How to Choose the Right Company Signage: Tips and Considerations

Selecting Company Signage: Tips and Considerations

Choosing the right company signage is crucial for attracting customers, conveying your brand message, and enhancing the overall customer experience. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine the best signage for your specific needs. In this article, we will provide tips and considerations to help you make informed decisions about your business signage.

1. Determine the Purpose of Your Company Signage

Before selecting signage, it’s important to define its purpose. Different types of signs serve different functions, such as:

Branding:

• Exterior Signs: These signs help establish your brand presence and make your business easily recognizable. Examples include storefront signs, building signs, and awning signs.
• Interior Signs: Used for reinforcing brand identity within your business premises. Examples include logo signs, murals, and branded decor.

Informational:

• Wayfinding Signs: Help customers navigate your premises, such as directional signs, floor maps, and room identifiers.
• Regulatory Signs: Provide important information regarding safety and regulations, such as fire exits, no smoking signs, and occupancy limits.

Promotional:

• Advertising Signs: Used to promote products, services, or special offers. Examples include banners, window displays, and digital screens.
• Event Signs: Specific to events or promotions, such as sale signs, event posters, and pop-up displays.

2. Consider the Location and Visibility

The effectiveness of your signage largely depends on its location and visibility. Consider the following factors:

Placement:

• Exterior Placement: For outdoor signs, ensure they are placed in high-traffic areas where they can be easily seen by passersby and potential customers.
• Interior Placement: For indoor signs, consider strategic locations where customers are likely to look, such as entrances, checkout areas, and high-traffic corridors.

Visibility:

• Viewing Distance: Determine the average viewing distance for your sign and choose appropriate sizes and fonts to ensure readability from that distance.
• Lighting: Ensure your signage is well-lit, especially if it will be viewed at night. Consider using LED lights or backlit signs for enhanced visibility.

Obstructions:

• Avoid Blockages: Ensure there are no obstructions that could block the view of your sign, such as trees, buildings, or other signs.
• Height and Angle: Position your sign at an appropriate height and angle for maximum visibility. Signs should be at eye level or slightly above for optimal impact.

3. Choose the Right Materials

The choice of materials for your signage can impact its durability, appearance, and maintenance requirements. Consider the following options:

Durability:

• Outdoor Signs: Use weather-resistant materials like aluminum, acrylic, or PVC for outdoor signs to withstand harsh weather conditions.
• Indoor Signs: For indoor signs, materials like foam board, wood, or vinyl can be more cost-effective and suitable.

Aesthetics:

• Reflect Your Brand: Choose materials that reflect the quality and aesthetics of your brand. For example, a high-end boutique may prefer sleek acrylic or metal signs, while a rustic cafe might opt for wooden signs.
• Finish: Consider different finishes like matte, gloss, or textured surfaces to enhance the visual appeal of your sign.

Maintenance:

• Ease of Cleaning: Opt for materials that are easy to clean and maintain. For example, vinyl and acrylic are easy to wipe down, while wood may require more upkeep.
• Longevity: Invest in durable materials that offer longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

4. Design Elements to Consider

The design of your company signage plays a crucial role in attracting attention and conveying your message effectively. Pay attention to the following design elements:

Typography:

• Readability: Choose clear, legible fonts that can be read from a distance. Sans serif fonts are generally preferred for signage.
• Font Size: Ensure the font size is appropriate for the viewing distance. Larger fonts are needed for signs that will be viewed from afar.

Colors:

• Brand Colors: Use colors that align with your brand identity. Consistent use of brand colors helps reinforce brand recognition.
• Contrast: Ensure high contrast between the text and background to enhance readability. Avoid clashing colors that can strain the eyes.

Graphics:

• Logos and Images: Incorporate your logo and relevant images to make your sign visually appealing and informative.
• Simplicity: Avoid overcrowding the sign with too many graphics. Keep the design clean and focused on key information.

Layout:

• Hierarchy: Use a hierarchical layout to emphasize important information. Headlines should be the most prominent, followed by subheadings and body text.
• White Space: Utilize white space effectively to avoid a cluttered look and make the sign more visually appealing.

5. Compliance and Regulations

Ensure your signage complies with local regulations and standards. This includes:

Permits:

• Signage Permits: Check with local authorities to determine if you need permits for your signage. This is especially important for exterior and illuminated signs.
• Zoning Laws: Be aware of zoning laws that may restrict the size, placement, and type of signage you can use.

Accessibility:

• ADA Compliance: Ensure your signage complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by including features like braille, tactile text, and high-contrast colors.
• Safety Standards: Follow safety standards for regulatory signs, such as exit signs and safety instructions.

Conclusion

Choosing the right signage for your business involves careful consideration of various factors, including purpose, location, materials, design, and compliance. By understanding these elements and applying best practices, you can create effective signage that enhances your brand presence, attracts customers, and conveys your message clearly.

Additional Tips:

• Consult Professionals: Consider consulting with signage design professionals to ensure optimal results. They can provide valuable insights and expertise.
• Stay Updated: Keep up with signage trends and innovations to ensure your signage remains modern and effective.
• Regular Reviews: Periodically review and update your signage to ensure it continues to meet your business needs and regulatory requirements.

Investing in well-designed and strategically placed signage can significantly contribute to the success of your business by improving visibility, attracting customers, and reinforcing your brand identity.