If you’re planning to open a new storefront or office, you’ll need the right signage to let everyone know you’re there and ready for business. If your business has recently rebranded, you’ll need an updated storefront sign to complement your new look. If you’re wanting to grow your business, take a look at your current signage and consider a new storefront sign with different coloring or lettering.

When the correct storefront signage is used in conjunction with your interior signage and graphics, it helps to promote your brand image and highlight the professionalism of your business. So let’s get to it and discuss how to make the best decision for your storefront sign.

1.Choose based on your situation

You’ll want to make sure that you are choosing the right type for your situation and needs. For example: 

 

• Monuments and Pylons for Hard-to-See Locations: If your business is set back from the road or is hidden from sight, a monument or pylon sign can be placed at the entrance or at the road in front of your location. This lets people know where you are located and what you do.

 

• Awnings for Your Restaurant: An awning is a great addition to your restaurant storefront signage as it can draw attention as well as  shield your customers on rainy days. Don't forget to include your branding on your awnings to complement your other signage.

 

• Banners for Special Events & Sales: Using these for sales or special offers can ensure that customers know about them, thus increasing your traffic during these promotions.

 

• Illuminated Signs: An illuminated sign is a great choice for the front of your restaurant, especially if your restaurant is open at night and you want potential customers to find you easily. It can also help you stand out from other businesses around you. 

2. Keep it consistent with your brand

In order to promote your brand properly, you need to be consistent with your signage. A successful way to be consistent is to work with only one signage company, preferably Nashville Signs Inc. in Nashville, TN (of course), who knows your brand and will be able to design almost any type of sign you need. Colors, fonts, logos, and other styling needs to be consistent so that people recognize your brand whether they’re driving by or inside your establishment. It should also flow with your “vibe” or design. A funky neon lit sign might not mesh with your upscale bedding store. 

If you’re rebranding, it’s super important that you contact us so that all your signage can be changed over all at once to prevent confusion or disruption. 

 

3. Consider Your Audience

When designing your storefront signage, consider your target market and choose a sign that is going to appeal to them. Signage can help you make more money (or at least get people to your location), so you’ll want to target the right audience. For example, if you are targeting families with younger children, bright colours with cute or fun logos are a good option. Indoor signs in the lobby and wayfinding signage should keep that theme going, as it seems fun and comfortable. Children are attracted to playful colours and images and parents of young ones are going to have their eye out for kid-friendly establishments. 

If your clientele tends to consist of more sophisticated, middle-aged adults, you’ll want to choose a design that is simple yet elegant. Clean, concise, and easy to read. It should be one that provides a more sophisticated, adult feel. 

4. Make It the Right Size

Size is very important for storefront signs, because you’ll want passersby to be able to read it from a distance, even as they’re driving. Larger letters are just easier to read. If you want your storefront signs to be seen from a greater distance, make them as large as possible, keeping in mind that landlords or local ordinances may limit the size of your sign. At Nashville Sign, we will help you determine the size of your sign based on the size of your building and any restrictions.

5. Make it Legible 

As we’ve just discussed, you need to make sure that people can read your storefront sign. This may seem like an obvious point, but it is very important to remember. Since people are likely driving by, it needs to be able to be read in just a few seconds. 

Some businesses choose signs with unusual or overly fancy fonts that may look beautiful but are almost impossible to read quickly from a distance.

Here are some important tips to make sure that your sign is legible:

• Choose an easy-to-read font (check out this post about fonts)

• Stay away from elaborate cursive fonts

• Space lettering appropriately in between each letter. Avoid overlapping or crowding.

• Don't overuse capital letters- all caps for long titles may be harder to read

• Leave enough blank space around words and images

6. Choose the Right Colors

Can you imagine McDonald's arches being purple? What about your local mechanic having rainbow-colored lettering? Colors are critically important. You will want to choose colors that represent the atmosphere of your establishment and align well with your brand. You also want to pick colors that are highly visible. Check out one of our previous blog posts about the importance of color in signage, and what different colors tend to represent. 

There are your 6 tips for how to pick the right storefront signage for your business. Thankfully, you’re not alone in your decision-making. Your local sign company, Nashville Signs Inc. in Nashville, TN, is right here to help! When you’re ready to open a storefront or office, or are ready to improve your current space, contact us to let us make and install the right storefront sign for your situation.

Whether you’re just getting your business started and need input or you want to elevate your company and need advice, we’re going to take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions and get some answers.

