Key Takeaways
- Regularly evaluate your signage for physical wear, faded graphics, outdated design, and lighting issues to ensure your business always presents a professional image.
- Test your sign for clarity, legibility, and appeal. Then, stack them up against local competitors to find opportunities for differentiation and improvement in the U.S. market.
- Collect and review customer reactions, foot traffic patterns, and inquiry trends linked to your signs. This will allow you to gauge the success of your sign and find ways to improve it.
- Be sure to remain up to date on local U.S. zoning regulations as well as ADA accessibility guidelines. Perform regular electrical safety audits to prevent legal and safety liabilities!
- Be bold, accept new material technology, digital syncopation, and contemporary design aesthetics. Consider simple designs, sustainable materials, and opportunities for audience interaction to make your signage timeless and fun!
- Upgrade your signage when you notice declining impact, your business model evolves, or the local environment changes, ensuring your brand remains visible and competitive in your community.
Knowing if your sign is outdated or still effective comes down to how well it stands out, reads, and matches what your brand needs today. Faded colors, chipped paint, or outdated company logos are all indicators that the sign is not effectively communicating your message.
Signs need to be highly visible from far away, utilize easy-to-read fonts, and maintain current branding to convey authority and value. In urban American environments, a sign that is unremarkable gets overlooked by pedestrians and motorists alike.
If you receive frequent inquiries for directions, your sign is probably failing. Maybe they just didn’t see your spot! To get it right, you should be looking for these indicators and asking patrons what they notice before everything else.
The central section elaborates on these ideas further.
Why Signage Still Matters Today
Even as digital marketing continues to dominate the conversation, signage is still more important than ever. In many ways, it’s what anchors your business in the real world. To the customers who walk into your store on foot, your sign may be their first impression of your brand.
This is what makes signage such an important element of your visual brand, creating that crucial first impression and influencing decisions even before your visitors arrive. Whether in a busy city or a quiet suburb, a well-placed, well-designed sign can grab attention at any hour, thanks to good lighting and durable materials.
By replacing or repairing your signage, you signal your commitment to your business’s image and your customers’ experience.
First Impressions Count Most
Strong first impressions come from:
- Fresh, clean materials
- Clear, easy-to-read text
- Bright, inviting colors
- Modern, well-lit design
- Accurate and current information
Many customers base their perception of your quality and professionalism on the appearance of your sign. When potential customers see your sign, if it’s faded or outdated, they might question your attention to detail.
How your sign makes them feel—confident, comfortable, curious—might be just as important as what it communicates. Ensure that your signage fits the level of quality and professionalism that your prospective customers would expect from your type of business.
Guiding Customers Effectively
After all, your sign is the first thing people see when they’re trying to find you. Guiding customers effectively is crucial. Consider using large glowing arrows, simple graphics, or illuminated lines leading to your entrance.
Commonly understood symbols and graphics, such as a telephone icon for contact information, assist all visitors. Make sure contact hours, driving directions, and phone number are easy to find. This ensures that it’s easy for someone to get in touch with you right away.
Reinforcing Your Brand Identity
All of your signage should be consistent and in line with your brand style. You should be branding your signs with your logo, colors, and fonts just like you would anywhere else.
An effective sign will communicate who you are and what you represent. When you shift your style or message, refresh the sign along with it.
Standing Out From Competitors
See what type of signage is out there. Look for ways to stand out—perhaps an eye-catching form, an unusual material, or colorful illumination.
Experiment with different technologies, such as LED displays or 3D elements, to attract even more attention. Feature it prominently and place your sign in a location where more people can see it, even from a distance.
Spotting An Outdated Sign
Determining if your sign is outdated or still effective requires more than a passing look. Plus, trends, technology, and even the science behind signs constantly change what’s effective and what’s not. In North America and Europe, where urban landscapes change fast, your sign must do more than just exist—it should connect, inform, and stand out in a crowded scene.
If your sign doesn’t stand out, is outdated, or has conflicting information, you are likely losing the battle for attention. Here’s a simple guide to identifying the signs of age or redundancy. You’ll find out, too, when it’s time to make a switch!
Common signs your signage may be outdated:
- Cracked surfaces, peeling paint, or faded graphics
- Dull or off-trend design elements
- Fonts that are difficult to read or appear outdated
- Messaging that no longer fits what you offer
- Lighting issues—dim, flickering, or not visible at night
- Poor placement or size, making it hard to see
- References to products or services you no longer provide
- Astrological or scientific info that’s no longer accurate
Let’s break down the core areas to check.
