Ultimate Guide to Business Signage: Making Your Mark

Ultimate Guide to Business Signage: Making Your Mark

Has it ever happened to you that you are walking by a store, and its sign catches your eye? 

Or, as you were driving on a busy street, you saw a funny sign that made you laugh out loud? Well, my friend, this is how powerful business signage can be.

Nowadays, people’s attention spans last for seconds, so your business sign might be the only chance you have to make a first impression. It acts like an employee who never sleeps – working around the clock daily. 

Its purpose is to help attract customers and establish your brand. But there’s one problem: not all signs are created equal. Some sing loudly while others… well, they just sort of mumble.

How will our business signage hit all the right notes? How can we create a sign that catches attention and shows what our brand is all about deep down inside? That’s precisely what we will discuss in this complete guide to business signage.

We’ll talk about everything from colour psychology to planning permissions. We’ll examine digital advertising trends and why hand-painted signs will always be timeless. And we’ll do it with some jokes thrown in for good measure, too!

Whether you’re someone trying to get their small company noticed on Main Street or a marketing executive who wants more visibility into what your firm represents visually – read on! 

This guide has been written just for YOU! So grab yourself a hot drink, make yourself comfortable and let us journey through the magical world of signs used in businesses today!

The ABCs of Business Signage

Let’s start with the basics before we delve into the details. What is business signage all about?

Business signage refers to visual graphical representations that pass certain information to a particular group of people. 

This is an all-inclusive term for signs, symbols, and design elements establishments use to communicate with their clients, staff, and the general public.

Just think about it; from the time you open your eyes till you close them at night, there is always a business sign around you. The logo on toothpaste tubes, road indication marks during morning commute hours, menu boards in local coffee shops, and even name tags above workplace doors are forms of business signs.

However, good business signage does not just mean slapping your company name on a board and calling it quits. No way! This art form is sometimes science and magic rolled into one thing, too.

Types of Business Signage

But let’s break it down further, shall we? There are so many varieties of signs under this category due to their different shapes and sizes. Here are some examples:

Outdoor Signs: These act as soldiers stationed right at the front line fighting for customer attention which include:

• Storefront signs
• Pylon signs
• Monument signs
• Awnings

Indoor Signs: When customers come through those doors then this is where these other types come in handy:

• Directional signs
• Point-of-purchase displays
• Wall graphics

Vehicle Graphics: Why should your sign stay stuck in one place?

Digital Signs: Recent entrants into the market offering dynamic content that can change over time.

Temporary Signs: Ideal for sales events or seasonal promotions.

Each kind has its strengths and best applications, but what matters most is knowing which one(s) will work better for your specific case. Don’t fret because we will touch on that later.

The Significance of Business Signage

Do I need fancy signs, or can’t rely on word-of-mouth plus social media alone?” Well, listen up; here’s something for you:

According to a FedEx survey, 76% of customers have entered a store they’ve never been to simply because of its signs.

The same research discovered that 68% believe the quality of products/services an enterprise offers is reflected in its sign system.

Another study at the University of Cincinnati revealed that average sales increased by 10% or higher for over 60% of businesses after adding new ones and improving old ones.

Impressive huh? But it’s not only about attracting new clientele. Good signage can do the following, too:

1. Reinforce brand identity
2. Convey vital information
3. Help direct people around your shop/office.
4. Give professional appearance
5. Meet legal obligations (think health & safety signs)

Business signage is a significant part of any marketing plan. It’s like planting seeds today to grow into big trees tomorrow.

The Psychology of Signage: Colours, Fonts, and Shapes

Since we've already discussed what and why of business signage, let's discuss how. How could you make a sign that convinces rather than informs? That doesn't just attract the eye but captures the mind.

The answer lies in knowing the psychology behind effective signs. It’s not just about picking pretty colours or fancy fonts; it’s about using these elements strategically so they can provoke certain emotions or actions from your viewers.

