You’ve learned about the why and how of signs, what type of sign could be best for your business, and how best to light your signs. Now, it’s time for possibly the most important part of your signage: your sign design and placement. A poorly designed sign will never bring in foot traffic even if it’s on a beautiful monument. The brightest spotlight on the market can’t save a sign that’s blocked by a tree. But if you’re reading this, it’s not too late. We’re here to give you the guidelines you need to design your business an attractive, readable sign. And don’t worry–if this all is too overwhelming, remember that MRCsigns’ graphic design team has you covered.
Sign Design
Signage design uses the same basic principles of design as anything else, but with some exceptions. Because signs are designed to be viewed from a distance, signs have to be clear and readable first and foremost. The most important factors that affect your sign design’s readability are its colors, text, and complexity.
Sign Colors
Your brand probably has its own colors, especially if you already have a logo. How you apply these colors on the sign, however, can make or break your signage’s design. High contrast colors, such as black and white, make signs more readable when used sparingly. Low contrast colors, such as blue and green, can muddy the design of your sign. Easy rules of thumb when designing your sign include making sure you don’t put light colors on top of light colors or dark colors on top of dark colors, as well as making sure you don’t add too many colors. For example, which of the below signs has a more readable color scheme?
The design of this sign features low-contrast, hard-to-read colors.
The design of this sign uses high-contrast, readable colors.
Sign Text
The text of your sign is crucial. Without it, how will customers know what you’re advertising, what your business’s name is, or what you do? At the same time, however, it’s important to make sure you don’t include too much. No one can read an entire paragraph while speeding down Main Street at 45 mph. The most important text on your sign also needs to be big enough to read at a distance, and quickly.
The font you use also matters. Calligraphy or script fonts look beautiful and may suit your business very well, but they are harder to read. Studies have shown that script- or handwriting-style fonts can be more than three times less legible than standard, non-script fonts. Consider putting information on your sign in clear, large font. After all, which of the below signs would you be more likely to read on your commute home?
The design of this sign features hard to read script-style fonts.
The design of this sign uses high-contrast, readable colors.
Sign Complexity
Much like simpler fonts make your sign more readable, simpler designs make your sign more readable, too. Though you may be tempted to add your logo and your business name and your tagline and the services you offer and your latest sale and a QR code to your website and a picture of your dog, don’t. Too many elements in your signage will reduce it to background noise in your customer’s eyes. Instead, focus on the most important elements, and make sure each element has enough room on your sign.
The design of this sign is too crowded and busy to be legible.
The design of this sign features a simple, easily readable layout.
These graphic design principles can get your signage design from mediocre to eye-catching. But if it’s still an intimidating concept or if you just don’t have time, MRCsigns has you covered. Our graphic design team can take your existing brand and design you an eye-catching sign to suit your business’s needs. Reach out to our sales team now to get a quote for your signage design.
Sign Placement
Where you place your signage is the most important factor of all. Good signage can make your business eye-catching for potential customers, make your business easier to find for new customers, and reduce friction for existing customers–but only if it’s visible.
It’s important to consider the size of your sign when deciding where to put it. A small banner may be effective above your business’s entrance, but it won’t be nearly as effective by the side of the road. Similarly, a sign placed perpendicular to the road is relatively easy to read, but the same design placed parallel to the road may need to be up to 70% larger in order to be read in time.
If you want passing drivers to be able to locate your business, it’s important that your signage be visible from the road, and from far enough down the road that it can be read before the driver passes it. Signs need to be large enough to read and large enough to be eye-catching. These signs can take the form of your business’s own monument or pylon sign or a multi-tenant sign arranged by a landlord for all the businesses in your complex. Additionally, you’ve got to make sure your signage isn’t blocked by any landscaping, architecture, or other obstacles.
Don’t forget, local ordinances may have restrictions around where you can place your business’s signage. But you don’t need to make big signage decisions or wade through legal jargon by yourself. MRCsigns’s signage and permitting experts can make sure your sign is placed in the most optimal location with no fuss.
Now It’s Your Turn
Now that you’ve read all of our Signs 101 series, you’re ready to plan the perfect signage for your business. Need a refresher? Missed our previous installments? Check out why your business needs a sign, all the different types of signs, and the details of signage lighting on our previous blogs.
If you want a useful guide for choosing the best signage for you, we’ve got a cheat sheet to make choosing your signage as easy as M-R-C. Enter your email below to gain access to our signage cheat sheet and other future offers!
