Key Takeaways
- Your business sign is often the first impression customers get of your business. Above all else, prioritize branding, design, and material quality—show off the kind of business you want to be in the highly competitive U.S. market!
- Pick a sign company that is familiar with your industry and has the work to prove it. Next, see if they have a diverse portfolio, a great reputation, and experience working with local codes and regulations.
- Ensure your sign design follows local zoning ordinances and sign permit regulations. Finally, ensure meets ADA accessibility guidelines to prevent having to remove it, face delays, or pay fines.
- Ask for itemized, written estimates from multiple sign companies. This ensures you can make a true apples-to-apples cost comparison between design, materials, installation, and maintenance, and watch for hidden costs.
- Consider quality craftsmanship and materials to find affordable signs that still maintain longevity and quality. Keep in mind, cut-rate signage will cost you more over time and hurt your curb appeal!
- Provide for long-term maintenance, warranty coverage, and future sign updates. Partner with a proven full-service signage company that you can count on for support after installation!
To choose the ideal sign company for your new business, first look at their past local projects. Second, make sure they are familiar with city codes and ask about their installation crew. All but a handful of U.S. Cities have heavily detailed sign regulations.
Look for a company that’s knowledgeable about local permitting and can offer examples from your own community. High-quality sign companies in America know how to design and select the right materials to withstand outdoor elements. They offer upfront, transparent pricing estimates.
If you’re looking for an urgent response, go with a company that responds to phone calls and emails immediately. Inquire about their warranty and average installation time.
The following sections outline those steps to guide you toward the sign company that will be the ideal partner for your new brand. … and they give you 8 tips to boot!
Why Your Business Sign Matters Immensely
Your sign isn’t just a place to put your business name. It’s your business ambassador, introducing the world to your brand, the very first time someone drives by. What’s even better is that it continues to work for you 24/7!
Signs located along crowded street corridors or right outside your storefront are 24/7 employees, advertising your brand values. The truth is, research indicates that nearly 80% of people have entered an establishment they had never previously sampled. After all, they were hooked by its sign!
Good signage isn’t just aesthetics—it attracts customers, establishes credibility, and positions your business for sustainable success.
Making That Crucial First Impression
When you choose a business sign, it’s more than just the written message. Simple, attractive design makes it easier for potential customers to find your location and understand what your business offers.
Incorporate your logo and business colors so people can immediately recognize it’s you. When customers see that you use high-quality materials, it reflects that you care about what you do and about your customers.
A sign installed at the proper height or angle truly invites potential customers to stop in. Making that crucial first impression gives a great impression even before they enter.
Standing Out On A Busy Street
Signs aren’t the only things vying for attention on busy city blocks. Use larger fonts, brighter colors, or a different shape to stand out from the crowd.
Incorporating illumination ensures your message is readable even after sundown, letting customers know you’re open and easy to find at all hours.
Location, location, location—when it comes to business signs, this phrase rings true.
Guiding Customers To You
It’s not just about being found, though. Bright arrows, minimal verbiage, and perhaps a map or point of interest will go a long way in helping prospective customers navigate their way to you.
Position your sign so that it’s visible from the street and the sidewalk.
Building Your Local Brand Identity
Incorporate local hues, notable landmarks, or even colloquial regional phrases to help your sign integrate into its community. Maintain brand consistency.
Ensure perfect color matching and logo usage on every sign. Highlight what sets your business apart from the rest, and connect to community events to create deeper connections within your community.
Key Factors When Picking A Sign Partner
When it’s time to choose a sign company for your new business, that’s more than just choosing a new vendor. It’s all about developing that partnership, which will ultimately define how your brand shows up and gets noticed throughout your community. Your sign is your business’s initial handshake. It must be easily understood and long-lasting!
Ensure it aligns with your vision, be it opening a small coffee shop in a bustling downtown or starting an incubator for tech companies in the outer boroughs. From ever-changing local code to materials availability and design trends, there are often many moving parts. This part details what to consider and how to evaluate your choices. Armed with this guidance, you should be able to proceed with confidence and identify a sign partner that will serve you well both now and in the long term.
1. Check Their Local Reputation First
A signage company’s reputation in your local market provides you with an excellent indication of what you should expect from their business signs. Online reviews can give you a good indication of how previous clients experienced the process, from conceptualization to production to installation. Seek concrete examples of service climate and how the company addressed issues or schedule changes.
Sites like Google Reviews and Yelp are full of feedback for most urban and suburban markets in North America and Europe. Instead of just relying on online ratings, you should talk to other local business owners. Inquire as to who they were assigned to and what their experience was—positive or negative—that made an impression regarding their signage needs.
