Key Takeaways
- Your building-mounted sign is usually the first representation of your business that customers will see. Ensure its design, message, and materials align with the overall character and essence of your brand!
- If you live in Texas, that sign needs to be able to take the local weather’s heat and storm wrath. In addition, it must meet all state and city sign codes to ensure you don’t incur expensive fines or delays.
- Select colors, fonts, and lighting to ensure your sign will stand out on busy turnpikes and highways. This unique approach is just what your business needs to stand out in today’s crowded marketplace!
- Branding eBook: It’s important to establish consistency between your digital branding and your physical signage. It creates immensely favorable brand awareness and credibility with your clients.
- Good signage is like a 24/7, silent salesperson. It increases adjacent walk-in traffic, creates repeat customers, and provides a tangible ROI.
- Work with a local signage partner that knows the competitive Texas business environment. You’ll want them to provide complete service and emphasize quality and long-lasting durability, so your sign delivers returns for decades on end!
The impression that your building sign gives about your business personality depends on these four important elements. Their main characteristics are style, shape, color, and readability.
In city centers like San Francisco, your canopy can communicate to people whether you’re aggressive, approachable, innovative, or perhaps just a little more mellow and of the place. Clean sans-serif fonts and uncluttered layouts suit environments that are looking to project a polished, contemporary image.
Hand-painted or vintage signs come across as more inviting or artistic. Colors such as blue or green project a peaceful, reliable vibe. Conversely, red and yellow are attention-getting colors that project excitement.
It’s your very first impression. Your sign is the first tone you can set for people passing by or entering your building. We’ll explain in the following section how these simple sign choices influence consumers’ impressions of your business. Additionally, it points out what you should consider moving forward!
What’s Your Sign’s Vibe?
Your new building sign is not just an iconic landmark or a wayfinding marker. It unashamedly states what your company is about, and it establishes the impression you wish to create when people drive by, walk by, or lose inside.
The most effective signs not only look good, but they also reflect your brand’s essential qualities. It’s your new customer’s first impression of you, sometimes within seconds. After all, your sign is the first impression your customer will have.
From the first impression to the last sale, it’s an essential part of your brand’s holistic experience.
Signs Reflect Core Brand Values
The sign is your opportunity to show what matters to you and your business. If your core value is transparency, a straightforward sign with no frills, like sharp lines and sans serif typefaces, will promote that trustworthiness.
If you know your brand embraces the cutting edge, then a bolder, more creative approach will help differentiate you. Make sure all your signs match your brand! That way, customers can recognize you more quickly, whether you’re in Austin’s downtown or hidden in Houston’s neighborhoods.
Take these ideas and use them as a base to inform every design decision, from color to material.
More Than Just Your Name
Your sign has a much bigger impact than just telling people who you are. It tells your story at a glance. A new coffee shop in Dallas would likely employ warm colors and wood textures to evoke feelings of comfort.
Conversely, a tech startup in San Antonio might opt for steel or aluminum finishes and sharp angles for a sleek, contemporary edge. Incorporating branded iconography, a catchy tagline, or a reference to something local can make your sign more memorable and relatable to viewers.
Your Silent Texas Salesperson
While you aren’t really there in person, your sign is a powerful 24/7 salesperson. A flickering neon sign above the sidewalk in downtown Austin can still make heads turn and hearts leap.
At the same time, an attractive, well-placed directional sign on a major thoroughfare can greatly increase your business’s exposure. An attractive, well-maintained sign can do wonders to improve your business’s storefront appeal.
It creates the impression that your business is larger, more established, and generally more accessible!
Benefits of a great sign as your silent salesperson:
- Attracts more walk-ins and street traffic
- Builds trust and shows professionalism
- Supports brand memory by repeating your look everywhere
- Sets you apart from other businesses
Your Sign: Talking Texas Business
In Texas, your on-premise sign is not just an identifier for your business. It tells a story about your business origin, principles, and role in the community ecosystem.
Though the Lone Star State is steeped in tradition, your signage needs to be reflective of that culture but unique enough to stand out. So when you open a location in Katy or Dallas, your sign should have a voice that resonates with those locals.
Ensure it complies with your municipal ordinances and fits into your environment! In Texas, a sign designed with craft and cultural panache can create deep-rooted credibility and attract appreciative, repeat business.
1. Color: Your Brand’s Mood Ring
Color choice isn’t just about eye candy. Colors red, white, and blue continue to echo Texas pride, but rustic earth tones harken back to the state’s landscape.
