs that are highly visible, even in the dark.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find an electric sign provider offering high-visibility lightbox electric signs

Lightbox displays and signs are electric signs that use a lamp to light up a message. You have likely seen this type of electric sign at your local movie theater--new releases' lit-up posters are usually lightboxes. Lightboxes are a great option if you want to have a sign that you can replace often--changing your marketing message with this type of electric sign is often as simple as snapping in a new poster or sign.

I recommend: Keith Hawks Signs has been in business since 1986 and offers an array of lightbox signs for many industries. Anything Display Promotional Displays sells a number of lightbox signs and message solutions, including slim line light boxes, snap in lightbox displays, outdoor light boxes, contoured light boxes, marquee light boxes, recessed lightboxes, counter wall light boxes, plasma light box displays, super size light boxes and road side light box signs. With products for both outdoor and indoor use, trade show and retail applications, this company can sell you the electric sign you need.

Put your marketing message in motion with an LED electric sign

Many of today's LED (light-emitting diode) electric signs are electronic variable message (EVM) signs, or signs that are made up of lights that can be changed from a remote area, allowing you to change your company's message from a convenient location. LED signs allow you to create simple text messages or crisp moving pictures that resemble commercials. Find electric sign dealers that offer LED products if you need to show animation or even video to promote your service or business.

I recommend: AxiomSigns features greyscale programmable LED signs, 64k color LED message signs and monochrome electronic message signs. Gardner Signs sells LED electric signs to a number of businesses, including casinos, sports stadiums and financial institutions.

Use a neon electronic sign to make your marketing message shine after dark

A neon sign is made of luminous tubes that are filled with neon gas or other inert gases. When these tubes are charged with a high voltage, the gases light up. Neon signs are very bright in the dark and are a great sign option for messages that need after hours illumination.

I recommend: Neon Signs & More sells UL (Underwriters Laboratories)-listed neon business signs that come with a one year warranty. All of the company's signs are made in the USA. Neon Sign & Awning is a Seattle-based company that offers custom design for your neon sign, electric sign and other sign needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When weighing electric sign information, consider installation and power before you buy. You'll need to hire an electrician to install the signs so they are close to the controller and can be easily turned off, something that's important if you want to make regular changes to the sign. Also, compare signs to find a messaging solution that doesn't add too much cost to your business utility bill.