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Outdoor business signs serve as more than just mere markers.
From yard signs to vinyl banners, outside signage is a powerful tool for attracting customers, promoting an event, and creating a call-to-action for each passerby to see.
- Identify the primary purpose, location, and target audience for your sign.
- Choose materials and weatherproofing features that ensure longevity.
- Ensure the sign is appropriately sized, placed, and well-lit for maximum impact.
- ― Step 1: Assess Your Needs
- ― Step 2: Design Your Sign with Durability in Mind
- ― Step 3: High Visibility is Always Key
- ― Step 4: Design for Impact
- ― Step 5: Consider Compliance and Local Regulations
- ― Step 6: Be Budget-Conscious and a Savvy Shopper
- ― No Matter Your Locale, Easy Signs is Your Sign Design Solution
A well-designed sign can make a lasting impression that can work to draw in potential clients, give directions, and promote a person and/or an event.
But signage that will be used primarily outdoors needs some special attention in order for it to maintain a professional look and serve the purpose needed.
Let’s look at six essential steps for designing outdoor signage that will help you choose the best custom business signs for your specific needs.
Step 1: Assess Your Needs
Before doing anything else, it’s important you determine what the purpose of your signage is going to be.
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Identify Your Objectives:
The first step in choosing the right outdoor sign is to determine its primary purpose. Are you looking to enhance your brand visibility, provide directions, or promote a specific product or service?
Understanding the main objective will help you design a sign that meets your business goals.
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Decide on the Location:
Consider where the sign will be placed. Will it be exposed to harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, or intense sunlight? The location will influence the type of materials and weatherproofing features you need.
For instance, a sign placed near a busy road will require different considerations than one located in a sheltered area.
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Identify Your Target Audience:
Think about who you want to attract with your sign. Is your target audience potential customers who you want to come into your store? Are you trying to influence voters to elect a certain candidate? Is your sign simply to help direct event attendees as they enter a parking lot?
The design and placement of your sign should appeal to your intended audience and be easily visible to them.
Step 2: Design Your Sign with Durability in Mind
Outdoor signage can take a beating from harsh weather conditions. Making sure you use the right materials and finishes will make a big difference in how long your signs last as well as how professional they continue to look.
Material Options
The durability of your sign largely depends on the materials used. Here are some common durable materials that work well for the outdoors and the benefits they offer:
Aluminum Composit Panels
- Properties: Aluminum is lightweight, rust-resistant, and highly durable, making it ideal for long term outdoor use. It can withstand harsh weather conditions without corroding or deteriorating.
- Examples of Use: Aluminum signs are a great option for permanently installed business signs that will be mounted on the side of a building. They are ideal for maintaining a professional look.
Corrugated Plastic
- Properties: Corrugated plastic is a cost-effective material, often used for temporary signage. It’s lightweight and easy to transport, making it perfect for short-term events or promotions.
- Examples of Use: Corrugated plastic signs are good options for realtors who need “For Sale” and “Open House” signs as well as political candidates. They are easy to set up and remove, providing a budget-friendly solution for temporary advertising.
Vinyl Banners
- Properties: Vinyl banners are incredibly versatile and weather-resistant, making them suitable for a variety of applications. Vinyl is easy-to-clean and folds nicely, making vinyl banners simple to store when not in use.
- Example: For grand openings or advertising events, a large vinyl banner can be hung across a storefront or restaurant entryway. The vibrant colors and weather-resistant properties ensure that the banner remains eye-catching and intact, even in challenging weather conditions.
To ensure your signs withstand the elements, consider weather resistant materials like UV protection, waterproofing, and wind resistance.
UV protection prevents fading from sunlight, while waterproofing ensures the sign remains intact during rain.
For signs that will be transported frequently, durability is key to maintaining their appearance and functionality.
Step 3: High Visibility is Always Key
No matter the design or materials of your sign, if your customers or audience can’t see it then the entire investment is pointless.
Here are some key factors in making sure your sign can be seen by your intended audience.
- Choosing Your Size and Picking Your Placement: The size of your sign should be appropriate for its location. Smaller yard signs are effective when installed close to buildings, while larger vinyl banners are better suited for roadways or areas set back from foot traffic. Strategic placement ensures maximum visibility and impact.
- Lighting Options: Enhance your sign’s visibility at night or in low-light conditions with lighting solutions such as LED lights or backlit signs. These options not only make your sign more noticeable but also add a professional touch.
