A powerful sign is more than a nameplate—it’s your silent salesperson. With 76% of shoppers drawn into a store by signage alone, the right sign can increase foot traffic, boost sales, and strengthen brand recognition. This guide shows you how to define goals, choose the right sign type, design for clarity and longevity, and pick a reliable partner so your custom sign delivers real business impact.
Why a Great Sign Is Your Best Silent Salesperson
Your storefront sign is the first handshake with a potential customer—communicating quality and personality before you say a word. 68% of consumers believe a business’s sign reflects the quality of its products or services, and nearly 75% have told others about a business because of impressive signage. Conversely, 52% are less likely to enter if signs look sloppy. Investing in a clear, creative, well-crafted sign is an investment in reputation and revenue.
Choosing the Right Type: What Kind of Custom Sign Do You Need?
For Drawing in Foot Traffic (Exterior Signs)
If your goal is more walk-ins, prioritize exterior signage. 67% of shoppers have made a purchase because an outdoor sign caught their attention. Consider these options:
A-Frame Signs: Ideal for daily specials, witty messages, or wayfinding. Lightweight and durable options like the A-Frame Sign are easy to move.
Wall Signs: Project from your façade for visibility down the street. A clean, modern choice is the Rectangle Blade Sign.
Light Box Signs: Illuminated signs work day and night and can attract dramatically more views than unlit signage.
Make hours obvious at a glance with a simple, well-placed Open sign at the entrance.
For Guiding and Selling (Interior Signs)
Once inside, effective interior signage reduces friction and supports decisions—critical since over 70% of buying decisions occur in-store.
Menu Boards: Essential for cafés and restaurants. Easy-update systems like a Magnetic Menu Board speed daily price or special changes.
Countertop Signs: Share Wi-Fi, payment options, or promos without clutter—try Counter Signs.
Wayfinding: Clear pointers to restrooms, exits, departments keep traffic flowing and reduce staff interruptions.
Short on wall space? A Ceiling Menu Board keeps content visible without crowding walls.
The Design Process: Key Elements for an Effective Sign
Make It Legible: Readability is non-negotiable. Use clean typefaces, high contrast, and concise copy. 83% of people say readable text is essential.
Ensure Brand Consistency: Align color, logo, and style across all signage. Consistent branding increases recognition and can lift revenue substantially.
Choose Durable Materials: Outdoors, prioritize longevity (e.g., powder-coated aluminum that won’t rust). Indoors, wood or steel can add warmth or modern polish.
How to Order a Custom Sign: A Step-by-Step Guide
Define Goal & Location: Visibility from the street? Announce a sale? Improve interior flow? Purpose and placement drive size, format, and lighting.
Choose Type & Material: Match the goal—A-Frame outdoors, Menu Board inside, or Table Talkers at the counter; pick materials for the environment.
Prepare Customization: Many design-led products arrive as beautiful blanks—ideal for fast, local vinyl decals from a signwriter for a high-end custom look without long fabrication.
Plan Logistics: Check local permit requirements (especially for large/illuminated exteriors). Choose a vendor with fast shipping and a solid warranty.
Finding Your Perfect Signage Partner
Look for more than a product—seek a cohesive ecosystem of design-led signage built to last. George & Willy focuses on premium materials, timeless aesthetics, and thoughtful details, with fast global shipping (US, Europe, Australia) and a 2-year warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to order a custom sign?
Pricing varies by type, size, material, and illumination. A simple A-Frame might be a few hundred dollars, while a large illuminated exterior sign can cost significantly more. Set a budget tied to goals and placement.
Can I put my own logo on your signs?
Yes. George & Willy signs ship as beautifully crafted blanks so you can apply your logo or lettering via a local signwriter’s vinyl decals—fast, flexible, and highly custom.
How long does it take to get a sign?
Production and shipping times differ. Ready-made signs are fast: George & Willy typically processes orders in 1–2 business days, with express shipping often 1–5 working days.
What are the best materials for outdoor signs?
Powder-coated aluminum is lightweight, strong, and rust-resistant—great for outdoors. Stainless steel is another durable option.
Do I need a permit for my business sign?
It depends on local regulations, especially for large or illuminated exteriors. Check with your city before installation.
What if I am unhappy with the sign when it arrives?
Reputable makers offer customer-friendly policies. George & Willy provides a 100-day return window on full-priced items and a 2-year warranty covering faulty workmanship or materials, so you can order with confidence.
