One of the many decisions you will need to make when launching a new business is to determine what type of storefront signs you require. There are many types of storefront signs to choose from, not all of which you will need. Before ordering any new signs check your lease and local ordinances to ensure you understand signage restrictions and permit and license requirements.
Digital Business Signs
This is the sign you are likely the most excited about as it is the primary exterior sign. This sign will be an investment, as it’s positioned at the face of your storefront. It can include your logo but doesn’t have to. However, it must include your business name so that those driving or walking by can easily identify your business. Consider 3D text, channel lettering, and LED backlit signs for maximum impact and visibility.
Your primary sign may be in addition to signs placed closer to your entrance or roadway. If your business is on a corner or has traffic from multiple directions, you may need more than one primary sign. Digital Business Signs are bright, vandal proof, and will eventually pay for themselves. Check out some amazing statistics about these signs here.
Awning Sign
A great cheap option is an awning sign. You may have seen these over Bistro’s and small cafes. You may choose an awning as your primary business sign or in addition to your primary business sign. Awnings aren’t right for every brand identity and are often selected for either charm or function. Consider a mom and pop Italian restaurant for example. Another example, would be an awning for a bakery, to make it feel retro, or may be placed outside of a high-end restaurant to provide shade for outdoor seating. If not awnings, consider branded umbrellas.
Roadway Signs
If your business is in a shopping center, your primary signage is not visible from the roadway, or you want to attract attention from several blocks away—choose an LED roadway sign otherwise known as Outdoor Digital Signs. These are typically signs mounted to a pole, and a popular choice for hotels, schools, gas stations, movie theaters, and strip malls. You could also order an oversized LED sign placed closer to the ground, which is a popular choice for churches, government buildings, and major brands. Digital Business signs can be layered with a logo/business name sign and one or two digital message boards.
Sandwich Board Storefront Signs
If your business has a fair amount of foot traffic, consider a sandwich board sign. Unlike signs placed in your window, they face traffic in both directions. They are also lightweight and don’t take up much room in front of your storefront.
You or someone on your team will need to have great handwriting or artistic ability to post your messaging. These are a popular option for restaurants, coffee shops, internet cafes, but sandwich boards can be used for boutiques and other non-food businesses as well.
Grand Opening Sign
Grand opening banners alert locals of your new business. Banners are only designed to be hung up temporarily and may be restricted to how long they can be displayed in your city.
In addition to grand opening banners, consider having spinner signs designed and hire sign spinners your first month or so after you open. Or maybe an inflatable grand opening sign.
Window Signage
There are a variety of window and storefront signs to choose from. You will likely need any combination of:
- Address numbers—some businesses skip this sign option, but don’t underestimate the importance of having an easily identifiable address or suite numbers.
- Hours of operation—yes, everyone can Google your business hours but be sure to post them for easy access.
- Open sign—whether it’s neon, backlit, or a paper sign that you flip to and from “open” and “closed”. This is a popular choice for retailers and restaurants.
- Decals—sometimes informative and sometimes artistic, temporary decals are a way to communicate and decorate your storefront.
- Informative signs—scrolling message board signs can be used for both ads and essential information. For example, to share a BOGO sale or COVID-19 protocols. You can use printed signs too, but digital signs have a larger viewing distance and can be updated in real-time.
Parking Lot Signs
If you have a parking lot, don’t forget to add a bit of signage. This is any combination of posted or painted signs. Metal signs should be designed with reflective lettering for easy night viewing. This includes:
- Disabled parking spots
- Pregnant parking spots
- Quick pick-up or drop-off spots
- How to validate or pay for parking
- Business or person-specific parking
- Entrance and exit signs
- Arrows or signs that direct the traffic flow
- Lot section signs
- Parking lot numbers
- Directory signs
- Informative or decorative flags
Marketing Signs
You may choose to place a few storefront signs that communicate a marketing message. This might be printed POP similar to what you place internally, or it might be a window or roadway LED sign.
The advantage to using scrolling message boards or larger LED signs is that you can update them in real-time, pre-schedule your ads, and mix in both marketing messages and informative messages. They also have increased visibility.
Communication
Feel free to share a variety of current data including the date, weather, time, upcoming events, daily schedule, and more. With COVID-19 protocols still in place, you may also need to utilize interior or exterior signs for safety messaging to include information such as:
- New business hours
- Which entrance to use
- Where to go once inside
- Business capacity
- If clients need to call or text before they enter
- Whether or not an appointment is required
- If more than one person per family can enter
- Protocols such as masks, temperature check, and hand sanitizer
In Need Of Electronic Storefront Signs
You may not require all of the storefront signs above, but you are sure to need at least a few. And this doesn’t include your interior signs!
If you would like to add electronic signs to the mix, we invite you to reach out to Mega LED Technology today. We will work with you to design made-to-order interior and exterior signs. This includes LED backlit logo signs, text-only digital message boards, monument signs, scrolling signs, and HD signs that can post text, images, and video. Let’s get started!
