Pylon signs are among the largest and most visible signs that you can get. When you need to get some serious attention, these are the go-to options. Even the smaller pylon signs will generally tower over other signs, and that is an advantage. Of course, like any other useful tool, a pylon sign has to be used properly if you want the best possible results. So, with that in mind, let’s talk about how you can unlock the power of pylon signage.
Placement Is The Most Important Thing
Overall, placement is the most important factor that should be considered when planning a pylon sign. As we said, this kind of sign is all about visibility. To be more specific, it’s about long-range visibility. Once a customer enters the parking lot of your establishment, they probably won’t be able to see the pylon sign very well because it will be towering overhead. This is a sign that is meant to hook people from a distance, and it isn’t really effective up close.
So, you are mainly talking about getting the attention of people in their cars who are driving near your business. Look at the nearest roadway and think about the direction in which the traffic usually flows. If it’s a one-way street, you have a somewhat easy job, but most of the time you won’t have that situation. A pylon sign usually has two visible sides, so make sure you angle it in such a way that those sides are clearly visible to vehicles traveling from both directions. Foot traffic tends to follow the same lines as vehicle traffic, so pedestrians should be able to see both sides as well.
Another good trick is to get in your car and drive down that roadway yourself. Take some pictures so that you can get an idea of where the sign should be. This is how you get it down to an exact location (as opposed to a general idea). If it’s too high, it will quickly disappear as travelers get closer. If it’s too low, they won’t see the sign until they are nearly at your location. You should drive a 100-yard range in front of your business and try to find a location that is clearly visible throughout that range.
Choice Of Colors Is Also Important
Obviously, your sign needs colors, and those colors should be chosen with care. If your business has specific colors as part of its branding, you should probably go with those. For instance, red and yellow is a common color combination that many businesses use. You definitely don’t want your pylon sign to clash with the entire theme of your establishment.
If possible, you should also choose colors that grab the eye. Bright colors and uncommon shades tend to catch the attention of those who see them. It subconsciously makes people think that they are seeing something special, which can be enough to make them give your business a try. It is a proven fact that colors can have subtle effects on the emotional state of those who view them. We’re not talking about mind control or anything here, but there is a little bit of psychology behind the art of grabbing attention.
Lighting Effects
The most common option for a pylon sign is a lighted cabinet. This is basically a hollow “box” with translucent panels through which light can shine. Electrical wiring is housed in the pillar so that the internal bulbs (usually large LED bulbs) can be powered. However, this is not the only option. It’s a tried-and-true favorite, but there are plenty of other possibilities.
A pylon sign can also have the look of a billboard, with spotlights at the bottom. Thus, there is no need for internal lighting. Billboard-type signs tend to be a little more lightweight, which can be good or bad. If you live in an area that frequently experiences high winds, a lightweight sign might be a bad idea. If you want to use a smaller pillar, a lightweight sign is probably a good idea. This type of sign can be used to mimic the look of a theater stage, which might be a good fit for your business aesthetic.
Consider The Text And Lettering
We’ve talked a lot about the importance of getting people to see your sign. So, let’s also talk about what happens next. When they notice your sign and read it, they should immediately know what the sign represents. If the text and/or lettering of the sign is poorly done, this might be difficult for them.
The main thing is to avoid putting too much text on a pylon sign. Again, you’re going for long-range visibility, and no one will be able to read a whole paragraph from 50 yards away. Describe your business in as few words as possible. In fact, most pylon signs will just have the name of the business and nothing else. If your business is very well known, that is all you need. If not, you could just include two or three words that describe the services you offer. For instance, if you are running a muffler repair shop, you could just put the words “muffler shop” in smaller letters underneath the name of your business.
Finally, make sure that the lettering is easy to read. Don’t go with a weird font that makes the letters harder to discern, even if you think those letters look very good. Aesthetics are important, but informing the customer is more important.
Conclusion
If you are considering the use of a pylon sign, your next step should be to seek out the help of a competent and trusted signage company. For you, this task will be easy because you’ve already come to the right place. Tupp Signs has been making quality signs for businesses of all types since 1928, and we can help any business to increase its visibility and traffic. If you would like to know more, you can call Tupp Signs at 302-322-1600.