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Business Signs 101: Ultimate guide to all types of signs
Cover photo of the article Business Signs 101: Ultimate guide to all types of signs. Photo shows an orange frontlit sign hung in front of a business.

Business Signs 101: Ultimate guide to all types of signs

In our Business Signs guide, we share all sign models with their advantages and disadvantages. This guide, which you should definitely read before buying a sign, will answer the questions you are wondering about in your branding process.

According to a study, people see an average of 5,000 to 10,000 advertisements per day. In other words, a person who wakes up in the morning and goes to work sees at least 200 advertisements per minute. Very few of these remain in people’s minds.

Since there is a lot of advertising in the digital world, the importance of traditional signs is increasing even more. These business signs create good advertising opportunities that give people a real experience. Businesses have begun to better understand the importance of a sign in all sectors where competition is increasing, and we are aware that a good sign gives us a good first impression about the business.

“Your sign is your handshake, your hello, your smile to the world.” – Jamie Purviance

You may have noticed that some of the signs you see outside are really effective while others are not visible enough. While having a sign alone does not mean anything, having a well-designed sign can take your brand one step further.

So, don’t you have enough ideas to choose your business sign? SignsAtelier is happy to share its experiences in this regard with you.

How to choose the right business signs?

Choosing the right business signs to represent your brand is essential. The key factors you need to consider are;

  • Choose a visible sign according to your business location Consider where your sign will be placed and make sure it is visible to your target audience. Consider viewing distance, light conditions and the environment.
  • Determine the size and scale of your sign It is useful to determine the size of your sign according to your building. A small sign will not look good on a large building, while a large sign may not look good on a small building. Do not ignore local regulations when deciding on the size of your sign.
  • Check your design and branding strategies Design a sign by considering your branding strategies. The colors, fonts and icons you will use on the sign will strengthen your corporate identity if they are compatible with your business’s other printed materials.
  • Be careful when choosing materials Choose materials according to your business location. Make sure the materials you choose are weatherproof and durable. Try to get more information about the maintenance of the material.
  • Evaluate lighting options. Decide if you need non-lit signs for nighttime visibility. Options include LED, backlit, or external lighting solutions.
  • Consider budget considerations and lifespan. Remember that a long-lasting and expensive sign is more budget-friendly than a short-lived and inexpensive sign. Consider the initial cost, installation, maintenance, and potential energy costs for non-lit signs.
  • Research and comply with local sign regulations, permits, and zoning requirements before making your final decision. Determining these before you purchase your sign can help prevent potential problems.

Remember that your business sign is often the first impression potential customers have of your brand, so investing time in making the right choice is essential for long-term success.

Check out our blog post on Choosing Custom Sign for Business.

What type of signage do I need for my business?

The type of signage your business needs depends on a few key factors:

Determine your signage needs based on your location and building type.

  • Outdoor signs for street visibility (channel letters, monuments)
  • Indoor signs for indoor navigation (directory, wayfinding)
  • Display windows for retail businesses

Here are the signs to choose from depending on your business type:

  • Retail: Store signs, window graphics, promotional displays
  • Office: Reception signs, door signs, directory boards
  • Restaurant: Menu boards, backlit signs, sidewalk signs

Check zoning laws and building codes and verify permit requirements. Ensure ADA compliance where necessary.

Determine your budget for your sign. Include initial installation costs, maintenance requirements, and energy costs for non-lit signs in your budget.

Even if you don’t have a 24/7 business, you should still decide whether you need a 24/7 visible sign. If your store is on a busy street, we recommend choosing an LED sign so that it is always visible.

Businesses use many types of signs together to increase their visibility. To attract potential customers outside, you need outdoor signage. When potential customers visit your business, you should use indoor signage to enhance the customer experience.

Let’s take a closer look at the signs used indoors and outdoors.

Outdoor signs

People also call outdoor signs Storefront Signs. The most important reason a sign is called outdoor is because it can last a long time outdoor. Other than that, there is no difference between outdoor and indoor signs.

SignsAtelier produces Storefront signs from materials that can withstand weather conditions. For this reason, we can safely give a lifetime warranty on our products. We focus on certain points to create signs that will last in different weather conditions. Here are those points:

Waterproof LEDs should be used for illuminated signs. Otherwise, the first rain may damage the LEDs of the sign. Transformers should also be waterproof for the same reason, or even if you mount the sign outside, you should place the transformer indoors. You can also use waterproof transformer boxes to protect the transformer from rain.