Power Of Colour

Colour is one powerful tool out of many in your signage arsenal. It can arouse feelings, establish connections, and even change behaviour. But there’s one catch – different colours can mean different things depending on cultural background or context.

Let’s review some common colour associations in Western societies:

• Red – excitement, passion, urgency (suitable for sales signs).
• Blue – trustworthiness, stability, professionalism (often used by banks and tech companies).
• Green – nature, health, growth (perfect for eco-friendly businesses or health food stores).
• Yellow – optimism, clarity, warmth (creates a cheerful atmosphere).
• Purple – luxury, creativity, mystery (widely used in beauty and entertainment industries).
• Orange – energy, enthusiasm, adventure (recommended for brands targeting the youth market segment).
• Black – sophistication/luxury/power stuff (mostly seen on high-end fashion houses’ logos).
• White ─ purity/cleanliness/simplicity/A4 paper backgrounds

Remember, these are just general rules of thumb when picking colours for your signage. What matters most is choosing those that resonate with your intended audience while reflecting on your brand values.

Fonts Matter More Than You Think

Typography may seem insignificant, but believe me when I tell you this: it can either break or make people's perception towards any given signboard design. 

A well-selected typeface will not only enhance legibility but also communicate desired personality traits associated with particular brands; Comic Sans MS wouldn't be taken kindly by law firms anywhere within sight of planet Earth.

Below are some font categories along with their typical connotations:

• Serif fonts (e.g., Times New Roman) – traditional, respectable, reliable;
• Sans-serif fonts (e.g., Arial) – modern, clean, straightforward;
• Script fonts ─ elegant/creative/personal;
• Display typefaces: unique/attention-grabbing/fun stuff like that ─ you get the idea.

When picking a font, ask yourself these questions:

1. Readability: Can people read your sign from far away?
2. Brand consistency: Does it match other fonts used in your promo materials?
3. Tone: Does it convey the desired mood for your venture/business?

Shapes & Symbols: Unsung Heroes Of Signage

Shapes and symbols can say so much without using too many words. They also help make signs more memorable. Here are a few examples:

• Circles ─ unity/community/friendship/love;
• Squares/rectangles ─ stability/balance/professionalism;
• Triangles ─ power/science/law/order/strength;
• Organic shapes ─ nature/comfort/warmth/things like that

Symbols are great because they can easily cross language barriers while quickly conveying complex thoughts or ideas, e.g., universal symbols for toilets/no smoking/recycling, etc. Could there be one representing what you do?

Planning Your Perfect Sign: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ok, so let's go dirty with designing your sign — now that we've covered the basics. A little bit of planning now can save you a lot of headaches (and money) later on.

Step 1: Define Your Goals

Before thinking about designs or materials, ask yourself: What do I want this sign to do? Are you trying to:

• Get new customers?
• Direct people to your location?
• Strengthen your brand identity.
• Advertise a specific product or service?
• Meet legal requirements?

These objectives will influence everything else; therefore, think them over carefully.

Step 2: Know Your Audience

Who are you trying to communicate with through this sign? Consider their;

• Age range
• Interests
• Cultural background
• When and how they'll view it, i.e., walking by versus driving past at 30mph.

Knowing who you speak to helps select design elements that connect most effectively.

Step 3: Think About Location

Location! Placement is everything when it comes to effectiveness in signage, as much as it is in real estate. You should consider:

• Visibility – Can different people see from various points/angles quickly?
• Lighting – What happens during different parts of the day?
• Competition – How can neighbouring businesses' signs not drown yours out visually?
• Weather – Does it have a chance against harsh conditions?

Step 4: Set Your Budget

Good signs cost money, but don't worry; they are also an investment, so careful consideration must be given here, too. For instance, apart from initial creation/installation costs, other things like ongoing care updates must also come into play when setting a budget.

Note that sometimes cheaper options may be more expensive if something well-made lasts for years, while poorly constructed ones require frequent replacements.