Other signage companies may have local awards or recognitions, reflecting a dedication to quality or innovation. Find instances of their signs in your community. If you see a sign that’s still holding up after years of cold winters or hot summers, that’s a good sign that the company uses quality materials and knows local conditions.
2. Look Through Their Past Work
A well-crafted portfolio speaks volumes. Request actual examples, not just renderings from the back of a studio design book. You want to see a range of projects: large monument signs, small window graphics, illuminated channel letters, and more. This gives you insight into their breadth of creativity.
It further shows how their designs translate across various sectors, from hospitality to retail to commercial office. Note the finish and color, especially on vintage signs. Are the colors still vibrant and the graphics intact? Or does the sign have visible cracks or rust?
Material options, such as acrylic, aluminum, or high-density urethane (HDU), can set the tone for the entire aesthetic and ongoing maintenance. This means if you’re building a coffee shop, request to see examples of café signs. For example, if you operate a medical clinic, seek out examples of medical office signage. This will help you visualize how your unique vision aligns with their aesthetic and expertise.
3. Understand Their Design Process
A successful sign always begins with listening. The majority of trustworthy companies will start with a free consultation. During this meeting, you go over your branding, ideal audience, and purposes of the sign, like displaying hours, directing customers, or advertising a new product.
Inquire about how they approach generating ideas. Do they rely on hand drawings, digital renderings, or physical models? Their design process should encourage feedback at each step, rather than once everything is set in stone. Clarify upfront how many rounds of revisions you’ll be allotted and how long each revision process will take.
Timelines are important if you’re trying to meet a grand opening or seasonal rush. Defined, sequential design stages ensure everything stays on schedule and allow for the prevention of last-minute issues.
4. Ask About Material Quality Options
The materials you choose determine the quality, appearance, and longevity of your sign. Outdoor signs, such as monument or pylon type signs, can have life expectancies of 7-15 years if constructed with the appropriate materials. Ask the provider to list your potential solutions.
Pick acrylic for a modern design, aluminum for a material that won’t rust, or HDU for a high level of detail! Each has its advantages and disadvantages, especially in terms of cost and lifespan. Take aluminum signs—though they’re pricier at first, they hold up better against the elements like rain and snow.
If your sign will be south-facing or in direct sunlight for most of the day, special UV-resistant finishes prevent colors from fading. Keep this in mind and always ask for samples so you can see/feel what you’re getting. The touch and look of the material go a long way and speak volumes past what words or photos can convey.
5. Confirm They Handle Permits
The top sign manufacturers are well-versed in local regulations. Like it or not, nearly all cities and suburbs across North America and Europe require permits for exterior signs. Many areas have a code that is very strict about size, lighting, and placement.
Inquire about their process for dealing with the paperwork and what will be required of you. A knowledgeable partner will make the process more seamless, file every required piece of paperwork, and keep you in the loop. This is important because failing to secure a needed permit can lead to expensive project delays or require inconvenient last-minute modifications.
Find out if your region has complicated zoning regulations. Check to make sure they have experience in your particular community, and showing you know what works shows their success.
6. Evaluate Their Communication Style
When communication is open and clear, you catch mistakes before they happen and don’t waste time going in the wrong direction. Pay attention to how quickly the firm responds to your initial request. In your initial consultation, notice if they’re willing to speak in layman’s terms or only want to communicate in technical speak.
From timelines to costs to the process, they should be able to communicate these things clearly without condescension. During the project, you need to be informed about where things stand, what has changed, and what’s coming up next.
If a company listens to your feedback and answers questions with patience, you’re more likely to get a sign that fits your goals and avoids costly missteps.
7. Inquire About Installation Methods
After all the work on building your sign, you’ll want the installation to be top-notch. Always ask who is going to do the work—does the company work with its installation team, or do they use outside contractors?
Professional, experienced installers understand the best way to mount signs for safety and comply with all local building codes. Choose equipment appropriate to your sign type! Use a lightweight ladder for a simple window graphic installation versus a truck-mounted crane for a major pylon sign installation.
Be sure that you have a clear understanding of whether or not installation costs are built into your quote. Find out what their policy is if weather or site conditions hold up progress. The proper installation crew will ensure your new sign remains safe, structurally sound, and aesthetically pleasing for many years.
8. Discuss Warranty And Support
A sign can be a significant investment, and you’ll want peace of mind that, should something go wrong, you have support. Reputable sign companies provide warranties not only on the sign itself, but on installation. So be sure to ask how long coverage lasts!
