When choosing signs for your company or event, it can be difficult to choose from a wide range of options. This article will provide a description of every type of sign because having an understanding of what each one can do for you can help you figure out which one is best for your particular business.

I. Key Questions to Ask When Choosing Signage

1. What is the Signage’s Purpose?

You may run a specific type of business and need to purchase anything to compliment your brand. Perhaps you’re simply searching for something entertaining for the kids’ room. In any event, make sure you know what you want before you start shopping!

2. Where will the Signage be Located?

You will want to know where the sign will be located and what type of environment it will be in — inside or outside, high traffic or low traffic, etc. These factors will help you determine what type of sign would work best for your situation.

3. What is the Budget for the Signage?

When choosing signage, you should consider your budget. You also need to consider what you can afford not just for the initial purchase, but for maintenance and replacement costs as well.

4. What Are the Legal Requirements for Signage in the Area?

Signage laws vary by city, state and county. Before you make any decisions about what type of sign to use, it’s important to ask your local government what is required by law.

II. Common Signage Types for Business & Event Exterior Signage

Exterior signage is often placed on the outside of a building and can be used to advertise your company or event. Outdoor signs typically come in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors and are manufactured from strong materials like metal or wood. Events, limited-time specials, and other kinds of promotions can be advertised on exterior signs. Exterior signage comes in a wide variety of forms:

• Channel letters
• Dimensional Signage
• LED signs
• Pylon signs
• Monument signs
• Awning signs
• Window graphics
• Banners
• Directional signs

Indoor Signage

Indoor signage is a sign that is shown indoors. These are signs that are posted within a structure or property and serve a variety of functions. Indoor signage can be used for a variety of purposes, including advertising items or services and directing people to certain areas of the building.

• Wall Signs
• Floor Signs
• Ceiling Signs
• Wayfinding Signs
• Digital Signs
• Tabletop Signs

Directional Signage

Any sort of signage that directs visitors from one location to another is considered directional signage. This comprises small, hand-held signs that direct you in the right direction as well as floor-to-ceiling signage that point the way to a particular room.

In public places like malls and airports, directional signage is frequently employed. They are typically positioned at eye level so that people walking by may easily read them.

Digital Signage

Businesses can show information in an understandable style using digital signage, a type of electronic advertising. Any type of business, including retail shops, eateries, offices, and hospitals, can use digital signage. The sign can be positioned anywhere on the business property and might include touchscreen functionality.

Digital signage is frequently utilized in establishments with a wide variety of patrons, like shops and eateries. Information may now be properly adapted to each customer’s needs or interests thanks to digital signage.

Banners

In corporate and event contexts, banners are a frequent choice for signage. Banners can be used to direct clients to a particular place in addition to advertising new goods or services. When you wish to change your marketing message, banners may be easily updated in addition to being portable.

Window Graphics

Window graphics are a fantastic way to promote your business and stand out. They can be employed within the company as well as in windows and on the building’s outside. Vinyl, paper, or fabric can all be used to create window graphics. They can be mounted on storefronts or store windows, and they can be printed in full color or black and white.

Advertisements for sales, promotions, and events are frequently shown in windows. Additionally, you might utilize them to showcase fresh goods or offerings from your business.

III. Business & Event Signage Material Options

Vinyl

Vinyl is a versatile material that may be applied to labels and signage. Vinyl signs are a fantastic option for indoor or exterior signage since they are strong and long-lasting.

Coroplast

Coroplast is a stiff plastic sheet that is used to make displays and signs. It may be cut, drilled, and painted to provide unique applications for any company or industry. Coroplast is incredibly durable while remaining lightweight and simple to work with. It is also simple to recycle.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight, strong, and durable material that can be used in a variety of applications, from sign posts to siding. It comes in a variety of colors and can be ordered pre-made or custom made based on your specifications. Aluminum is generally considered to be more expensive than plastic or vinyl signs but it is also more durable and long lasting.

Acrylic

Acrylic is available in many colors and has a wide range of textures, from high-gloss smooth finishes to textured matte looks. You can also use acrylic as an overlay on other materials like wood or metal signs.

Foam board

Signage works well with foam board because it is a lightweight material. It is available in various thicknesses and may be used to create signs of any shape or size. It can be used outside because it is waterproof.

Fabric

Businesses wishing to leave a lasting impression may consider using fabric signs. Due to its strength, flexibility, and light weight, fabric signs are perfect for usage in busy places like malls, eateries, and retail establishments. Numerous materials, such as vinyl, polyester, cotton, and nylon, can be used to create fabric signs. Additionally, a variety of inks, including as plastisol, solvent-based inks, and eco-solvent inks, can be used to print them.

Wood

Wood is the most popular material for signage since it is simple to work with and can be cut into any shape. Wooden signs may be painted to fit any color scheme and are excellent for creating a rustic appearance. Consider using metal or plastic signs if you want something more contemporary.

Plexiglass

Signage is made of the translucent material plexiglass. It is most frequently used for indoor signs and can be constructed from acrylic, vinyl, or polycarbonate. Plexiglass is affordable and easily customizable since it is simple to cut and paint.

IV. How to Choose the Right Signage

Making sure you get the most out of your marketing efforts requires making the correct signage selection for your company. It’s crucial to ensure that you purchase the proper supplies for your requirements and that you don’t spend more money than is necessary doing so. When choosing signs, keep the following points in mind:

Consider the Components

It is essential to take into account each element when selecting the appropriate signage for your company. Durability is one of the most crucial factors. Nobody wants to be forced to replace their sign every few years because it has faded or been vandalized or otherwise destroyed by the elements. Choosing materials that won’t fade or otherwise degrade over time is the greatest method to make sure that your signs last as long as possible.

Check Spacing

Make the most of the area you have available for your sign by calculating its size. employ an all-caps typeface or lettering that is larger than usual if you want to employ many lines of text. Stick with one line of text at a time if you’re aiming to produce something with a minimalist feel.

Select the Best Sign Maker

Selecting the ideal sign maker for your company might be challenging. It might be difficult to know where to begin because there are so many things to take into account. It’s crucial that you pick a business with expertise in creating and putting up signage for businesses much like yours. You need a sign maker who can produce effective signage for your company while staying on schedule and on a tight budget.

V. Signage Mistakes You Need to Avoid

Signage is a crucial part of any business and event, and it’s important to get it right. But mistakes are easy to make, especially when you’re new. Here are some common mistakes that business owners make with signage, and how you can avoid them:

Poor Colors

In addition to being an essential component of your branding, signs are also the first thing visitors to your location notice. Thus, picking the appropriate colors for your signs is essential. Avoid selecting colors that blend in with the background or other nearby objects and make sure to pick ones that are noticeable from a distance, like white and black.

Using Too Many Fonts

The more fonts you use on one sign, the harder it is for people to read it quickly and accurately.

Lack of Contrast

You might think that a bright, colorful sign is the way to go, but the truth is that it’s much more effective to use a few colors and to create contrast between them. When your sign is too busy, people have trouble reading it. The more colors you use, the harder it is for the eye to distinguish individual letters or words.

Cluttered Design

If your sign is cluttered, people will get confused and not know what it is you’re trying to say. Your design should be as simple as possible while still conveying whatever message you want it to communicate.

Poor Placement

Poor placement is the most common mistake that businesses make when it comes to signage. If your sign doesn’t have a good location, then you won’t be able to attract any attention.