Sign, Signs, Everywhere Signs
I know I’m revealing my age with the title of this article, but my 80’s readers will appreciate the reference. It’s true though, signs are everywhere, and they serve a crucial marketplace purpose.
As consumers, signs help us navigate our path as we shop and assist us in choosing our favorite brands.
As business owners, signs function as a first impression to new customers, offer assurance to our loyal customers that we are still going strong, and help differentiate our business from other businesses.
With these key sign functions in mind, it’s important to choose the signage that accurately showcases your business. Choosing the right signage for your business requires intentional brand reflection and insightful consultation from an experienced signage firm. But even before you contact a reputable sign company, there are three basic questions to answer in order to feel prepared to discuss your signage options with a signage professional.
What are you allowed?
Every city/town and county has zoning regulations that businesses need to abide by when envisioning and planning for a signage project.
The intention of these specifications are for aesthetic and safety reasons. Aesthetically, some municipalities desire to maintain a unified look of an area.
The regulations are also enforced to keep travelers safe. Overly distracting signs can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road for too long, increasing the chance of an accident.
We can help you determine what the regulations and allowances are when you schedule your consultation https://www.abbottis.com/connect/
Also, keep in mind, if a particular sign is not allowed on the zoning books, you may apply for a variance. In most cases, variances will not be issued, but it might be worth a try.
What do you want?
The next question to answer is, what do you want? Even within the parameters of zoning regulations, there are a several sign styles and options to consider. We call this the dreaming stage.
Do you want a monument sign? Like the some you see here
Do you want a set of illuminated channel letters visible from a main road or highway?
Do you have space for branded awnings?
Do you have windows that need vinyl graphics?
If you own a complex with multiple businesses leasing space, would you like a pylon sign to provide exposure for these businesses?
What colors do you want the faces, LED lighting, and sides of the cabinet or channel letters to be?
That’s just some exterior options. You may also dream about interior signage, including wall and floor vinyls, dimensional letters and logos, directional and destination signs, and designer wall coverings.
These options only scratch the surface of exterior and interior signage. Because of technology and advanced machinery, signage has rapidly progressed within just a few decades, resulting in almost limitless possibilities. So dream away, of course, within the parameters of your local zoning authority.
What can you afford?
This is the reality check stage. You figured out what is allowed. You dreamed of what your business would look like with a variety of options and styles. At this point, you will have to take a hard look at your finances and create a signage budget. Even though this may be difficult, it is a crucial aspect of choosing the best signs for your business.
A predetermined budget will produce focus and help you to narrow your choices down to a manageable number of possibilities. In addition, providing a trustworthy and experienced sign consultant with a budget range will allow him or her to envision and recommend realistic designs and fabrication possibilities for your signage.
After answering all three of these questions, you will have a more robust understanding of your signage possibilities and feel prepared to contact a trusted, experienced sign company. Ultimately, going through this process not only result in spectacular signage, but will simultaneously strengthen the vision for your business as well.