Outdoor signs for business are a fundamental marketing tool, often serving as the very first handshake you have with a potential customer. They act as a silent greeter, a 24/7 advertisement, and a beacon for your brand. The right sign can literally bring people in off the street; in fact, one survey found that nearly 8 in 10 consumers (76%) have walked into a store for the first time simply because of its sign. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about outdoor signs for business, from developing a smart signage strategy to understanding the nuts and bolts of popular sign types, construction, materials, and installation.
Why Your Business Needs an Outdoor Signage Strategy
Exterior signage is any graphic display on the outside of your property meant to identify, advertise, or direct people to your location. This includes everything from the main sign on your storefront to a simple A-frame sidewalk sign on the sidewalk.
Thinking strategically about your outdoor signs for business means treating them as a coordinated campaign. A solid strategy involves choosing the right types of signs, placing them for maximum visibility, and ensuring they all reflect a consistent brand identity. It’s not about having the most signs, but the right signs in the right places. Consumers seem to agree, with the average person thinking a small business should have two to three signs for optimal visibility.
A strong signage plan is one of the most cost effective marketing tools you can have. Research has shown that adding or upgrading a sign can increase a site’s revenue by 5% to 15%. Even small wayfinding signs can add a boost. Ultimately, your signage strategy ensures your signs are a planned asset that consistently strengthens your brand and brings customers through the door.
Finding the Perfect Fit: Popular Types of Outdoor Signs for Business
Outdoor signs come in all shapes and sizes, each serving a unique purpose. Here are some of the most popular and effective options for businesses.
Channel Letter Signs
A channel letter sign is a popular choice where each letter is a distinct, three dimensional object. These letters are typically fabricated from metal and often contain internal lighting (usually LEDs), allowing each character to illuminate individually at night. They offer a very professional and eye catching look, making them a favorite for retail centers and storefronts that want to stand out after dark. Modern channel letters use energy efficient LEDs, which consume about 75% less energy than traditional neon.
Blade Signs
A blade sign, also known as a projecting sign, mounts perpendicular to a building. This allows it to jut out over the sidewalk, making it visible to pedestrians approaching from either direction. Because they are often double sided, they are incredibly effective for capturing foot traffic on busy streets where storefronts are packed closely together. For boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, a well-designed blade sign (like a Round Outdoor Shop Sign) can add a touch of character and dramatically increase walk-in traffic.
Cabinet Signs
Also called a light box, a cabinet sign is an enclosed box that contains internal lighting. The graphics, often printed on an acrylic or polycarbonate face, are illuminated from behind. This creates a bright, glowing panel. Cabinet signs are great for displaying more complex logos or information on a single surface and provide excellent visibility at night. They are a common and cost effective choice for storefronts, gas stations, and shopping plazas.
Pylon Signs
Pylon signs are the tall, freestanding signs you see elevated on one or more poles, often along highways or at the entrance to large shopping centers. Their main purpose is long distance visibility. Rising anywhere from 20 to 80 feet high, they act as beacons for motorists, giving them advance notice of your location. They are almost always illuminated and are essential for businesses that rely on attracting customers from the road.
Monument Signs
In contrast to towering pylon signs, a monument sign is a low profile, freestanding sign that sits at ground level on a solid base. Often constructed with materials like brick, stone, or concrete that match the building’s architecture, they convey a sense of permanence and quality. Monument signs are perfect for marking the entrance to corporate offices, schools, hospitals, and neighborhoods, creating a polished and professional first impression.
The Power of Personalization: Custom Exterior Business Signs
A custom exterior business sign is a sign designed and built specifically for your company, featuring your unique logo, colors, and branding. Unlike a generic sign, a custom sign turns your storefront into a memorable landmark that reinforces your brand identity.
This level of personalization signals professionalism. A well crafted custom sign shows an attention to detail that customers notice. Research supports this, with over two thirds of people believing a sign’s quality reflects the quality of a business’s products or services. On the other hand, more than half of consumers admit they would avoid a store with a low quality or misspelled sign.
While fully custom fabrication is one route, many businesses achieve a bespoke look by starting with a well‑designed, blank sign (such as a Standing Round Sign) and adding their own branding via a local signwriter. This approach, central to the offerings from brands like George & Willy, gives you a premium foundation to personalize without the long lead times or high costs of a one off project.
Bringing Your Sign to Life: All About Lighted Signs
An exterior lighted sign uses illumination to stay visible and effective 24/7. Whether it’s internally lit from within or externally lit with spotlights, lighting ensures your business continues to advertise long after the sun goes down.
