Custom business signs in Mississauga can be designed to serve several purposes. Whether you need a wayfinding, digital, or storefront sign, you want to ensure it serves its purpose well, and that you are getting your money’s worth. Your sign should have brilliant colours that will last, is made with durable materials, and is low maintenance. Therefore, before you invest in your custom business sign, you should take these 9 steps to make sure it turns out perfect.
1. Choose the right type of business sign
You won’t get very far in your sign design without first deciding which type is right for your needs. There are tons of signs to choose from, including:
- Illuminated channel letter signs that are ideal for larger buildings requiring branding.
- Pylon signs that are ideal for locations requiring a large marker leading up to the building or complex.
- L.E.D. computerized signs, which are ideal if you are located on a main street where you can advertise and make announcements.
- Metal letter or illuminated signs, if you want a more sophisticated, polished look.
- Custom wood signs for a more traditional business, which are ideal for inns, B&Bs, restaurants, and more.
- Digital print or vinyl signs that are ideal for advertising and messaging.
These are just a few examples of the types of custom business signs that companies offer. Beyond the purpose of the sign, when making your choice, also speak to your designer about maintenance and durability. As mentioned, you want to get the most bang for your buck with a sign that won’t require too much upkeep, and will stand up to the elements for years to come.
2. Elements your sign requires
Once you know what type of custom business sign you need, you can consider the design elements that will represent your brand, while still catching people’s attention. Some important elements include:
- Ensuring your logo and branding is recognizable.
- Considering the messaging of your sign.
- Whether you wish to include your business slogan.
- What contact information you wish to include.
- Other details such as a brief mention of what you do.
3. The design of your sign
Consider the elements and how you can incorporate them to get your message across quickly. Keeping in mind people usually have just 5 seconds or less to read a sign, you want to ensure the design is as concise as possible. Considerations include:
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Main goal of your sign. What is the message? Is it simply to identify your business? Is it an ad? Do you want to explain what you do? Will you provide contact information?
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Message. What is the most important element of your sign? Is it just your company name or logo? Is there room for contact information? Do you need to remove some information to ensure people get the point of the sign?
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Hierarchy. If your sign is an advertisement, the hierarchy is important. Start with an easy to understand, short headline, then the body text, and then the call to action. The font size should be smaller for the less important elements of the sign and every line should be readable.
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Colour and style. The colour and style of your sign should reflect your brand. However, it also has to be easy to read, so avoid having lettering on a background colour that won’t have enough contrast or that will cause the two colours to “vibrate”, making it hard to understand. The font style should also be easy to read. If you have a difficult-to-read font in your logo, consider using the logo, and then add a more legible font to your branding guide for other lettering.
4. Location, location, location
Make sure you choose the best possible location for your sign, where it will be easily read and get the most attention. Whether it is a storefront sign, an ad, or a wayfinding sign, it must be placed where it will have maximum exposure.
5. Find a sign maker
You want an experienced sign maker that offers a long list of choices. However, you also want to ensure they can show you samples of their work so you can drive around and check them out. Your sign maker should be available when you need them, and offer input and recommendations to ensure your sign turns out exactly as planned.
6. Have a point person
If you are a small business owner, this becomes easier as it’s just you making the big decisions. However, in larger companies, too many people adding input can lead to communication breakdowns that ruin the outcome of your sign. Have one person designated as the point person and a small group of people involved in decisions. This keeps things moving forward and avoids delays for approvals.
7. Set a budget
Make sure you set a budget and share it with your sign maker upfront. This will avoid discussions about signs out of your price range. You can focus on what will work best for your needs within your budget.
8. Choose an installation date
To ensure you don’t miss out on opportunities, choose an installation date that gives you plenty of time. This is the best way to avoid mistakes or making rash decisions due to time pressures. If there is an important date, such as an event or your business opening date, request the sign installation or delivery at least a week ahead, so delays won’t have a negative impact on the final installation time. Set a schedule with key dates, such as budget approvals, initial drawings/proof of the sign, and final approval before production, to keep things on track.
9. Approve everything
Using your schedule, be certain the point person receives all critical approvals from the final cost to the design, and colour checks to materials. Without approvals, you are certain to run into issues with the final product as expectations won’t be met. This also ensures you have time to correct errors or identify things approved that might not work as you expected. Changes can be made to create a perfect final product.
These steps will ensure you have the perfect sign for your business. If you would like to learn more about business signs, speak to our team at New Style Signs today.
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