You might not realise just how many signage options are available—until it’s time to choose one for your business!
From illuminated signs to shop front signs and flex box signs to neon signs – how do you decide which type of signage is right for your needs?
Here at iBrand Signs, we’ve been designing and manufacturing signs for businesses for over 28 years – so it’s safe to say we know a thing or two about them! In this article, we’ll reveal our top business signage tips to help you choose the best type of signage for your needs.
Why is signage important for business marketing?
Signage is an essential marketing tool for promoting your business and conveying important information to your audience. Plus, it comes with the added benefit of being highly cost-effective! Pay once, and your signage will provide your business with continuous, 24/7 visibility, helping to promote your business even when it’s closed.
A well-designed sign should accurately reflect your brand identity, helping your business attract attention, improve brand recognition, and create a good first impression. Professional signage marketing can also help your business foster trust with its audience and gain credibility.
Of course, there’s also the aesthetic element; attractive signage helps improve your business’s curb appeal on the high street.
When you combine all these benefits, effective signage enhances the customer experience, boosts foot traffic, and gives your business a competitive edge—key factors that contribute to long-term success and growth.
What are the benefits of signage for local audiences?
If you run a local business, your primary goal is likely to attract nearby customers. Signage marketing helps to increase your business’s visibility to people in the immediate area and enhances local awareness. People who pass by your signage regularly will become familiar with your brand, helping to build trust and increasing the likelihood of them visiting in the future.
As well as logo and shopfront signage, different types of signage can be used to communicate different information with a local audience. Lightbox signs and freestanding signs are often used for advertising seasonal deals, events, or services. Directional signs may also be used to help local people find your business more easily.
Illuminated signage vs traditional signage: What’s the difference?
When deciding what kind of signage is right for your business, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want traditional or illuminated signage. The main difference between the two is, of course, that illuminated signage is lit up, usually using LEDs. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option and the scenarios where they are each most effective.
Traditional signage
Traditional signage is the cheaper option of the two. Not only is it cheaper to produce, but it is also cheaper to maintain ongoing as it doesn’t require any electricity. High-quality traditional signs are low maintenance and offer classic, timeless appeal.
However, they have limited visibility as they can only be seen clearly in daylight. Their low visibility and static design may make them less eye-catching and so less effective, especially in busy areas and at night.
Traditional signage is best for businesses that operate primarily during daylight hours and may be looking for a simple, budget-friendly signage solution. They may also be the best option for businesses looking for signage with a timeless and classic aesthetic.
Illuminated signage
On the other hand, illuminated and LED signage has high visibility and stands out, even in low-light conditions and at nighttime, providing round-the-clock advertising for your business. There are many different lighting techniques for illuminating signage, including backlighting, neon, and cabochon – giving illuminated signage a modern and dynamic appeal.
It’s worth noting, however, that illuminated signage is more expensive to manufacture and install. Then, once it’s installed, you’ll need to pay for the electricity to keep it running (although LED signs for business are very energy-efficient). Although LEDs are very durable, there’s always a chance of something going wrong, so illuminated signs may require more regular maintenance than traditional signs.
Illuminated signs are the best option for businesses that operate in the evenings or during nighttime hours – like restaurants, petrol stations, bars, and 24/7 convenience stores. They can also help businesses located in crowded city centre areas to stand out from the businesses around them and attract attention. If you’re aiming for a modern, luxurious, or high-tech image, illuminated signage can help you achieve this.
How to know which type of sign is right for your business?
So, how do you know which type of sign is right for your business? We usually tell businesses to ask themselves these questions to help them decide:
For what purpose do I need the sign?
The type of sign you need largely depends on what the sign is to be used for. Certain types of signs are often used to display certain types of information. For example, we manufacture specialist indoor directional signs and emergency information signs. Monolith signs are often used for displaying information and maps for tourist attractions, business parks, and shopping centres. While lightbox signs are often used to illuminate wall-mounted restaurant menus or promotional information.
What are my operating hours?
Your business’s operating hours are a key indicator of whether you require illuminated signage or if traditional signage would be sufficient. If your business is open in the evening or at nighttime, then illuminated signage will help you gain visibility and attract customers even when it’s dark outside.
Where is my business located?
If your business is in a busy, high-traffic area with lots of other businesses all around it, then illuminated signage may help it stand out better. For businesses in quieter areas where there is less competition, traditional signage may fit in with the environment better.
What style suits my brand identity?
Think about the image that your brand wants to convey. Traditional signage is more classic and timeless, whereas illuminated signage – like backlit, neon, and flexbox signs create a more dynamic, contemporary, and chic aesthetic.
What is my budget?
If you’re on a budget, then traditional signage is cheaper than illuminated signage. However, bear in mind that illuminated signage may deliver a higher return on investment by helping to attract more customers.
Are there any local rules and regulations surrounding signage?
Illuminated signage installed outdoors requires planning permission, and these rules and regulations may be a deciding factor in whether you choose an illuminated sign or not. These rules typically consider factors such as potential safety risks, including glare or distraction to drivers, and whether the signage complements the surrounding environment.
For more signage tips or help deciding the right type of signage for your business, call iBrand Signs on 01925 823 032 or fill out a contact form online to request a free quote, and we’ll get back to you soon!