Step 5: Check the Rules

Don't get carried away only to realise later that there were regulations you should have followed. This includes:

• Local planning laws
• Building regulations
• Advertising standards
• Health and safety requirements

You want to find out these things early enough, so they don't force costly changes later in the process.

Step 6: Select Sign Type

Now that you know what is what, it's time for decision-making. What kind of sign do I need? Storefront signs? Pylon Signs? Wall-mounted Signs? Digital Displays?

Take into account your budget, location, and goals when choosing one.

Step 7: Design Away!

Here's where all the fun starts happening! With colours, fonts and shapes, go wild with some designs, but always keep those objectives and target market in mind. 

If design isn’t really up your alley, then this could be the stage at which hiring a professional becomes relevant. Good designers can transform any concept or idea their client(s) gives into physical representations reflective of said brands.

Step 8: Select Your Stuff

Picking the materials you will use is crucial because it affects how long the sign will look, how long it will last, and how much maintenance it will require. Some of the common materials include:

• Wood – classic and versatile, but needs to be taken care of regularly;
• Metal – modern-looking and durable;
• Plastic – light on your pocket and lightweight in general;
• Glass – sleek and professional, though fragile at times;
• LED – energy-saving and catches attention, especially during the night.

Step 9: Ask for Quotations and Choose a Supplier

When your design and material options are ready, find different sign makers who can do the job, then ask for quotations. Don’t just jump into choosing the cheapest one; also consider factors such as:

• Quality of materials used and craft involved or required in making signs;
• Turnaround time expected by various suppliers before they finish making all the necessary signs;
• Services provided during the installation process like whether there are any additional charges or not;
• Warranty duration given plus what is covered under warranty terms offered by different suppliers (if any);
• After-sales support is provided by each supplier, including the availability of replacement parts if needed.

Step 10: Installing And Taking Care Of It

Last, but not least, ensure that you plan for the safe installation of your new sign so that it serves its purpose perfectly well without causing any harm to people or property around where it’s placed. 

Also, don’t forget about regular cleaning routines, which can help keep dust particles from settling on the top surface area, thereby enhancing appearance while at the same time retaining the original colour shade over an extended lifespan.

Digital Signage: The Future is Now

Surprising as it may be in this era of ours, which is driven by technology, signposts are also being given facelifts incorporating the latest tech. There has been a growing popularity of digital signs, and there are several good reasons for this.

Such signs offer flexibility, can be interactive, and enable one to update content in real-time. But does that make them suitable for your business? Let’s find out.

Digital signage is any electronic display showing digital images, video streaming media or information. It could be as simple as an LED sign displaying text messages or as complex as a fully interactive touchscreen display.

The Pros of Going Digital

• Dynamic Content: You can change your message frequently, even multiple times per day
• Attention-Grabbing: Moving images and video tend to attract more attention than static displays
• Cost Effective in the Long Run: While initial costs can be high, you save on printing and installation when changing contents later.
• Interactive Possibilities: Touch screens allow for an engaging customer experience
• Data Collection: Many digital signs can track viewer engagement, which provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of campaigns.

The Cons to Consider

• Higher Initial Cost: Digital signs are generally more expensive to purchase and install than traditional signage systems.
• Technical Skills Required: Managing updating digital signage requires some level of technical know-how
• Potential for Technical Issues: Like all technologies, they sometimes fail due to various faults, including hardware malfunctions, among others.
• Energy Consumption: Compared to other types, these consume much power since most parts are always on throughout operation time; hence, they use more electricity than conventional ones, thus adding up utility bills every month only depending on how often they operate daily or weekly.

Is Digital Signage Right For You?

Consider digital signage if:

1. Your message changes frequently from one day to month, etc., but remains relevant within each period stated above;
2. You want to show time-sensitive information such as news headlines or stock prices;
3. You need an interactive experience that will keep customers engaged with your brand longer while they are waiting for service delivery;
4. Have enough money budgeted out even if it means spending more initially because, in the future, you can save due to reduced printing costs and the easy installation process involved during the content update phase.

