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It's A Good Sign

Commercial Signs & Graphics

It's A Good Sign

Commercial Signs & Graphics

 

The most important considerations when designing custom commercial signs are visibility, readability, the choice of material, and brand consistency. To enhance a sign’s visibility, consider its size, color contrast, and placement within the intended environment. Readability focuses on legible typefaces and effective letter and word spacing.

It makes sure that someone can read it from far away and instantly understand what the sign or graphic is about. Material choice affects durability and appearance, with options like aluminum, acrylic, or wood offering different benefits based on location and budget. Branding consistency is what brings everything together by showcasing your business’s identity using colors, logos, and design elements.

Understanding how these factors interact with one another will help you design signage that demands attention and quickly communicates your message. Let’s take a look at each factor individually.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Determine the overall goal of your signage from the start to clearly inform design direction. Make sure the message supports your business objectives, be it increasing brand awareness, attracting customers in-store or online, advertising promotions, etc.
  • Incorporate your logo, brand colors, and typography throughout all custom signs to make a cohesive visual brand identity and increase brand recognition.
  • Choose the right sign type based on your location and business needs. Options such as storefront signs, banners, or window graphics need to reinforce your overall approach and attract the right audience.
  • Make sure you maximize their visibility by placing them in high-traffic areas and using lighting to your advantage. Account for viewing distance, height, and environmental conditions to ensure your custom commercial signs have the greatest effect possible.
  • Maximize legibility Keep your message short, avoid script fonts, and maintain high contrast to make your sign easy to read. Scale Consider including size restrictions Clutter Keep it simple Avoid overloading the sign, and instead aim to deliver one clear, actionable message.
  • Set a reasonable budget that focuses on quality, not cheapness. Look at long-term durability, material choices and future maintenance to ensure getting the greatest ROI.

Define Signage Purpose and Goals

When creating custom commercial signage, the first step is to determine the signage purpose and goals. Signs can’t just be decorative art installations—they have a job to do in attracting attention, helping people process information quickly, and making a memorable impression. You have a few seconds to capture their attention.

Being clear in the purpose and goals of your sign will help you craft an effective signage.

Boost Brand Recognition

In fact, a well-designed sign plays a key role in establishing brand identity through the use of consistent branding elements such as logos, fonts, and colors. All of these features go a long way in making your business more recognizable, and more importantly, memorable.

For instance, a coffee shop may want to use warm, earthy colors to match a welcoming vibe. Color psychology comes into play as well—yellow catches the eye and energizes, blues promote trust.

Strategies to boost visibility include:

  • Adding your logo prominently.
  • Using high-contrast colors for readability.
  • Integrating unique design elements that reflect your brand’s personality.

Drive Customer Traffic

Well-designed signage attracts potential customers by being visually interesting and thought-provoking. Bold visuals, clear messaging, and strategic placement in high traffic areas make them hard to miss.

Signs located near entrances or on segments of sidewalk in front of your business can help convert passersby into customers. In fact, studies have found that businesses with great signage experience up to a 20% increase in pedestrian traffic.

Share Key Information

Common info to include:

  • Store hours and location.
  • Website or phone number.
  • Special offers or services.

Promote Offers and Events

Flaunting sales or upcoming events with flashy, fresh designs updates content and adds excitement. The buzz from limited-time offers creates a sense of urgency to convert and purchase, keeping your advertisement exciting and attention-grabbing.

Select the Appropriate Sign Type

Selecting the appropriate commercial sign type is key. It’s what makes those messages stand out against competitors that is likely to resonate most with your specific target audience. That decision should be made based on business requirements, build location and highest-level marketing strategy and campaign goals.

A properly thought out sign will do more than increase your visibility – it can enhance your brand image.

Evaluate Different Types of Signs

Your location and business type heavily influence the ideal sign. For example, a retail shop in a busy urban area might benefit from illuminated storefront signs, while a small office could rely on reception or directional signs for professionalism.

Here’s a quick comparison of popular options:

Sign Type Best Features Ideal For
Storefront Signs Durable, visible day and night Retail, restaurants
Window Graphics Customizable, seasonal flexibility Pop-up stores, promotions
Flags & Banners Portable, cost-effective Events, temporary sales
Directional Signs Functional, guides customer flow Offices, campuses

Consider Message and Audience

In particular, the message your sign conveys should fit in with your brand overall, and with what your target demographic is going for. A clear, punchy message cuts through the clutter, particularly in busy, fast-moving areas.

