One of the most important decisions and investments your business will make is the design, construction and installation of your storefront signage. Your business sign will be one of the most visual representations of your company, and as such it will serve many purposes. Your sign will obviously help your customers and potential customers locate you. As a marketing too, it will attract new customers to your business. It will often be the first impression of your brand and reputation that your business makes with the general public. For these reasons, it is important to consider several different criteria when planning for your signage that will help your business achieve all of these objectives:
1. LOCATION: Where will your sign be located on your building so that it can be most easily seen by both foot traffic and cars? How will the location of the sign on your building impact overall size and installation?
2. SIZE: The general rule of thumb is to invest in the largest sign possible that both fits your budget and any restrictions imposed by your landlord or municipality. The larger your sign is, the more visible it will be from farther away. Every upward inch of signage adds about 10 feet of visibility – so, a 2 ft tall sign can be seen from about 240 feet away.
3. MATERIALS: How your sign is constructed and the materials used will be the biggest factor in determining the cost of your sign. There are many materials to chose from including plastics, metals, foams, wood, concrete, etc. All of these materials offer different benefits, longevity and some work better with different types of designs than others. Material choice is almost always driven by budget, as the costs of the materials ranges as widely as the selection.
4. ILLUMINATION: What is the bets method to light your sign so that it can be seen at night? Even if your business is not open at night, illumination allows your sign to keep working for you and your business after everyone else has gone home. Your sign can be internally illuminated with LED or Neon, or externally illuminated with flood or spot lighting.
5. CODE: What are the building codes dictated by your municipality? We typically begin every project by first researching your city’s signage codes, as well as understanding any restrictions that may be dictated by your landlord. We will then help you design a sign to meet both your business needs and comply with city regulations.