Typical warranties cover the materials for three to five years and labor for one year, but this may differ. Check what’s covered: defects, fading, electrical issues, or weather damage. Ask if they include maintenance or repair plans for subsequent years.
Reliable support will ensure your sign is always sharp and your costs are at a minimum over the long term.
Navigating Local Rules And Regulations
Choosing a sign contractor involves more than just selecting an aesthetic style or logo. Each step connects to navigating local rules and regulations. In many cities, zoning laws govern not only what you can build, but also where you can place it. They even control how brightly it shines at night!
If you run a shop in a historic district, your sign might need to match the old brick or wood outside. Don’t be fooled; in many US cities, sign code details run deep. They get into the weeds on everything from bulb wattage and hours of use to how far your sign hangs from a neighbor’s!
Understanding US Zoning Laws
Zoning determines the starting point for a business’s signs. Each zone—such as commercial, mixed-use, or residential—has specific parameters. A historic downtown business district can be more vibrant with colorful, LED-lit signs!
In contrast, a café on a low-traffic, residential side street doesn’t have that same necessity. Certain codes prohibit signs with cardboard or plywood materials, which means choosing durable and code-compliant materials from the get-go.
In dense contexts, you’ll likely want to see how far away your sign will be from the nearest competitor’s sign. When these rules change, a responsible sign company has you covered by making sure you’re always up-to-code.
Why Permit Acquisition Is Critical
Without a permit, you’re taking a chance. You could end up paying thousands of dollars in fines or being forced to remove your sign. Other localities require multiple permits from various offices.
Simple sign permits can be approved in two weeks, but larger projects can take several months. Prepare for much steeper fees for signs that shine—some cities have fees exceeding $300. If your sign projects over any public space, you may need an additional encroachment permit.
Ensuring ADA Compliance Matters
ADA regulations protect everyone, ensuring that all individuals can use your site comfortably and safely. This includes large, readable font sizes, braille, and signage located at accessible heights that all can safely access.
An experienced sign company familiar with these standards will walk you through every step, so your sign assists, not obstruction. Local rules may be even further, so keep an eye out for further developments.
Smart Sign Design Choices To Make
For inexperienced business owners, deciding which signage company to go with can be overwhelming. This is about a lot more than knowing the right guy who can print your name! A smart custom sign design choice begins with understanding the purpose of your sign—to direct, entice, or educate. This important business decision dictates your design, material, and placement.
Keep Your Message Clear, Concise
Your sign is often the first impression of your organization, so make it count and make it quick. Stick to the basics: business name, key service, and contact point. Drowning them in text will just annoy the reader and slow them slower.
Short words, big fonts, and clear calls to action are most effective for urban and suburban audiences. Test your message on friends and future customers and find out what really catches their eye.
Choose Colors That Pop Appropriately
Choose brand colors that stand out but still make sense. Deep blues and vibrant reds make sense in bustling downtown areas, whereas pastel colors would fit the bill in low-traffic suburbs.
When in doubt, make sure there’s plenty of contrast, such as putting white text on a black background, for maximum readability. Keep in mind that many municipalities have ordinances governing the colors of signs, so consult these matters before going to print.
Ensure The Font Is Easily Readable
Choose simple, straightforward fonts such as Arial or Helvetica. Stay away from script or decorative fonts that fade out from afar.
When designing your sign, test it as if you were standing across the street. Choose a maximum of two easily readable fonts to remain clean and organized.
Match Sign Style To Your Brand
Consider the style of your business when designing your sign. For instance, a contemporary high-end coffee shop in Berlin requires a clean, refined, yet confident aesthetic.
By comparison, a mom-and-pop bakery could go with cozy colors and fancy scrollwork. Then, print your logo on vinyl or foam core for an exterior or interior installation.
Be mindful of your sign and how it relates to the style of the building.
Consider Illumination For Visibility
When in doubt, or especially if you’re open after dark, consider options such as LED or backlit signs. These both save energy and operate effectively in all weather conditions.
Always comply with municipal brightness standards and experiment with illumination from various angles and distances.
Setting A Realistic Signage Budget
For first-time business owners, a realistic signage budget ensures your vision stays within reach and prevents your exciting enterprise from breaking the bank. Begin by considering each element of the project. This requires you to consider more than just the sign.
You have to account for the cost of design, choose appropriate materials, and factor in installation and maintenance. It’s important to remember that signage costs can vary dramatically from several hundred dollars for window graphics to well over $50,000 for large monument signs.
When you budget, keep in mind the usable lifespan of good signs—often 7 to 15 years, which spreads out the up-front cost.
