When it comes to representing your business to the outside world, commercial signs are one of the most important branding tools you can use. Whether you are opening a new store, expanding to new locations, or simply refreshing your brand’s look, your commercial signs play a crucial role in attracting customers, improving brand recognition, and setting the tone for your business. The design of your commercial signs is an essential part of the process, and it requires careful thought and planning.
At SIGNS – The Sign Company, we love helping businesses create impactful signage that not only serves a functional purpose but also reinforces their brand identity and attracts the right audience. In this article, we’ll walk you through key considerations when designing your company’s commercial signs.
1. Understand the Purpose of Your Commercial Sign
The first step in designing an effective commercial sign is to understand its primary purpose. What do you want your commercial sign to achieve? The design and messaging will vary based on the purpose of the sign.
Brand Awareness
If your goal is to raise brand awareness, your commercial signs should focus on your business name, logo, and colors. A prominent storefront sign that clearly communicates who you are can help potential customers recognize your brand and create a lasting impression.
Attracting Foot Traffic
For businesses located in busy commercial areas or shopping districts, attracting foot traffic is essential. In this case, your commercial sign needs to be visually compelling and easy to read from a distance. A bold, attention-grabbing design can encourage passersby to stop and visit your business.
Providing Information
Some commercial signs are designed to provide essential information, such as store hours, product details, or directions. These types of signs should prioritize legibility and clarity. Your customers should be able to easily read and understand the message at a glance.
Promotions and Sales
If you’re running a special promotion, sale, or event, your commercial sign should communicate this clearly and with a sense of urgency. Use attractive colors and clear, concise messaging to ensure your sign effectively conveys the promotion.
2. Choose the Right Type of Signage
Not all commercial signs are created equal. Depending on your goals, the location of your business, and your budget, you’ll need to choose the right type of signage for your company. Some of the most common types of commercial signs include:
Storefront Signs
A storefront sign is one of the most important signage elements for any retail business. This sign should clearly display your business name and logo, and it should be visible from the street or parking lot. Storefront signs come in various styles, including:
- Channel Letter Signs: These dimensional letters are a popular choice for storefronts because they are bold, easily visible, and customizable.
- Acrylic or LED Signs: These signs are often used for a more modern, sleek look. They can be backlit to attract attention at night.
- Projecting Signs: Mounted perpendicular to the building, projecting signs help increase visibility from both sides of the street.
Window Graphics
Window graphics are an excellent way to make use of unused space. They can be designed to showcase your brand, display promotions, or even offer a peek inside your store. Depending on your goals, you might use perforated vinyl (for privacy and visibility) or adhesive decals (for temporary or promotional displays).
Banners and Flags
Banners and flags are highly visible and effective for temporary promotions, grand openings, or special events. These types of commercial signs are portable, cost-effective, and can be hung outside or inside your business.
Directional Signs
Directional signage is useful in larger spaces, such as shopping malls, campuses, or warehouses. These signs guide customers to specific areas or departments and improve the overall customer experience.
Wayfinding Signs
For businesses with complex layouts, wayfinding signage helps direct customers to key locations, such as restrooms, exits, or specific departments. These signs are vital for improving customer satisfaction and reducing confusion.
3. Design with Branding in Mind
Your commercial signs are an extension of your brand, so it’s crucial that they align with your company’s overall branding strategy. Consistent design across all of your marketing materials helps reinforce your business identity and makes your brand more recognizable.
Logo and Branding Elements
Your logo is the centerpiece of your commercial sign design. Make sure it’s visible and used consistently across your signage. Use your brand’s color palette, typography, and other visual elements to ensure brand consistency across all your signage.
Colors
Color plays a significant role in the effectiveness of your signage. Your brand colors should be the primary hues used in your commercial signs. Choose colors that reflect your brand personality and are appropriate for your industry. Bright, bold colors can draw attention, while more muted tones can create a sophisticated and professional look.
Typography
The typeface you choose for your commercial signs should be easy to read from a distance. Avoid overly decorative fonts, and instead opt for clean, modern typefaces that are legible even in small sizes. Your brand’s style guide can help you choose the right fonts for your signage.
