How to Design and Create the Perfect Custom Sign for Your Business

As a business owner, the signage displayed in and around your establishment makes a strong first impression on customers An eye-catching, professional custom sign can boost your visibility, reinforce your brand, and help attract more clients through your doors

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about designing and producing custom business signs to maximize your impact and presence.

Why Your Business Needs a Custom Sign

Before diving into the specifics of creating a business sign let’s first discuss why custom signage is so crucial for companies today

• Increase Visibility – With a striking sign you’ll stand out more to pedestrian and vehicle traffic passing by your location.

• Reinforce Branding – Cohesive signage that reflects your brand helps build brand familiarity and recognition.

• Convey Professionalism – A high-quality, attractive sign signals to customers that you’re a legitimate, established business.

• Direct Customers – Effective signs guide customers to your entrance and provide key information like hours.

• Comply with Laws – Certain signs may be required legally depending on your business type and location.

• Promote Specials – Changeable signs allow you to highlight sales, events, and new offerings.

• Complement Marketing – Custom signs act as complementary touchpoints to your broader marketing.

Simply put, signage is critical for giving your business an authoritative and inviting physical presence. Let’s look at how to design signage that delivers maximum impact.

Types of Business Signs

The first step is deciding what types of signs you need. Common options include:

• Building Signs – Display your logo and name on your storefront, office building, or facility.

• Monument Signs – Freestanding pole or ground signs by the street with your branding.

• Window Signs – Decals with hours, services, or sale promotions directly on glass entry doors or windows.

• Directional Signs – Guide customers to different departments, restrooms, exits, etc.

• A-Frame Signs – Portable sidewalk signs advertising daily specials or store hours.

• Banners – Versatile vertical banners for promoting seasonal sales, events, holidays, etc.

• Vehicle Signs – Branding on your delivery vehicles or company cars for rolling advertisements.

Determine which types of signs would be most beneficial for your unique business location and needs.

Design Elements to Include

Once you know the types of signs you need, it’s time to design them incorporating these key elements:

• Business Name – Feature your company name prominently in a clear, readable font.

• Logo – Your distinctive logo reinforces brand recognition.

• Tagline – A memorable slogan or positioning statement.

• Hours – Display your hours of operation and other key info like phone number or website.

• Colors – Use colors that align with your business’s branding.

• Photos – Relevant, high-quality images of products, services, or location.

• Wayfinding – Directions to guide customers to different areas (e.g. exit arrows).

• Text Hierarchy – Establish a visual hierarchy through strategic font sizes and emphasis.

Aim for simple, uncluttered designs that quickly communicate key information. Avoid cramming in too many disparate elements.

Choosing the Right Materials

Business signs come in a range of materials, each with their own advantages. Consider factors like budget, durability, and aesthetics when selecting sign materials.

Popular options include:

• Plastic – Affordable, lightweight, and durable. Easy to clean and maintain. Can be engraved or printed.

• Aluminum – Modern metal material that is weatherproof and rigid. Engraved or printed.

• Acrylic – Glass-like plastic for sleek backlit illuminated signs.

• Wood – Classic, natural material good for rustic or vintage looks.

• Brass – Elegant metal with a polished, upscale appearance. Typically engraved.

• Vinyl – Very versatile and cost effective. Used for decals, banners, and lettering.

• Neon – Eye-catching glowing signs perfect for creating a retro or modern ambiance.

• LED – Energy efficient illuminated signs with bright, consistent lighting.

Select materials that align with the aesthetics you want to project and your budget constraints. Many businesses use a mix of different sign materials.

Creating Your Sign Online

The easiest way to design a custom business sign is using online creation tools and templates. With user-friendly drag-and-drop interfaces, you don’t need any graphic design expertise.

Here is the basic process:

1. Select a pre-made sign template or start with a blank canvas.

2. Customize the template by adding your business name, logo, images, colors, etc.

3. Choose a size, material, and other specifications.

4. Preview your design and make tweaks.

5. Place your order for production and delivery.

Look for online design platforms that offer:

• Hundreds of professionally designed templates
• Customization with your own text, images, and branding
• Multiple sign materials and sizes to choose from
• Instant previews of your designs
• Fast turnaround and shipping

With the right online creation tool, designing a stunning custom sign for your business can be quick, easy, and affordable.

Hanging and Displaying Your Signs

Once your new business signs arrive, you’ll need to install and display them properly around your establishment. Here are some tips:

• Ensure signs comply with any codes and regulations for your city and building.

• Consider lighting conditions. Illuminated signs or backlighting may maximize visibility.

• Position signs at eye level height for optimal viewing. Avoid obstructing or overlapping other signs.

• Use appropriate hardware like screws or hooks to securely fasten signs without damaging building surfaces.

• Place signs in high traffic areas with the most visibility from the street and sidewalk.

• For windows, clean thoroughly and use special decal adhesives that won’t leave residue.

Take time staging and arranging your various signs to create cohesive business signage. The details of how you display your custom signs also makes a difference.

Refreshing Your Signage Over Time

Don’t just set your new signs and forget them. It’s important to maintain and refresh your custom business signage periodically. Here are some tips:

• Keep signs clean by washing gently with soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals.

• Replace faded banners or worn decals that appear damaged or outdated.

• Update signs to promote new offerings, sales, seasonal specials, etc.

• Consider refreshing dated designs with modern fonts, colors, and branding every 3-5 years.

• Repair or replace damaged signs promptly to maintain a polished appearance.

Proactive sign maintenance ensures your business makes the best impression year after year. Evaluate sign conditions regularly and take action to refresh when needed.

Create Visually Striking Signs for Your Business

Your business signage serves as the “face” of your company and makes an immediate visual impact on customers. Invest the time upfront to design and produce durable, high-quality custom signs that reinforce your brand and draw attention.

With this guide’s tips in mind, you can confidently create signage that builds awareness, provides helpful information, and makes a stellar first impression on patrons. Distinguish your business from competitors with signage as compelling as the products and services you offer inside.