If you’re a business owner, you might want to update your signage or buy an outdoor business sign for the first time.
Outdoor business signs for buildings can be an incredibly effective way to draw attention to your business and help you stand out from the competition. With so many options available, it is essential to understand the different types of outdoor business signs, their benefits, design considerations, regulations, and installation processes.
From vinyl banners that are weather-resistant or classic lettering made with durable materials like steel, businesses can use outdoor signage when marketing themselves in various ways. Learn more about things to consider when buying an outdoor sign and some tips to ensure you’re buying the best one for your needs.
Think About Your Goals
Before you start shopping around for an outdoor business sign, you should have a clear understanding of your goals and needs. Do you have a specific design in mind? How many business signs do you need? What does your budget look like?
Make a list of everything you need and want from a business sign. Not only will it help you stay organized, but you’re more likely to have a clearer picture of what you’re looking for.
What’s The Sign's Purpose?
A sign is just a sign, right? While the primary purpose of an outdoor business sign is to display the name and address of a business, an outdoor sign may have more than one purpose.
Increase Visibility and Brand Awareness
Outdoor business signs make it easier for customers to find your store or office building. By displaying a recognizable logo or slogan on your outdoor sign, you can create an instant connection with potential customers who pass by.
This increased visibility also helps to reinforce your brand identity in the minds of passersby, making them more likely to remember you when they need products or services related to what you offer.
Improve Your Curb Appeal
A well-designed outdoor sign is often the first thing people notice about a building or storefront. It sets the tone for their entire experience before they even step inside. An attractive sign will draw attention from potential customers while improving the overall look of your property's exterior.
Cost-Effective Way to Advertise
Outdoor signage provides an excellent way to advertise without too much extra spending or upkeep. You don't have to worry about paying for expensive TV spots or radio ads – just install a few strategically placed signs around town and watch as word spreads quickly.
Once installed, most signs require minimal maintenance costs over time, so you won't have to worry about spending extra money down the line either.
Know Which Type of Sign Works Best For Your Business
Outdoor business signs for buildings come in various materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. The material you choose will depend on your budget, the look you are going for, and the durability you need.
Metal
Metal signs made of aluminum or steel are popular for outdoor business signs because they are often durable and affordable.
Additionally, metal signs are lightweight, rust-resistant, and can withstand extreme temperatures without warping or cracking. The material is also easy to clean and maintain with regular washing.
Wood
Wooden signs are classic, timeless, and perfect for businesses looking to add an old-fashioned touch to their storefronts.
They're durable enough to stand up against the elements but still look great when painted or stained in various colors. Additionally, wooden signs can be customized with logos or text easily carved into them by hand or laser cutters.
If you have concerns about the longevity of a wooden sign, many custom metal outdoor signs can be designed to look worn and weathered like a wooden sign.
Vinyl
Vinyl is another popular option for outdoor business signs due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness.
This material is waterproof, so it won't fade over time from exposure to rain or snow; plus, vinyl can be printed on both sides if needed, making it ideal for double-sided signage applications like sandwich boards outside restaurants or retail stores.
Acrylic
Acrylic provides an elegant yet modern look that stands out among other materials used in outdoor business signage solutions.
It's incredibly durable and weather resistant, so you don't have to worry about fading from sun exposure over time like some other materials might.
Additionally, acrylic offers flexibility regarding customization options since you can print directly onto the surface using digital printing technology instead of separately having your design applied after production has been completed (as would be done with vinyl).
Consider Your Budget: Invest in Quality
If you’re opening a business or want to get some signage up quickly, you might be tempted to find the cheapest option available. While vinyl banners and A-frame signs are often cost-effective and great to use temporarily, they aren’t likely to last as long.
It’s best to spend your budget wisely and immediately invest in a long-lasting, weather-resistant sign. Not only are you likely to save money in the long run, but you will catch your customers’ attention right away.
Go For Customization
Have you ever been to a business and noticed that their signage didn’t match their logo or had a variety of signs that had a non-cohesive look? While the signs still played an important role in displaying the address, hours of operation, and other vital information, they may have looked less than professional and even a little confusing.
Whether you’re looking for metal outdoor welcome signs or more prominent storefront signs, it is worth paying a little extra for customization.