Consistency Across Channels
Ensure that your signage design is consistent with your digital and print marketing materials. This creates a cohesive experience for your customers and strengthens your brand identity. Consistency in messaging, design, and tone builds trust and familiarity with your audience.
At SIGNS – The Sign Company, we love working with businesses to create commercial signs that reflect their unique brand identity while attracting and engaging their target audience.
4. Consider Location and Visibility
The location of your commercial sign plays a major role in its effectiveness. Where you place your sign is just as important as its design.
Visibility from Distance
Your commercial sign should be visible from a distance, especially for businesses located on busy streets or highways. Think about how far away people will be when they first see your sign and make sure it’s large enough to be noticed.
Height and Placement
Make sure your sign is positioned at an optimal height so that it’s visible from all directions. The ideal height depends on the location of your business, whether it’s a storefront, shopping center, or office building.
Lighting
For signs that will be visible at night, consider incorporating lighting into your design. Backlit, LED, or illuminated signs are perfect for making sure your business stands out after dark. Proper lighting not only increases visibility but also gives your sign a modern and professional look.
Environmental Factors
Consider environmental factors such as weather conditions when choosing materials and placement. If you’re placing a sign outside, it needs to withstand rain, wind, and sun exposure. Durable materials like metal, acrylic, or vinyl can withstand the elements and keep your sign looking fresh.
5. Focus on Legibility and Clarity
No matter how beautiful or artistic your design is, if your commercial sign isn’t easy to read and understand, it won’t serve its purpose. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your signage is legible:
Keep Text Short and Simple
People generally spend only a few seconds looking at signs, so make sure your message is clear and concise. Focus on one key message, whether it’s your business name, a special offer, or a call to action.
Font Size and Contrast
Make sure the font size is large enough to be easily readable from a distance. Use high-contrast colors for the text and background to ensure maximum visibility. Black text on a white background is a classic example of high contrast, but you can experiment with other color combinations that align with your brand.
Avoid Clutter
Keep the design simple and uncluttered. A clean, minimalist design will ensure that the message is the focal point. Avoid overcrowding your sign with too much text or imagery.
At SIGNS – The Sign Company, we love creating commercial signs that balance aesthetics and functionality. We ensure your message is clear and stands out in every design.
6. Budget and Cost Considerations
While designing a great commercial sign is essential, you also need to think about your budget. High-quality signage can be an investment, so you’ll need to balance quality, design, and cost.
Setting a Budget
Determine your budget early in the process. Be mindful of the materials, size, and complexity of the design when setting your budget. Remember that custom commercial signs might cost more, but they offer greater flexibility and personalization for your business.
Long-Term Investment
Consider your signage as a long-term investment. While it may cost more upfront, high-quality signs will last longer and provide more value over time. Durability and effectiveness should be prioritized to ensure that your signage serves your business for years to come.
7. Regulatory Compliance
Depending on your location and industry, there may be regulations regarding the size, placement, and design of commercial signs. Make sure you are aware of any local zoning laws, building codes, or permit requirements before proceeding with the design and installation of your sign.
Check Local Regulations
Before finalizing your sign design, check with your local authorities to ensure compliance with regulations. This may include restrictions on sign size, lighting, and placement, as well as any required permits.
At SIGNS – The Sign Company, we love helping businesses navigate regulatory requirements to ensure their commercial signs are not only effective but also compliant with local laws.
Conclusion: Crafting the Perfect Commercial Sign
Designing your company’s commercial signs is an exciting yet crucial process that requires careful thought and planning. From understanding your goals to choosing the right materials and ensuring your design is aligned with your brand identity, each consideration plays a role in creating an effective and eye-catching sign. By keeping your audience and location in mind, focusing on legibility and clarity, and balancing design with functionality, you can create commercial signs that truly make a lasting impression.
At SIGNS – The Sign Company, we love helping businesses create signage that enhances their brand, attracts customers, and stands out in the marketplace. If you’re ready to design the perfect commercial sign for your business, contact us today and let’s bring your vision to life!
SIGNS – The Sign Company: We love designing commercial signs that speak for your business and leave a lasting impression. Reach out to us today!