How To Choose The Right Signage For Your Business

Your business signage is often the first thing your customers will see. Since first impressions are so important it means you need to pay a lot of attention to it. It’s a crucial way to attract and retain customers – enticing them in and showcasing your brand values to make them feel at home. But when there are hundreds of types of signage available, how do you choose the right one for you? As the people who make signs for a living, we can tell you that there are 6 things you can ask yourself to find out.  

What’s the Purpose? 

This is the very first thing you need to ask. What exactly are you hoping to achieve with the signage? Should it bring in more sales? Is it to convey information, or maybe to promote your services? Your signage should be aligned with both your marketing strategy and overall business goals. This might mean that you actually need a few different types of signs to achieve all of your goals, rather than cramming all of it into one. For example, you might need a direct sales promotion sign for inside your shop to encourage purchases, and a large exterior sign for general brand awareness. 

Who is the Audience? 

As with any marketing effort, knowing your audience is key to getting your signage right and seeing results. Your target audience can affect everything from material and placement to style and colour. For example, if you’re hanging a banner at a busy junction on a road, you will need to make sure it’s readable as people drive past – not just when they’re sitting in traffic – so big and simple is a good way to go. But if you’re placing the sign indoors for people in a waiting room as a way of sharing information or wayfinding, then you can add more detail or intricate designs. 

What Signage Types are Suitable?  

Every business is different and the way your customers interact with your brand will be different too. For example, if you’re a retail business with a shop front, then window graphics would be a great option to grab the attention of foot traffic walking by. If you’re a builder, tradesman or even a food van and move around different sites a lot, then some eye-catching outdoor A-frames and vehicle signage might be more suitable so that you can advertise on the move. 

If you’re not sure what might be right for you, chat to a sign maker like us – we’ll always be able to give you some ideas and help you figure out what would work best for you.  

What Size Sign?  

When it comes to signage, size really does matter – a lot! There’s no point in having a sign so small that no one notices it, or so big that it’s known as the local eyesore. Take a walk around the area you want to display your signs and think about what size would suit the space, inside and out. Bear in mind who will be viewing your signs and in what situation, since this will impact your choice. Ideally you want to find the perfect balance between size and impact, so that you can see the maximum return in your investment. 

Which Materials to Choose?  

This is a big decision, and something you need to think carefully about. Different materials will have different price points, benefits and even disadvantages, so it’s worth looking at your options to see what the best fit is. Your choice will be slightly swayed by where you’re putting your signs – after all outdoor signs need to brave the elements every day and survive! You have a huge list of materials you can choose from, including: 

• Wood 
• Plastic 
• Acrylic 
• Foam 
• Mesh 
• Vinyl 
• Metal

And many more besides! If you’re not sure which is best, just chat to your local friendly sign writer for advice. 

Have I Remembered the Legalities?  

This is the thing most people forget when it comes to signage. There are rules around what you can and can’t display, and where you can/can’t display it. This will vary a bit depending on what area you’re operating out of, whether you own the building or not, and even the size/style/materials of the sign. So it’s always worth checking your lease and with any relevant local authorities before you OK a design to make sure you don’t run into any legal troubles.  

A bit confused? Don’t worry – there’s a lot to take in. At Signwrite Studios we’re experts in all things signage. We’re always happy to help you decide on the perfect signs for your business and location, so you know you’re getting the most benefit from your investment. With our in-house team of designers, manufacturers and installers, we can support you and even handle the whole process for you from start to finish. To find out more, just get in touch to chat with one of our friendly team. 

For more information on How To Choose The Right Signage For Your Business talk to Signwrite Studios Ltd