Clear & Consistent Signs – Step 4

ARE DENTAL SIGNS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR PRACTICE?

Well thought out and distinctive dental signs will provide clear directions for your patients as well as reinforce your brand. You may not realise it, but signage is extremely important. Most people are unaware how much of an impact signage has on their day to day lives. From roads to railways, offices to shops, signs are absolutely everywhere therefore they extremely helpful when guiding us in a place we have never been before.

WHAT EXTERIOR SIGN OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU HAVE?

Historically, many dental practices occupied period buildings and converted residential houses. Unfortunately these can be awkward and limited with regards to external advertising opportunities. The planning authorities have strict procedures about the number and sizes of signs permitted, materials used and the type of illumination allowed. This is due to protection of the building as well as caring for neighbouring residents. Many old buildings are listed too and nobody wants to see our architectural heritage ruined by overcrowded mix of signs.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DENTAL SIGNS

In recent years the modern trend has seen dentistry turn towards high street locations by acquiring retail outlets. These dental practices generally have greater advantage than a residential building with choice their choice of signage materials and the amount of exterior advertising exposure. A shop on a high street is like having a billboard which is available to view by the public 24/7. Costs for design and production for dental signage on a retail outlet is usually higher than that of a period building. They tend to include large window areas, long fascia panels and projecting sign opportunities. The good news is that money invested into well designed, highly distinctive branded dental signage will result in greater impact and interest from passing trade. With the right choice of materials, your signage can last for well over 15 years.

GET PLANNING PERMISSION

Whatever you wish to advertise on the exterior of your building, the planning authorities need to see an external visual interpretation of how your practice will look before they grant you permission. Do not underestimate how much time this may take. You can try to apply for advertising planning consent yourself but it’ll be wise to commission an architect as they have experience in this field. If you are carrying out a complete refurbishment, architectural drawings and photos will allow you to give your brand designer the information to provide you with guide costs for both design and production.

WHAT SIGNAGE DO I NEED?

Here is a list of different signs you may consider using both inside and outside of your dental practice. Signs can be produce in many different kinds of materials. Think about creating a unique but true reflection of your brand.

Here are a range of signs that can be designed for your practice:
• Projecting Signs
• Fascia Signs
• Freestanding Signs
• Illuminated Signs
• Advertising Banners
• Dentist Names Plaques
• ‘A’ Boards/Pavement Signs
• Brass Plaques
• Entrance Door Signs
• Window Adverts
• Directional Signs
• Reception Logo
• Waiting Room Displays
• Wall Paper Design
• Internal Door Signs

STEP 5 – CREATE A PATIENT WELCOME PACK

The importance of a dental patient pack and what is says about your brand >

WHO AM I?

Alex Nicolaou is a Brand Designer and Advertising Strategist who partners with company directors, dentists, specialists and entrepreneurs to grow their personal and professional brands. Having 20 years experience in dental marketing and a total of 30 years designing and advertising in all industry sectors, Alex knows how to make your brand get noticed and communicate with your ideal target audience.

Alex has always been artistic, creative and passionate about art and design. His natural talent enabled him to develop his career working on blue chip accounts for successful London based advertising and marketing agencies. The skills learned and experienced gained placed him in good stead for running his own business which he has successfully managed and directed for 20 years.

His expertise has helped dental practices and other businesses to win national awards for design, branding and marketing. If you want your business to turn heads, he’s the man.

Read more about Alex Nicolaou here >

DENTAL BRANDING & MARKETING

For more information call Alex Nicolaou on 01923 609770 to find out about making the most of your website marketing opportunities.
www.design4dentists.com >