Starting a new business comes with a myriad of tasks, and one of the most crucial is establishing your physical presence through effective signage. Well-planned signage not only guides your customers but also serves as a silent salesperson for your brand. This comprehensive checklist is designed to help new business owners navigate the process of selecting, designing, and installing the right signs for maximum impact.
1. Determine Your Signage Needs:
- Exterior Signage: This is the first point of contact with your customers. Consider what type of sign will best suit your location and attract the most attention. Options include storefront signs, window graphics, and monument signs.
- Interior Signage: Inside your business, signage helps enhance the customer experience by making navigation straightforward. Essential interior signs include directional signs, department identifiers, and promotional signs.
2. Comply with Legal Requirements:
- Permits and Regulations: Before installing any signage, check local zoning regulations and obtain the necessary permits. This ensures that your signs comply with size, lighting, and placement rules.
- ADA Compliance: Ensure that your signage meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, which include specifications for font size, color contrast, and installation height for accessibility.
3. Branding Consistency:
- Logo and Color Scheme: Your signs should reflect your brand’s logo and color scheme accurately to reinforce brand recognition.
- Font and Imagery: Use consistent fonts and imagery that align with your brand’s message and values. This consistency should be maintained across all types of signage to strengthen brand identity.
4. Choose the Right Materials and Durability:
- Outdoor Durability: For exterior signs, choose materials that can withstand local weather conditions, such as waterproof and UV-resistant materials.
- Indoor Aesthetics: For interior signs, consider materials that complement your interior decor while ensuring visibility and durability.
5. Visibility and Readability:
- Size and Placement: Consider the distance from which the signs will be viewed and place them at strategic points where they are most visible. Ensure that the size of the text and the sign itself are appropriate for viewing from afar.
- Lighting: If your business operates during evening hours, invest in illuminated signs to ensure your signage is effective 24/7.
6. Professional Design and Installation:
- Design Services: Utilize professional design services to create impactful and aesthetically pleasing signs. A professional can help translate your brand into effective visual communications.
- Installation: Professional installation is crucial to ensure that your signs are securely and correctly placed, which can also help avoid potential legal issues or safety hazards.
7. Maintenance Plan:
- Regular Cleaning: Keep your signs clean and clear of obstructions to maintain visibility and legibility.
- Routine Inspections: Regularly inspect your signs for any damage or wear and arrange for timely repairs to maintain their appearance and functionality.
8. Evaluate Signage Effectiveness:
- Customer Feedback: Gather feedback from customers regarding the effectiveness of directional signs and overall readability.
- Adjustments: Be prepared to make adjustments to your signage strategy based on customer interactions, feedback, and business growth.
For new businesses, effective signage is not just about making a good first impression; it’s about creating lasting visibility and enhancing customer experience. By following this checklist, you can ensure that your signage effectively communicates your brand message and meets both legal and customer needs.
Ready to take your business’s visibility to the next level? Contact us at FASTSIGNS® for professional advice and custom signage solutions tailored to your brand’s unique requirements.