Putting up an outdoor sign is an easy yet effective way to advertise a business. If properly branded, well designed, and strategically placed, a simple outdoor sign can do wonders for your establishment—drawing in customers, drumming up sales, and eliciting a positive response from the public.
But designing an outdoor sign involves a lot of consideration. First of all, you have to decide the type of sign best suited to your location, business, and budget. The typical outdoor sign candidates include pylon signs, classic neon signs, billboards, sign boxes, wall signs, channel letters, and panel signs.
As dealers in outdoor signs in Oklahoma City, we find that what matters most is not the type of sign but how it’s made and styled and what it says. So, we’ve compiled this list of essential things every outdoor sign should have for the best signage results.
Unlike indoor signs, outdoor signs are exposed to harsh weather elements, wildlife, and vandals. So, the sign should be made from sturdy, durable materials to withstand rough outdoor conditions. A durable construction may cost more, but it more than pays for itself in the long run since you won't have to repair or replace the sign as often.
Aluminum, acrylic, and plastic composites are ideal materials for fabricating outdoor signs. These materials are durable, corrosion- and rust-resistant, immune to UV damage, and easy to clean and retouch.
Signs are all about being seen. Ensure your sign is within your target audience’s eye-shot. This means mounting the sign where most people are likely to see it—maybe facing a busy street or high up above competing visual clutter.
Besides strategic placement, the sign has to attract visual attention and spark intriguece. The color scheme, styling, typography, contrast, and size have to really stand out for the sign to be seen. A dull sign with no uniquely conspicuous appeal fades into the background and becomes nothing more than white noise.
The average adult reads about 250 words per minute; that's roughly four words a second. Given that the average human attention span is about 8 seconds, the engagement window for a sign is incredibly narrow. A sign has to make its case in just a single quick glance. For this reason, the sign’s message must be brief, concise, direct, and punchy, all at the same time.
Aim for three to five words max. And replace words with more noticeable and engaging visual cues, such as images, symbols, objects, or animations, wherever possible. For instance, a sign that reads “TV SALE 25% OFF” tells the whole story in just three words.
Keep the sign’s message, voice, and styling within the brand’s context and aligned with the target audience and desired outcome. Remember, a sign directly represents your brand or business, So, ensure it interacts with the public the same way your business presents itself. In short, create a strong and clear association between the sign and the business.
Last but not least, come up with creative ways to make the sign memorable to the audience. It could be a catchy rhyme, a funny image, or an artistic styling that grabs the audience’s attention and makes a lasting impression. This is how some signs become so popular that they turn into landmarks and references. But for a sign to achieve that, it has to work its way into the audience’s hearts and minds.
The main purpose of business signage is to inform, persuade, and direct customers. A good outdoor sign achieves all that while remaining practical and minimal. If you’re looking for outdoor signs in Oklahoma City with these qualities, you’ve come to the right place. At Signs & Wonders, we understand the importance of business signs and what it takes to make a winning sign. We specialize in sign design, installation, and repair in Oklahoma City. Get a free quote on any product, or call us at (405) 932-4585 for more information.
