Signage is crucial to the success of modern businesses but what type of business signs are suitable for you? In part one of our signage guide for business, we take a look at some different approaches to commercial signage.
Business signs fall into three main categories in terms of the message they convey. In short, these are signs for branding, signs for information and signs for directions.
Branding is the most important facet of business signage by helping to create a personality. A sign can tell potential customers a lot. The mixture of fonts, colours and icons that make up a logo is the basis for branding signs. Branding signs are commonly found at the entrance of the business, at the reception, as tenant signage for industrial and commercial units and in the case of larger businesses, signage rights for the entire building.
Common types of branding signage for a business
1. Acrylic Signs
Whether it is large router-cut lettering for the outside of a business or reception area or a simple acrylic plate with vinyl-cut lettering, acrylic is acknowledged as a durable outdoor or indoor sign. Acrylic signs are very strong once in place and they do not fade quickly. In the absence of UV light, like in an indoor environment, acrylic signs can last for upwards of 20 years.
a.) Router-cut acrylic signs
Price
Life
DIY
Sizes custom
b.) Acrylic Sign Plate
Price
Life
DIY
Sizes custom
2. Aluminium Signs
Aluminium composite signs are another common outdoor business sign. ACP signs are durable and can be cut into custom shapes with a CNC router. Aluminium signs have a long-term self-adhesive vinyl sticker which can be laminated to give the sign a longer life. Aluminium signs are rigid and can be installed between two poles
Aluminium Signs
Price
Life
DIY
Sizes custom
3. Wall Printing
Wall printing can take many formats but in general, it is self-adhesive vinyl for walls. Custom wallpaper for businesses makes a large impact. Wall prints can completely transform or dominate a room. Logos can be blended with images for creative backgrounds. Common names for wall print signage are logo wallpaper, wall graphics, business decals or self-adhesive vinyl.
Wall Prints
Price
Life
DIY
Sizes custom
4. A-Frame Signs
One of the cheaper forms of business branding is a-frame signs. They are easily moved and the message can be changed quickly with corflute insets. Outdoor a-frames are also made from aluminium composite panels and last up to 5 years.
A-Frame Signs
Price
Life
DIY
Sizes various
5. Window Graphics
Window signs for a business come in a few different styles depending on the effect.
-
- One-way vision graphics enable people inside to view out, but people outside see a printed advertisement. One-way window film is commonly seen on bus branding but it is often seen as shopping centre signage and shop signs as well.
-
- Window graphics vinyl is a solid material suitable for installation either inside or outside a business. Window graphics for shops and offices can create a visual barrier. When installed inside the window film is printed in reverse on clear material and then backed with another white film to display the graphics.
-
- Vinyl cut lettering is another effective way to brand a business on its windows. Like window graphics, it can be installed internally if graffiti or vandalism is prevalent in a location. Internal application is quite difficult to do well.
-
- Window static cling can also be used but because of its shorter lifespan is rarely used for branding a business but rather for promotional advertising which we deal with in another post.
Window graphic signs
Price
Life
DIY
Sizes and shapes can be custom
6. Flags
Teardrop flags, feather flags, rectangular flags, and bow flags are all short-term branding for businesses particularly when the business is away from foot traffic. Flags may be in place for many years but the nature of fabric printing means that the skin (fabric) will need to be replaced quite regularly. Flags are however very effective business signs.
Their imposing size and ease of removal are particularly attractive to some businesses like car yards.
Price
Life
DIY
Various sizes
7. Banners
The use of banners for business branding is not widespread. Branding tends to be more permanent. Banners are great for promotion and are often used for shorter periods of time. There are a few exceptions to this rule. Construction companies in particular use banners to promote their business on the construction site. Banner mesh and vinyl-covered hoardings are used widely for construction site signage. Large signs for business on buildings like warehouses or factories are most cost-effective using billboard-style vinyl banners. The banner can be installed using a sail track and rope (keder) system and can last up to 5 years.
Price
Life
DIY
Various sizes
To sum up
The range of signage options for businesses is broad. Each type of sign will have its merits depending on the location and the characteristics of the site and the business. At Focus Banners we love to give advice on how to create signs for your business. Our emphasis is on DIY installation as the expensive part of signs are the installation costs. Buying the sign from us and the installation from a local sign installer can also save considerable expense.