Traditional signage might be better if:

1. You have a simple message that doesn’t change often and is always the same
2. Your budget is limited to what traditional signage would cost
3. You prefer the classic look of non-electronic signposts
4. Your location has unreliable electricity or internet connections, so digital technology cannot work there effectively.

Remember, it’s not an either-or decision – many businesses succeed using both types together!

The Art of Wayfinding: Directional Signage That Works

Have you been lost in a vast shopping mall? Have you ever felt like a mouse in a maze as you wandered through an enormous office building? That’s what happens when wayfinding goes wrong. Good directional signage, however, is about more than pointing people in the right direction – it’s about ensuring seamless and stress-free experiences for your visitors.

So What Exactly Is Wayfinding?

Wayfinding refers to information systems that guide people through a physical environment and enhance their understanding and experience of the space. Put simply, it’s helping people work out where they are, where they want to be and how to get there.

The Importance Of Good Wayfinding

Good wayfinding can:

• Reduce visitor stress and confusion
• Make things quick by aiding traffic flow
• Improve safety by highlighting fire exits or other escape routes clearly
• Give businesses polished appearances
• Increase accessibility for disabled persons

Fundamental Principles To Make Your Wayfinding Effective

1. Consistency: Use the same colours, fonts and symbols across all signs.
2. Clarity: Keep messages short and use easy-to-read fonts.
3. Visibility: Signs need to be easily seen from where people expect them to be.
4. Placement: Put signs at decision points – where people must choose which way to go.
5. Hierarchy: Some information may be more critical, so use different sizes or colours accordingly.
6. Landmarks: Use familiar features of your surroundings as reference points.
7. Confirmation: Reassure individuals that they are on track with subsequent markers proving this along their route if necessary.

Types Of Signage Used In Wayfaring Systems

• Identification Signs – These name a place or space (e.g., “Reception,” “Car Park”).
• Directional Signs – These show the way to specific destinations
• Informational Signs – These give more details about somewhere or something like opening hours etcetera)
• Regulatory Signs – These outline rules or requirements (e.g., “No Smoking”)

Digital Wayfinding: The Next Level

Like other types of signs, wayfinding is going digital. Interactive kiosks and mobile apps are becoming increasingly common in large, complex environments such as airports or hospitals.

Digital wayfinding has several benefits:

1. Real-time updates for changing information
2. Multiple language options
3. Accessibility features for users with disabilities
4. Integration with other systems (e.g., room booking systems)

However, it's crucial to remember that digital solutions should support but not replace physical signage because not everyone may have access or be comfortable using them.

Case Study: The London Underground

Perhaps the most famous example of successful wayfaring design in the world is that found on maps and signs throughout London’s subway system.

Although it can be mind-bogglingly vast, with many lines crossing over one another below ground level, simplicity achieved through colours representing different routes and consistently designed markers at each station helps millions find their way around daily.

What we can learn from the London Underground:

• Simplification: The actual geography is simplified to make routes more evident on the map.
• Colour Coding: Each line has its colour, which makes following them more manageable.
• Consistent Symbols: The same symbols are used throughout the system.
• Clear Typography: A specialised typeface called Johnston was explicitly created for this subterranean network – it is clear and distinctive even from a distance or when seen under poor lighting conditions like those encountered underground.

Whether you’re designing signs for a small store or multi-building corporate headquarters, sound principles still apply – clearness, consistency and user-centricity.

After all, no matter what size establishment you run, you want people coming into contact with your branding elements during their visit(s) to experience smoothness rather than stress.

The Legal Side of Signage: Navigating Regulations and Permissions

Now, let us talk about a less thrilling but significant part of business signs: the legalities. I hear you, I listen to you – it’s not as fun as picking colours or designing logos. But skip this step at your own risk! Violating sign laws can result in fines, forced removals and a big headache.