We've been designing, fabricating, and installing business signs in Nashville, TN for years now and we'd love to share our expertise and experience with you. Let's get started.

How Much Do Business Signs Cost?

The price that you pay will depend on a number of factors:

• The type of sign- indoor v. outdoor; digital v. monument

• The size of the sign

• The materials 

• The complexity of the design

• The installation cost

• If you want illumination for your sign

 

You can spend as little as $100 on a small and very simple sign to over $10,000 for a very large, complex sign made from high-quality materials. If price is concerning you, let’s talk!

How Can You Make a Sign More Noticeable?

Here are a few tips for making you business signs more noticeable:

• Illuminate your sign so that it can be seen 24/7

• Choose an easy-to-read font with large enough letters that can be viewed from far away

• Use a complementary colour palette to give it a professional appearance

• Add graphics or pictures to make your sign more interesting

• Give your business signs depth by using contrasting colors, shading, or 3D effects to help them pop

• Invest in digital signage to keep your message and image fresh

What Are the Best Color Combinations For My Sign(s)?

If you want your business sign to really stand out then try to use a color combination that is highly visible such as:

• Light-colored letters on a black or dark blue background

• White letters on a yellow or red background

• Dark-colored letters on a white background

• Black, red, or dark blue letters on a yellow background

Who Should I Buy Business Signs From?

That’s an easy one! Nashville Signs Inc! Realistically, we know you have a choice to make when deciding on a sign company in Nashville. Let’s talk about why it’s so important to work with a local company who can take care of the design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of your sign for you--

You may find a lower price online, however, the company that makes your sign will probably be different than the one that installs it. If you work with a local company they will be close by if you have any issues, plus, they will be familiar with any local regulations regarding signage and can help you to get any permits you might need.

What Types of Signs Are Available?

There are many different types of business signs to choose from. Check out our Services page to learn more about each one that we offer at Nashville Signs Inc.

• Interior Signs

• Monument Signs

• Backlit Signs

• Wayfinding Signs

• Pylon Signs

• Custom Banners

• Custom Signs

• Neon Signs

What Should I Put On My Business Sign(s)?

What you put on your business signs will largely be determined by the amount of space you have and the purpose of your signs.

If you are designing a large storefront sign then you want to have your company name, and logo in large enough print so that it can be seen from far away or by passerbyers on the highway. It is important not to crowd it with too much information.

On the other hand, if you are designing signs for your front doors, then you would include your company name, logo, business hours, address and other contact information.

Where Should They Be Installed?

You want to install your signs where they will get noticed most by your target customers. 

A storefront sign on the outside of your building will help people know where you are located. However, if your business is set back from the road, you may also want to invest in a pylon or monument sign at the side of the road. This will ensure that passing traffic and potential customers won't miss you.

Do I Really Need a Business Sign?

An effective business sign is a really cost-effective and brilliant way of advertising your business. Once it is installed, it will work 24 hours a day 365 days a year to attract business for you. 

 

We hope this has helped answer a few of your questions about business signs and about choosing a sign company in Nashville, TN! When you’re ready to get started on your business’s signage- whether that’s indoor wayfinding signage or an outdoor digital sign (or both), contact us at Nashville Signs Inc.

 

Effective business sign design requires careful consideration of several different elements. Font, font size, sign dimensions, and even images can mean the difference between a successful sign that draws in new customers, and one that falls short.

One of the most critical elements of a sign is color. There have been many studies performed that show how people psychologically react to different colors. Did you know that colors can actually subconsciously affect the behavior of a person and influence how they act and think? There’s a reason many fast food restaurants use red and yellow colors (we will get to that later). This phenomenon is called the “Psychology of Color”. 

 

It’s interesting and important to note that different cultures experience different emotions when viewing the same color. For example, red in China is associated with luck and joy, while in America, we consider red to be intense and exciting. We’ve compiled a list as to what the various colors mean and when you should use them to make your signs even more successful.

 

Black

Black represents power, intelligence, and stability. It’s an authoritative color that’s sometimes viewed as unknown or mysterious. Use the color black if you’re trying to create an air of mystery or suspense. It should be noted that black can be viewed as intimidating if it’s the dominant color of a sign. 

 

Red

Flashy. Angry. Fast. Fast-food restaurants and retail stores alike will use it in their signage to promote a sense of urgency when promoting their quick service or sales. Red can even increase blood pressure and heart rates which is what makes it an excellent choice for signs that need to express passion, excitement, or urgency.