Once you’ve finished your cheat sheet and know exactly what type of sign you want, be sure to contact us for a quote for your signage project!
Over the past two weeks, we’ve discussed why your business needs a sign and all the types of signs your business could have. This week, we’re talking about how lighting can take your sign from good to great.
If you’re happy with your current signage design, placement, and type, but still feel your sign is missing something, the problem might be its lighting. No matter how great your sign is, if it’s invisible at night, it’s only reaching half of its potential. Lighting can do more than just spotlight your existing signage. It enhances your sign and your brand by helping your sign stand out, creating different moods, and giving your sign personality.
Types of Light
When you think of illuminated signs, do you think of glowing, colorful letters reading “Open!” or “No Vacancy”? These are classic examples of neon signs. Neon signs have historically been a go-to option for signage. Popular throughout the first half of the 20th century, they work by passing electricity through a glass tube full of gasses, primarily neon. Different gasses and gas ratios produce different colors.
Make no mistake: neon signs can give your business a unique retro flair. On the other hand, they can also give your business a massive headache. Neon signs are fragile and prone to leaking gas, require significant upkeep, and have a shorter lifespan than other lighting options.
LED, or light-emitting diode, is the bread and butter of modern signage lighting solutions. It is the most energy efficient and cheapest of all of your lighting options. LEDs use 75% less energy than incandescent lighting and last nearly twenty-five times as long, according to the Department of Energy. Additionally, LEDs and LED signage are incredibly versatile. In fact, it’s likely that many of the signs around you that you think are neon are clever LED replicas.
Would you use LED lighting for your business’s sign?
Types of Lighting
Lighting is often categorized in two ways: “lighted” or “lit” signs, which are lit with one of the several types of external light, and “illuminated” signs, which are illuminated from within through a variety of techniques. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Be sure to establish what exactly you’re talking about with your sign professionals.
External Signage Lighting
External lighting is a flexible lighting option that can achieve many different effects. Existing signs can have exterior lighting installed, making your signage work overtime to promote your business even at night. Mounting lighting strategically can enhance your signage as well. Lighting can be used to spotlight interesting textures or architectural features on or around your signage. Different colors, luminosity, or amounts of lights can enhance the mood of your signage. For example, the scalloped effect created by having multiple, smaller point lights is very different from the soft gradient effect created by a single linear light.
You have many options when choosing how to light your sign. Some of the most popular and accessible types of external lights include:
Flood lights: Flood lights can light up large signs and the surrounding areas. If you need cost-saving, multifunctional lighting, this may be most effective.
Linear lights: Linear lights are very popular, in part because they provide even, comparatively soft, but still clear lighting.
Spotlights/point lights/bullet lights: there are many names for smaller, more focused lights, but all are versatile and useful. When used singly, they are effective at bringing attention to a feature, be it graphic or architectural. When used in combination, they can light up an entire sign and create unique visual effects.
Internal Signage Lighting
Illuminated signs, or signs which are primarily lit from the inside, are incredibly common for modern businesses. Any design you can dream of can be illuminated, making it pop without sacrificing detail. Illuminated signs can be divided into two subcategories:
Channel letters: Have you ever seen a business whose name just glowed? That was probably a channel letter sign. These signs can either be face lit, meaning the light within shines out only through the face, or front, of the letter; or backlit, with the light shining out of the back of the letter to create a halo effect. Despite the name, this technique doesn’t just apply to letters. Your logo can pop, too!
LED lights sit inside channel letters.
Channel letter signage makes businesses glow.
Cabinet signs: These signs are also referred to as “lightbox” signs, because a lightbox sign is a box… with a light in it! In cabinet signs, a frame holds your design(s) with light behind or between, depending on whether both sides of the sign are visible. Cabinet signs are especially useful for detailed designs such as photography.
Cabinet signs hold lights within the frame.
Cabinet signs can hold your business’s photos.
Now that you understand the options you have for lighting new or existing signage, join us next week for our final Signage 101 lesson on sign design and placement. If all this signage info is overwhelming, we’ve got a tool coming out next week to make choosing your signage as easy as M-R-C. Follow us on social media or signing up for our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss out. If you’re ready for the next step, reach out to our team to get a quote.
This week, you’re ready to take the next step towards improving your business. You know that signage can improve your business’s brand recognition, increase foot traffic, ensure would-be customers don’t get lost, and even promote deals and sales. You also know that creating your signage can be a complex process, but that we here at MRC Signs are prepared to help you every step of the way. In fact, we’re here now to guide you through your next step: deciding exactly what type of sign you need.
