How to Choose the Right Signage for Your Business

Signage is a key element of your brand and if you operate from a physical location, it’s often the first touch point between your business and its customers.

In fact to show just how important signage can be - in a FedEx Office survey, just over 76% of respondents had previously visited a store because of their attractive signage!

But there are so many options available and choosing a solution that reflects your brand, catches customers' attention and aligns with your budget is important.

Don’t worry though, as signage experts with over 20 years of experience, in this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors you need to know when deciding how to choose the right signage for your business.

Understanding Your Business Needs

Identify Your Business Type

The type of business you have will make a difference when choosing the style and function of your signage:

• Retail Businesses: If you’re in retail, signage isn’t just there to showcase your brand - it’s an important marketing tool.
  
  Eye-catching signs with bold colours and imagery can help draw in new customers like a visual invitation to your shop! (Almost 85% of consumers say they’ve been drawn to bright and colourful signage - Custom Neon.) 
• Corporate Offices: If you’re a corporate business with offices, it’s slightly different to the above. Here, the focus is on professionalism and a unified brand image.
  
  Signage that showcases a sense of conformity is essential. In this environment, new and existing clients could be visiting and you’ll want to show your brand in the best light. 
• Hospitality Businesses: For hospitality businesses, it’s a combination of the above, your signage should represent your brand, but also draw people in.

Whether it’s a rustic wooden sign for a cosy café or a vibrant neon sign for a trendy bar, the design needs to align with your venue’s ambience.

(Check out this signage we did for Tank Nightclub)

Determine Your Goals

As you can now see, signage plays a crucial role and it’s now time to understand exactly what you want your signage to achieve:

• Brand Awareness: If your goal is to create a recognisable brand, signage that prominently features your logo and brand colours is highly recommended. 
• Customer Guidance: For a lot of businesses, signage may be needed to guide customers around your premises. 
• Promotion: If you frequently run offers or want to highlight new products, consider signage that allows for easy updates.

Signage Options

Location of Signage

Choosing the right type of signage depends on your specific needs and where it’ll be:

• Outdoor Signage: Outdoor signs must be durable and weather-resistant.
  
  Remember, they are there to showcase your business to the world, so it’s important that they can withstand the elements while still looking great. 
• Indoor Signage: Inside your business, signage like wall art, banners, and directional signs should all reinforce your brand’s identity, and help your customers navigate.
  
  Indoor signs not only inform but also enhance the overall customer experience.

Material Considerations

The materials you choose for your signage can impact their appearance and longevity:

• Durability: For outdoor signage, materials like aluminium, stainless steel, acrylic signage, or vinyl are popular for their durability and resistance to weather. 
• Aesthetics: Consider the finish, matte, gloss etc. that best suits your brand’s image.

Consult a Professional

Working with a professional signage expert can help ensure your signage is both effective and compliant. 

Professional companies can also provide valuable insights into the best materials, designs, and placements for your specific needs.

Here at CJ Signs, we've designed and installed hundreds of signs for businesses across the UK, so if you’re looking for help or advice, get in touch now!

Conclusion

It’s clear that signage is more than just a name on your building, it’s your brand’s first impression and it has the power to drive business. In fact, around 60% of businesses have reported that changing the design or enhancing the visibility of their signage has had a positive impact on sales!

By carefully considering the above factors, you can choose signage that not only attracts customers but also strengthens your brand.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level with the perfect signage, get in touch. Or check out our signage gallery for some inspiration.