Understanding Exterior Lighted Signs
Today, most lighted outdoor signs for business use LED technology. LEDs are incredibly energy efficient, long lasting, and versatile. An LED sign can last for 50,000 hours or more, which translates to years of reliable, low maintenance operation. This makes them a smart investment over older fluorescent or neon technologies, which require more energy and frequent service.
How Lighted Signs Are Built (Construction & Materials)
The construction of a lighted sign is all about durability and protecting the electrical components inside. This is where materials become critical.
- Aluminum is a top choice for sign frames, cabinets, and channel letters. It’s lightweight, strong, and won’t rust.
- Powder Coated Finishes are often applied to aluminum or steel. This creates a hard, durable finish that resists chipping, fading, and weathering.
- Acrylic and Polycarbonate are plastics used for the faces of lighted signs. They are chosen for their excellent light transmission and impact resistance.
- Stainless Steel is used for hardware and lettering where a premium, corrosion proof finish is desired.
A well built sign uses a combination of these weather resistant materials to ensure it can withstand years of sun, rain, and wind. Reputable suppliers like George & Willy prioritize durable, powder coated aluminum and stainless steel hardware in their outdoor products to ensure they last.
The Essentials of Lighted Sign Wiring and Installation
Proper wiring is crucial for the safety and reliability of any lighted sign. The process involves connecting the sign’s internal low voltage lighting (like 12V LEDs) to the building’s standard high voltage electrical supply through a transformer.
Key aspects of safe sign wiring and installation include:
- Professional Installation: Wiring should always be done by a licensed electrician or sign installer to comply with local electrical codes.
- Weatherproofing: All connections and entry points for wires must be sealed to prevent moisture from getting inside.
- Grounding: The sign’s metal components must be properly grounded to prevent electrical shocks.
- Disconnect Switch: Electrical codes require an accessible switch to cut power to the sign for safe servicing.
Though it sounds complex, companies that provide well designed outdoor signs for business typically handle all the internal wiring, making the final installation straightforward for a qualified professional.
Built to Last: Lifespan and Weatherproofing Your Sign
A well made outdoor sign should last for many years, but its exact lifespan depends on materials, climate, and maintenance. The physical structure of an aluminum sign can last for decades, while its graphic elements (like vinyl lettering) may need a refresh every 5 to 10 years. The LED lighting inside a modern sign can often run for over a decade before needing replacement.
Weatherproofing is built in through the choice of materials. Powder coated aluminum, stainless steel hardware, and UV stable plastics are all chosen to resist the elements. Regular cleaning and prompt repairs can significantly extend the life of your sign and keep it looking professional. This is crucial, as a shabby or broken sign can actively turn customers away. In fact, one study showed that 52% of consumers are less likely to enter a business with a poorly made or maintained sign.
Frequently Asked Questions about Outdoor Signs for Business
What makes a business sign effective?
An effective sign is clear, readable, and consistent with your brand. Key elements include high contrast colors, a simple and legible font, and a concise message. Its placement should ensure maximum visibility to both foot and vehicle traffic. A simple Open Sign at the entrance can also reinforce visibility and remove doubt for passersby.
Do I need a permit for my outdoor sign?
Most likely, yes. Nearly all municipalities have zoning ordinances that regulate the size, placement, and type of outdoor signs for business. It is essential to check with your local planning or building department before ordering or installing a sign.
What is the best material for an outdoor sign?
Aluminum is one of the best and most popular materials for outdoor signs. It is durable, lightweight, and does not rust. When finished with a powder coating, it provides excellent resistance to weather and fading, ensuring a long lifespan. For example, a Square Panel Sign offers a clean aluminum face with a durable powder‑coated finish suited to outdoor use.
Can I install an outdoor sign myself?
For smaller, non‑illuminated signs like A‑frames or simple wall panels, DIY installation is often possible. If you prefer a freestanding option, a Rounded Sidewalk Sign is simple to set up and store.
How much do outdoor business signs cost?
Costs vary widely based on size, type, materials, and whether the sign is illuminated. A simple A frame sidewalk sign might cost a few hundred dollars, while a large, custom illuminated channel letter sign could cost several thousand. Investing in a high quality sign often provides a strong return by attracting more customers.
A thoughtfully chosen, well crafted sign is more than just a marker, it’s an investment in your brand’s visibility and reputation. Ready to make a great first impression? Explore a curated collection of outdoor signs for business to find the perfect match for your storefront, or get started with a Flag Sign to catch the eye of pedestrians.
