Exterior signs or signage, are visual displays placed outside a business or commercial property. Exterior signs serve many purposes.
Exterior signs or signage are primarily used for a Store or business location, Brand Awareness, business hours and store or business information “According to a study by the Small Business Administration (SBA), effective signs can increase business by as much as 150%. Customers pick up important visual cues about your business during brief interactions as they pass your signage on a highway, along a street, or in a mall concourse.” Aug 17, 2023 Exterior signs act as an informational platform for consumers and/or businesses, primarily reinforcing their brand identity, product and services.
Exterior signs usually display a brand’s logo, colors, and messaging. They are placed in strategic locations to help solidify the store or business brand in the consumer’s mind through repetitious exposure.
Informing and Engaging Potential Customers Exterior signs inform potential customers about what they can expect inside the respective store or business. This may include, special discounts, new products, or unique services and capabilities of the business. The primary goal of exterior signs is to capture people’s attention and engage them to enter or engage them with the business. For example, a retail store may have a big sale, a restaurant’s special of the day, or whatever the business’s goal to drive traffic into their business.
Attracting Foot Traffic and Impulse Visits Around 76% of consumers say they’ve entered a store or business they’ve never visited based solely on its signage. Well-designed exterior signs can create an impulse visit to the business and increase their sales accordingly.
Directional signs and signage Directional signs, such as directional arrows or informational boards, guide people through expansive or unfamiliar settings like airports, shopping malls, or hospitals. They reduce directional confusion and improve the flow of people more efficiently.
Establishing a Professional Presence Prominent-sized and designed exterior signage helps a business become established in its location, especially when surrounded by competitors. An example would be fast Food franchises whose signage is prominent and instantly recognizable. Properly designed exterior signage can create professional, welcoming visual to visit the store being advertised .
In summary, exterior signs are essential for defining a business and increasing their brand visibility. It is a proven fact that exterior signage will attract new customers. Exterior signage is also critical in providing information and directions. Exterior signage also establishes a professional presence in the local community.
Window graphics, privacy window films and custom window decals are great solutions for privacy, decorating...
Types Of Exterior Signage We Offer
There are several types of exterior signage that Imagine Signs can manufacture to help you attract customers and promote your business.
Below are some of the most common exterior signs we manufacture:
Freestanding Signs
Monolith/Pylon Signs: These types of signs are very large and are designed to be visible from a distance. They are often used for site identification, a business location and/or directions or a location that may have multiple businesses.
Monument Signs
Monument signs are mounted directly on the ground, often with a decorative base made of brick, concrete or other materials that are very solid in nature.
They are primarily used for marking entrances and displaying business names at the facility.
Post and Panel Signs: These are made by using a flat panel, usually metal, mounted between two poles. They are commonly used for identification and directions.
Building-Mounted Signs
These signs are directly mounted on the exterior wall of a building. They could include channel letters, dimensional letters, cabinet signs and other materials depending on the project requirements
Building mounted signs can be illuminated or not illuminated depending on what the customer desires.
Projecting/Blade Signs: These types of signs project project perpendicularly from a building’s frontage, helping people identify business entrances.
Window Graphics: Vinyl graphics, decals, or clings applied to windows and doors for advertising, branding and other messaging purposes.
Portable/Temporary Signs
Banners and Flags are the most common portable or temporary signage due to the ease of installation and removal. They usually consist of large printed banners or flags made of vinyl or fabric, which are easy to install and move.
A-Frame/Sidewalk Signs: Freestanding signs placed on sidewalks or near entrances to direct foot traffic. Many restaurants and retail businesses use these to advertise specials
Feather Flags/Banners: These are tall, slender flags that move with the wind. You see these often used for outdoor events, special business promotions, and more.
Yard Signs: Most everyone is familiar with these small, temporary signs placed at ground level for localized advertising or messaging. Common for real estate, elections and more
Electronic & LED Signage: With the rise of electronic digital signage solutions like LED screens and electronic message centers, these types of signage are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to display dynamic content, advertising messaging and more.
Important Considerations before you decide to pursue Exterior Signage
Location and Visibility
Be sure to find a location to place your sign in the most visible spot for people and vehicles for maximum visibility
Consider corner locations and a good height height for best visibility
Regulations and Permits
Be sure to check local regulations on allowed sign types, sizes, heights, lighting, etc.
Obtain necessary permits before installation
Materials and Durability
Use weather-resistant and durable materials like aluminum and acrylic
Choose illuminated (LED, neon) or non-illuminated signs
Cost and Budget
Illuminated and larger signs are more expensive
Get quotes and consider long-term costs like maintenance
Branding and Messaging
Ensure sign reflects your brand image and messaging
Use changeable signs for promotions or easy updates
By considering factors like regulations, visibility, materials, and branding, you can select the most suitable and effective exterior signage for your business.
Durable and Custom Large Outdoor Signs:
Large outdoor custom signs are a great way for businesses to advertise and talk to customers. Here are some key things to know about them:
Materials: Outdoor large signs are made from weatherproof materials like aluminum, vinyl, plastic or wood. Aluminum signs are durable, rustproof and long term outdoor use.
Customization: These signs can be fully graphic, logo, slogan and text to match a business’s brand and message. Many sign companies have design tools or templates to help create your design.
Size: Large outdoor signs come in sizes from 18” x 16’ to 10’ x 24’. Choose the size for your location and business.
