FASTSIGNS(R): Advertising Agencies Using Signs to Communicate for Clients.

CARROLLTON, Texas -- Advertising is all about communication, and communication is critical in both the relationship between an advertising agency and their clients, and the messages that the agency delivers to prospects and customers on behalf of their client. Clients depend on their agency for clear and creative verbal and visual communications. Bottom lineO in advertising, communication is everything.

Advertising professionals have long recognized the power of visual elements in every phase of communication: capturing attention, making a strong and credible statement, and establishing the message in long-term memory. They are continuously facing the challenge of creating the greatest advertising impact for their clients' investment.

Thanks in part to emerging technology, it is becoming easier and more cost-effective than ever before to generate high-quality custom graphics for all forms of communication. Advances in digital imaging and printing over the past few years are in many ways responsible for the increased effectiveness and popularity of signs. Eye-catching, full color graphics on signs, windows, banners, vehicles, and even floors bring the client's message to life wherever the buyer is, gaining maximum impact in the competition for attention. Research by the Direct Marketing Association found that the addition of full color graphics to advertising increases reader retention of the message by 71 percent.

As ad agencies incorporate more signage into the advertising packages they design for their clients, they rely on sign professionals for expertise in innovative sign design and production, quick turn-around, easy distribution or installation, and "turn-key" quality solutions to their signage needs. Ad agencies promise their clients high quality products and services, and must select service vendors they can trust to support that commitment.

When preparing a marketing program for a client, it's important to consider how to use signage to make an instant impact. FASTSIGNS International Inc., the worldwide franchisor of FASTSIGNS([R]) sign and graphics centers, suggests the following when presenting options to clients:

Presentation Graphics

* The visuals used give clients a preview of the quality and ingenuity he can expect in the advertising graphics to be created for him.

* Rather than the standard bar chart, illustrate demographic details with rows of silhouettes recognizable by gender and age group.

* Have your sign provider superimpose photos of the client's logo on a monument sign, a billboard, or a city bus.

Client Campaigns

* Broaden design options by utilizing full-color digital artwork and photographic reproduction available on any kind of graphic.

* Big, bold banners create interest and draw attention from a distance. They're ideal for introducing new products to promoting special events.

* With the right graphics, vehicles can be transformed into moving billboards. Permanent vehicle graphics include full color text, logos, photos and wraps. Magnetic signs are a great option for multi-use vehicles or short-term promotions.

About FASTSIGNS([R])

FASTSIGNS([R])sign and graphics centers offer a full range of custom sign and graphic products, including wide-format full color graphics, banners, window and vehicle graphics, floor graphics, safety and identification signage, trade show displays, point-of-purchase signs and exterior signage. For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com or call 1-800-827-7446.