Color can evoke powerful emotions—blue is soothing, red is invigorating, green inspires trust, and brown connects you to heritage.
|
Color |
Mood/Effect |
Best For Brands |
|
Red |
Bold, energetic |
Food, retail |
|
Blue |
Trust, calm |
Finance, healthcare |
|
Green |
Growth, natural |
Wellness, eco brands |
|
Brown |
Rustic, stable |
Local shops |
2. Typography: The Voice It Speaks
Bold, sans-serif typefaces radiate self-assuredness. Roman styles reference traditional letters, sans-serif communicates a clean, contemporary vibe, and script types bring an inviting quality.
From a distance, large block letters are more readable.
- Western: rugged, local shops
- Serif: classic, law/realty
- Sans-serif: tech, modern offices
- Script: creative, boutique
3. Shape & Size: Making Space
Large, simple shapes stand out on highways, but using a custom shape—maybe a circle or a star—helps make a character.
Square or rectangular signs seem authoritative. Round signs project a welcoming vibe. Star shapes broadcast Texas pride in all caps.
4. Material: Built Texas Tough?
Texas’s merciless sun and frequent storms require sign material that can take a beating. Aluminum is nearly indestructible, while wood provides a homey character, and acrylics add a contemporary flair.
Using local stone or brick would further the regional connection.
|
Material |
Durability |
Cost |
Aesthetics |
|
Aluminum |
High |
$$$ |
Modern, clean |
|
Wood |
Medium |
$$ |
Rustic, warm |
|
Acrylic |
Medium |
$$ |
Sleek, bright |
|
Stone |
High |
$$$$ |
Classic, durable |
5. Illumination: Shine Day & Night
LED signage illumination reduces power consumption and increases sign longevity. Nothing says retro like neon.
Non-lit works well for interior decorative signs in a lobby area.
- LED: energy-saving, bright
- Neon: classic, bold
- Backlit: modern, sleek
- None: indoor, simple
6. Message: What Story It Tells
Clarity: A clear sign doesn’t make people guess. Include your name, a brief tagline, or something to remind them you’re local.
Don’t just tell, show effective signage. Telling is fine, but showing proves your point with quality signage.
- Company name
- Tagline
- Core service
- Local touch (“Since 1995 in Katy”)
Common Sign Types Across Texas
You probably encounter landlord signs on just about every block throughout Texas. Every single business, whether it’s a Dallas coffee shop or a Houston dive, needs a sign—one that will grab attention and establish ambiance. In Texas, retro designs collide with new technology.
Storefronts can’t be hard to miss with large, bold letters, while corporate offices on the interior might prefer more understated wall graphics or lobby signs. You find a lot of rustic touches—worn wood, metal, and vintage fonts—especially in Austin or smaller towns. Selecting your sign type takes thoughtful planning.
You just have to balance the regulations, expenses, and the impression you wish people to have when they view your property.
Illuminated Signs: Nighttime Stars
Illuminated signs serve as effective signage that brightly beckon visitors after sundown. Made with LEDs or neon tubes, these signs ensure that your company logo shines even through a foggy San Antonio night, providing the right signage solution for visibility. They are particularly effective at grabbing drivers’ attention, allowing people to easily identify your establishment from the roadway.
LED message centers also offer a great option for schools and churches that frequently change their information. While neon provides a nostalgic atmosphere, LEDs are more energy-efficient and can endure for decades, making them a smart choice for custom signage needs.
The benefits of illuminated signs extend beyond aesthetics; they significantly enhance brand visibility and recognition. By incorporating these modern logo signs, businesses can create a strong brand identity that resonates with customers and drives traffic to their locations.
- Boosts nighttime visibility
- Draws in foot and car traffic
- Durable and low on upkeep
- Works well in all weather
Channel & Dimensional Letters
Channel letters provide a dimensional 3D boost, creating the effect of your brand popping off the wall. In Texas, these suit everything from chain pharmacies to local clinics. You choose color, size, and finish.
Dimensional letters suit indoor lobbies or outdoor walls just as well. Common uses include:
- Storefront branding
- Lobby identification
- Wayfinding signs
- Professional offices
Monument Signs: Grounded Presence
Monument signs have a presence that is more grounded than other sign types. Design-wise, they’re made to last—they’re constructed with durable materials like brick, stone, or metal—and withstand Texas storms.
These types of signs typically serve as entrance markers at major shopping centers and business parks. A stone monument with embossed lettering is a strong signal that you’ve arrived for the long haul.
|
Monument Style |
Best Use |
Key Feature |
|
Masonry |
Professional campus |
Classic, sturdy |
|
Metal Panel |
Retail or school |
Sleek, modern look |
|
Concrete Base |
Industrial, medical |
High durability |
Digital Displays: Modern Messaging
With digital signs, you can change your message every minute if you want. Restaurants in Houston and schools in Dallas have adopted them to broadcast menus, special events, or emergency information.
