Business Sign Design: 8 Things to Consider
Your business sign is the first impression customers have of your company. It’s an incredibly important element of your branding and marketing efforts, so thoughtful design is essential. If you’re a business located in Austin, Texas, or the surrounding areas, here’s a guide to key considerations for creating effective and eye-catching business signs – from the experts at Saber Sign Solutions.
Tip 1: Define Your Objectives
Before even choosing a type of sign, or diving into design specifics, it’s important to clarify your sign’s purpose. Businesses can choose to invest in signage for a variety of reasons, which can impact the design choices you make farther down the road.
For example, your sign’s main purpose could be:
- Brand Awareness: Is it primarily to display your logo, colors, and branding with the goal of increasing visibility and making your business memorable?
- Information: What does your customer need to know about your business? Does your signage need to convey key information like your name, address, or phone number?
- Tip: This is also something to take into consideration when designing commercial vehicle fleet graphics or wraps!
- Call to Action: If you’re looking for more than brand awareness, what is the goal for the customer? Should your signage encourage a specific action, such as visiting your store or website?
Tip 2: Know Your Audience
Who are you trying to reach? Consider your target audience’s demographics, preferences, and behaviors. For example, a sign intended to communicate internally with employees may be designed differently than a sign targeting your clients. Similarly, a sign intended to communicate critical safety information will be designed very differently than an advertising message.
- Demographics: If you’re catering to an older audience, readability might be a key consideration.
- Behaviors: Is your business in a walkable area, or on the side of a busy street? Are your potential customers zooming by at 60 miles per hour, or are they taking a stroll on the sidewalk?
- Product & Purchase Intent: Is your offering a large or smaller investment for the customer? Making sure your signage matches your offering in terms of look and feel can influence someone’s purchase decision.
Tip 3: Location, Location, Location
On the same note as behavioral considerations, it’s important to understand that where your sign will ultimately be placed heavily influences its design.
- Visibility: Ensure it’s easily seen from a distance and not obstructed by trees or other objects. Take a look at the background that the sign will be on – do the colors of the background work well with the colors of the letters? Do the letters contrast sufficiently to promote visibility?
- Traffic: Consider the speed and volume of traffic. A sign on a busy highway needs to be quickly readable, while a sign on heavily foot-trafficked areas like South Congress can be more intricate.
- Surroundings: Your sign should complement the surrounding environment and architecture, including that of your building and other surrounding buildings. There are, however, ways to strike a balance between standing out against the competition without interfering with existing architecture.
Tip 4: Choose Your Sign Type
Now, the fun part! The type of sign you choose depends on your needs and budget. Saber Sign Solutions offers a variety of custom commercial sign options, including:
- Box Signs: Also known as cabinet signs, these versatile signs enclose graphics and lighting within a rectangular or custom-shaped box. They are cost-effective and can accommodate detailed designs or messages.
- Channel Letter Signs: These three-dimensional signs are individually fabricated and illuminated, creating a sophisticated and eye-catching effect. They are highly customizable and offer excellent visibility, especially at night.
- Tip: If you’re looking for an illuminated sign, be sure to learn about Dark Sky Communities and the regulations surrounding illuminated signage within them!
- Dimensional Letter Signs: These signs use raised letters, logos, or shapes to create a dynamic and visually interesting effect. They can be made from a variety of materials, including acrylic, metal, or foam, and are most often non-illuminated, although illumination options are available.
- Monument Signs: These large-scale signs are often used for entrances, wayfinding, or to make a grand statement. They can be constructed from various materials like stone, brick, or metal and incorporate landscaping or architectural elements.
Tip 5: Select Design Elements
Now that you know the sign type that aligns with your needs, goals, location, and audience, it’s time to understand the different elements that will make up your completed business sign. Though there will be endless options available to you, be sure to use graphic elements sparingly, and to not overcrowd the sign with information.
- Color: Use colors that reflect your brand identity and are visually appealing. Be sure to also consider contrast for readability and attention grabbing.
- Font: Choose a font that is legible from a distance and complements your brand style. Avoid overly decorative fonts that are difficult to read.
- Graphics: If your signage will include imagery, use high-quality images and logos that are relevant to your business and visually engaging. Keep in mind that these images will be enlarged depending on the size of your sign, as well.
- Layout: Keep the design clean and uncluttered, with a clear hierarchy of information.
Please be sure to consult with a qualified and reputable wrap business like Saber Sign Solutions on recommended timing for removing an old wrap. We’d be more than happy to help you optimize the life of your vinyl with the best care for your vehicle’s paint.
Tip 6: Think About Size & Scale
Ensure your sign is appropriately sized for its location. A sign that’s too small will be overlooked, while one that’s too large can be overwhelming.
Another key difference to remember is that while outdoor commercial signs are often much larger (especially for businesses that are along a heavily trafficked street), indoor commercial signs are often much smaller.
Tip 7: Professional Design and Installation
Partnering with an experienced sign company like Saber Sign Solutions can ensure your sign is designed, fabricated, and installed to the highest standards. We understand local regulations and can guide you through the entire process. In addition to sign design, we offer:
- Consultations: If you have an idea of your signage, but need to run the design by an expert, we’d be happy to connect with you for a consultation.
- Sign Permitting: As Austin area signage experts, our team is very familiar with permitting regulations in Central Texas, including local Dark Sky Community regulations.
- Sign Installation: Our trustworthy teams will install your sign to the highest quality standards, ensuring that everything is in working order before we clean up the area and head out.
- Sign Repair & Refurbishing: All signs will require maintenance and repair – when it comes time for your sign’s touchup, be sure to turn to the experts at Saber Sign Solutions.
Turn to Austin’s Sign Design Experts
Investing in a well-designed sign is investing in your business’s success. By carefully considering these factors and partnering with experienced professionals like Saber Sign Solutions, you can create a sign that not only captures attention but also effectively communicates your brand message and contributes to your overall marketing goals.
Contact us today to discuss your signage needs and let our team help you make a lasting impression in the vibrant Austin market.
