For many businesses who have busy storefront locations, a primary form of marketing and brand recognition comes through the metal signs they have on the premises. From storefront signs and logo designs to many other formats metal signage may be used in, this form of immediate visual recognition can provide enormous value in many settings.
When you work with top metal sign professionals like those at Signazon, you get access to a wide range of the best metal sign materials out there, from aluminum to ACM metal — plus quality options in terms of reflection, shape templates, double-sided printing and much more.
When it comes to the actual design, layout and placement of your business’s metal signs, here are some of the top areas to be thinking about.
Logo, Logo, Logo
Few elements are more important to the success of a business metal sign than the logo. This is what customers and passers-by will most associate with your company, so it’s important that the logo is professionally designed, easy to read and placed prominently on the sign itself. If you don’t already have a logo, now is the time to invest in having one created — it will be worth it in the long run!
For those who already have a logo, a key initial goal is to ensure that the sign company you’re working with can recreate it in a way that looks great on metal. This means they should have access to high-quality printers and materials, as well as the ability to resize the logo without losing any detail or quality.
From here, determining the most effective placement for the logo on the sign is key. In many cases, it will make sense to place the logo in the center of the sign, as this provides an immediate focal point for viewers.
However, depending on the overall size and shape of the sign, as well as other elements that are being included, there may be other strategic placement options that make more sense.
Contact Information — To Include or Not Include It?
While contact information is a must-have for many forms of visual advertising, the realm of metal signs is sometimes a bit more complex. For instance, if a sign you’re considering will hang prominently directly outside your main storefront, it may not be necessary to include contact information since customers will already be familiar with your location.
On the other hand, if the sign in question is being placed at a second location or satellite office, or if it will be hanging relatively high up on a building, it can be helpful to include contact information so that viewers have a way to get in touch even if they can’t physically visit the location.
In terms of what type of contact information to include, a phone number is often sufficient. In some cases, an email address or website URL may also be included — but beware of making the sign too cluttered by adding too much information.
Graphics and Other Visual Elements
In addition to your logo, you may also want to consider other graphics or visual elements to include on your business metal sign. These could be anything from images and illustrations that help convey what your company does, to more abstract shapes or patterns that contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the sign.
As with logos and contact information, it’s important to strike a balance when adding graphics to ensure that the sign doesn’t become too busy or cluttered. In general, one or two additional visual elements should be sufficient — anything more than that may start to take away from the overall impact of the sign.
Sign Size and Shape
The size and shape of your business metal sign will undoubtedly be dictated by a number of factors, including the location where it will be hung and the amount of space you have to work with. That said, there are still some general guidelines to keep in mind when it comes to sign size and shape.
In general, signs that are too small or too narrow can be difficult to read from a distance, while signs that are too large may end up looking overwhelming or out of proportion. As a general rule of thumb, a sign should be at least 12 inches tall, but no more than 36 inches wide — this will ensure that it’s both visible and readable from most angles.
As for shape, rectangular signs tend to be the most popular option since they offer a good balance of space and visibility. However, depending on the overall look you’re going for, other shapes such as circles or oval may also be appropriate.
One related element here: Whether to go with rounded corners or sharp corners on your sign. In most cases, rounded corners tend to look more modern and sleek, while sharp corners can give a sign a more traditional or classic feel.
Metal Sign Placement Themes
When it comes to actually placing metal signs, setups will vary significantly from business to business. In some cases, a sign may be hung directly on the front of a building above the door or in a window.
In other cases, it may be placed on a stand near the entrance or next to a walkway. And in still others, it may be hung from the ceiling or even mounted on the wall.
Ultimately, the best placement for your sign will depend on a number of factors specific to your business, including the size and shape of the sign, the location of your storefront, and the overall look you’re going for.
A few general tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure the sign is highly visible and easily readable from a distance.
- If possible, place the sign in an area where it will be well lit, both during the day and at night.
- Be sure to avoid placing the sign too close to other visual elements that could detract from its impact.
- When in doubt, consult with a professional sign company or designer who can help you with these and similar needs.
For both large and small businesses, metal signs can provide an enormous boost in terms of visibility, branding, and overall recognition. By keeping the above considerations in mind, you can help ensure that your business sign is both effective and impactful.