Signs can be as diverse and creative as you and your business are, and they come in many shapes and sizes. We’ve broken them down into three main categories: building-mounted, freestanding, and interior. We’ve also provided a brief description of each. Feel free to skip around!
Building-Mounted Signs
Building-mounted signs are signs that are attached to your building in some way. These signs are key to brand and locational awareness. They can be especially useful when square footage is limited or when multiple businesses are under one roof. To customers, building-mounted signs are most useful on buildings which are visible from the road or when used in combination with other signs that point the way.
Awnings: Awnings extend out from the building, usually over a door. This type of signage has multiple uses. In addition to advertising your brand and maximizing curb appeal, it can also provide potential customers with shelter from the sun and the rain.
Window Signs:Window signs are signs which are attached to, applied on, or hang behind a window. These are usually supposed to be viewed from the outside of the building.
Sign Bands: For buildings with multiple tenants, sign bands run above multiple entrances and display the branding and signage for each business.
Wall Signs: Wall signs are signs which attach to the exterior of a building, usually just below the roof. These signs are also sometimes called fascia signs due to the name of the trim they connect to.
Projecting Signs: Projecting signs are signs which are mounted on the wall of the building and project out, away from the building.
Roof Signs: Roof signs are signs that are mounted on the roof of a business but do not extend above the roof line or change the outline of the building.
Parapet Signs: Parapet signs are mounted on the parapet, a railing or wall along the edge of a roof. They extend upwards past the roof line, changing the building’s outline.
Freestanding Signs
Freestanding signs are signs which are not attached to a building. They are useful for catching the attention of drivers, especially when the entrance of your business is not immediately visible from the street. These signs can be some of the flashiest and most eye-catching, perfect for unique designs and head-turning appeal.
Pylon Signs: Pylon signs are tall signs with visible support structures or poles. Sometimes, however, the poles are covered and incorporated into the design. Pylon signs can also be called “pole signs.” Particularly tall pylon signs are sometimes referred to as “high rise.”
Multi-Tenant Signs: Much like sign bands, multi-tenant signs accommodate buildings with multiple tenants within. Unlike sign bands, these signs are not mounted to the building. These are often found at the entrances to plazas or strip malls and advertise what stores customers can find inside.
Monument Signs: Monument signs are one of the most common types of sign. Monument signs are lower to the ground and have a solid base instead of a pole or other support structure. Often, these types of signs are required by landlords or local ordinances.
Directional Signs: Directional signs point the way to drivers and pedestrians, especially towards hidden entrances. These are often paired with an additional sign or signs which advertise the name and logo of the associated business.
Electronic Message Centers (EMCs): EMCs are signs with digital displays, making it possible for your business to display changing messages, ads, or information. These signs should not be overlooked. Though EMCs can be a large initial investment, they will change with your business and communicate vital info to your customers. Whether you’re rebranding, having a blowout sale, or hosting a huge event, EMCs can keep up.
Vehicle Wraps: Vehicles wrapped with your branding are moving signs for your business. Wrapping your company vehicles expands the reach of your brand far beyond what a typical sign would provide.
Interior Signs
Don’t let interior signage be an afterthought for your business. Interior signs are crucial for navigation and can influence the buying decisions of your customers. In some cases, they are even mandatory. However, they can also add flair and bring your branding into your interior. The sky’s the limit.
Regulatory: Regulatory signs are mandatory signs enforced by local ordinances or laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act or fire codes. These often denote structures such as elevators, bathrooms, or stairways.
Directory Signs: Like multi-tenant signs, directory signs display information about the businesses present in a building. Often, these also display maps or other locational information. You may have seen these signs in a mall letting you know “you are here.”
Directional Signs: Also known as wayfinding signs, directional signs move your customers through your building and ensure no one gets lost.
Point-of-Purchase Signs: Point-of-purchase signs are signs located within your business. They may advertise sales, deals, or products, and are effective at influencing buyer decisions and increasing sales.
Each type of sign has its own strengths. It can be a real challenge to decide what type will suit your business best. Keep this guide handy on your sign journey, and join us next week to discuss the lighting of your signage and how this important factor can make your business shine.
Still have questions? No worries, we’ve got you. Get our next installment directly in your inbox by signing up for our newsletter. Or, if you’re ready for the next step, reach out to our team to get a quote.
