6 steps for buying new business signs
There are so many styles, materials, and designs available to you that it might seem impossible to know where to start. We’ve put together 6 simple steps to get you started!
1. Figure out your budget
Signs can vary greatly in price. Some types of signs can be a big investment, like a big monument sign with a built-in LED screen, and some are more budget-friendly. Having a price range in mind will help narrow down which sign types, sizes, and materials will be best for you.
2. Where is it? Who is it for?
Consider your location and audience. Who is your ideal customer? If you consider who your typical clientele is, and think about their habits and preferences, it might help you decide what kinds of signs will be appropriate.
It’s equally important to consider the location and how people will be viewing the sign. A sign in a spot that gets a lot of foot traffic has very different needs from one that people will see while driving past on a multi-lane highway.
3. Brush up on city code
Typically, you can find your city’s regulations for signage by searching your city’s name plus “sign code”. You don’t have to become an expert, but a general understanding of what’s allowed will help you form realistic expectations for size, lighting, and location.
The city website will most likely have information about obtaining a sign permit– you should look this over, too. It will help give you an idea of the time frame and cost of building a business sign. Don’t worry, if none of this makes a lot of sense, we’ll help you figure it out!
4. Get inspired
Get on Pinterest, Instagram, etc. to find images of signs that you love. Keep all of these images organized somewhere for your future reference.
Figuring out what you really like and dislike in a sign will be very helpful in clarifying your vision to your sign company.
5. Review your branding
It’s very important to build a cohesive brand strategy, so people can recognize and value your company. You should consider what information you’d like on the sign, and a general idea of how it will look in relation to your other branded materials, like business cards, wall graphics, vehicle wraps, and more.
Keeping everything consistent makes a great impression on customers.
6. Stand out from the crowd
Depending on your location, you might not be able to get too wild– places like shopping plazas have strict rules about sign design, size, and materials. However, take a moment to look around at the other businesses in your area. How can yours be unique and eye-catching? How can you draw the eye of potential customers?
If you’re in an area where your sign must be consistent with a pre-determined style, you can make an impression in a few other ways, including window decals and wall graphics.
From the time you decide to invest in a new sign to the time it’s installed, there’s a lot to do. Luckily, you don’t have to do any of it alone. At Pinnacle Signs & Graphics, we’re experts on every part of this process, from design and materials to city codes and sign permits.
If you’d like a stress-free buying experience, we’re the right place for you. Send us a message today with your information and we’ll get the ball rolling on your brand-new sign!