Step 4: Design for Impact
One of the biggest benefits of custom-made signs is the versatility of all the different design options.
Whether you choose to create your own graphics and layout or want to work with an online design tool or artist, custom signs can be designed to fit any size, shape, color, and material, ensuring they stand out and attract attention.
Here are some ways to best do this:
- Incorporate Bold Colors and Fonts: Use vibrant colors and clear, readable fonts to make your sign eye-catching and easy to read from a distance.
- Add Your Logo and Branding Elements: Include your business logo, tagline, and other branding elements to reinforce your brand identity.
- Use Versatile Mounting Solutions: Choose mounting options that allow for easy installation and repositioning, such as hanging signs, wall-mounted signs, or freestanding signs.
- Include Contact Information: Make sure to add essential details like your phone number, website, or social media handles to encourage customer or audience engagement.
- Keep It Simple and Clear: Avoid cluttering your sign with too much information. Focus on a clear, concise message that can be quickly understood.
Step 5: Consider Compliance and Local Regulations
Making sure your signs meet local laws is going to be important, particularly in their placement and size. Consider these factors:
What are the Local Zoning Laws?
Before installing your sign, check local regulations regarding sign size, placement, and design. Compliance with these laws is essential to avoid fines and ensure your sign remains in place.
Do You Need Permits or Approvals?
Some signs may require special permits or approvals. For example, political signs often have regulations about when they can be put up and taken down. Make sure you understand and follow these requirements to avoid any legal issues.
Step 6: Be Budget-Conscious and a Savvy Shopper
Exterior signs can be a great way to advertise your business or promote a person, but you want to make sure the return on investment is strong.
Think about the following when you are preparing to purchase your signs:
- Consider Buying in Bulk: If you need multiple signs, purchasing in bulk can often lead to significant discounts. This is especially useful for businesses with multiple locations or those planning a large marketing campaign.
- Price Compare from Different Signage Stores or Online Sites: Take the time to compare prices from various suppliers. Online stores often have competitive pricing and may offer deals that local stores do not.
- Educate Yourself on the Cost of Different Materials: Understanding the cost differences between materials like aluminum, acrylic, PVC, and others can help you make an informed decision that balances cost and durability.
- Choose High Quality Over Low Budget for Long-Term Use: Investing in high-quality materials may have a higher upfront cost but will save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs.
- Look for Promotions and Discounts: Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions, discounts, or clearance sales that can reduce the overall cost of your signage.
- Consider DIY Options: If you have the skills, creating your own graphics can often save money. There are many online tools and resources available to help you design and produce professional-looking signs.
- Negotiate with Suppliers: Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices with suppliers, especially if you are placing a large order. Many suppliers are willing to offer discounts to secure your business.
- Factor in Installation Costs: Remember to include the cost of installation in your budget. Large outdoor signs may need professional installation, so make sure to factor this into your overall budget.
- Plan for Maintenance Costs: Consider the long-term maintenance costs of your signage. Some materials may require more upkeep than others, which can add to the overall expense.
- Evaluate the ROI: Think about how the signage will impact your business. Signs that effectively attract customers and increase sales can provide a strong return on investment, justifying the initial expenditure.
No Matter Your Locale, Easy Signs is Your Sign Design Solution
Choosing the best custom outdoor business sign involves careful consideration of your needs, and a signage company that understands that.
Easy Signs has you covered!
By partnering with Easy Signs, you can be confident that every custom outdoor sign you create is professionally manufactured and tailored to reflect your brand and vision.
At Easy Signs, we offer our customers:
- State-of-the-Art Manufacturing: Our modern factory in Allentown, PA, is equipped with the latest technology, including large format HP dye sublimation printers and Latex printers.
- High-Quality Products: We continually invest in cutting-edge machinery to ensure consistent, high-quality signage in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Whether you need single-sided or double-sided outdoor signs, we have an array of options to choose from.
- Fast Production Times: Our efficient production system allows us to provide some of the fastest production times in the industry.
- Nationwide Delivery: We deliver our products to customers all over the United States.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: By optimizing our processes, we offer high-quality products at the lowest cost.
- Bulk Pricing: While we have excellent pricing on all of our products, our bulk pricing is even better! When you need to buy in a large quantity, reach out to our team to find out what kind of discounts are available to you.
Are you ready to see what Easy Signs has in store for you?
Reach out to our Customer Happiness Team today to create the custom business outdoor signs that are perfect for you!
