Lemberg Blog

4 Considerations When Choosing A Design and Location for Outdoor Business Signs

Written by John Wachniak | Oct 26, 2021

When replacing or creating a brand new business sign, sign placement probably isn't the first thing on your mind. From the planning stages to the final installation of your signage, every decision you make has the potential to affect views, impressions, message clarity, and energy efficiency.

Keep these four considerations in mind when choosing a location for outdoor business signs.

1. Your Business Signs Should Complement and Contrast with Buildings

There is a fine line between attractive and tacky, and most business owners don’t want the sign for their business to stick out like a sore thumb. If your business is in a strip mall or adjacent to nearby buildings, your sign should complement those neighboring structures in addition to your own building. Consider the color of the building, the materials it’s constructed from, and try to make your business sign an attractive part of the scenery without sacrificing the ‘stand out’ quality of your new advertisement.

Another consideration regarding complementing and contrasting with buildings is that it is important to understand that many tenant properties file “master sign plans” with their respective municipality. These plans dictate sign material, size, color, and more. Their purpose is to adhere to property standards and achieve a streamlined look.

2. Choose the Correct Size and Design of Your Business Sign

Clear communication and branding for your company are the primary goals of your business sign, and you certainly want to send the right impression to potential customers. If your sign is too small, too large, or isn’t visible to the right customer base, you’ll only end up wasting money and see little reward for your investment. Design professionals will lend valuable expertise in regard to proper color combinations, material application, font choice and more to ensure the highest level of visibility and impact for your sign.

3. What’s the Right Type of Outdoor Sign For Your Business?

"Outdoor Sign" is a pretty general term. There are a lot of specific categories to choose from, and customizable options within those categories. Here is a list of general commercial sign options to consider:

  • Free Standing Signs
    • Pylon - mounted on poles, can be seen from a distance
    • Monument - ground level
    • Digital - LED digital signage
    • Multi-Level Panels - holds various signage for a single location
    • Directional and Wayfinding

  • Building Mounted Signs
    • Wall Cabinet - mounted to a side of the wall
    • Channel Letters - lettering installed on the outside of the building
    • Plate or Flat Cut Letters - lettering at eye-level
    • Projecting Signs and Awnings - projecting from the side of a building

To get more details on each of these types of commercial signs and to determine which is the best option for your business, click here.

4. Hire a Commercial Sign Company to Handle Municipal Restrictions and Permitting

Dealing with municipal restrictions for outdoor signage and getting the proper permits for installing new business signs can be extremely stressful for those unfamiliar with the process.

One of the many benefits of working with a commercial sign company is that they will ensure that your sign meets all local municipal guidelines and restrictions. Adhering to local ordinances can be tricky, but it’s important to adhere to municipal code in regard to sign size, placement and lighting.

Our certified team of installers will take care of every detail while ensuring your project is done on time and on budget, allowing you to focus on your business.

5. Take Great Care with Mounting and Installing Business Signs

Proper installation and mounting are possibly the most important aspects of sign placement. Professional mounting ensures that your customers will be safe and that your outdoor sign will be in place for a long time. Mounting signs properly is a job best left to the professionals, and there will likely be additional building codes to meet in this process.

With less than 10 seconds to capture a prospective customer's attention , outdoor sign lighting and placement is critical to brand recognition for your place of business. Oftentimes factors like adherence to local ordinances and safety requirements work hand in hand with size and design to ensure the placement of a well-designed, manufactured, and installed sign that is sure to drive business. Working with a sign company that understands all of these important factors will give you peace of mind and help you reach your goals.

Our certified installers are backed with engineering experience and will facilitate all types of installations. Learn more about our sign installation services for commercial businesses here.

For more information on business signs, sign types, custom LED signs and installation services, contact Lemberg Signs and Lighting or call 262.781.1500. Or request a free estimate now.