Understanding Sign Cost Factors
Understanding sign pricing is determined by three major factors. The choice of materials should not be overlooked. Acrylic, aluminum, HDU, and LED components all have varying costs and lifespans.
The size and level of complexity of the sign will also impact your overall cost. Be sure to account for hidden costs, such as city permits or difficult installation locations.
For instance, channel letters may cost $3,000-15,000+, and a cabinet or dimensional letters would be $1,500-10,000. A quality sign can withstand the elements and remain timeless against evolving styles, protecting your brand for years to come.
Getting Multiple, Detailed Quotes
It pays to get quotes from multiple sign companies. Ask for a breakdown of each line item: design, materials, installation, and maintenance. That way, you will be able to notice major discrepancies.
Ensure that every quote addresses the same scope, so that you can more easily discern what you’re truly paying for. Negotiate with your preferred contractor.
Use these quotes to negotiate with your first choice’s contractor to get a better price or more favorable terms.
Balancing Quality And Affordability
Choose durable materials and quality craftsmanship. Avoid exchanging important quality elements for a lower initial cost. Keep in mind, a quality sign should last at least 5-10 years while your business continues to grow.
Reputable companies will provide reasonable pricing without having to skimp on quality.
Common Mistakes New Owners Make
As a new business owner, selecting a signage company might feel like a daunting task. This could seem like more work on top of all the other things you need to do! However, many owners make the same mistakes when choosing the right signage. Understanding these common mistakes will help you make a much better start, saving you time, money, and lost business prospects!
Choosing Price Over Quality Always
One of the biggest mistakes we see from new owners is going price-first and choosing the lowest-cost sign. Unfortunately, this is a huge mistake that results in heartbreak. Inexpensive signs fade, crack, or break down quickly, leaving you to spend money again to replace or repair them.
High-quality materials will have a higher upfront cost, but they’ll stand the test of time, saving you money in the long run. A properly crafted sign not only reflects your company more positively, but it also attracts more clients. Find sign partners who aren’t giving away the store, but aren’t skimping and saving on quality.
Ignoring Local Zoning Until Late
A second mistake we see frequently is ignoring local zoning until the last minute. Cities all over North America and Europe have draconian sign codes, from size to placement to lighting. Failure to catch these early on can lead to legal complications, additional costs, or the need to replace your sign entirely.
Engage with your city’s zoning office early in the design process to establish clear boundaries and avoid time-consuming missteps.
Creating A Visually Cluttered Sign
Mistake #2: Creating a Visually Cluttered Sign. Owners often feel the need to cram in as much information as they can. The more text they have, or the more complicated graphics they use, the more difficult it becomes to read the signs.
Develop the habit of sticking to short, clear messages and using any additional space to draw focus. Run your design by a small group of people to identify what’s most effective.
Not Thinking About Night Visibility
A sign that disappears into the night sky is no good. Consider night visibility when designing your sign. Ensure your sign will be visible at night.
Whether you end up using lighting or reflective paint, do a few test runs to see how visible it is from the street after sunset.
Forgetting Long-Term Maintenance Needs
Signs require regular maintenance, just like any other aspect of your business. Inquire with your sign company on the best practices for cleaning, repairs, and long-term sign care.
Account for these expenses in your budget and choose durable materials to avoid issues later on.
Finding A True Signage Partner
As a first-time business owner, you can’t afford to work with just any sign vendor. You’re looking for a signage company that listens to your vision and collaborates with your team throughout the process. The best partner will accompany you from your initial concept to the design phase and the finished installation of your custom signs.
Signs serve as more than just branding; they create the first impression of your company. Consider this: 34.5% of consumers determine quality just by looking at your sign! Therefore, partnering with a reliable signage company that has an established reputation and years of experience is essential.
Seeking Full-Service Capabilities
Begin by seeking out a firm that can do it all. The right partner will take care of design, fabrication, installation, and even future upkeep, so you’re not stuck coordinating multiple contacts. Inquire how much experience they have with a large variety of signage—be it custom, large-format prints, LED displays, lobby signs, or window graphics.
You need a partner who’s got the team to pivot as your project evolves. Many firms agree that it is worth the investment to have all sign-related work done by a single firm. As trust develops, your partner becomes well-versed in your brand, your objectives, and the most effective ways to achieve them.
Valuing Responsive Customer Service
How a company communicates with you right off the bat speaks volumes. Seek out teams that respond quickly, provide status updates, and are willing to spend time discussing your inquiry. High praise from former or current clients is a clear indication of quality service.
When they are truly concerned with addressing your needs, you receive not only peace of mind but also a lot fewer headaches.
