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Signs, signs, everywhere signs. As a business owner, you’re surrounded by signs everywhere you go. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But worry not! Creative SignWorks is here to shed some light on the benefits of illuminated business signs. These signs are not just bright; they’re valuable too. They make your business easier to find and boost readability, whether it’s morning, noon, or night. In today’s blog, we’ll explore the various types of commercial illuminated signs and how they enhance your current advertising efforts.

 

3 Different Types of Commercial Illuminated Signs

1. Pylon Signs

Pylon signs, also known as pole signs or freestanding signs, are a common type of outdoor signage, especially for new businesses looking to stand out. They’re big, bold, and mounted on poles to grab the attention of people walking or driving by. You’ve probably seen them in parking lots, near intersections or along highways. Because they’re tall and noticeable, pylon signs make effective landmarks, making it easier for customers to find businesses.

Common Materials Used to Make Pylon Signs

Pylon signs typically include a strong pole, often made of steel or aluminum, to hold up the sign cabinet. Inside the cabinet, you’ll find the sign’s message or logo, usually made of materials like acrylic or polycarbonate. Energy-efficient LEDs or fluorescent lamps light up these signs. What’s interesting about illuminated pylon signs is that businesses can customize them in many ways. You can pick the size, design and colour that best fits your brand. Plus, you have lots of options for lighting. You can even make the lights flash or pulse to grab extra attention.  While they might cost a bit upfront, illuminated pylon signs are worth it. Highly visible and durable, they practically pay for themselves over time. And because they’re built to handle different weather conditions with minimal upkeep, they’re a smart investment for both new and established businesses.

2. Channel Letter Signs

For businesses diving into sign advertising, channel letter signs stand out as a popular choice. These signs boast 3-dimensional, individually cut letters, perfect for showcasing a company name or logo. You’ve probably spotted them on storefronts and commercial buildings and in shopping malls. There are three main types of channel letter signs: front-lit, reverse-lit (halo-lit), and a combination of both. Front-lit channel letters, the most common type, shine light out of the front face, creating a bright and easy-to-read sign for clients and customers to feast their eyes on. Reverse-lit letters, on the other hand, are illuminated from behind, producing a soft ‘halo’ effect that adds a layer of sophistication. And if you want the best of both worlds, there’s the final type, offering a glow from both the front and the back. No matter which style you choose, each channel letter sign is custom-made, allowing businesses to order unique letters that match their brand perfectly. You can pick fonts, colours, sizes, and shapes to fit your vision. Plus, channel letters are incredibly durable and require little maintenance, making them a smart and potentially cost-effective choice for sign company marketing strategies.

How Channel Letters Signs are Made

Curious about how channel letter signs are made? The process involves crafting individual characters from sturdy materials like aluminum or plastic. Then, the sides of these characters, known as the “returns” are covered with aluminum while the front, or “face” is usually made from a translucent acrylic material. This setup lets light shine through, making the signs highly visible, especially after the sun goes down.

3. Light Box Signs

A light box sign is pretty much what it sounds like. It’s made from boxes or containers, also called cabinets, that use light to brighten up the sign’s face. These boxes are covered with a thin layer of material like vinyl, acrylic, or plastic. This material displays the text and/or graphics, which are lit up from behind by either LED lighting or traditional fluorescent lamps. The white space around your business name and logo creates a striking contrast, making your message and image pop. Light box signs are a fantastic way to showcase your business, whether it’s day or night. They work well in various settings, from storefronts and interiors to pylon signs and monument signs. Light box signs are also one of the most popular types of signage for businesses. They’re bright and durable, can be placed flat against a wall or mounted on a post, and most importantly, they help customers find you, even in poorly lit areas, during both daytime and evening hours. For sign company marketing, light box signs are a must-have. They’re perfect for businesses that want to catch people’s attention and stand out in busy markets. Whether you’re a new business trying to get noticed or an established one looking for a fresh way to advertise, light box signs can help you shine.

How is a Light Box Sign Made?                                      

Light boxes, like other illuminated signs, can be customized so the way they’re made can vary. However, they usually consist of aluminum extrusions for the outer edges and internal braces to add strength. The face of a light box is typically made from acrylic, plexiglass, or metal. But there’s plenty of room for customization! Depending on where the sign will be used and the weather conditions it will face, different materials can be chosen to suit your needs.