The biggest factor that causes signs to wear out is the sun. Using materials resistant to ultra violet rays extends the life of the sign.

The best option for preventing ultraviolet rays from affecting the print on the sign is personalized signs with UV printing. What harm can UV rays from the sun do to a sign made using Ultra Violet rays? In addition, UV printing is much more environmentally friendly than solvent printing.

Rust is the biggest problem of metal signs. Stainless steel helps us solve this problem. We usually use 304 stainless steel for signs. It is resistant to rust and corrosion and can be used indoors and outdoors.

Also, if you prefer stainless steel signs, maintenance and cleaning will be an important factor. You can read our blog post on how to clean stainless steel signs.

Some cases exist where stainless steel also rusts. Especially signs in businesses close to the sea rust because of sea water. The molybdenum (Mo) element in the 316 stainless steel prevents salt water from affecting the signs we produce. If you have a business close to the sea, definitely ask your sign maker whether to use 304 stainless steel or 316 stainless steel.

If you are looking for a different style, you might also like rusty steel signs. Rusted steel signs add a different atmosphere to your business with their rustic appearance.

rusted-metal-sign

A rustic looking sign creates the perception in people that you have been serving in the same location for many years. A business that has been serving in the same location for many years gives its customers confidence. You can lay the foundation for this trust with your sign selection.

The biggest feature that separates outdoor signs from indoor signs is the material used. Another element that is as important as the material is the purpose of use. The purpose of outdoor signs is to capture potential customers passing by your store. In order to stand out from other businesses, you need a large outdoor sign with a clean design.

The size of the signs should be in proportion to the size of your shop. This is a matter of sign permits and the rules may vary from region to region. You can read our detailed article about Signage Permit.

One of the most commonly used outdoor sign models is channel letter signs. We usually call the non-lit model of this sign a channel letter sign. Channel letter signs are of course not just made up of letters. You can customize it with a logo icon or any shape.

Illuminated models are also known as backlit signs, edge-lit signs, front-lit signs and fully lit signs. The most frequently preferred of these lighting options is Backlit Signs. Also known as LED signs, Backlit sign offers an elegant look with the halo effect lighting reflected on the wall, while your sign becomes more noticeable with 3D letters. You can get more information by reading our blog post where we evaluate all illuminated sign options.

These signs, which can be customized with your logo and business name, are high-cost but last a lifetime. As SignsAtelier, we can easily provide a lifetime warranty for Channel Letter Signs signs.

For more information about channel letter signs, you can read our article Understanding Channel Letter Signs. In this article, you’ll find detailed insights into the various designs and styles available for channel letters. Whether you’re a business owner considering a new sign or simply interested in signage solutions, the section on ‘channel letters sign types explained‘ will provide clarity on the options suited to your branding needs. Understanding these variations can help you make informed decisions that enhance your business’s visibility and appeal.

Type of Outdoor Signs

We have listed all the signs used outdoors. These are the sign models most frequently preferred by businesses.

Which businesses should use Outdoor signs?

All businesses need outdoor signs. Whether your business is on the side of the road, in the middle of the street or in a square, the best way to get people to see you is to use outdoor signs. If your business is in a plaza or a mall, you can look at indoor signs instead of outdoor signs. We also examined indoor signs in the rest of our article.

The main businesses that need outdoor signs are;

  • Hotels
  • Butiques
  • Law Offices
  • Dentists
  • Beauty and Wellness Center
  • Cafes
  • Bakeries
  • Veterinarians
  • Restaurants
  • Pubs

Regardless of your industry, you should have an outdoor sign to evaluate traditional advertising opportunities. This helps potential customers notice you. Even if they don’t visit you when they first pass by your business, they remember that you are there.

As a result, your potential customer will remember your sign the first time they need your business. They will visit you again thanks to your catchy and impressive sign. This is also a way to gain loyal customers.

A sign that reflects your brand identity is the first impression you will give to people. Therefore, when choosing your sign, ask yourself who your business is targeting. Design a sign considering the gender, age and similar criteria of your target audience.

This page with all kinds of business sign ideas can inspire you to choose your ideal sign. You can find ideas that will work for you.

People first look at the sign to get an idea about a business, then they look inside through the window of your store. This offers us the following opportunity. We can use the store window as a billboard.

You can think of your store window as a billboard allocated to you, but you need to make good use of this area. It may not make sense to put as big signs as possible on your window as Storefront Signs. Because your window is also your showcase.

