Just because you have a business, it doesn’t mean people are going to automatically appear at the doorway. As amazing as that would be, this isn’t a simulation game. People have to discover you, and the only way they are going to do that is by seeing signs at the right time. Having a strategically placed sign with eye-catching elements will do the job right. But what are some fundamentals of installing business signage?
Turns out, there are a couple of dos and don’ts to getting your signage just right. Take a look.
Do Make Signs Visible
The importance of location is over underestimated by businesses. If the signage is not obvious, you could end up with potential customers passing you by because they do not know that your business exists. You should have signage that is positioned where the most traffic will notice it. For example, if your business is located along a busy road, the sign should be facing that road. If you are near a highway, you may want billboards or pylon signs to advertise your location.
So, if you are installing business signage, consider how it will be viewed (motorist or pedestrian?), how the light will hit it, and from what angle it will be seen.
Don’t Install Signs Above Driver’s Viewpoint
As mentioned above, you may have customers who are traveling to your store by car. You could also have people stop in at random. How will they know you exist if they can’t see your signage? Drivers have a view range that goes either 30 degrees below or above the horizon line. Rarely do people lean forward to gaze up at the sky. This means that you can neither have signs that are too low or too high. The best place to put a sign is at the same height as a regular road sign. Not only does this make your signage more visible, but most drivers are more open to receiving information at that height.
Do Use Your Brand Name and Logo
Is your logo enough for brand recognition? Maybe—if you are an established brand. But if you are just starting out, you need to present potential customers with the correct amount of information. Putting a name to a logo helps a lot with branding and building repute within the community. Over time, your customers will begin to associate the logo with the name and vice versa. If you plan on transforming into a national brand (or even if you don’t), don’t miss the opportunity to spread your name to the masses.
Don’t Use Cheap Signage Materials
We won’t deny that signage is expensive. Depending on the type of sign you get, you could end up paying much more than you would with a simpler design. High-quality signs also use expensive materials, such as metal and glass. Custom designs up the price tag. You might think about cutting corners by downgrading the materials or opting to do the design yourself.
Not a good idea. Cheap sign materials are going to degrade much faster in the weather. That sign you paid for is going to be a disappointment and may even malfunction, costing you even more to repair. Instead, think of signage as an investment—one that will serve you for many years—and pay for quality.
Do Dare to be Different
Creativity goes a long way with signage. So, unless you are planning something impossible or crazy for your design, you can think out of the box. Avoid run-of-the-mill logo elements, especially ones that tend to be very common in your industry. Since your signage is going to be among the first things people see, you want to make an impression that sells people on giving you business.
Go on, dream a little!
Don’t Take Unnecessary Installation Risks
You might be considering doing the installation yourself, but that’s a no-no. Tons of issues can arise if you are not careful. Without proper equipment—scaffolding, ladders, platforms—getting to the correct height for the sign may be hazardous to both the people doing the installation and anyone passing by. If you don’t know how to handle certain machinery or equipment, you should not attempt DIY.
Do Put Safety First
Take a look at business signs around you. Notice anything? Some are affixed directly to the storefront or mounted on lofty poles above the street. Some require special electronics while others are a bit more straightforward. Yet, installing any kind of sign can be risky. If you plan on DIYing more simple indoor signage, make sure you have the appropriate tools and protective gear, such as safety glasses and gloves.
If your sign requires an electrician or has to be mounted, you should never do it alone. Hire a professional sign company to assist you in installation. The trained technicians will be able to get the job done effortlessly. If you don’t, you could make extremely expensive (and dangerous) mistakes.
Don’t Confuse Messaging
Having a creative sign can be advantageous, but you can easily overpower your brand’s message and confuse your potential customers. They may be unable to gauge what kind of business you are running if the sign is unclear. And if people don’t know what to expect, they may just pass you over for the competition. No one wants that. Therefore, you need signage that is clear in its purpose, design, and positioning. Keep that in mind as you sit down for a consultation with a professional designer.
Do Call a Professional Sign Company
Yes, it is possible to design your own sign from start to finish, but it may end up looking second rate. Just as you would entrust a skilled graphic designer with all your online presence, you should trust a professional business sign company with your outdoor and indoor signs. A skilled artist will be able to envision your next sign without fail. Plus, they will know which colors and materials will maximize the efficacy of your signs.
Furthermore, when you use a reputable sign company like Tupp Signs, you have a team of experts backing you. From the design to the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of your sign, we do everything to your satisfaction. Trust sign companies to use only high-end materials and technologies to bring your dream sign to life.
What are you waiting for? Give us a call today or fill out the contact form and learn what separates us from the competition. With our professional technicians, creative designers, and longstanding record of satisfied customers, we know we can deliver the sign of your dreams.