Are you opening a new storefront or rebranding an existing one? If so, it’s time to start thinking about your business sign, one of the most cost-effective marketing tools that will help you reach your local audience.
At first glance, the process of designing a sign may seem simple enough. You need to include your business name and it should be big enough and legible enough to attract customers from a distance. Isn’t that all there is to it?
The short answer is no. Designing the perfect business sign takes careful planning and brand awareness.
Read on to learn more about designing the perfect business sign in 2023.
Start With Zoning Laws
As you prepare your brick-and-mortar store, you’ll encounter many of your local zoning laws. Zoning laws determine how a property can be used, among other things, and they also impact the type of signage you can use on that property. For example, your local zoning laws may regulate how large your signs can be, what materials you can use, and where you can place them.
Starting with zoning laws will prevent you from coming up with a design that isn’t workable in your neighborhood. Compliance is important because it will save you from potential fines as well as the cost of redesigning and printing a new sign that meets regulations.
Consider Your Intentions
Once you know the legal parameters you’re working with, it’s time to think about your intentions for your signage. For example, do you want to mount your sign on your storefront or will you stake it in the ground? Do you want a vinyl banner or do you want to print your sign on metal or wood?
If you’re not sure where to begin, start with your budget and your available space. What kinds of materials can you afford and where would a sign get the most attention? It also helps to consider your local climate and the kinds of weather your sign will endure so that you can prioritize signage that will last.
Create Your Business Sign Design
When you’re designing your business sign, keep two things in mind: the design should tell passersby what to expect from your business and it should be legible. Bold lettering and a contrasting color palette will take care of the latter, but what about the former?
To design your business sign, you should pull from your own branding. Take direct inspiration from your logo, web design, and any other materials customers may have become familiar with. When it comes to branding, consistency is key, and that includes your business sign.
Work With the Sign Experts at TGSVA
Our final tip for creating a great business sign is to partner with a company that produces great work. At The Graphics Shop, we’re proud to offer our signage services to business owners in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.
To learn more about how we can help, contact us today. We also provide meat case dividers, vehicle wraps, commercial screen printing, and more.
I like how you said that considering the available space you have and your budget is a place to start. Yesterday afternoon, I was at my sister's house for lunch and she talked about how she wants to get a sign made for her new clothing shop sometime this month. I'll pass these tips along to her once she finds a company that can help her with designing a sign!
Thanks for helping me understand that there will be zoning laws that one has to consider to know what type of business signage they should use. I can imagine how important it would be to follow those to prevent making or committing violations. And it would be a waste of time, effort, and money if they have to put it down which is why being informed before deciding on anything is a must.
I loved how you said to use inspiration from your logo. My sister wants to make a sign for her new skincare company she plans on opening in the summer, so she wants to make sure she knows how to make a good design. I'll pass these tips along to her once she finds a company that can help her with making a sign for her company.
I find it interesting when you said that understanding the zoning laws would be important as well, so you know what type of signs you can get for your property among other things. I can imagine how being informed and following those things will ensure that you don't commit any violations. And I think it will also save you money, especially when there are fines that come with those violations when you commit them.
It was really helpful when you said to have your own branding in the design. My sister and I opened a clothing boutique together a couple of weeks ago, and we decided that we want to look into getting a sign made for it, so I wanted to know some tips on designing one. I'll keep these tips in mind once we find a company that can help us with making a sign for our boutique.