Looking For Tailored Recommendations
Be as clear-cut as you can about what you need. An ideal partner will do this by listening before proposing ideas that complement your environment, your goals, and your identity as an institution.
One key feature— They don’t advocate for one-size-fits-all solutions. Rather, they’ll present proprietary layouts and unique designs so your signage isn’t lost in the shuffle. 29% of shoppers say they are attracted to businesses with excellent signage, so these touches can make a difference.
Beyond Installation: What Comes Next?
In this context, the right signage acts as more than a directional marker; it serves as a long-term investment that significantly influences how customers perceive your business. As a first-time small business owner, you must address your signage needs. Completing these steps regularly will ensure your custom signs remain functional and aesthetically pleasing for many years to come!
Understanding Sign Maintenance Needs
Whether it’s an LED, channel letters, vinyl, or a traditional painted sign, each type requires specific maintenance and attention. Consider illuminated signs, which require periodic inspections of lamps and wiring to maintain lighting intensity for nighttime visibility.
You’ll need to budget and schedule for regular cleaning and inspection. This prevents dirt and weather from eroding finishes and allows defects to be detected much earlier, such as paint fading or water infiltration. If you follow an appropriate maintenance regime, most quality exterior signs will last 7 to 15 years or more.
When something does break, you’ll want to have direct line of access to repair assistance from your sign company. Inquire about your service operator’s contact for local maintenance or repair alternatives before you ink your agreement.
Knowing Your Warranty Coverage
Knowing your warranty coverage is crucial. Never sign a warranty or contract without reading what it entails. Some cover only material defects, while others pay for the repair of damage or wear and tear.
Keep warranty documentation in an easily accessible location. In the unfortunate event that you need to file a claim, you’ll appreciate knowing not only how to go about it, but also having your paperwork in order.
Additionally, knowing what your warranty doesn’t cover is important. This covers things like storm damage or vandalism, too, so you’re never surprised with unexpected expenses.
Planning For Future Sign Updates
Your business isn’t going to stay the same forever. Or maybe your sign will require regular updates to reflect new branding, special promotions, or even seasonal events.
Discuss potential add-ons with your sign manufacturer that make them easy to update—these can include swappable panels or digital displays. That’s because we have robust APIs and dynamic delivery that let you easily refresh your look and manage your budget, all while adapting to your evolving needs.
Conclusion
Choosing a sign company sets the tone for how people view your business right out of the gate. You’re looking for innovative design, reliable craftsmanship, and straightforward pricing. Your local sign makers will be familiar with city codes and what works best in your specific location. They enable you to avoid costly fines and make corrections in minutes rather than days. Choose a team that communicates, provides evidence of their previous work, and follows through on their commitments. Inspect their install work in person and at a distance. Get information on their repair process in case a light burns out or the weather plays havoc with your sign. Savvy business owners are informed every step of the way from initial design to final installation. Looking to promote your new business to the world? Get answers you need, go with your instinct, and set up a team of professionals that makes every step easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Is Choosing The Right Sign Company So Important For My Business?
After all, your business signage is usually the first impression customers will have of your business. A reputable signage company will help ensure your custom signs are noticeable and welcoming, luring in local foot traffic and earning credibility from day one.
2. What Should I Look For In A Local Sign Company?
Examine their portfolio, customer reviews, and experience with local businesses to ensure they can meet your signage needs and provide installation and maintenance assistance.
3. How Can I Make Sure My Business Sign Follows Local Laws?
Be sure to work with a reliable signage company that understands the ins and outs of your city’s various zoning and sign codes. They should assist you in obtaining the necessary permits and ensuring your custom signs will comply with all regulations.
4. What’s The Typical Timeline For Getting A Sign Installed?
The typical time from design to installation for most projects, including custom signs, is 4–8 weeks. Timelines depend on obtaining design approval, necessary permits, and weather cooperation, so it’s wise to request your signage company for a concrete timetable.
5. How Much Should I Budget For My First Business Sign?
When budgeting for your first business sign, especially for a small storefront, plan on $3,000–$7,000. The complexity of the sign will influence the cost, so request a complete quote from a reliable signage company, covering everything from permits to installation.
6. What Mistakes Should I Avoid When Picking A Sign Company?
When selecting a signage company, avoid those with poor reviews, unclear timelines, or no experience with local codes, as these factors can significantly impact your business signage and overall branding elements.
7. What Happens After My Sign Is Installed?
Reputable signage companies will have maintenance, repair, and warranty support available. Inquire about after-installation maintenance to ensure your custom signs stay fresh for years to come.
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.
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