1. Assess Physical Wear And Tear
Start by looking at the sign itself. Check for cracks, peeling paint, rust, or any broken parts. These flaws do more than hurt looks—they send a message that you don’t care about details.
A sign with faded, chipped corners or missing pieces can make people question your professionalism. In cities like New York or Berlin with heavy foot traffic, signs wear out faster from weather and pollution. That’s why routine checks matter. Many businesses set monthly or quarterly reviews.
If anything is broken—like a loose panel or missing screw—replace it right away. For older signs, weigh the age. Materials like wood or painted metal degrade faster than modern composites or vinyl. If your sign’s over five years old and looks tired, it might be time for an upgrade.
2. Check For Faded Colors/Graphics
Bright, saturated colors are more appealing and eye-catching, much like the vibrant hues found in zodiac constellations. Over the years, UV rays, precipitation, and soot from the air take a toll on colors and graphics. Once your logo’s blue has faded to gray or your letters are hard to read because they’re blending in with the background, your sign has lost its impact, similar to how an astrologer’s interpretation may change with the seasons.
Look at your sign versus the competition around you. Does yours stop traffic, or is it looking a little faded? If you can’t tell the difference, you’re probably past due for a repaint. Today’s best signs go further with UV-resistant inks and weatherproof coatings that make colors pop, just as the sun sign influences the vibrancy of one’s personality.
If your sign doesn’t have these features, fading will progress much quicker. For locations with extended summer seasons or extreme winter weather, like Los Angeles or Toronto, select products designed to perform in those weather conditions, ensuring your sign remains as bright as the stars in the night sky.
3. Evaluate Outdated Design Styles
Design goes in decades-long cycles. What was cutting-edge a decade ago could be feeling dated now. Review your sign’s design, color palette, and icons. Are they consistent with what’s hot today, or do they appear like they are from a bygone era?
Minimalist fonts, bright colors, and simple icons feature prominently in many new urban signage. You may encounter 3D effects or dynamic displays in high-traffic urban centers. Ask for feedback from customers and staff: Does your sign look fresh or tired?
If most people feel that it’s outdated, then it is outdated. Start with modest changes, such as removing an outdated logo or introducing a new color. Temporary seasonal graphics or updates for special events or holidays make the sign feel dynamic, even if it’s not redesigned every time.
4. Compare Typography To Modern Trends
Typography is one of those design elements that people tend to underestimate. A sign with beautiful script fonts or block letters can create a negative first impression. Today, businesses readily adopt clean, sans-serif typography.
They’re more legible from a distance and just look more modern. Make sure your font isn’t overly complicated, or that the letters don’t run together, making it difficult for someone to read while passing by. Check your sign’s text size, weight, and contrast both during the day and at night.
If drivers have to squint or drive 10 mph to read it, it’s a crap sign. Ensuring your typography is in line with today’s design conventions goes a long way toward making your sign feel timely and ensuring your message stays legible.
5. Consider Brand Messaging Mismatches
Your sign’s messaging needs to reflect what you offer today, not what you offered decades ago. If you’ve pivoted your business, introduced new lines of work, or changed the way you want your brand to sound, your sign should reflect that evolution.
Brand slogans or taglines that were relevant in the past are inappropriate now. In a tech-savvy metropolis like Seattle or London, a sign that says “VHS Rentals” or “Fax Services” looks not just obsolete, but embarrassing. Otherwise, your business will look out of touch.
Get reactions from would-be customers to identify any mismatches between your sign and your offering. If you find yourself getting a ton of questions or sounding confused, it’s time to refresh your messaging.
6. Look At Lighting Issues
A brightly lit sign is an effective way to grab attention, particularly in the evening. If your sign is dark, flashing bulbs, or otherwise poorly lit, it will be hard to see. View your sign at various times—twilight, night, and dawn.
In places with extended winter nights, such as those located in the farther latitudes of northern Europe, lighting is critical. You would think that with LED upgrades to save power and provide a more even glow, this wouldn’t be a problem.
If your sign’s light burns out frequently, consider replacing it with energy-efficient lighting. For more urban main streets or high-traffic areas, consideration of backlit signs or halo lighting can help provide a clear competitive advantage.
