I NEED A SIGN … but where do I start?

So, you’ve decided to purchase a sign!  But, if you’re like many of us, you might not be sure what you need or even what is allowed in your area. The myriad of questions that await you when you purchase a sign need don’t have to be too overwhelming.  Most sign companies should know the sign codes (zoning ordinance) for the county and city you are in, but even some shopping centers and property managers have restrictions that go beyond what the local government will allow. 

Be sure to find out what the property manager will let you put on or around the building before the sign is purchased. That way time and money won’t be invested in a sign that you might not be able to use.  It’s not a fun experience to pay for a custom business sign, only to be told by a landlord that you don’t have a place to put it!

When you begin to consider what you need in a sign, a key question will of course be “What do you need the sign to convey?” Most signs are self explanatory as to the layout and the best use of text and space.  In many cases, a simple sign will do the job.  For example, a “For Sale” sign could simply offer a phone number and the words “For Sale” on the face of the sign. People looking to buy what you are selling will likely inquire for the further details by calling rather than stopping and reading the sign.  Even such a simple sign, however, needs to be designed with legible fonts and with colors that offer good visual contrast.  Your local sign company will be able to offer guidance on these choices.

If, however, you are able to use a larger sign that allows space for more information, then you could consider more text information and/or artwork to entice a potential buyer to call. 

CAUTION!  Be careful not to crowd a sign with so much information or visual content that your main point is lost!  Granted, not all signs are of the simple “For Sale” variety and need a certain level of customization to communicate your key message. As long as you have a general idea of what the sign needs to convey, the sign professionals will be able to give you a proper layout that not only conveys your ideas, but looks great while doing so.

Another question to consider is the location of the sign. Is it going on a wall? Is it free standing? Can it be reached with a ladder, or do the installers need a bucket lift to reach the sign? This will all factor into the cost and even the material that will need to be used to produce your sign. For instance, if you need an outdoor sign that gets installed onto and supported by an exterior wall, then we would be able to use thinner and/or lighter weight materials than if it were going to be a free standing sign. 

In addition, is the sign you need going to be a permanent sign, or is it only to be used temporarily for an upcoming event? There are many materials available that work very well for a temporary sign but that won’t last as long as needed for a permanent sign. Keeping this in mind will help as you discuss the details of the sign that you need for your specific application.

As a final word of advice, don’t just “settle” on a mediocre sign design.  A sign is usually the first thing that customers see when they are driving by or walking into your place of business. You want to make the best impression where ever and whenever you can.  Whether you already have your business branded or need 12-Point SignWorks to help strengthen your brand with a custom commercial sign, you need to make sure that you have the best possible layout and application to maximize the impact of your sign.

Contact us today! 12-Point SignWorks provides custom outdoor signs, indoor signs and large format printing that will communicate your brand and your message to customers.

We provide our services to customers located in Williamson, Davidson, and Maury counties of Tennessee including the cities of Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, and Spring Hill.

We welcome your comments below.