Discover how quotes, memes, and trends can make your business connect to younger customers.
A scrolling LED sign isn’t just a way to announce sales or store hours. It can be the heartbeat of your brand, the thing that makes passersby smile, laugh, or stop for a second look. Gen Z consumers value connection and authenticity – they love brands that speak their language, share their humor, and keep up with what’s trending online.
The great thing is that you don’t need a viral TikTok video or a massive billboard to achieve that. Your LED sign can do the job right outside your storefront.
Programmable LED signs can display short, eye-catching messages, funny quotes, or witty one-liners in colorful motion. You can also use fun animations like flashing, falling, or Pac-Man effects to add character. It’s simple, affordable, and surprisingly effective for making your business feel relatable and modern.
So how can you use your LED sign to express your brand’s personality and connect with younger audiences? Let’s explore how memes, quotes, and trends can make your storefront stand out in a fun and memorable way.
Memes on Signs: Why Gen Z Can’t Resist Them
Memes are a modern form of communication. For Gen Z, memes express identity, humor, and shared experiences. According to Attest, over 67% of Gen Z users consume memes frequently, and many use them as a primary form of entertainment or for social communication. Many see them as a way to bond with others or cope with everyday stress. When your scrolling LED sign features clever, meme-inspired messages, you’re speaking a language they instantly recognize.
Imagine a coffee shop LED sign that reads:
“Running on caffeine and good vibes ☕✨”
Or a pet store sign scrolling:
“POV: You walk by and your dog drags you inside.”
Those short lines mimic how memes work: relatable, funny, and quick to understand. They make people feel seen. When customers see your sign and laugh or nod in agreement, they remember your store as more than a place to buy things. It becomes a brand that “gets it.”
You can also experiment with trending meme formats. For example:
“Me: I don’t need more pizza. Also me: walks into Joe’s Pizza.”
“Signs be like: Buy 1 Get 1 Free because you deserve it.”
Even though scrolling LED signs can’t display images or videos, text-based humor works perfectly. Combine your witty phrases with the right animation mode, like flashing or shooting text, to mimic the energy of online memes. It’s a simple trick that makes your storefront feel alive and in touch.
How to Connect with Gen Z Humor and Viral Culture
Gen Z humor can be quirky, ironic, and sometimes hard to decode. But one thing’s for sure: it values authenticity and spontaneity. They prefer brands that feel human, not overly polished or corporate. Here’s how you can connect with this audience using your LED sign in ways that feel genuine:
#1 Keep It Short and Scroll-Worthy
Gen Z has mastered the art of consuming content fast. Most people’s attention spans on the street last only a few seconds, so your messages should be quick to read. Think in phrases under 10 words. For instance:
“No bad days. Just better coffee.”
“Deals so good you’ll screenshot them (mentally).”
“Open late. Because adulting is hard.”
Short lines like these create instant impact. The goal is to get someone to smile in the few seconds it takes for the text to scroll by.
#2 Use Trends Wisely
Trends move fast online. What’s funny this month might feel ancient next month. Instead of chasing every viral moment, focus on timeless humor with a touch of trendiness.
For instance, using a gentle nod to current online slang like “vibes,” “it’s giving,” or “main character energy” keeps your messaging current without feeling forced.
An LED sign outside a clothing store could say:
“It’s giving… 20% off all hoodies.”
Or a bakery could scroll:
“Main character energy starts with a muffin.”
This type of language feels familiar to Gen Z consumers but still fits your brand’s voice.
#3 Show Brand Personality Through Humor
Every business has a personality: playful, confident, witty, or wholesome. Your LED sign should reflect that. A family-owned diner might lean toward nostalgic humor:
“Serving pancakes since before Wi-Fi was a thing.”
Meanwhile, a boutique targeting younger shoppers could take a sassier tone:
“Outfits hotter than your ex’s new flame.”
Your sign becomes a digital extension of your brand identity, giving people a sense of who you are before they even walk in.
#4 Invite Engagement
Interactive signs get noticed. Pose a funny question, create a challenge, or tease customers with curiosity. For example:
“Guess what’s on sale today 👀”
“Rate our fries: A+, A++, or just wow.”
“This sign likes your outfit.”
These messages work because they feel personal and conversational. They also encourage people to snap photos and share them online, giving your business free social media exposure.
#5 Match Humor With Timing
Humor lands best when it fits the moment. Tie your scrolling LED messages to current events, weather, or even mood shifts throughout the week. For instance, Monday humor can be motivational while Friday content can be more relaxed and fun.
Examples include:
“Surviving Monday? Coffee’s on standby.”
“Midweek deals to keep your energy up!”
“Fri-nally! Treat yourself, you’ve earned it.”
When your LED sign reflects the rhythm of everyday life, it feels like your brand is part of the local conversation, not just advertising to it.
Quotes That Click: Inspiration with Personality
Inspirational quotes don’t have to be boring or cliché. They can be funny, clever, and totally on-brand. Attentive’s 2025 Consumer Trends Report found that around 34% of Gen Z consumers say they are more likely to support brands that make them feel good and like they are part of a community. That’s why positive, uplifting messages on your LED sign can build emotional connection and boost walk-ins.
Here are some creative examples:
“Do good. Eat tacos.” (for a taco stand)
“Smile. You’re basically at your happy place.” (for a café or spa)
“Support local. It looks good on you.” (for small retail stores)
You can rotate different quotes weekly to keep your content fresh. The more variety your LED sign displays, the more people will pay attention each time they pass by.
The Secret Sauce: Consistency + Creativity
Having a programmable LED sign that matches your online voice builds stronger brand recognition. The key is consistency. If your business is funny on Instagram, keep that same vibe on your storefront sign. If you’re known for customer care, mix in friendly reminders like:
“Stay hydrated. Then stop by for a treat.”
Change your messages regularly, once or twice a week, to match seasons, holidays, or trending moments. You could even tie your LED content to local events:
During summer: “Hot deals, cooler drinks.”
During back-to-school season: “Teachers deserve free refills!”
These updates keep your messaging relevant and dynamic, showing your community that you’re engaged and paying attention.
Final Thoughts
A scrolling LED sign can do more than advertise; it can also express your brand’s identity, connect with younger customers, and create moments of delight. When used creatively, it becomes your brand’s storyteller in motion.
So next time you program your sign, think beyond “Sale Today” or “Now Open.” Try a line that makes people laugh, smile, or nod in agreement. Because when your LED sign talks like a person, your brand becomes one customers love to listen to.
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