Signs of Success®

Why Outdated Signage is Costing You Money: The ROI of Electronic Display Retrofits

In the fast-paced world of business, first impressions matter. Your signage is often the initial point of contact between your brand and potential customers. It serves as a silent yet powerful marketing tool, communicating your brand identity, promotions, and professionalism at a glance.

Effective signs drive foot traffic, reinforce brand recognition, and influence purchasing decisions. Yet, many businesses continue to rely on outdated static signs or old electronic displays, unaware of how much this choice is limiting their revenue.

Let’s dive into why outdated signage costs you money and how investing in electronic display retrofits can deliver a solid return on investment (ROI).

The Hidden Costs of Outdated Signage

  1. Decreased Visibility and Engagement
    Old, static signs lack the dynamic appeal needed to capture the attention of today’s consumers. Faded colors, outdated fonts, or malfunctioning electronic displays can deter passersby rather than attract them. Dynamic digital signs capture approximately 400% more views than static signage!*
  2. Maintenance and Repair Costs
    Aging electronic signs require constant maintenance — from replacing burnt-out bulbs to fixing flickering screens. These ongoing repairs add up over time, costing more than simply upgrading to modern, energy-efficient displays.
  3. Lost Revenue Opportunities
    Outdated signs cannot quickly adapt to new promotions, sales, or announcements. This lack of flexibility means missed opportunities to market timely offers, ultimately affecting your bottom line.
  4. Brand Perception Damage
    Your signage reflects your brand’s image. Worn-out, old-fashioned displays can create the perception that your business is out of touch or untrustworthy. In contrast, sleek, vibrant electronic displays convey professionalism and innovation.

The ROI of Electronic Display Retrofits

Investing in modern electronic signage might seem like a significant upfront cost, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the expense. Here’s how retrofitting your signs can positively impact your ROI:

  1. Increased Sales and Customer Engagement
    Digital displays are proven to boost sales by promoting products dynamically. Businesses using digital signs may experience a 20–30% increase in sales due to targeted messaging and visually captivating promotions.*
  2. Improved Brand Image & Competitive Edge
    A modern, high-quality sign reinforces brand credibility, showing customers that your business is current, professional, and trustworthy. It also keeps your business visually competitive in high-traffic areas, helping you stand out from the crowd and attract more foot traffic.
  3. Cost Savings on Advertising
    With electronic displays, there’s no need to print and reprint posters or banners for every new campaign. Simply update the content digitally — saving on printing costs and labor.
  4. Energy Efficiency
    Modern LED displays consume significantly less energy than older models, reducing electricity bills and aligning with sustainability goals.
  5. Real-Time Content Updates
    Electronic displays allow you to modify content instantly. Whether it’s adjusting prices, highlighting flash sales, or showcasing customer testimonials, real-time updates enhance marketing responsiveness.

YESCO Refurbishes Utah State University’s Tower in Logan, Utah

Countless businesses have already experienced the transformative impact of electronic display retrofits—The Utah State University tower is one of our many successful retrofit projects.

YESCO was called on to address a malfunction in the lighting system of the Old Main Bell Tower. A portion of the “A” had been observed lighting up both red and white, causing a pink hue to be displayed.

YESCO replaced the old LED strips with new RGB LED strips on all four sides of Utah State University’s tower, illuminating the iconic ‘A’ in Aggie blue and white. A control box was installed for dynamic color displays, and a stem-mounted photocell now automates lighting from dusk to dawn.

The original ‘A’ light, once lit by 146 candle bulbs, has evolved with modern technology while preserving tradition.

“This project is a blend of tradition and innovation – honoring Utah State University’s legacy while integrating cutting-edge RGB LED technology,” said Jeff Young, Executive Vice President, YESCO. “The new signage not only enhances the visibility and vibrancy of the tower but it also allows for dynamic displays that reflect the university’s spirit.”

“Lighting the ‘A’ is a cherished Aggie tradition, and YESCO ensured it continues uninterrupted,” added Ben Berrett, USU’s Associate Vice President for Facilities.

Key Takeaways

Outdated signs are more than just an eyesore — they are a silent drain on your business’s finances. Investing in electronic display retrofits not only boosts your brand’s image but also directly impacts your bottom line by increasing sales, lowering operational costs, and enhancing customer engagement.

Don’t let obsolete signage hold your business back. It’s time to step into the future of dynamic, high-impact displays and watch your ROI grow. Contact YESCO today for a quote.

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