Do You Need Planning Permission?

You will often have to get planning permission before putting up a sign. This is especially true for:

• Illuminated signs
• Signs projecting from buildings
• Large signs
• Signs in conservation areas or on listed buildings

Different local authorities have different rules, so check with yours first. Don’t think that just because your neighbour has a specific type of sign means you can too – regulations change, and they might have put theirs up before new ones came into effect.

Advertisement Consent

Under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations, many signs in the UK are considered ‘advertisements’. Therefore, you may need ‘advertisement consent’ and planning permission.

The regulations divide advertisements into three classes:

• Those that don’t need consent;
• Those that have deemed consent (allowed without application if they meet certain conditions);
• Those that need express consent (application required).

Again, consult your local planning authority to determine your proposed sign's class.

Health & Safety Considerations

Your signage must be safe and attention-grabbing. This means:

• Ensuring it is securely fixed;
• Using non-toxic materials;
• Making sure illuminated signs do not cause glare for drivers;
• Keeping emergency exits clear and fire safety signs visible.

Accessibility Requirements

Businesses are legally obliged by the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments so their services are accessible to disabled people. In terms of signage, this might include:

• Using high contrast colours;
• Ensuring text is large enough to read easily;
• Including Braille or tactile elements where appropriate;
• Positioning signs at a height visible to wheelchair users.

Advertising Standards

If your sign includes advertising claims, it must comply with the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (CAP Code). So your advertising must be:

1. Legal;
2. Decent;
3. Honest;
4. Truthful.

Misleading claims or offensive content could get you into trouble with the Advertising Standards Authority.

Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas

Signage is more tightly controlled in conservation areas and on listed buildings. This protects the character of historically or architecturally essential parts of towns and cities. You might be restricted in terms of:

• Size of signs;
• Materials used;
• Illumination levels;
• Positions allowed.

Highways Regulations

If a public highway can see your sign, it must comply with highway regulations. These are designed to stop drivers from being distracted. Key points are:

• No flashing lights within 10m of a public highway;
• Limits on size and positioning near roads;
• Special rules for signs directing traffic to your premises.

Landlord Permissions

Check your lease agreement if you rent business premises – many landlords have rules about what kind of signage tenants can put up.

Non-Compliance Outcomes

In case of failing to follow sign rules, there can be:

• Monetary Punishments
• Orders for enforcement that ask you to either take down or change the sign
• Prosecution if it is necessary

Besides this, you may also need to bear the expenses and troubles of re-doing your signs because they were non-compliant.

Don’t forget: not knowing what’s legal won’t save you in court! It’s much more intelligent (and cheaper) to make sure your excellent new sign doesn’t become a legal nightmare by researching ahead of time.

Maintaining Your Signage: Keeping Your Brand Looking Fresh

So, you’ve gone through the design process, dealt with all the legalities and red tape, and finally got your new sign-up. All done? Not exactly. Like any other part of your business, signage requires ongoing attention to keep it looking its best and working well.

Why Maintenance is Important

Regular maintenance for signs is vital for a few reasons:

• First Impressions: A damaged or worn-out sign can create a negative impression on customers.
• Safety: Large or illuminated signs can become safety hazards if not properly maintained.
• Legal Compliance: Keeping your sign in good condition may be required as part of planning permission or lease agreement.
• Cost-Effective: Regular maintenance can prolong the sign's life, saving money in the long run.
• Brand Consistency: Faded colours or missing letters can distort your brand image.

Checklist

Here are some things to check for:

1. Cleanliness – Does any dirt, bird droppings, cobwebs, etc. need cleaning?
2. Illumination – Are all lights working correctly? Are any bulbs flickering or dim?
3. Physical Damage – Are there any cracks, chips or loose parts?
4. Fading – Have any colours faded due to sun exposure?
5. Functionality -Is all content displayed correctly on digital signs, etc.?
6. Vegetation – Have any plants grown in front and obscured the sign?
7. Fixings – Are all mountings/fixings secure?

