Signage does more than attract and compel people through the front door. Effective signage can also be a tool that guides customers through the store or office, ensuring they find what they are looking for easily. Whether you’re welcoming visitors to a retail environment or directing clients to specific departments in your office, well-placed signs can enhance the customer experience, improve workflow, and reduce frustration. How do you place your signage to guide? Here are some tips to get you started.
Key Takeaways
- Effective signage is essential for guiding customers through your store or office, starting with clear entryway signs that set the tone and direct visitors.
- Wayfinding and directional signs should be placed consistently throughout the space, using simple language and visual icons to improve navigation.
- Floor graphics can help guide foot traffic, while maintaining a cohesive signage theme reinforces your brand and aids in clarity.
- Informational signs provide additional assistance, offering details like store policies or department locations to reduce confusion.
- ADA-compliant signage ensures accessibility for all visitors, making the space more inclusive and easier to navigate.
1. Start with Clear Entryway Signage
The journey through your store or office begins at the entrance. The entryway should be clearly marked with signage that sets the tone for the space and provides key directions. For retail environments, this might include directional signs pointing toward major sections like “Men’s Clothing,” “Electronics,” or “Checkout.” In office spaces, consider a prominent directory that lists departments or services to help visitors orient themselves.
Entryway signs should be easy to read and placed at eye level to immediately guide the customer or visitor as they step inside. If necessary, consider a map or interactive kiosk to provide more detailed guidance for larger spaces.
2. Utilize Wayfinding Signs Throughout the Space
Aside from signs that designate areas around the store, you should also consider wayfinding signs. These signs should be placed in logical, consistent locations throughout your store or office, such as near hallways, doors, or intersections. In retail stores, wayfinding signs might indicate where to find specific product categories or departments. In an office setting, they may direct people to meeting rooms, restrooms, or break areas.
Wayfinding signage should be easy to read and use simple language. You can also use universal icons or images rather than words, especially if you receive a lot of international visitors.
3. Highlight Key Areas with Directional Signage
Directional signage helps customers identify important locations within the space, such as checkout counters, customer service desks, restrooms, or waiting areas. These signs should stand out but remain consistent with your branding. For example, use bold arrows, icons, or colors to lead the way, making sure the message is clear and concise.
In retail, this could mean signs above aisles with product categories or special promotions, while in an office, it might include signs pointing to break rooms, restrooms, or specific departments. The key is to provide information that is straightforward and visible without overwhelming the space.
4. Use Floor Graphics to Direct Foot Traffic
loor graphics are an often-overlooked but highly effective wayfinding tool. These signs can guide foot traffic, especially in crowded environments, by marking paths or directing visitors to specific areas. For example, arrows on the floor can indicate the flow of traffic in your store or office, ensuring customers move efficiently from one section to another.
In retail stores, floor graphics can also highlight promotional areas or seasonal displays, encouraging customers to explore different parts of the store. In offices, they can direct visitors to the correct floor or office suite.
5. Create a Consistent Signage Theme
Your interior signage should maintain the branding of the exterior signs. In other words, use a cohesive design that flows. It will make the space feel more organized and unified. Furthermore, consistency in color schemes, fonts, and graphics helps reinforce your brand identity while also making it easier for customers to understand your signage.
For example, use the same font and color for all directional signs, with slight variations for important areas like the checkout or customer service counter. The more cohesive your signage, the easier it will be for customers to follow.
6. Incorporate Informational Signs for Customer Assistance
Beyond directing customers, signage can also provide helpful information. For example, consider adding signs that explain store policies, office hours, or product descriptions. In an office setting, signage might display the names of departments or instructions on where to go for specific services.
These informational signs help reduce confusion, improve customer satisfaction, and increase efficiency by providing essential details that help people navigate your space. Keep the messages brief, clear, and to the point.
7. Consider ADA Compliance and Accessibility
When planning interior signage, you should also think about accessibility—for visitors and employees. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance ensures that people with disabilities can easily navigate your space. This means using braille on signs, tactile or raised lettering, and ensuring there’s adequate contrast between the text and background.
Incorporating accessibility features into your wayfinding and directional signage helps create an inclusive environment for all customers and visitors, making their experience more enjoyable and efficient.
8. Place Signs at Key Decision Points
Strategically place signage at key decision points throughout your store or office. These are areas where customers or visitors have to choose between paths, such as at intersections or doors leading to different sections. These signs act as “decision-making guides,” ensuring customers know where to go next.
For example, in a retail store, signs above aisles can help customers quickly decide whether they want to head toward the clothing section or electronics. In an office, signs near elevators or stairs can clearly mark which floor a visitor needs to go to for a meeting or department.
Get Professionally Made Custom Business Signage from Tupp Signs
Properly designed and strategically placed signage is an effective tool for guiding customers through your store or office, enhancing their experience, and improving overall efficiency. By starting with clear entryway signs, using wayfinding and directional signs, and maintaining a consistent theme throughout, you can create an environment that’s easy to navigate and welcoming.
At Tupp Signs, we elevate your business by creating custom signage solutions that are tailored to your brand. Serving DE, PA, NJ, NY, and VA since 1928, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality signage. Contact us today at 866-324-7446 or request a quote to get started on transforming your space with effective, customer-friendly signage.