For example, illuminated signs work well for businesses targeting evening customers, while colorful banners are great for family-friendly events.

Align with Marketing Strategy

Your sign should fit naturally within your cohesive brand identity. If the designers all use vinyl, an easily manipulated material, there’s opportunity for multiple designs to look and feel similar.

In fact, studies have found that attractive, well-designed commercial signs can drive up to a 15% increase in both pedestrian traffic and sales.

Branding Integration Strategies

When designing custom commercial signs, branding integration is essential to make your business stand out, as well as reinforce credibility and professionalism. Great signage isn’t just another eye-catching billboard—it’s a highly effective integrated branding strategy poised to increase brand awareness, draw in potential patrons, and generate sales.

Effective branding integration makes for a more unified expression of your brand’s identity at every interaction, providing a more memorable experience for your audience.

Incorporate Logo and Brand Elements

Your logo should be the star of the show in any way finding sign design. Implement brand elements like icons or a pattern to reinforce recognition. Having continuity in these elements no matter the format, be it window graphics, outdoor building signs, or vehicle wraps, instills trust and familiarity.

For instance, you need to consider how your logo scales from a wide-open billboard down to an interior directional sign when it comes to flexibility. These tips are to keep the logo clean, use a high-resolution file, and avoid drawing attention away from the general sign layout.

Choose Brand-Aligned Colors

Our choice of colors not only reflects our brand’s emotions, but conveys our core values. Choosing colors that match your brand persona allows you to appeal to the type of audience you want to attract.

For instance, a tech company might use sleek blues and silvers to convey innovation, while an organic brand could lean on greens and browns. Using high-contrast combinations, such as white text on dark surfaces, significantly improves readability, particularly in outdoor environments.

Regularly evaluate how your color palette affects customers’ perception of your company, and ensure consistency is kept between website, print, and all other marketing materials.

Select Appropriate Typography

Readable fonts are key to successful wayfinding signage. Pick typefaces consistent with your brand’s personality—whether you want to appear modern, sophisticated, or whimsical.

Font size should double the needed viewing distance to fill the reader in from the street or sidewalk. In order to avoid clashing, try to cut down on font types and establish a typography aesthetic that focuses on a clean and easily digestible look.

Maintain Brand Consistency

Following strict guidelines with your branding will help maintain a consistent message. Consistently checking in on signage, training employees, and being open to customer feedback ensures that you stay true to your business brand.

Optimize Location and Visibility

When designing custom commercial signs, location and visibility play a central role in ensuring your signage effectively captures attention and communicates your message. An attractive, appropriately located, highly visible sign is one of your highest impact tools for increasing customer traffic and name awareness.

Analyze High-Traffic Areas for Placement

Determining high-volume pedestrian or vehicle areas is key. Look for places where you can snag consistent pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

Prioritize high crash intersections, major shopping corridors, and places near transit or transit hubs. If you have a traditional sign, position it in a prominent corner lot or along busy roads.

That’s how it becomes the focal point for the greatest number of potential clients! Make sure the sign isn’t totally blocked from view by adjacent buildings, trees, or other street furniture.

Assess Viewing Distance Needs

To needlessly elaborate, whatever size and scale your sign may be, make sure it matches the viewing distance. Consider, for example, signage that needs to be visible at high speeds along an interstate highway.

Such signs will need to use much larger text and images. As a general guide:

  • Up to 100 feet: Use letters at least 10 inches tall.
  • 100–250 feet: Opt for 20–30 inches.
  • Over 250 feet: Consider letters 40 inches or larger.

Remember that distance plays a role in understanding your message, so make designs clean and simple and don’t cram copy onto signs.

Determine Optimal Sign Placement

Holding the signs at eye-level not only increases visibility but accessibility. For pedestrian visibility, this is ideally 5–6 feet off the ground, but if we’re talking about visibility for drivers, higher placements are preferable.

Avoid structures such as utility poles or parked cars. Choose locations that align with where customers move, such as by store entryways or intersections of pathways.