7. Notice Poor Visibility Or Legibility
There is the issue of visibility—your sign’s size and placement help to determine how easy it will be to spot. If it’s in a location where trees, poles, or other signs obstruct the view, hardly anyone will see it. Even the weather is a factor—fog or rain can render your small text completely unreadable.
Check your sign from various distances and angles, both from the sidewalk and the tree. When your customers’ first comments are that they couldn’t find you, that’s a warning sign. Sometimes, just resizing your sign, relocating it, or changing its angle can have a huge impact.
8. See If It Reflects Current Services
The point is that signs should accurately reflect what you provide today. Outdated promotional offers or previous business names mislead the public. If you have new or expanded services, promote them immediately on the sign itself.
A bakery might increase overall sales if it markets its coffee and lunch offerings. If that sign just says “Fresh Bread”—that’s it!—It’s losing a huge chance! Make a point to reevaluate your sign every season to ensure it remains current.
Bonus: Astrological Signs And Scientific Shifts
In the case of zodiac signs, there’s a scientific explanation as to why most signs are no longer valid. Earth’s axial precession shifts slowly over a 26,000-year cycle. This shift moves the constellations’ positions across the sky.
Astrological signs are inaccurate by nearly a full month, thanks to the celestial dislocation. The ancient Greeks designated Ophiuchus as a constellation, but only now is it being recognized as a zodiac sign. Many people who thought they were one sign may find they are another.
This contrast between astronomy and astrology illustrates the requirement for modernization despite the traditions found in the most seasoned of sign systems.
Gauging Your Sign’s Performance
If you’re wondering whether your sign is old and needs replacing or if it’s still effective, collect a combination of data. Then, look for real-world feedback! Most people gauge their sign’s performance based on the basics. This should include the number of pedestrians who pass by.
Further, it measures how often people engage with the sign and whether clients refer to it when inquiring. Here are some basic ways to measure your sign’s performance:
- Keep track of how many passersby come in or stop after noticing your sign.
- Keep an eye on foot traffic before and after you improve your sign.
- Solicit customer feedback on your sign, either during in-person interactions with staff or via simple surveys.
- Keep a count of the questions or comments customers ask about your sign.
- Track sales or inquiries that occur as a result of your sign.
Is Foot Traffic Changing?
Monitor foot traffic during various times of the day and compare the foot traffic counts before and after you switch your sign to a digital variant. If you notice an increase in foot traffic, your sign must be doing its job!
Log the peak hours to ensure your sign is displayed when it will be most impactful. This can help you further develop and target your marketing for the best results.
Does Customer Feedback Mention It?
Solicit customer feedback on your sign. Pay attention to common threads running through their remarks, positive and negative. Social media can be a great place to gauge what people are noticing.
Use this feedback to determine whether or not your sign requires an update.
Analyze Sign-Related Inquiries
Analyze sign-related inquiries. Monitor increases in the frequency of inquiries concerning your sign or what it advertises. Watch for clarity or confusion in questions.
Adjust your sign’s message accordingly and use this data to inform future signs.
Calculate Your Sign’s ROI
Calculate your sign’s capital costs. Monitor any increase in sales or new business inquiries following its installation. Look at your statistics and see how they measure up to industry standards.
Use this information to adjust your approach.
Modern Signage Design Insights
These days, signage pretty much determines how passersby perceive your business the moment they walk past. Smart signage represents your brand well, so staying updated is crucial to making great signs that speak volumes. If your sign looks dated, you can lose credibility in an instant. It’s the equivalent of going to a job interview wearing clothes from the last decade!
Here’s a look at some of the forces influencing intelligent, impactful signage right now.
Current US Design Trends
- Color: Modern-day palettes primarily feature soft greens, warm earth tones, and deep blues. These shades go a long way to keep your sign looking contemporary, while making it more visible.
- The current US aesthetic trend favors clean, uncluttered aesthetics. Providing less clutter ensures your sign is easy to read from a distance. This makes it clear to anybody, at a glance, what you’re all about!
- Signs produced using recycled metals, plant-based plastics, or reclaimed wood help convey to your customers that green matters to you.
- Large, striking graphics or clear photos jump out quickly! Imagine a cafe employing a bold coffee cup symbol or an electronics retailer advertising thin device silhouettes.
Material Innovations To Consider
- Alternatives like new composites and powder-coated metals hold up better and continue to look crisp years after being placed outside.