We’ve all had that experience. You’re driving home from a long day at work. At a red light, you glance to the side, and- woah, that logo looks cool. What a creative business name. Maybe I’ll stop by tomorrow. Or maybe you’re on an errand and spot the glowing letters of your favorite fast food chain. Looks like a new location has popped up, positioned conveniently between your house and the grocery store. Score.
On the other hand, we’ve all experienced this, too: you’re trying to find a specific location, maybe to drop off a package or pick up that niche supply you’ve been needing. “Your destination is on the left,” intones Google Maps, but when you crane your neck, you don’t see it. It takes three loops around the block and a lot of cursing before you find an unmarked entrance in the back of the building. You grumble as you get out of the car. How does anyone find this place?
According to the Sign Research Foundation, 36% of American consumers have gone out of their way to visit a new store because of the sign, and 61% of American consumers have failed to find a business because their sign was too small or unclear.
Making an excellent first impression–or an impression at all–is a crucial part of drawing customers into your business. Signage is your opportunity to introduce yourself and your brand, increase brand awareness, direct customers to the right location, and even advertise deals or specials all in one place and for a much lower price than a long ad campaign or TV spot.
But creating signage, like any other business venture, can be complex. Here at MRC Signs, our goal is to help you create signage that wows and to make that process as easy and transparent as possible.
How Signs Are Made
“Signs are easy, right? You just design it, manufacture it, and put it up.”
If only! The behind-the-scenes of sign creation is complex. Many hands must touch a sign to make it successful. At MRC Signs, we drive this process from start to finish:
Sales: Signs start as an idea. Our sales staff work with you to decide on your budget, needs, goals, and aspirations, then put it all together to send to our designers.
Design: Our designers work with you to create the perfect sign that incorporates your branding, logo, color, and business name with any technical limitations you may have.
Quote: Once you know what you want–or if you already know what you want–our sales team sends you a quote.
Permitting: After you approve the quote, our team has to do some heavy lifting: paperwork. Our permitting team works with local officials to make sure your signage complies with local laws and regulations.
Manufacturing: Also called fabrication, our team uses the best materials to manufacture your sign.
Installation: The big reveal: your sign goes up! Our fully equipped vehicles install your signs with the highest quality workmanship.
Maintenance: To keep your sign as enticing as the day it was installed, schedule regular, preventative maintenance.
MRC Signs has committed our expert team to making this complex process as easy, transparent, and professional as possible. Give us your dream sign idea and we’ll make it work.
Essential Characteristics of a Good Sign
Signs can be as creative as you and your business are, and come in many shapes and sizes. Four main characteristics describe every sign: its type, its lighting, and its design and placement.
Each of these features impacts how your brand is viewed by potential customers, so nailing them is crucial to making a good first impression. Join us next week for an in-depth discussion of types of signs and what will make you stand out above the rest. Still have questions? No worries, we’ve got you. Get our next installment directly in your inbox by signing up for our newsletter, or if you’re ready for the next step, reach out to our team to get a quote.
It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone. If you look at the front of your business, how is your sign holding up? Does it looks faded? Is it worn out or damaged? And what about your business’s logo? When was the last time it had a facelift? At MRC Signs, we can help you kick off the new year with a new look for your business. We even create LED signs for Bucks County, PA, businesses. Not sure if you need a new sign? Here are some things you might want to consider.
How old is your logo? If your logo was designed over 15 years ago, it might be time to give it a makeover. Design elements that were popular back then, like gradients and shading, might look dated now. You don’t want to send the message to consumers that you’re stuck in the past. A new logo can do wonders to update your company’s image.
Is your logo or sign too cluttered? Think about the most recognizable brands – Apple, Nike, Starbucks – what do they have in common? All of these companies have very basic logos that are easy to identify. Simple and clean is the way to go when it comes to recognizable signage. Choose a smooth design or uncomplicated image and don’t add too much text.
Does your sign accurately represent your business? Let’s say you own a restaurant with a tropical beach theme. It’s a fun, casual place to eat. So if your sign made use of dull colors, images of mountains and an elaborate script font, people walking in the door are going to be very confused. While this might be an extreme example, it is true that your sign helps people form an expectation of what your business has to offer.
Greet the new year and your new potential customers with an updated sign from MRC Signs. To make sure everyone sees your sign, and other outdoor areas of your business, we also offer commercial lighting in the Philadelphia area. Even if you’re not quite sure what you want, just come to us with a few ideas. We’ll be able to help you design and create an attractive new sign that will stand the test of time.