Implement Effective Lighting

Lighting enhances perception, especially at night or in inclement weather. Backlit or LED-lit signs have become the widely-accepted standard for outdoor displays.

This includes techniques such as using spotlights, halo lighting, or using illuminated letters on a busy roadway, which all improve both readability and visual quality.

Account for Environmental Conditions

Create weatherproof signs. Opt for durable materials such as aluminum or acrylic that can withstand rain, wind, or high temperatures.

Make sure designs account for conditions such as glare from sunlight or snow build-up, maintaining visibility in every condition.

Prioritize Legibility and Clarity

When creating custom commercial signs and displays, legibility and clarity should be priority number one. When done well, a sign conveys complex ideas simply and powerfully. This is especially important since the average person will only look at a wayfinding sign for a couple seconds at most.

To yell louder, text should be legible from many different distances and without notice. Think about where your sign will be placed. Consider how far away viewers will be when they first see it. As an example, a storefront sign will require more contrast and bolder type than a menu board at a café counter.

Proper lighting through the design is equally imperative, making sure that travelers can see features during nighttime hours or inclement weather.

Contrast, such as between text and background, is another major factor in visibility. Combine dark text on a light background for maximum readability contrast. For instance, try white on black or yellow on navy for impact.

Of course, color choices should still align with your organizational branding, but make sure they improve clarity. Fonts are important as well. Use clean, sans-serif fonts such as Arial or Helvetica, and don’t go crazy with decorative fonts that make something hard to read.

Legibility Tips for Effective Signage Design:

  • Use fonts that are simple and clean.
  • Text height should be proportional to viewing distance (e.g., 1 inch of letter height for every 10 feet).
  • Limit the number of different font styles to no more than two on a single sign.
  • Select high-contrast color combinations for text and background.
  • Ensure your lighting design allows for visibility in all driving conditions.

Evaluate customer understanding by piloting your final sign design on a limited basis before rolling it out completely. Review by an outside reader sharpens focus and clarity and makes sure your message lands with maximum impact.

Manage Budget and Costs

When creating one-of-a-kind commercial signs, budgeting smart will help make sure you get the best sign possible without breaking the bank. A carefully organized budget does more than just keep costs in line. It helps you get the most value from your investment over the years to come.

Establish a Realistic Budget

A detailed, pragmatic budget is the bedrock of any signage endeavor. Begin with a number that represents the depth, longevity, and excellence you seek.

Different types of signs come with varying costs, influenced by factors such as size, materials, and electronic features. Additionally, long-term maintenance should be factored into budgeting—some materials may have a higher initial investment but require less upkeep over time.

Other cost considerations include permits, installation, and project management, which can add to the overall expense. If budget constraints impact design decisions, prioritize durability and long-term visibility to maximize return on investment.

Consider Long-Term Value

Concrete is about twice as costly upfront, but investing in more durable materials will yield substantial savings down the line. A great example is high-quality vinyl, which, thanks to greater durability outdoors, comes with huge savings in replacement costs.

Although some signs might have a higher upfront price, such as LED-lit options, the long-term energy costs are less.

Signs with high long-term value:

  • LED-lit signs for energy efficiency.
  • Aluminum signs for durability in harsh weather.
  • Acrylic signs for indoor and outdoor versatility.

An on-premise sign is a 24/7 additional marketing effort that can provide businesses with as much as 70% greater brand awareness. When planned correctly, it’s one of the cheapest forms of advertising in the long-term.

Explore Material Options

As any builder will tell you, the material selection has the biggest influence on cost and aesthetic. Aluminum, for example, is light, resistant to all types of weather, and incredibly durable, making it the perfect choice for outdoor signage.

Acrylic provides a modern, crisp aesthetic that’s ideal for indoor exhibits. Wood imparts a warm, rustic or artisan feel, but requires substantially higher maintenance over time.

Common materials and uses:

  • Aluminum: Long-lasting, ideal for outdoor use.
  • Acrylic: Modern aesthetic, versatile for indoor and outdoor use.
  • Vinyl: Cost-effective and customizable for temporary signage.
  • Wood: Unique look, best for indoor or small-scale outdoor use.

Material selection has a direct impact on the cost, with some options resulting in very different costs. Sometimes hundreds or even thousands of dollars difference.