Tips for maintaining different types of signs

Different materials/types of signs require different approaches to maintenance:

1. Painted Signs:
   • Clean regularly with mild soap and water
   • Touch up paint as needed
   • Consider a new coat of paint every few years
2. Metal Signs:
   • Clean with appropriate metal cleaners
   • Check for and treat any signs of rust
   • Ensure all fixings are tight and not corroded
3. Illuminated Signs:
   • Replace bulbs promptly
   • Check wiring regularly
   • Clean light diffusers to maintain brightness
4. Digital Signs:
   • Keep software updated
   • Clean screens carefully with appropriate products
   • Ensure ventilation systems are working to prevent overheating
5. Vinyl Signs:
   • Clean gently to avoid peeling
   • Check for any lifting edges and re-adhere if necessary
   • Replace if fading becomes noticeable

Seasonal Considerations

With every season, you might need to change your maintenance routine.

• Spring: Look for any damage caused by winter weather.
• Summer: Protect against the sun and fading.
• Autumn: Ensure signs stay visible as daylight hours decrease.
• Winter: Check that illuminated signs are working well in the darker months.

When to Replace Instead of Repair

Sometimes, it’s better to replace a sign than keep repairing it. Consider replacement when:

• The sign is outdated and no longer represents your brand
• Repairs have become frequent and expensive
• New technology provides substantial benefits (e.g., more energy-efficient lighting)
• A sign has been significantly damaged

Professional Maintenance Services

While some maintenance can be done in-house, investing in professional services is often worthwhile – especially if you have large, complex or high-up signs. A sign company with experienced professionals can provide:

• Regular maintenance contracts
• Skilled repairs
• Safety inspections
• Cleaning services

Your sign is an integral part of your brand’s public face. Keeping it in good shape is about more than looks – it’s about maintaining professionalism and ensuring that signage continues working hard for your business.

The Future of Business Signage: Trends to Watch

The world of business signage is constantly changing. New technologies, consumer expectations, and design trends come out every day. Today, we will talk about some of the most exciting changes!

Interactive & Smart Signs

We are no longer stuck to passive displays; now, signs can interact with people and their devices.

• Touchscreen Displays – customers can look at products, find information from the signs themselves, or even make purchases.
• NFC & Bluetooth Integration – signs can send information to smartphones as people walk by.
• Personalised Content – using facial recognition or mobile data to display different messages to different people.

Augmented Reality (AR) Integration

Blurring the lines between physical and digital signage has never been easier than with AR technology!

AR-Enhanced Signs – point your smartphone at a sign and see additional information, 3D models, or animations overlaid on top of the real world.

Virtual Wayfinding – personalised directions provided through an AR app that overlays guidance onto the natural environment.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Options

People are becoming more conscious about the environment, which means they want greener solutions for everything in life, including signage!

• Solar-Powered Signs – illuminated signs powered by renewable energy.
• Recycled & Biodegradable Materials – eco-friendly substrates and inks used in sign production.
• Energy-Efficient Lighting – LEDs (and other low-energy options) are becoming standard for illuminated signs.

Flexible & Adaptable Signs

We need signs to keep up with us as our businesses evolve faster!

• E-Paper Displays – like a giant Kindle screen but uses almost no power when not actively switching content displayed.
• Modular Signs – systems where individual elements can be swapped out easily for quick updates or replacements needed due to changes within a business (new logo).
• Projection Mapping – using buildings or other surfaces as a canvas for dynamic, changeable displays.

Integration with IoT & Big Data

Signs are getting more intelligent and more connected to other systems that have data we can use to make them perform better!

• Real-Time Updates – signs automatically adjust content based on weather, traffic, or inventory levels.
• Analytics Integration – tracking viewer engagement and refining content/placement with this data.
• Smart City Integration – signs are part of a larger connected urban environment that provides real-time information and services.