Covering the products while trying to advertise is like making an eye pop while making an eyebrow. Your main goal should be to bring the customer together with the product. Not to put another step between the product and the customer.

You can use window signs to provide small information about your products or services that people cannot see when they look inside. Putting discount signs on store windows to inform people about the campaigns is one of the best ways to use this advertising space efficiently.

In the photo below, there is a store window advertisement made with transparent vinyl print application. All the details mentioned above were touched upon while designing the vinyl sign. Thanks to the clear vinyl, the products in the window were not covered and are still visible at first glance.

We added photos of a few products that do not appear at first glance. Thus, it utilized the space it would have lost by putting the product in the window. It also included the discounts in the design and killed three birds with one stone. One of the best examples of store window application can demonstrate this.

You can also evaluate holiday marketing opportunities with signs that you can apply to windows and doors. Here are some holiday marketing ideas for businesses.

Indoor Signs

Indoor signs have many uses. It is possible to produce indoor signs with almost any material.

Indoor signs do not come into direct contact with the sun or rain. This provides flexibility in the use of materials. This includes wooden signs, PVC foam signs, acrylic signs and vinyl stickers.

Indoor signs are the best way to reflect your brand identity. Small businesses create great effects by hanging their signs in the right places. When signs are used effectively in many areas from office walls to store windows, they make customers’ perception of your brand permanent.

People also use indoor signs for guidance and information purposes. You should also take care to design directional and informational signs in accordance with your brand identity. If you have a brand identity with a minimal design, using flashy indoor signs can cause visual confusion.

Remember, indoor signs are not for attracting customers, but for reflecting your brand image to the customer. In other words, it does not make sense to make such signs large and eye-catching enough to catch people’s eyes. Instead, it is ideal to use them as wall decoration.

Another way to use indoor signs effectively is to emphasize your business. For example, a dimensional lettering sign made of motivational words on the wall of a gym aims to motivate people who do sports while also emphasizing the support the business has for its members.

You can provide a similar example for law offices. Consider the effect of a sign on the wall that says “You are right and we are with you”. Of course, this sign was not hung there because everyone who entered the office was right. This is a lawyer office sign idea that can be used to strengthen the bond of trust between the business and the customer.

And a sign like this can be more effective than a “Lawyer John” sign on the wall with large fonts and a huge logo. Or you can strengthen your idea with a design that conveys your business name and message to your visitors at the same time, like the design below.

You can increase the value you bring to your business by using great designs for signs specific to your niche. Take a look at the dentist sign idea below.

This children’s dentist designed a vinyl sign for his office that will attract children’s attention. Sometimes, shapes are much more eye-catching than words. Especially when it comes to children, such practices can also help prevent children from developing dental phobia.

Wall vinyl sign idea that can be used in dentist offices

O’Sullivan, L., and Cruthers, J. wrote a 2016 article called “Dental Anxiety in Children.” This article looks at why children fear the dentist. It also discusses ways to help reduce this fear. The authors explain how design can help in this process.

The dental logo hanging on a dentist's reception wall is made of gold acrylic and has a 3D appearance. 6 Advertisement Ideas for Dentist blog

Type of Indoor Signs

The most commonly used indoor sign types are as follows.

  • Acrylic Signs
  • Vinyl Signs
  • Dimensional Lettering
  • Wall Signs
  • Reception Signs
  • Lobby Signs
  • Office Door Signs
  • Directional Signs
  • ADA Signs
  • Room Number Signs
  • Directory Signs
  • Menu Boards
  • Display Cases

Which businesses should use Indoor signs?

Even if all businesses have outdoor signs, they also benefit from indoor signs. Every business uses signs specific to their needs.

Backlit Signs and Reception Signs are the most preferred indoor signs in waiting rooms, lobbies and receptions. You can increase the memorability of your brand by personalizing these signs with your logo. You can prefer acrylic signs for indoor spaces due to their affordable price and stylish appearance. You can also prefer signs made of chrome for a premium look.

If you have a business in Shopping Mall, you definitely need indoor signs. Multi-shelf businesses such as boutiques, clothing stores, markets also need indoor signs to facilitate customer experience.

For large businesses such as hotels and hospitals, indoor signs such as Architectural Way finding Signage, room numbers, door names, ADA signs, toilet signs are a must.