- LED lighting can save you up to 75% on your energy usage. Whether you want to go blue or green, LED lights provide remarkable brightness, longevity, and energy efficiency.
- Weatherproof plastics and treated woods will withstand the elements, rain, sun, or snow, ensuring your sign will withstand the test of time.
- Choosing materials you know you can recycle plays into today’s sustainability sentiments and could align with local legislation as well.
Integrating Digital Elements
- These digital displays can be used to communicate live updates, such as daily specials or event hours.
- With the touch of a camera, QR codes can provide customers with the ability to scan and learn more immediately.
- Motion graphics, such as kinetic typography—moving text or images—catch people’s attention instantly.
- Consistency is key. All tech should be consistent with your brand style, so it feels organic.
Matching Signage With Online Branding
- Your signage needs to feel like an extension of your online brand. In this manner, customers will be able to identify you at every touchpoint!
- Apply the same logos, colors, shades, and typefaces everywhere.
- Include online deals or services available on your website to connect the channels.
- Signs can direct folks to your social media, creating a revolving door between online and in-person visits.
Compliance And Safety Checks
Proper signage not only prevents accidents but also guides guests through your space. Keeping up to date is not just about replacing old paint with new colors. You have to stay ahead of rapidly evolving regulations.
These individuals are your first line of defense, and their guidance will cover everything from what your signage should say to how you properly light it. These outdated compliance systems can lead to significant missed updates and, in turn, can put safety at risk.
Today’s tools simplify the process by storing all your records, alerts, and updates in one convenient location. This way, you can take corrective action immediately as it becomes apparent that something is not working! Here’s what you should focus on:
- Keep informed about local zoning regulations and building codes
- Obtain permits before putting up new signs
- Make sure all signs meet ADA accessibility standards
- Inspect for electrical safety, especially for lit signs
- Use required safety tags like “Danger” or “Caution” signs
- Check all signs to make sure they are visible and understandable by all USERS.
- Review compliance systems for broken steps or manual tasks
Meeting Local US Zoning Rules
Meet local US zoning regulations first. Other states and municipalities restrict the size, height, or placement of signs. You might be surprised to find that you need a permit before you can install a new sign or alter an old one.
Zoning changes are possible, so be on the lookout for further developments from local advocates. If you don’t know, request assistance from city staff. One misstep can result in hefty penalties or a demand to remove your sign.
Ensuring ADA Accessibility
Our ADA compliance guide will walk you through ADA rules to ensure everyone can read your sign, regardless of ability. Use large, bold letters and put signage at an eye-level that pedestrians can easily see.
For signage that conveys critical information, include Braille or raised text. Check your signs carefully, rules change, and failure to update them can be an expensive oversight.
Checking Electrical Safety Standards
If your sign has light bulbs or neon tubes, look for broken wires or burned-out bulbs and replace them. Always hire a licensed professional to install or repair electrical systems.
Faulty electrical wiring is one of the leading causes of fire or electrical outage. Make ongoing inspections to ensure continued safety and compliance.
When To Upgrade Your Signage
Being aware of when to upgrade your signage is the best way to ensure your business remains tidy, modern, and top of your competition. Signs that work go far beyond just telling people your name! They draw in potential clients, relay your brand’s message, and differentiate your area from the competition.
If your sign is tough to read, has faded colors, or uses old information, it might be time to upgrade. Below are key signs it’s time for a change:
- Your signage is illegible from afar, in the dark, or during inclement weather.
- Everything appears washed out, or the lighting is inadequate/malfunctioning.
- The design looks outdated compared to nearby businesses.
- The sign listing outdated contact information or no longer reflects your corporate identity.
- Your merchandise or service line has expanded or contracted, but your sign is out of touch with reality.
- Your competitors are using the latest technology to attract attention, whether it be through digital displays or interactive signs.
- Your community is expanding, and your signage no longer reflects the needs of your new clientele.
Improving Visibility And Impact
Verify how far your sign is located from the road—if it’s too low or obscured by trees, it can cut down on visibility. Signs that make use of bold, eye-catching colors and easy-to-read fonts and designs will stand out the most, even from the road.
Try out different types of lighting to ensure customers can easily read your sign and recognize your brand after the sun goes down. Increasing size or using a moving or digital sign can help increase visibility in high-traffic locations.
Embracing New Technologies
Smart signs, such as those equipped with sensors or dynamic message boards, allow you to communicate information quickly. Capture attention with interactive screens that encourage customers to interact immediately.