Choose the Right Size For Your Building
Knowing which size sign will work best for your building can be challenging. Too big, and it may look out of place, and a small outdoor sign will be easy to miss from the street.
The ideal size for outdoor business signs will depend on several factors, including the sign's purpose, location, and the distance from which it needs to be visible.
The size of your sign will depend on the distance from which it needs to be visible. For example, if your outdoor sign is intended to be seen from a long distance, such as from a highway, it will need to be larger than a sign intended to be seen from a closer distance, such as a sidewalk.
Choose a font size that is large enough to be easily read from a distance. A general rule of thumb is that the letter height should be at least one inch per ten feet of viewing distance.
Your sign should be proportional to the size of your building. A small sign on a large building may not be visible from a distance, while a large sign on a small building may be overwhelming.
Ultimately, the size of your sign should be determined by common sense. Consider what will be visually appealing and effectively attract customers without being too distracting or overpowering.
Don’t Forget to Check Local Regulations
More often than not, an excited business owner invests in a beautiful custom outdoor metal signs only to find out that it goes against local regulations.
Local regulations for outdoor signs can vary widely depending on the city or municipality where the business is located. Many cities and municipalities have specific regulations regarding the size and placement of outdoor signs. This can include restrictions on the height, width, and total area of the sign, as well as the distance between the outdoor sign and the road or neighboring buildings.
Zoning laws can also affect the type and size of signs that are allowed in certain areas. For example, in some residential areas, signs may be prohibited or limited in size.
Some cities and municipalities may have regulations regarding the materials used for signs, as well as the use of lighting or other features. Businesses often must obtain a permit before installing an outdoor sign. This may require submitting plans and specifications for the sign, as well as paying a fee.
Additionally, sign regulations may be stricter in historic districts or areas with special architectural or aesthetic requirements to preserve the neighborhood's character.
What About Maintenance?
Since your outdoor sign will go outside your building and is likely out of reach, it’s essential to consider whether it will need a lot of maintenance.
For example, if you need to change information on your sign, will it be easy to do it from the ground level? Can you change or fix the bulbs on your own if it uses special lighting? If your sign gets dirty, can you clean it safely and easily?
Some sign companies may offer maintenance and upkeep as part of their package.
Work With a Reputable Company
Choosing a reputable outdoor sign company is essential in ensuring that your business gets a high-quality sign that meets your needs and lasts for years to come. Here are some tips to help you choose a reputable outdoor sign company:
- Look for experience: Choose a company with experience creating outdoor signs. Look for a company that has been in business for several years and has experience working with businesses similar to yours.
- Check references: Ask the company for references from previous clients, and take the time to follow up on those references. Look for signs that are still in good condition and meet the client's needs.
- Check for licensing and insurance: Make sure that the sign company is appropriately licensed and insured to protect you in case of any accidents or damages during the sign installation process.
- Ask about the design process: Find out how involved the sign company will be in the design process. A promising sign company will work with you to create a sign that meets your specific needs and matches your branding.
- Consider materials and manufacturing: Find out what materials the company uses to create their signs and how they manufacture them. A good sign company will use high-quality materials and take care in the manufacturing process to ensure that your sign lasts for years.
- Get a written estimate: Before signing any contracts or committing to work with the sign company, ask for a written estimate. This should include the total cost, any applicable taxes or fees, and a timeline for completion.
FAQs
Outdoor business signs for buildings are a worthy investment if you take the time to weigh your options and shop around. Here are a few commonly asked questions that may help while you search for the best outdoor sign.
What are the benefits of having an outdoor sign for my business?
Outdoor signs can help businesses attract new customers, increase brand recognition, and improve visibility. They can also help differentiate your business from competitors and provide information about your products and services.
What factors should I consider when choosing the type of outdoor sign for my business?
Consider factors such as the sign's location, the street's visibility, the sign's size, and any local regulations that may apply. Also, consider the design and materials of the sign, as well as the budget.
How long will my outdoor sign last?
The lifespan of an outdoor sign can vary depending on the materials used, the location of the sign, and the local climate. A well-maintained sign can last for many years.
Wrapping Up
A high-quality outdoor sign makes your business more visible to your customers and adds some personality and professionalism to your building.
When you work with a reputable sign company like Rusted Rooster Metal, you get a quality, customized sign that will last for years.