Durability: Good outdoor signs are years not months. UV stabilized materials that don’t fade or weather.
Printing technology: Many outdoor signs use UV ink printing which is weather, fade and abrasion resistant.
Versatility: Large outdoor signs are for business advertising, event promotion, directional signage and more.
Affordable: Despite the size and durability, many manufacturers have economical options for large outdoor signs. For businesses of all sizes.
Installation: Depending on the sign, ground stakes, frames or wall mounting hardware.
When choosing a large outdoor sign, businesses should think about location, weather, local laws and their advertising needs for that location to choose the right and best signage.
When selecting a large outdoor sign, businesses should look at location, weather, local laws and their advertising requirements for that location to pick the one that’s right for them.
When picking a large outdoor sign, businesses should consider location, weather, laws of the land and their advertising needs for that location to select the best.
Businesses should look at location, weather, local laws and their advertising needs for that location when choosing a large outdoor sign – location, weather, local laws and their advertising needs for that location.
When choosing a large outdoor sign, businesses should think location, weather, local laws and their advertising needs for that location to choose the perfect one.
Businesses should consider location, weather, local laws and their advertising needs for that location when a large outdoor sign. Location, weather, local laws and their advertising needs for that location.
Look at location, weather, local laws and their advertising needs for that location when choosing a large outdoor sign – location, weather, local laws and their advertising needs for that location.
Benefits of Exterior Signage
Exterior signage has many advantages for businesses:
It grabs attention: Outdoor signs make people look and your business becomes visible and noticeable. That’s people who wouldn’t have otherwise have seen your business.
It builds brand awareness: Consistency with your signage helps burn your brand, logo and image into people’s heads and that’s brand recognition for future business.
It’s cheap advertising: Compared to other forms of marketing, exterior signage is cheap. It’s a one-off investment that works for your business 24/7 for years to come.
It causes impulse buys: Eye-catching outdoor signs make people stop and look and that’s unplanned sales.
It marks your location: Clear exterior signage helps customers find you and your brand becomes associated with that location.
It’s Customizable: Outdoor signs come in all forms (hanging signs, wall signs, pylon signs, etc.) and can be fully customized to your brand and business.
It looks professional: Professional exterior signage says you’re permanent and legitimate.
It guides people: Signs direct foot traffic and tell people about your products or services before they even get inside.
It withstands the weather: Good outdoor signage is durable and lasts.
By leveraging these benefits, businesses can effectively use exterior signage to increase visibility, attract customers, and ultimately boost sales and brand recognition.
Product examples
Examples of our Works
Our professional staff can help design your sign and help determine the material, size, color and location of your business sign based on the scope of your event or project. Most projects can be designed and produced within a week. More complex projects will require our expert advice and project management to meet completion deadlines.
Have any question?
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of outdoor signs are best for harsh weather conditions?
Here are some outdoor signs that can withstand the weather:
Aluminum signs: Aluminum is durable, rustproof and temperature extreme. Light but strong, outdoor signage.
Dibond signs: Two thin aluminum sheets bonded to a polyethylene core. Stable in all weather and rust, corrosion and fading.
Stainless steel signs: Weatherproof and rustproof, good for extreme weather areas.
Acrylic Signs: Durable plastic, UV rays resistant, no fading and discoloration.
Mesh banners: For windy areas, mesh banners are good. Air passes through, no wind resistance and tearing.
vinyl signs: Versatile and weatherproof outdoor signage. Rain, snow, UV.
Coroplast signs: Light, durable and weatherproof, temporary or semi-permanent outdoor signage.
When choosing materials for outdoor signs, you need to think about the weather in your area. If you’re in a windy area, choose aluminum or dibond. If it’s a rainy or snowy area, waterproof materials like vinyl or acrylic. Installation and maintenance are key to outdoor signs.
That means sturdy brackets, UV coatings and clean and inspect regularly for damage.
When choosing outdoor sign materials, think about the weather in your area. Windy area? Aluminum or Dibond. Rainy or snowy area? Waterproof materials like vinyl or acrylic. Installation and maintenance matter. That’s sturdy brackets, UV coatings and clean and inspect regularly for damage.
What are outside signs called
Outside signs are generally referred to as outdoor signage or outdoor advertising.
How much does it cost to make an outdoor sign?
The cost of an outdoor business sign varies greatly depending on several things but here are some general price ranges and things to consider:
Average cost: A good-sized sign made from good stuff will cost around $2,300-$3,400.
Price range: Outdoor business signs can cost from a few hundred to $20,000 or more depending on complexity, size and type.
Simple options:
Small painted plywood or glass sign: $200 or less
Outdoor monument sign: less than $5,000
More complex options:
Outdoor electric sign: $5,000-$10,000 (up to $30,000)
Outdoor lighted sign: $500-$5,000
LED business sign: $750-$30,000 (custom design and installation at higher end)
Things that affect cost:
Size: Bigger signs require more material and are more to transport and install.
Complexity: More design, more colors, more illumination = more cost.
Materials: Aluminum and plastic are cheaper than steel; UV ink is more expensive than solvent ink.
Installation: $100-$200 for simple signs, $2,000-$5,000 for complex installations.
Custom signs: A custom sign with your brand logo and font will cost around $7,500-$10,000 for a lit channel letter sign.
When budgeting for an outdoor sign, get quotes from several local sign companies as prices will vary depending on you and your location. And don’t forget to include permit fees in your budget – they add to the total cost.