When your market or field changes, embrace new technologies! In doing so, your signage will stay ahead of customer behavior and capture the attention you need.
Refreshing Your Business Image
Just as your brand evolves into something bigger and better, so too should your sign reflect your impressive new image. Whether it’s new designs, logos, or colors, an updated look can do wonders to keep your establishment fresh and attract new business.
Refreshing every five to ten years ensures you’ll always look contemporary and professional.
Keeping Pace With Area Growth
Keep an eye out for new development or new traffic patterns. If your area grows or your audience changes, like needing more languages, update your sign to fit.
Scalable signs allow for simpler and less expensive future updates.
Conclusion
Your sign speaks volumes before you even open your mouth. Whether on congested urban arterials or your neighborhood business corridor, a high-contrast, legible sign commands attention quickly. Faded paint, outdated logos, or cracked panels are all ways to have people drive right by. A well-made sign is eye-catching, conveys your message effectively, and most importantly, helps you avoid running afoul of your locality’s regulations. Bright colors, good lighting, and easy-to-read type will make your sign effective around the clock. After you’ve created your sign, take a walk or drive around your area, identify what stands out and what is a bust. Take this new knowledge and use it to inform your next action. If your signage is starting to show its age, it’s a good indicator that you should consider an update. To give your business that all-important competitive edge—get the message, check your sign today, and find out what it’s communicating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Can I Tell If My Business Sign Is Outdated?
Look for chipped paint, faded colors, outdated fonts, and any visible wear and tear. If your sign, representing your astrological sign or brand identity, is cracked, peeling, or outdated, it’s time to replace it.
2. Why Is Signage Still Important For Local Businesses?
Signs draw in first-time customers, aid in building your brand identity, and lead potential customers directly to your door. Strong signage translates into more pedestrians walking into your business and more dollars in your pocket, much like how an astrological sign influences personal traits.
3. What Are The Signs Of Poor Signage Performance?
Seeing fewer walk-ins than you used to? Increased customer confusion or complaints that people can’t find your location could indicate that your astrological sign isn’t effectively guiding customers.
4. How Often Should I Update My Business Sign?
A rule of thumb is to review your zodiac sign every 3–5 years or after a significant rebrand. If your star sign is damaged or your business has changed, update it earlier.
5. What Are The Latest Trends In Signage Design?
Today’s signs, much like the zodiac constellations, employ vibrant colors, LED illumination, simple typography, and sustainable materials, capturing the essence of modern design.
6. Do I Need To Follow Local Sign Regulations?
Yes. Additionally, every city and state has regulations governing sign size, placement, and lighting, much like how astrologers interpret the significance of a zodiac sign. Check in with your local city hall to steer clear of any costly violations.
7. When Should I Consider Upgrading My Sign?
Upgrading your sign, whether it’s your brand or an astrological sign, should occur when it has become outdated, unreadable, or fails to meet modern safety requirements. This upgrade is a win-win for visibility and credibility.
Make A Bold Statement: Expert Storefront Signs That Define Your Brand
Your storefront sign does more than display your name—it introduces your brand, invites customers in, and sets the tone for what they can expect. A distinctive, high-quality storefront sign is a vital branding asset that draws attention and sets you apart from the competition.
At It’s A Good Sign, we create standout storefront signs that capture the essence of your business and enhance your visibility. From elegant dimensional lettering and illuminated signs to sleek panels and fully custom architectural signage, our designs are tailored to reflect your brand’s unique style and voice.
With over 30 years of industry experience and a nationwide network of trusted professionals, our team is equipped to deliver durable, visually striking signage built to withstand the elements and maintain its appeal for years to come. We manage every stage of the process—from creative concept to expert installation—with care, precision, and dedication to excellence.
A professionally crafted storefront sign is more than just decoration—it’s an investment in your brand’s success, credibility, and long-term recognition. It tells your story before a single word is spoken.
Ready to stand out? Contact It’s A Good Sign today and let us help you make a lasting impression with a custom storefront sign designed to turn heads and grow your business.
Disclaimer
The materials provided on this website are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not intended to serve as professional advice. You should consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your unique circumstances or needs. Do not act or refrain from acting based on the content on this website without seeking appropriate guidance from an expert in the relevant field.
The information presented here may not reflect the latest developments in signage, design, or related industries. We disclaim all liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the content of this website to the fullest extent permitted by law.