Other businesses that use indoor signs the most are;

  • Shopping Malls
  • Office Buildings
  • Medical Centers
  • Educational Institutions
  • Government Buildings
  • Corporate Headquarters
  • Museums and Galleries
  • Hotels and Resorts
  • Conference Centers
  • Retail Stores
  • Hospitals
  • Libraries
  • Schools

Non-Illuminated Signs

Sidewalk signs, yard signs, wayfinding signs, vinyl signs, blade signs and acrylic signs are signs that are produced without lighting. You can usually see examples of signs that are non-lit indoors.

The advantages of non-lit signs are as follows;

  • It costs less than an illuminated sign.
  • Since it does not require an electrical connection, it is easy to install.
  • In signs to be used indoors, it simplifies the store design and prevents unnecessary lighting of the environment.
  • It is easy to maintain.

The disadvantages of non-illuminated signs are as follows;

  • Since non-illuminated signs are less striking, they are not competitive on busy streets.
  • It does not provide 24/7 visibility. Your sign needs additional lighting to be visible at night.

A picture of a Custom Backlit Sign mounted on a wall. The product says ADORE YOGA. The product is gold and illuminated.

Illuminated Signs

Lighbox sign, backlit sign, LED sign and neon sign are illuminated signs. Illuminated signs are usually used outdoors and continue to advertise your brand even when your shop is closed by providing visibility all day long.

Advantages of illuminated signs are as follows;

  • Provides 24/7 visibility. Your sign is also visible at night.
  • It is competitive and eye-catching even on busy streets.
  • Strengthens your brand image indoors and outdoors.

Disadvantages of illuminated signs are as follows;

  • It costs more than a non-illuminated sign.
  • Since it requires an electrical connection, its installation is more difficult than a non-lit sign.
  • It is necessary to drill the wall to hide the LED cables.
  • It cannot be used in places where there is no access to electricity.

All these advantages are great advantages, but the disadvantages are like a temporary nuisance. When both types of signs are used correctly, their advantages outweigh their disadvantages.

Business Sign Costs

Signage costs are usually determined by the sign model you choose, the material used, and the size of the sign. Signs produced with more durable materials are generally more expensive. Signs produced with cheaper materials can make you profit in the short term. However, in the long term, their cost can be much higher and cause you to experience difficult processes.

There are certificates that indicate the quality of signs. UL certificates for the USA and CE certificates for Europe are certificates that indicate that the sign meets quality standards. As SignsAtelier, we care that all the materials we use in sign production are UL and CE certified. In addition to our obsession with quality, this is also important for your safety.

There are many variables that affect the cost. You can find many of these variables in our Business Sign Cost article. You can contact us to get a price quote specific to your design.

Signage Installation

The installation of signs is generally similar to each other. Signs are usually shipped with a template. The letters and logo are aligned with the template and mounted on the wall.

The installation method may vary depending on the type of sign. Channel Letter Signs are mounted with screws, while acrylic signs are usually glued with silicone.

Vinyl signs are self-adhesive. Standing signs and all sidewalk signs do not require installation. Blade signs are also mounted with screws, but do not require a template.

Illuminated signs require electrical connection along with the installation. Signs come with cables, which must be connected to a transformer before being connected to electricity. Transformers reduce your electrical current to a current suitable for the LEDs.

Please note: A sign without a transformer should not be connected directly to electricity. This can damage the LEDs and, at best, trip the circuit. If you are not familiar with electricity, please hire an electrician for the installation.

We have categorized all types of sign installation according to sign types.

Conclusion

We have talked about everything you need to know about business signs. Now you know what elements to consider before designing a sign. It is now up to you to determine your needs and bring your brand’s style to your sign. As SignsAtelier, we are always with you in this process.

Remember; Your sign is your signature.

FAQ About Business Signs

What are Business Signs and why are they important?

Business Signs are an advertising tool used to direct potential customers to your business and increase the visibility of your business. It is a great way to reflect your brand identity. A well-designed sign strengthens brand perception and gives confidence to your customers.

What is an outdoor business sign called?

Outdoor signs are known by many names such as commercial signage, storefront sign, building sign and more.

Which businesses need signs?

All businesses that want to increase their brand awareness need signs. Especially in locations where competition is high, having an outdoor sign has become a necessity today.

What are the best signs for small businesses?

Small businesses can use sidewalk signs and lightbox signs to attract the attention of people passing by on both sides of the road with a very small sign area. Small businesses with larger sign areas can increase their visibility with LED signs.

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