Your business sign is more than just a marker- it should be a powerful tool to attract new customers and boost brand awareness. It should also communicate clearly and effectively vital business information like open hours or sales offers. Choosing the right signs for your business is very important.
In this guide, we talk about 10 common types of business signs, from basic and classic ones to more modern ones, such as neon-imitating RGB LED neon signs. We'll also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each sign and share optimal sign placement strategies and factors to consider when purchasing. Let's get right into it!
Top 10 Types of Business Signs
Top 10 Types of Business Signs
The following are ten of the most common types of business signs you can choose for your business today:
Channel Letter Signs
Channel letter signs are custom-made 3-D letters used for storefronts. They are made with individually assembled letters with internal illumination. They are easily customizable and are great for day and night usage.
Channel letters are very effective for retail stores, restaurants, and business offices. They are very noticeable from a distance. Their strongest feature is longevity since they usually last 10+ years with proper maintenance.
Their downside is the upfront expense, as they tend to be more expensive than other sign types and must be professionally installed and wired.
Neon Signs
Neon signs have that eye-catching and retro/futuristic appeal that instantly draws eyes with a glow. Use them to create a mood or theme, especially if you own a restaurant, bar, or entertainment venue. The bright, colorful lighting will work well for low-light applications. It can help your business stand out in nighttime environments. Neon signs are very durable and will last a long time.
Traditional neon signs (those using tubes) can be fragile since the glass tubes break if mishandled, and they may require specialized repair when they must be repaired. However, modern LED alternatives are quite durable.
Monument Signs
Monument signs are architectural signs you can use to establish your business location with stability and authority. Placed near entrance driveways or property lines, these freestanding signs have excellent visibility for office buildings, retail facilities, and corporate parks.
Monument signs can hold several business names, directions and address information while maintaining a professional appearance. Monument signs reflect stability and professionalism, thus enhancing your property's curb appeal.
Their largest drawback is that they're permanent since they're difficult and expensive to shift or modify once installed.
Banner Signs
Banner signs offer excellent flexibility and value for short-term or seasonal marketing campaigns. These are versatile signs you can easily modify with vibrant graphics and messages. This makes them suitable for sales campaigns, grand openings, or announcements.
They are light, transportable, and can be hung indoors or outdoors. Banners provide excellent visibility at a fraction of the cost of permanent signs and can be stored and reused repeatedly.
The only genuine disadvantage is that they are not very long-lasting. Exposure to inclement weather can cause them to deteriorate, requiring frequent replacement.
Window Signs
Window signs maximize your store's available space by converting blank glass into useful advertising space. They can be as simple as vinyl letters or as complex as complete-color graphics. They can be easily modified to show changing promotions or business hours.
They're ideal for retail facilities as they offer a friendly storefront without compromising interior visibility. Window signs are inexpensive and can be installed without structural alterations to your building.
Their main disadvantage is decreased visibility at certain times of the day due to glare or reflections off the glass surface.
Digital Signs (Electronic Message Boards)
Digital signs offer you flexibility in content management because they possess real-time updates and dynamic messaging abilities. These electronic signs can present multiple messages, graphics, and even animations and are well-suited for firms needing to deliver changing information frequently.
They are also very noticeable day and night. They can be used to display alternative content at various times of the day. They are well-suited for use in restaurants, churches, and schools.
Their biggest downside is probably high energy use and possible technical failures needing specialist maintenance.
Vehicle Wraps
Vehicle wraps convert your business cars and vans into roving billboards by carrying your brand's visibility beyond specific premises. You can use them to wrap up entire cars in bright images to create thousands of impressions driving your service area daily.
They are the best for service companies, delivery fleets, and multi-unit vehicles.
Wrapping vehicles generates an excellent ROI, creating sustained advertising with remaining secure vehicle paint Intuit.
Their main disadvantage is the high initial investment cost and professional installation to ensure efficient application and removal.
Metal Signs
You can use metallic signs for their durability and timelessness. Choose from a wide range of materials like aluminum, steel, or bronze and with different textures and colors.