Interactive screens allow customers to tap the screen to learn more. Advantages of digital displays include:
- Update messages fast
- Share promotions or alerts
- Attracts tech-savvy crowds
- Allows for animated graphics
Unique Custom Creations
Occasionally, a Texas brand has a greater desire for a unique sign. Custom shapes, hand-painted murals, or signs made from reclaimed barn wood can make your place the talk of the block.
Custom creations unique to your agency help tell your story. How about a life-sized cowboy boot for a boot store, or a carved wooden beaver for a lodge?
Ideas for custom sign features include:
- Hand-carved logos
- Mixed materials (wood, metal, glass)
- Artful lighting accents
- Local artist collaborations
Smart Design: Looks & Legality
Smart sign design is about a lot more than choosing the coolest colors or most attention-grabbing fonts. In Texas, your sign needs to be pleasing on the eyes, legally compliant, and brand-appropriate. As customers walk in the door, a large, colorful sign welcomes them. It sets the table for who you are before you even open your mouth.
An easily visible sign goes a long way to making it clear. You can read it loud and clear from a bustling Dallas freeway or an Austin highway overpass! It needs to comply with municipal regulations—especially height, bulk, and materials—laid out in your city’s design guidelines.
Balancing Beauty And A Clear Message
Whatever size, clarity should always be the most important consideration. Your message needs to be eye-catching at fifty feet, but tasteful and professional up close. Choose typefaces that can be read at a distance—or better yet, at highway speed.
Strong color contrast, especially on double-sided signs, makes your sign stand out against any backdrop by day or night. Try out several designs and choose one that catches the eye first and is the most readable.
Design tips:
- Use large, bold letters
- Limit words to what matters
- Avoid clutter
- Use high-contrast colors
- Keep graphics simple
Navigating Texas Permit Mazes
Though requirements can vary greatly, most Texas cities require a permit before you install a sign. Collect your architectural drawings, material specifications, drawings, and title to the property. Communicate with the city’s building department upfront, so that you are not stopped in your tracks.
Checklist:
- Permit application
- Site plan
- Sign drawings
- Proof of insurance
- Engineer’s letter (if needed)
Visibility From A Busy Highway
A sign located anywhere close to I-35 or another arterial street would attract quick-moving traffic and the attention of hundreds of thousands of motorists. Utilizing effective signage strategies like large font, high color contrast, and illuminated signs can enhance visibility, ensuring no trees or poles obstruct the view.
|
Sign Type |
Best for Distance |
Standout Features |
|
Monument sign |
100+ feet |
Big, bold, low to the ground |
|
Pole sign |
300+ feet |
Tall, high visibility |
|
Wall sign |
50-100 feet |
Good for street traffic |
Material Choices For Our Climate
Texan sun and lashing, vigorous thunderstorms can damage flimsy signs quickly. Choose UV-resistant plastics, powder-coated steel, or treated wood. Just like tile, recycled aluminum is incredibly robust and sustainable.
Recommended:
- UV-treated acrylic
- Powder-coated steel
- Aluminum composite
- Marine-grade wood
Ensuring Sign Reinforces Digital Brand
Ensure the sign supports the visual brand of the website and social media pages. Include the same logo, color palette, and tagline. This ensures your brand remains consistent in the public’s eye.
Branding checklist:
- Logo file
- Brand colors
- Consistent tagline
- Social handle
- Website URL
Turn Heads & Build Trust: Stunning Custom Building Signs That Speak For Your Brand
Your building isn’t just where you do business—it’s a powerful billboard for your brand. The right building sign doesn’t just mark your location; it tells your story, grabs attention, and invites customers in before they ever walk through the door. From bold exterior signage to sleek architectural elements, custom building signs can transform your visibility and make your brand unforgettable.
At It’s A Good Sign, we bring over 30 years of signage expertise to every project, creating eye-catching, professional building signs that are built to impress and made to last. Whether you’re after dimensional letters, illuminated signs, or architectural signage that aligns with your brand’s personality, we deliver custom-crafted solutions backed by a nationwide network of trusted experts.
From the first sketch to final installation, we handle every step with care and precision, ensuring your sign doesn’t just look great, but performs flawlessly for years to come. When you invest in a high-impact building sign, you’re investing in more than visibility—you’re investing in credibility, customer confidence, and a standout presence in your community.
Ready to turn your building into a brand statement? Contact It’s A Good Sign today and let’s create something extraordinary together.
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