 

How Much Do Illuminated Business Signs Cost?

The total cost of a commercial illuminated sign varies depending on the project. If you want to find out what your upcoming project could cost you, the team at Creative SignWorks can help. We can give you a rough estimate or a final quote based on exactly what you need. Just fill out the form linked here to get started.

 

Reasons to Make Illuminated Business Signs a Part of Your Marketing Strategy

Ensures Visibility 24/7

Attract attention to your business day or night with a commercial illuminated sign! Whether you stay open late or close up shop early, having a lit-up sign can make a big difference. Consider those long winter nights in Ontario when it gets dark around 4:30 pm. A well-designed illuminated sign ensures that even on the darkest days, people can still see your business. And even when winter is over, the weather can be unpredictable. You shouldn’t have to worry about that affecting your business. With a bright sign that stands out in any weather, you can keep attracting customers all year round.

Guarantees Your Business is Seen No Matter Location

Not all businesses have the luck of being in the best location. Some are tucked away on side streets, in corners or behind bigger buildings. But with a commercial illuminated sign, your business can stand out no matter where it’s located! Even if customers can’t see the whole sign from where they’re at, they’ll still be able to catch a glimpse of the letters or logo, giving them enough information to know you’re there.

Increased Readability

Even during daylight hours, illuminated signs stand out. The clear contrast between the logo, letters and background makes them easier to read than other signs, catching the eye of potential clients and customers. This contrast improves readability, making your business more noticeable and accessible.

A Continuous Advertising Tool

Illuminated signs are like non-stop advertisements for your business, working around the clock to promote your brand. With essential information and branding on display day and night, your business gets constant exposure. It’s like having a 24/7 ad campaign, ensuring your business is always in the spotlight.

Increased Brand Recognition

Boosting brand awareness can be challenging but illuminated business signs make it simple. Their captivating lights grab the attention of passersby, sparking curiosity and interest. With consistent exposure to these signs, people become familiar with your business over time. This familiarity builds subconscious associations, making your business their go-to choice for products or services.

They Simply Look Great

At the end of the day, illuminated signs are a great investment for businesses because they look impressive! Your sign is often the first thing new customers or clients notice, and it shapes their initial impressions of your business – and those first impressions are crucial. Opting for an illuminated sign isn’t just about practicality; it’s also about aesthetics. Choosing one of the various types of illuminated signs for your business exterior showcases professionalism and sets a positive tone for your brand.

 

How to Design a Commercial Illuminated Sign for Your Business

Step 1: Define the Purpose

So, you’ve decided to brighten up your business with a commercial illuminated sign. That’s awesome! But what’s the goal? Are you aiming to improve advertising, aesthetics, or your brand? Answering this question along with identifying your target audience is essential before getting started on any design ideas.

Step 2: Decide the Placement and Size of Your Sign

Now that you know why you want an illuminated sign, let’s talk about where to put it. Will it hang on the side of your building, sit on the front, or be placed on the tall post outside of the shopping mall? It’s crucial to decide this early in the process before diving into designs. The size of your sign will vary depending on its placement. Keep in mind, that if it’s too small, it might be tough for people to read. So, choose a size that ensures clear visibility from a variety of distances.

Step 3: Finally the Fun Part– Design the Sign with Creative SignWorks!

Deciding who designs your sign is key. While you could do it yourself, we suggest letting the pros at Creative SignWorks handle it. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to craft a sign that nails your brand and speaks to your audience. Plus, you still get to call the shots, picking colours and fonts while we work our magic behind the scenes.

 

Contact Creative SignWorks to Get Started on Your Commercial Illuminated Sign!

Whether you’re looking to spruce up an existing illuminated sign or install front-lit channel letters on your building’s façade, Creative SignWorks has you covered. With over two decades of experience and expertise in both traditional and modern sign-making, we’re equipped to craft top-notch custom signs. Using state-of-the-art computer design and digitally printed graphics, we’ll make sure your business stands out, day and night! Contact us today to get started on creating your custom illuminated business signs!