Minimalist & Retro Designs

Old design trends are coming back but with a modern twist!

• Back to Basics – simple designs that cut through visual clutter (think Apple stores).
• Retro Revival – nostalgic fonts and styles brought into the digital age.
• Handcrafted Aesthetics – signs look bespoke/artisanal even when mass-produced (like hand-painted lettering).

Hyper-Local & Authentic Branding

Global brands want to connect locally; therefore, signage has become more place-based.

• Local Materiality – using materials reflecting local landscapes or industries for sign production (wood in forests).
• Cultural Motifs – incorporating regional art styles or cultural symbols into signage design elements.
• Storytelling Elements – signs telling the story of a place/business through graphics/words used on them.

Health & Safety Focused Signs

The current pandemic puts health and safety at the forefront of everyone’s mind so that it won’t go away anytime soon!

• Contactless Interaction – voice-controlled or gesture-based interfaces for interactive signs (no touching needed).
• Real-Time Capacity Displays – showing how many people are currently inside stores/venues on digital displays outside said locations so potential customers know if they can go in without unnecessarily long waits in line).
• Dynamic Safety Messaging – important health/safety information updated frequently displayed digitally so people see what they need to do differently as new guidelines arise during an outbreak like COVID-19!).

Multi-Sensory Experiences

Signage is no longer just about what we see with our eyes.

• Scent Integration – releasing subtle fragrances to enhance the message/brand (like scratch-n-sniff but more sophisticated).
• Audio Elements – sound beams delivering audio content to specific locations (only those standing under the beam can hear it).
• Tactile Signage – 3D printed or textured signs that invite touch (where appropriate, such as in museums where touching is encouraged for accessibility reasons anyway).

AI-Driven Content Creation & Optimisation

AI has been evolving quickly over the past few years, and it’s starting to become a vital part of how we create/manage content for signs.

• Automated Design refers to AI systems that create sign designs from brand rules and performance-based information.
• Dynamic Content Optimisation: Signs use AI to test various messages and display the most compelling content automatically.
• Predictive Maintenance: These AI systems can predict when a sign will require repairs or replacement.

There will be a blurring of lines between digital and physical signage. Therefore, businesses that will achieve much success are those that can integrate these new technologies seamlessly without losing their clear and consistent brand message. Intelligent, sustainable signs connected deeply with place and people represent the future of signage.

Conclusion: Signing Off on Great Signage

We covered a distance in this tour through business signage, from basic design principles to future trends. But ultimately — as with all things — what does any of it mean for you?

Here’s the main takeaway: Your sign is not just a way to tell people your name. It is a powerful means of communication, branding and customer interaction. 

If done well, it can act as a silent salesperson that attracts clients around the clock while reinforcing your brand and leaving a lasting impression.

Good signs:

1. Are clear and readable
2. Reflect your brand
3. Are appropriate for their location
4. Comply with local regulations
5. Are well-maintained

But above all else, good signs are considerate. They take into account your customers’ needs; they take into account your community’s needs, they take into account your business goals. 

Good signs aren’t about blindly following trends or creating the flashiest display on the block — they’re about creating something visually representative of who you are as a brand that will resonate with people long after it’s been installed.

So, as you embark on this journey toward better signing, don’t be afraid to think big and try new things… but don’t forget about the basics either. Sometimes, a simple sign done right is more effective than some high-tech thing, which only confuses or overwhelms.

Also, remember: Your sign is part of a larger brand ecosystem. It should work in harmony with everything you’re doing marketing-wise — from websites to business cards to social media accounts — because when these elements align themselves properly, they create a seamless experience that helps differentiate one company within an overcrowded marketplace from another.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or revisiting an existing sign, take the time to make sure everything gets done correctly this time around; after all, for many folks out there (especially those who’ve never seen nor heard anything else about your organisation before), this will be the very first thing they see.

Frequently Asked Questions