Posted On 05 Sep, 1969 By admin On Blog
By David Waring On January 13, 2014 http://fitsmallbusiness.com/storefront-signs/#sthash.fMuuKwem.dpuf
A commonly used expression for setting up storefront signs is “hanging out your shingle” which goes back to the early days of our country when many professionals – including doctors and lawyers — worked out of their homes. They would often use a roof tile, or shingle, as the surface to post their name and the type of service near the front door. That way, passersby would know they were open for business.
If you are ready to “hang out your shingle,” you have a variety of options to consider. Here are five steps to take in selecting the best storefront sign for your new business.
Check Zoning Restrictions
The first and most important step is to check with your city planning office for any zoning restrictions or permits needed for signage for your location. Many cities publish helpful brochures with detailed information and photos of what types of storefront signs are allowed. For example, some cities specify size limits for your sign or prohibit signs that are illuminated. Other cities may limit the amount of information you can post on your sign to only include the business name.
As we discuss in our commercial real estate guide, if you are leasing your location, check your lease agreement and, if necessary, talk with the building owner about any sign restrictions and/or preferences. Knowing any size or design limits now will save you time, money and frustration later.
Suit Storefront Signs to your Location
Now it’s time to take a look around your neighborhood to see what signs work well in your location. You will want your sign to be in keeping with the look and feel of your neighborhood. If your business is located in a historic district, for instance, your sign should convey the feel of that time period. If you are in a fast-paced urban area, you will want your sign to convey that energy and sophistication. While you want your sign to stand out to your clientele, you don’t want it to detract from your building or its surroundings.
Speaking of your building, its architectural style – including its color, size and shape of windows, entranceway and simply the way it fronts the street – will give you insight as to the type of sign you will want for your business. Think about who will be seeing your sign. Will your patrons be primarily walking by your store? Then you will want to consider a sign that can be viewed by a pedestrian. Window signs or storefront signs that hang above the entranceway are good options.
Will your customers find you by driving by your location? Then the size and content of your sign must be visible and readable from the street. Depending on your business hours, consider how well your sign will be visible at night and what your lighting options are.
In addition to following your zoning guidelines, look at the readability of storefront signs outside similar businesses in your neighborhood. Walk or drive through your area at different times of day and night to see which signs work and which ones are hard to read.
Keep it Simple
A well-designed sign makes a strong first impression on potential customers and can reflect well on the character of your business. Avoid the temptation to put a lot of detailed information on your sign. If your sign is cluttered and confusing, your customers may pass right on by without knowing what type of business you have. A clean-looking sign with minimal information, however, conveys a sense of organization and professionalism.
Good storefront signs convey the name and purpose of the business as simply and as clearly as possible without obscuring the entranceway or architectural integrity of the location. Your city may, in fact, prevent you from featuring anything but the name of your business on your sign.
Choose Best Design for your Needs
Storefront signs come in a variety of materials, sizes and shapes. They can be backlit. They can be part of an awning. They can hang over the entrance or be painted on a window. Signs can be one color or many colors. They can be made of wood or metal. To help you narrow down your options, here are the examples of seven popular types of business signs:
1. Painted Plywood Sign: Simple and personalized, this type of sign is affordable and creative. A 4’ X 4’ painted plywood sign can start be a low price These signs are subject to weather damage, however, and may be need to be replaced frequently.- See more at: http://fitsmallbusiness.com/storefront-signs/#sthash.fMuuKwem.dpuf
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