Guide to Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Business Sign

Did you know that 76% of consumers have entered a store they’ve never visited before based solely on its sign?

But here’s the challenge: Considering the countless sign options, from classic channel letters to bright LED displays, how do you pick the right one? 

Which material will last longer? What design will catch the right eye? Which font will match your brand? And how do you navigate those tricky local sign regulations?

This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll explore different types of outdoor signs, help you pick the right materials, and show you design tricks that work. You’ll learn how to choose a sign that not only follows local rules but also fits your business perfectly.

Essential outdoor sign types for maximizing business visibility

Let’s look at some top proven sign types that help businesses stand out:

• Illuminated signs: These bright performers work around the clock, ensuring your business stays visible day and night. LED-powered illuminated signs use less energy than traditional lighting while providing clear, crisp visibility that catches attention even in bad weather.

• 3D letter signs: Also called dimensional or channel letters, these signs add depth and professionalism to your building’s exterior. They cast natural shadows and create visual interest, making your business name or logo pop against any background.

• Monument signs: Ideal for larger premises, restaurants, hotels, business parks and more. These signs make a memorable entrance for anyone entering and are also key for helping visitors easily find the entrance.
• Elevated signs: Mounted high on poles or buildings, elevated signs help you reach customers from farther away. They’re especially valuable on busy streets or near highways where drivers need time to spot your business and make decisions.
• Bronze plaques: They offer elegance and durability, making them ideal for displaying business information, historical details, or recognition awards. Their weather-resistant properties and timeless appeal make them particularly suitable for professional offices and historic buildings.

• Window graphics: Modern window films offer versatile design options while maintaining interior visibility. They provide an effective way to display business information and promotional messages directly at the street level.

One idea is to combine multiple sign types – like an elevated illuminated sign with dimensional letters at your entrance – to create multiple touchpoints for potential customers. 

Types of illuminated outdoor signs for businesses

There are several types of illuminated storefront signage options that keep your brand visible 24/7, turning darkness into an opportunity to attract customers.

Popular types of illuminated signs:

• Halo-lit signs: These create a gentle glow behind your letters or logo, bouncing light off the wall to produce an elegant halo effect. They’re perfect for businesses aiming for an upscale, modern look.
• Lighted panel signs: With their internally lit translucent faces, these signs give you plenty of room for text and graphics. They work great for displaying your brand name, menus, business hours, or service lists.

• Lighted monument signs: These are freestanding illuminated structures that are built tough and can display multiple business names, which can be ideal for office parks or shopping centers.

Key benefits:

• Your business stays visible in darkness and bad weather.
• LED technology keeps energy costs low.
• Signs look professional day and night.
• Your brand stands out when competitors’ signs go dark.

The right illuminated sign creates a distinct evening presence that helps you reach customers. Plus, with modern LED technology, you get bright, clear visibility without high energy bills.

Durability meets design with Impact Signs

Material selection can make all the difference. At Impact Signs, we know how to choose the perfect outdoor sign material that balances between durability and visual appeal.

Our material selection process begins with a thorough analysis of your specific needs. 

• We consider local weather conditions, sign placement and exposure, your brand’s visual requirements, maintenance preferences, and budget considerations, ensuring that your sign is built to last.
• We use only premium, architectural-grade materials in our signs. 
• Our weather-sealed components and LED systems, rated for over 100,000 hours of operation, provide exceptional longevity and performance.

We use weatherproofing techniques for harsh environments, specialized coating systems that enhance color retention, and advanced illumination materials that reduce energy costs. For environmentally-conscious businesses, we also offer eco-friendly options that maintain our high-quality standards.

While premium materials may cost more initially, they offer significant long-term value through reduced maintenance requirements, lower replacement frequency, and better energy efficiency for illuminated signs.

Top tips for designing your outdoor business sign

1. Design elements

Creating a powerful brand presence starts with understanding how different design elements work together. Modern, tech-focused companies often benefit from our backlit letter signs, which create a contemporary, sophisticated look. 

For businesses with traditional values, our dimensional letters in classic materials like bronze or brass convey stability and professionalism. Every material choice, from brushed aluminum to illuminated acrylic, contributes to your brand’s visual story.

2. Scale and positioning

A prominent sign with bold dimensions can establish market leadership, while elegant, understated signage might better suit professional services firms. Our design team helps you choose the right size and placement to match your brand’s market position and visibility needs.

3. Lighting and atmosphere

We offer various illumination techniques – from subtle halo lighting to bright LED displays – that enhance your brand’s atmosphere and ensure visibility at all hours. For businesses with multiple locations, we maintain brand consistency while adapting designs to meet local requirements and architectural contexts.

4. Attention to detail

Our team considers every aspect, from custom finishes that match your brand colors perfectly to specialized textures that add distinctive character. We ensure your outdoor signage becomes a powerful extension of your brand identity, creating a first impression that draws customers in.

5. The right location for your sign

The perfect sign in the wrong location won’t deliver the results your business needs. So, it’s important to conduct thorough site surveys to identify the most effective placement for your outdoor signage, considering multiple factors that affect visibility and impact.

Transform your business facade with Impact Signs’ solutions

For over three decades, Impact Signs has helped businesses turn ordinary exteriors into powerful brand statements. Our architectural-grade materials and expert craftsmanship ensure your sign looks great and lasts for years while drawing customers to your door.

From sleek dimensional letters that make your brand pop to elegant bronze plaques that tell your story, our custom solutions are designed to match your unique business needs. We’ve seen countless storefronts transformed from forgettable to unforgettable with the right signage combination.

Contact Impact Signs today to discover how our custom outdoor signage can elevate your business presence.