Running a business can be a challenge, but most entrepreneurs learn to follow certain steps in order to make it a success.
From creating a realistic business plan to working within a budget, having a clear roadmap for any business venture is essential.
This is also the case when creating the signage you need for your business to get noticed and your customer base to grow.
- An impactful sign can help your business stand out in a crowded market, attract customers, and enhance brand visibility.
- By following certain steps, you’ll be able to create successful outdoor building signs that make a big difference and a lasting impression.
- Take the time to thoroughly assess your needs and plan your signage, which will lead to more effective and impactful signage solutions.
- ― Step 1: Assess Your Needs
- ― Step 2: Design with Impact
- ― Step 3: Prioritize Placement
- ― Step 4: Incorporate Lighting and Technology
- ― Step 5: Comparison Shop
- ― Take the Right Step Toward Signage Success with Easy Signs
Effective and well-designed custom outdoor signs can make all the difference in helping you to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Let’s look at five of the most powerful ways that a custom outdoor sign can help your business not just survive, but truly thrive.
Step 1: Assess Your Needs
Before doing anything else, it’s a good idea to spend some time thinking about what you want to accomplish with any sort of outdoor signage.
Think about your answers to the following questions:
What is the primary objective of the sign?
Consider whether you are looking to attract foot traffic, enhance brand visibility, provide clear directions, or advertise a specific promotion or event. Defining the main purpose will help guide your design and messaging.
Who is your target audience?
Understanding the demographics, preferences, and behaviors of your potential customers is crucial. For instance, young professionals may be drawn to modern, sleek designs in exterior signs, while families might prefer vibrant and playful visuals.
Where will the sign be placed?
Evaluate the location’s visibility, ensuring the sign can be seen from different angles and distances.
Consider any potential obstacles, such as trees, buildings, or other signs that might block the view. Also, think about the lighting conditions in that area at different times of the day.
What message do you want to convey?
Keep the message concise, clear, and impactful. Identify the key information that you want viewers to absorb, such as your business name, logo, tagline, contact details, and any special offers.
The message should be easy to read at a glance, even from a distance.
How often will the sign need to be updated?
If your sign will feature frequently changing information, like promotions or events, consider options that allow for easy updates.
Digital displays or modular designs can be excellent choices for such scenarios.
What is your budget?
Determine the amount you are willing to invest in your signage. This will help you balance the quality of materials, the complexity of the design, and additional features like lighting and/or whether you should invest in small or large outdoor signs.
Remember that investing in durable materials and high-quality designs will provide long-term benefits and reduce the need for frequent replacements.
What are the local regulations?
Check for any local ordinances or zoning laws that may impact the size, placement, and type of signage you can use. Ensuring compliance with these regulations will prevent legal issues and potential fines.
By thoroughly assessing your signage needs and answering these questions in detail, you can create a strategic plan that ensures your business signs effectively attract customers and enhances your brand visibility.
Taking the time to consider these factors will guide you in making informed decisions throughout the design and implementation process, ultimately leading to a more successful and impactful signage solution.
Step 2: Design with Impact
To create eye-catching designs that stand out, it’s going to be important to focus on visual appeal.
Think about the following ways that you can design a sign to make a big difference in its level of impact.
1. Use Vibrant Colors: Choose colors that grab attention and are easy to see from a distance. High-contrast color combinations can make your sign more legible and visually striking.
2. Opt for Bold Fonts: Select bold, clear fonts that are easy to read. Avoid overly decorative fonts that may be hard to decipher, especially from a distance.
3. Include Striking Graphics: Incorporate images or logos that align with your brand and message. Graphics should complement the text and not overwhelm it.
4. Maintain Brand Consistency: Ensure that the design elements, such as colors, fonts, and logos, align with your overall brand identity. Consistency helps reinforce brand recognition.
5. Simplify the Message: Keep the message concise and to the point. Use clear, simple language that can be easily understood at a glance. Avoid cluttering the sign with too much information.
6. Consider the Sign’s Environment: Design your sign to stand out in its intended environment. Think about the surrounding colors, lighting, and competing signs to ensure your design catches the eye.
7. Incorporate Lighting: Adding lighting to your sign can enhance visibility, especially at night. LED lights are a popular choice for their brightness and energy efficiency.
8. Experiment with Shape and Size: Don’t feel confined to traditional rectangular signs. Unique shapes and sizes can make your sign more memorable and eye-catching.