Tip: Select materials wisely to help your sign fit within your branding and budget.

Ensure Regulatory Compliance

Ensuring regulatory compliance from the outset is an important step in the overall process of designing custom commercial signs. Overlooking this consideration could result in hundreds of dollars in fines and even removal or delay of your signage. By tackling regulatory compliance from the beginning, you can sidestep these setbacks and navigate the project to achieve a successful design and installation.

Research Local Sign Regulations

Begin by researching zoning regulations and prohibitions in your locality. These regulations frequently control the size, placement, and even the materials from which signs are created. For example, some residential neighborhoods might ban digital signs, while others might restrict their height or size.

Reach out to your local municipalities or planning departments to better understand these regulations and get specialized advice. Key factors to keep in mind include:

  • Restrictions on sign dimensions and placement.
  • Guidelines addressing brightness levels and restrictions on animation/electronic message board usage.
  • Rules about operating hours for illuminated signs.

Knowing what these requirements are will inform your design decisions. Or, say, if your local regulations prohibit lighting above a certain brightness level, you’ll have to design with that restriction in mind.

Obtain Necessary Permits

Before installing, obtain all required permits up front to prevent expensive delays. This process usually involves filing detailed schematics, down to the dimensions and materials. To make this step go smoothly, do your best to verify that all documentation is in order and done correctly.

Steps to follow include:

  • Submitting applications to the appropriate local department.
  • Providing clear designs that meet ADA standards for accessibility.
  • Allowing time for permit approval, which varies by location.

Permits shield your investment by ensuring any new sign you construct meets all legal requirements. This avoids potential problems that could jeopardize your new sign’s long-term installation and functionality.

Material Selection and Durability

Whether you’re using custom commercial signs or temporary ones, material selection will heavily influence your sign’s overall aesthetic and durability. The proper material selection ensures that your signage captivates with the highest level of aesthetic. In addition to beauty, it delivers great durability and lasting value for your future in years to come.

Far from just creating visual interest, materials play a role in durability, maintenance requirements, and even environmental sustainability.

Choose Weather-Resistant Materials

As outdoor signage will be constantly exposed to the elements, it’s important to use materials that will endure the climate your specific location will experience. Aluminum, for example, doesn’t rust or corrode, which makes it perfect for humid or wet climates.

Likewise, high-density urethane (HDU) is non-combustible, ultra-durable, and can be carved with intricate detail for custom designs. Stainless steel, a similarly dependable choice, provides inherent strength and a polished, contemporary appearance.

Weather-resistant materials include:

  • Aluminum
  • Stainless steel
  • HDU
  • Composite plastics

These materials wear much longer without the need for frequent repairs, keeping your signage looking great with little maintenance.

Plan for Long-Term Maintenance

Signage that is poorly maintained loses its effectiveness quickly. Durable materials like aluminum and composite plastics lend themselves to easy cleaning and are resistant to wear.

At the same time, HDU and acrylic produce a durable and refined look. Setting up a regular maintenance routine, such as washing and inspecting them on a regular basis, will keep signs looking good longer.

Maintenance tips:

  • Clean surfaces with mild soap and water regularly.
  • Inspect for damage and repair promptly.
  • Avoid abrasive cleaning tools to prevent surface scratches.

Consider Sustainable Options

Sustainability is becoming a major consideration in all design fields. Sustainable alternatives such as recycled aluminum or biodegradable plastics help companies meet their eco-friendly goals and improve brand image.

Enhancing sustainability practices protects the environment and makes sense for society and your cellular customers who care about the environment.

Sustainable materials for signage include:

  • Recycled aluminum
  • Bamboo composites
  • Biodegradable plastics

Enhance Visual Appeal and Engagement

In short, when it comes to commercial signage, making an arresting visual statement is key. Vivid colors, dynamic typography, and intelligent backlighting can help ensure signs stand out in various settings. Backlighting, for example, creates a gentle halo effect that enhances visual appeal and improves visibility at night.

Textures, such as matte finishes or metallic accents, can add richness and elegance. Eye-catching signs have the potential to draw in more customers, making them an essential element of any business’s branding strategy.