These signs are best for outdoor use and may be cut in intricate designs or simple, classy displays. Metal signs are best for industrial businesses, historic buildings, and luxury businesses.
Their biggest advantage is greater durability regardless of weather. The disadvantage is their weight, which may require additional structural support and professional installation.
Dimensional Letter Signs
Dimensional letter signs add depth and visual interest with raised letters that extend from the mounting surface. They can be made of a range of materials like acrylic, metal, or PVC. All these offer a clean, upscale finish appropriate for corporate offices, retail establishments, and institutions.
They cast natural shadows that enhance visibility and give a high-end appearance. Dimensional letters can be non-illuminated or backlit for added impact. The primary drawback is that they generally need to be professionally installed and could have font styles and size limitations.
LED Display Signs
LED display signs provide stunning brightness and energy savings. This makes them best suited for constant visibility 24/7. You can use these advanced signs to flash static or dynamic messages with brightness and clarity.
They are best suited to companies with intense display requirements for various light environments, such as retail areas, gas pumps, and amusement venue locations. They consume less power than incandescent-powered signs and use minimal power when measured against typical sign installations.
Their biggest disadvantage is greater front costs compared to standard sign installs. However, you will enjoy simpler maintenance needs.
How to Choose Your Business Signs
Choosing a business sign? Take your time and use the following factors to make that purchase decision:
Consider Local Sign Regulations
Before selecting any business sign, research your local zoning regulations and sign laws thoroughly. Different municipalities have their own sign size, lighting, placement, and appearance restrictions. Contact your local planning department for specifics on what is required in your jurisdiction, including historic district or homeowners' association rules.
You must also factor in whether you will require permits and the application process.
Some locations have type of sign restrictions, like digital or neon, and others will have specific mounting heights or distances from property lines requirements. Complying early saves time and money by avoiding expensive later modifications or penalties.
Location and Visibility Needs
You must review your particular business location to maximize sign performance. Take into account factors like street speed restrictions, viewing distance, surrounding buildings, and daylighting conditions.
Large signs with easy-to-read messages are best for commercial outlets along major highways, whereas complex designs suit pedestrian areas. Think about visibility from multiple directions and hours of the day.
You also need to know whether your sign needs to be illuminated for night readability and how nearby light sources can affect its readability. Also, take into account environmental issues like sun glare, shadows of nearby buildings, and seasonal changes in foliage that may impact visibility.
Match Your Brand Identity and Target Market
Your business sign must match your brand identity and appeal to your target market. What is your brand's color scheme, fonts, and graphics? A luxury boutique, for instance, might enjoy clean dimensional letters, while a children's store might employ bold, playful designs.
Think about your audience's preferences and expectations as well. Generally, younger crowds may be more open to digital signage, while traditional businesses will find monument signs most effective. Ensure your signage is authentic to your brand personality but professional and appropriate to your market.
Budget for Long-term Value
Use initial and long-term expenses when making business sign decisions. What are the installation expenses, maintenance, electricity costs for illuminated signs, and usage time? While some, like channel letters, are more expensive initially, long-term longevity and minimal required maintenance will sometimes be cheaper.
You must also factor in each material's repair cost, including replacement times. Don't forget to factor in recurring costs such as electricity for lighted signs or content updates for electronic displays. Good signage is an investment in your business's visibility and reputation.
Installation and Maintenance Needs
What are some of the practical considerations of various types of signs? You need to think about the structural needs to install, such as building alterations or electrical work required. Also, think about maintenance and cleaning accessibility – signs placed in hard-to-reach areas may have increased service fees.
For electronic signage, account for your employees' capacity to undertake content changes or professional management options. Ensure you provide room for periodic maintenance like bulb replacement, cleanliness, or software upgrades, and ensure you have quality service providers in your area.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, any business can benefit immensely by deploying the right signage properly and with optimal locations. There are several types of business signs, but it doesn't mean you have to choose one and stick with it. Some instances call for mixing signage depending on the purpose. For neon business signs, get custom neon signs with Lamomoneon today.
