After conceptualising your business logo, developing your brand, and creating your business signage, you need to decide on its location. Effective business signage requires more than just labelling your business – it needs to be displayed in the right place, somewhere it can be readily seen by everyone who passes by. Here are some tips on selecting the perfect position for your signage.
Top 9 tips for proper placement of business signage
1. Signage is best seen at a 90-degree angle from the viewer.
A large sign on top of a taller building can be seen from a distance, and from different angles – even signs placed above the door or on an awning can be seen from the street, and from a reasonable distance. However, it is also important to consider the line of sight of passers-by coming from all directions.
The chances of your signage being seen are higher if it is kept at eye level, so the window of your shopfront is an excellent position for an eye-catching business sign that has been artistically designed to showcase your brand and logo. Another great way to give your business maximum exposure is to use vehicle signage. Applying bold vinyl decals or an attractive, impactful vehicle wrap to your business vehicle(s) – or your own personal vehicle – enables you to use your vehicle as a mobile billboard, advertising your business at eye level, everywhere you go.
2. Avoid obstructions.
Inspect your signage from all angles and make sure that there are no trees, branches, other signs, posts, and the like which may partly or entirely block the view. Also monitor if cars or trucks parking nearby will potentially cover your signage.
3. Be aware of relevant legislation or guidelines before installing your sign.
There may be local council regulations or state legislation controlling the installation of signage – especially those placed on the roadside – depending on the kind of signage, its planned location, and its size. A permit may be needed first and it is the business owner’s responsibility to verify and comply with the requirements.
4. Consider lighting.
A properly placed sign will be ineffective if the lighting makes it difficult to be seen. At certain times of the day, strong sunlight may cause considerable glare and making your sign too bright to be read, while at other times, shadows may make all or part of your signage illegible. Placing signage behind a tree will cause it to be partly obscured from many angles, so it is important to examine this first before installing your signage.
It may also be worthwhile to consider the expense, and potential return on investment, if you are planning to set up a spotlight for your sign or to install a backlit sign.
5. Place your signage where it is protected from environmental extremes.
Placing signage in direct sunlight may result in it fading easily and rapidly – particularly if it is not of a particularly high quality. Exposure to strong winds, rain, or snow, may also cause damage. Before installing your signage, ensure it is made of durable, high quality materials that will be able to withstand environmental extremes.
6. Think about how you will mount your signage.
While you may find the perfect visual location with relative ease, you may find that the spot does not provide enough support to safely mount your signage. It is essential to make sure that your signage is secure and adheres to relevant safety requirements. You must think about where and how you will mount your sign before having it made, because these factors can dictate its size, design, or the material(s) to be used.
7. One inch of text height is visible within 10 feet.
Generally, a bigger sign provides better visibility. To maximise the size and placement of your signage, an inch of letter height will be seen within a 10-feet distance. It is, therefore, important to ensure that the size of your sign, and the text used, is sufficient for the distance from which you would like it to be visible, depending on where you decide to place it.
8. The colour of your signage must complement its surroundings.
Wherever you decide to place your sign, make sure to choose a cohesive colour palette that draws the eye of the viewer without either blending into the background or causing too much distraction. A black signage against a dark wall may not be visible enough to catch the eyes of passers-by, while an overly bright colour may be difficult to look at.
9. Consult with the building owner before installing any signage.
It is always important to seek permission from the owner of the property before installing your sign or making any changes to the awning or façade of your building or shopfront. Be clear on any limitations stated in the lease contract and obtain written approval before going ahead. It is better to check with the building owner first, rather than planning changes or paying for signage that you cannot use.
Your signmaker and installer should be able to provide expert advice on the best position for your signage while maximising marketability and complying with local requirements. Your signage is a big part of your business – and your advertising budget – and proper placement is an important consideration.
Contact Big Colour for all your signage needs
Big Colour can provide you with all the help and advice you need on creating spectacular business signage and finding the perfect position for that signage. From general signs and banners to shopfront signs, wall signs and graphics and illuminated signs, to vehicle signage and vehicle wraps for all kinds of vehicles, including trucks, vans, buses and utes.
Big Colour Signs & Vehicle Wraps creates quality signage in a wide variety of materials, for a huge range of applications, to suit your needs and preferences. Contact Big Colour today on 02 4969 5700 or send us an email at admin@bigcolour.com.au. Alternatively, fill out our online contact form to have one of our friendly team contact you, or request a quote with our online quote enquiry form.