Adding interactive elements can further boost engagement. QR codes or touch screens on displays allow patrons to access additional information, such as product details, promotions, or navigation assistance. A product sign with a QR code linking to a virtual catalog, for instance, creates a seamless shopping experience. Augmented reality (AR) can transform static signs into immersive tools, offering interactive content that informs or entertains. By integrating these elements, signage becomes more than just functional—it becomes an engaging experience.

Design Elements to Enhance Visual Appeal:

  • Vibrant color palettes
  • Bold, legible fonts
  • Backlighting for night visibility
  • Interactive features like QR codes or AR
  • High-quality materials for durability and aesthetics

The role of visual appeal in driving consumer behavior is powerful. An aesthetically pleasing sign attracts more foot traffic, communicates brand personality and values, and leaves a lasting impression.

When properly infused with your brand’s narrative, signage is a strong brand weapon. Most importantly, it engages, entertains, and informs to captivate your audience.

Conclusion

Designing custom commercial signs takes careful thought and clear decisions. Everything matters, from material selection to color contrast to making the message scannable. A well-placed, durable custom sign packed with strong branding will do just that, catching attention and making a lasting impact. A clean, uncomplicated design focused on your objectives helps your message pop out and truly shine. Finding the right balance between cost, compliance, and creativity will achieve practical and visual success.

At It’s a Good Sign, we specialize in creating impactful, high-quality signage that not only enhances visibility but also strengthens brand identity. Our expertise ensures that your business stands out with custom signage tailored to your unique needs.

Effective signage is an investment in your business and an opportunity to communicate more directly with your audience. It’s no longer enough to just be seen—it has to be memorable. So use care to plan and refine each aspect to create the optimal outcome. Well-designed, well-placed signs can go a long way in keeping life-saving infrastructure properly utilized. Don’t hesitate to start developing one that is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step in designing a custom commercial sign?

Begin by establishing what you want and need your sign to do. Determine the purpose – is it for branding, advertising, or directional use? Having clear goals to inform an effective design is a great place to start.

How do I choose the right type of sign for my business?

Understand your business goals, space, surroundings, and target audience. Depending on the location, choices can range from outdoor vs indoor or illuminated vs non-illuminated signs. Choose the right sign type for your intended purpose to achieve the desired results.

Why is branding important in signage design?

Branding provides consistency, which will help your business stick out in the minds of consumers. Incorporate your logo, colors, and fonts to develop a visual identity that speaks to your audience and helps you stand out.

How can I ensure my sign is visible to customers?

Position your sign where there’s a lot of traffic or foot traffic, and where sightlines are wide open. Pay attention to lighting, height, and contrast to ensure it’s easily visible, even from afar.

What factors make a sign easy to read?

Make sure they are legible. Use clear typography, contrasting colors, and adequate spacing. Avoid clutter and keep the text concise for quick comprehension.

How can I keep my sign within budget?

To stay within budget, make thoughtful decisions about materials and design during the early planning stages. Partner with an expert to achieve the best quality for your budget, while still maintaining the most durable materials possible.

What should I know about regulations for commercial signs?

Check local zoning regulations, intended permits, and size limitations. Confidently avoid surprise fines or the need for major sign redesign by making compliance a priority from the start.

Enhance Your Brand’s Visibility: Expert Custom Commercial Signs

Your business’s signage is often the first impression customers have of your brand. Well-designed, high-quality custom commercial signs can set your business apart, attracting attention and establishing credibility. Whether you need illuminated signs, dimensional lettering, monument signs, or storefront graphics, having the right signage is essential for maximizing your visibility and professionalism.

At It’s A Good Sign, we specialize in creating premium custom commercial signs tailored to your unique branding needs. With over 30 years of experience in signmaking and a nationwide network of professionals, we deliver eye-catching, durable, and high-performing signage solutions that perfectly align with your brand’s identity. From conceptual design to fabrication and installation, our expert team handles every step of the process with meticulous attention to detail.

Investing in high-quality custom commercial signs ensures your business stands out, day and night. A striking, well-crafted sign boosts credibility, increases foot traffic, and reinforces your brand’s presence in the marketplace.

Don’t settle for ordinary. Contact us today to discuss your vision and let us help you make a lasting impression with the perfect custom commercial sign!

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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.