By focusing on these design principles, you can create a sign that not only captures attention but also effectively communicates your message and strengthens your brand presence.
Step 3: Prioritize Placement
While the design of your sign is crucial for its effectiveness, its placement on your property is equally important. Strategically placing your sign in high-traffic areas can significantly enhance its visibility and impact.
Here are some key considerations when it comes to where exterior signage is going to get the kind of notice you’re looking for:
- Visibility from Multiple Angles: Ensure your sign is visible from different vantage points, such as approaching roads, sidewalks, and entryways. This increases the chances of catching the attention of passersby and potential customers.
- Height and Positioning: The height and positioning of your sign can affect its readability. Place the sign at a height that makes it easy to read from a distance, avoiding any obstructions like trees, poles, or other structures.
- Lighting Conditions: Consider the lighting conditions at different times of the day. Place your sign in well-lit areas to ensure it remains visible during low light conditions. If necessary, incorporate additional lighting to illuminate the sign at night.
- Nearby Landmarks and Surroundings: Take into account any nearby landmarks or distinctive features that can help draw attention to your sign. Positioning your sign near recognizable elements can make it easier for people to locate your business.
- Traffic Flow: Analyze the flow of foot and vehicle traffic around your property. Place your sign in areas with high traffic volume to maximize exposure. For example, positioning your sign near busy intersections or entrances can increase visibility.
- Compliance with Local Regulations: Ensure your sign placement complies with local zoning laws and regulations. This includes adhering to restrictions on sign height, size, and location to avoid potential legal issues.
By carefully considering these factors, you can prioritize the placement of your sign to maximize its effectiveness and ensure it attracts the attention of your target audience.
A well-placed sign can significantly enhance your business’s visibility and help drive customer engagement.
Step 4: Incorporate Lighting and Technology
Lighting can significantly enhance the visibility and impact of your outdoor sign, especially at night or in low-light conditions.
Consider options like LED lights, which are energy-efficient and long-lasting. Backlit signs or illuminated letters can make your sign stand out and be easily readable from a distance.
Additionally, integrating technology, such as digital displays, allows for dynamic content that can be updated regularly to keep your message fresh and engaging.
Step 5: Comparison Shop
After you’ve thought through the placement and design elements of your signs, doing a bit of comparison shopping will make sure you get a high-quality product for a reasonable price.
Think about these questions when choosing the right signage vendor for your outdoor signs:
Have you researched suppliers?
Take the time to compare different suppliers and their offerings before finalizing your signage. Researching suppliers involves looking at their history, reputation, and client feedback to ensure they are reliable and provide high-quality products.
Do they specialize in outdoor signs?
Look for companies that provide outdoor signage. Companies that specialize in outdoor signs are likely to have more experience and expertise in creating signs with weather resistant materials and the type of durability that will make them last for an extended amount of time.
What does their portfolio look like?
Ensure they have a strong portfolio of past projects. Reviewing a supplier’s portfolio can give you insight into the quality and variety of their work, as well as their ability to handle projects similar to yours.
What is the quality of their materials?
Consider the materials they use and their durability. High-quality materials, such as aluminum, vinyl, and weather-resistant coatings, ensure that your signs will withstand the elements and remain visually appealing over time.
What range of design options do they offer?
Evaluate the variety of design choices they provide. A supplier with a wide range of design options can offer you more flexibility and creativity in your signage, allowing you to choose a design that perfectly fits your brand and location.
What is their reputation for customer service?
Assess their customer service through reviews and testimonials. Good customer service is crucial for a smooth project experience. Look for suppliers who are responsive, helpful, and willing to collaborate to meet your specific needs.
Have you requested quotes from multiple suppliers?
Ask for quotes to compare prices and services. Requesting quotes from multiple suppliers allows you to compare costs and understand what each company offers for their price, helping you make a cost-effective decision.
Take the Right Step Toward Signage Success with Easy Signs
Creating successful outdoor building signs for your business involves a series of thoughtful steps.
By assessing your signage needs, you can ensure your sign effectively attracts customers and enhances your brand visibility.
This is where Easy Signs comes in.
Whether you need vinyl banners to promote new restaurants, or yard signs to announce new store hours, our budget-friendly and quality signage ensures that your name reaches clients and customers quickly and effectively.
Are you ready to invest in outdoor signage that will set you apart from your competition?
Then invest with Easy Signs and let us help take your business to a whole new level!