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Your company’s sign plays an essential role in attracting customers and conveying your brand’s values. Purchasing one is not a decision to rush into – it involves careful considerations, from financial planning to understanding local regulations. Even after weighing these factors, there are several essential steps that must be followed before your sign can be installed. In today’s blog, we’ll delve into these necessary considerations and outline the essential steps involved in purchasing business signs. Continue reading to gain expert tips and guidance on everything you need to know about buying custom commercial signs.

 

Things to Consider Before Investing in Custom Business Signs

How Much can you Afford?

Investing in a sign is a smart choice. It pays to spend more – and no, we’re not just saying that! Cutting corners on a sign that can enhance foot traffic, boost sales and build your brand quickly isn’t wise. But at the same time, you don’t want to overspend and find yourself in financial strain after buying your custom commercial sign. Take the time to calculate your budget carefully to ensure you can comfortably afford your investment without financial stress.

If Renting a Commercial Property, Consider Landlord Requirements

If you’re leasing your space, there may be specific requirements for signage. For example, there could be rules about the size, colours and even which vendor to use for manufacturing and installing the sign. Reviewing your lease and having an open conversation with your landlord in advance helps avoid any confusion and potential issues.

Municipal By-Laws and Variances  

Whenever a sign is installed on a building or in the ground, a sign and building permit is required. If you’re managing signage for multiple locations, it’s important to understand that each municipality has its own sign by-laws. Research these regulations in advance and inform your sign company of any design requirements that apply. Your municipality can assist you with acquiring the necessary permits.

Indoor or Outdoor Business Signs – Where will Your Sign be Displayed?

When selecting business signs, it’s helpful to decide if you need them for indoors, outdoors, or both. Outdoor business signs need to be tough enough to endure different weather conditions. Take time to consider whether to hang or mount your sign and how to make it stand out among other businesses and the surroundings. These decisions will influence your choice of materials, fonts and colours, ensuring your sign grabs attention and communicates your brand message effectively.

Design Elements

When designing a sign, several key elements must be considered. Contrast and colour combinations are critical. Your letters should stand out from the background for easy readability. Use complementary and contrasting colours to achieve this. Spacing is also important. Ensure your letters don’t run off the edge or look awkwardly placed. Choose a legible and simple font so customers and passersby can read it clearly. Proper sizing is essential, too. Always measure the space where your sign will be placed and size the letters accordingly. Finally, balance the amount of negative space to create a clean and professional look.

 

The 3 Steps to Buy Custom Business Signs

Step 1: The Buying Process

Identifying Your Needs

Before purchasing any sign, it’s crucial to follow several key steps. The buying process sets the foundation for your company’s sign. The first step is to identify your needs. This involves considering your target audience, location, branding and any local regulations that may impact your new sign. Once you’ve identified your needs, clarify the sign’s purpose: is it for company marketing, wayfinding, branding or a mix of these objectives? By thoroughly evaluating your needs and requirements, you’ll be ready to move to the next phase of the buying process, getting one step closer to that custom sign!

Determining a Realistic Budget

Once you understand your needs, the requirements of your sign and the preferences of your target market, you can establish a more precise budget. This budget should account for the initial investment and potential long-term costs of your custom commercial signs, such as maintenance, repairs and upgrades. It’s also crucial to consider the expected return on investment (ROI) to ensure the signs align with your business goals.

Research and Planning

Like any investment, research and planning are essential. It’s important to explore the types of signs available for your company and their marketing advantages. Consider the materials they’re made of, their durability, visibility and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, weigh the pros and cons of different sign placements.

 

Step 2: Understanding the Different Types of Custom Business Signs

At Creative SignWorks, we could write a textbook on all the different types of business signs available – and there probably already is one! But for today’s blog, we’ll focus on some of the most popular interior and exterior business signs. Below we’ll discuss these signs and explain why you should consider them to boost your company’s marketing efforts.

• Pylon Signs

Pylon signs are tall, freestanding structures commonly seen near roadways or highways. Made from materials like aluminum, steel, acrylic or illuminated with LED panels, these signs display business names, logos and sometimes directional information. Placing them at the entrances of business complexes or along busy roads helps catch the attention of passing drivers. Pylon signs are great for businesses like gas stations, hotels, shopping malls and large retail stores. They help your business stand out amongst heavy traffic and attract potential customers.

• Wayfinding Signs

Interior wayfinding signs play a central role in guiding customers, patients and visitors to specific locations within your building. They typically feature directional arrows, text and symbols, enhancing navigation and accessibility. Placed strategically at intersections, hallways and entrances, these signs ensure clear guidance throughout your establishment. Wayfinding signs are invaluable across various environments – from hospitals and large offices to universities and shopping centres – ensuring a smooth and pleasant experience for everyone. Made from durable materials like aluminum, acrylic, PVC, or vinyl, these signs are tailored to withstand their specific environments.

• Channel Letter Signs

Channel letter signs are three-dimensional, individually crafted letters or shapes that are constructed from materials like aluminum, acrylic, stainless steel and commonly illuminated using energy-efficient LED lights. Installed on the exterior of buildings, they create a striking display that remains visible around the clock. Channel letter signs are most effective when placed on building facades, storefronts, or high-traffic areas. Businesses across various industries, including restaurants, retail stores, banks, hotels and entertainment venues, benefit greatly from these eye-catching signs. Channel letter signs provide a visually appealing and dynamic way to showcase a business’s name and brand, increasing visibility and attracting customers, especially after the sun goes down.

• Partial Vehicle Graphics

Partial vehicle graphics involve branding, logos or advertising applied to company vehicles, effectively turning them into mobile marketing platforms. Ideally placed on the exteriors of cars, trucks or trailers, these graphics are particularly beneficial for businesses such as food trucks, contractors and service-based companies. By using partial vehicle graphics, you transform your fleet into moving advertisements that promote your brand effortlessly. These graphics are made from durable and weather-resistant materials like vinyl wraps or decals. They can be applied and removed without damaging the vehicle’s surface, ensuring flexibility and ease of use for your marketing needs.

 

Step 3: Finding a Reputable Signage Company

Once you’ve identified your needs, set a budget and determined the type of sign that suits your business, the next step is finding a reputable signage company to make it happen. Start by asking for recommendations within your industry or network from businesses that have worked with signage companies before. Their insights can offer valuable guidance into different companies’ capabilities. Additionally, conduct thorough research on signage companies in your local area. Be specific in your search; for example, whether you’re looking for screen printed signs in St. Catharines area or LED message boards in Niagara Falls, tailor your search accordingly. Read reviews and consider ratings on various websites, including Google and industry-specific directories. When researching, review companies’ portfolios to assess the quality, creativity and range of their work. Ensure their capabilities align with your specific needs. You can explore our expansive portfolio here to see examples of our work. If you’re impressed with what you find in portfolios and case studies, the next step is to reach out and request a quote. A comprehensive quote should outline pricing, timelines, materials and all services provided, including design, manufacturing, installation and potential maintenance. At Creative SignWorks, we offer detailed consultations to create impactful signage tailored to your business needs. Get started with us today to bring your vision to life.

 

Get Started on Your Custom Business Signs With Creative SignWorks!

At Creative SignWorks, we have the design expertise, manufacturing equipment, installation technology and skilled professionals to help you successfully and safely install custom business signs. With over 20 years of experience serving the Niagara Region, Creative SignWorks offers a variety of signs you’ll be proud to display. From screen printed signs for your St. Catharines shop to wayfinding systems for your clinic, you can trust Creative SignWorks to meet your needs. Contact us today to discuss the signage options available to you.