 

Orange and Yellow

Happy. Cheerful. Bright. They convey a sense of warmth, clarity, and optimism. Subway, Best Buy, McDonald’s, Moe’s, and more incorporate these two colors in their signage and branding.

Certain shades of orange may lead some people to feel a heightened sense of anxiety or nervousness, so orange and yellow are particularly useful in signage that promotes impulse buys. 

 

Green

Fresh. Natural. Pure. The color green makes people think of trees, nature, and grass and is most often used by companies who want to associate their brands with nature and purity. Health-based businesses and environmental groups will often use green to create a healthy, emotional connection to their products or services.

Green can also help stimulate the brain and prevent procrastination. It’s an excellent color for signs and printed materials that have a deadline or time-sensitive information. 

 

Blue

Peace. Tranquility. Water. The color blue has a calming effect upon the human brain and can help offer a sense of security and encourage productivity.

Restaurants can use the color blue to promote a sense of trust, but must keep in mind that it can also be associated with a limited appetite, so it needs to be used wisely when used in close proximity of menu or menu boards. 

 

Purple

Respect. Provenance. Creativity. Purple is a regal color that many creative agencies will use in their signage and logos. High-end fashion brands will often use purple to denote exclusivity and a high-quality factor for their products. Purple is a great complementary color for jade green, turquoise, gold, and red.

 

Design Elements

While the colors themselves are important, the contrast and shades of the colors that you use should also be taken into consideration. If you’re using multiple colors, they need to complement each other or people’s eyes can easily get strained when viewing a sign with colors that clash. Or it may not get their attention at all. 

A color wheel is a useful tool that can help sign designers pick colors that will complement one another. This will also allow the reader to focus on a particular area of the sign, such as the call-to-action. Darker shades of color work well when signs have a lot of information. Brighter shades of color can give off an energetic feel, which can lead to a faster response from consumers.

 

Sign Design in Nashville

At Nashville Signs Inc., we’ve helped countless companies with their sign design and creation as a trusted sign company in Nashville, TN. Contact us today to learn more about our sign services and how we can incorporate the right colors into your design!

After months (or years) of planning, it’s finally here- time to open your first store front! You believe in your product and you’re training employees who do too. Now it’s time to get the word out...beyond just the family and friends who already know. Outdoor signage is a big part of establishing yourself and drawing in your first customers. Think about it- your sign advertises your company 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round to anyone and everyone passing by! Pretty much no other form of advertising can say that. 

A study by FedEx Office in 2012 showed that nearly 76% of consumers said they had entered a store they have never visited before, simply because of its signage. In that same study, 68% said they have made a purchase because a sign caught their eye. Around half of consumers said they told someone else about a store because of the signage. Having the right sign, whether affixed to your building or alongside the road, can bring you paying customers, make you money, and get your business off to a running start. Nashville Signs Inc, your sign company in Nashville, TN, is ready to help design and create the custom signage for your new business. Here are the 4 steps to getting started on a sign: 

 

1. Create a Logo (or solidify one you already have)

Having an eye-catching logo is the first step to drawing in customers with a sign. There are logos out there that we all recognize- Nike, Apple, and McDonalds to name a few- but keep in mind that they got that way because of branding. Since you’re just starting out, you’ll need something that helps identify who you are and what you do, but in a simple way. If you have no idea where to even start on a logo, we can help connect you with graphic designers. If you already have one, but want to freshen it up or get confirmation that it’s the right choice, we’re happy to give our two cents and help clean it up. We want to add that you don’t HAVE to have a logo or designated symbol; your business’s name in an original or eye catching font and color will work well too. Channel letters on a building often don’t include a logo, but it does make your business stand out and look more desirable. 

 

2. Do the correct paperwork and get the necessary permits

You will most likely need a sign permit for your outdoor sign, so it’s important to educate yourself on the local sign ordinances. You should be able to find this information on your city or county website. Look for a document called “Code of Ordinances,” often found in the “Planning and Zoning” section. As part of our planning process, we can go over this together and figure out anything else that will be required by possible landlords or officials. 

When signing a lease, make sure you review any criteria regarding signs for your storefront. Some lease documents will only allow for certain types of signs such as channel lettering only or may permit certain colors. Make sure to go over these with them and ask questions before signing it. 

3. Start thinking about sign designs and styles

After you find out what’s allowed for your storefront, we can get going on the fun part! Start by looking through our gallery of signs we’ve fabricated over the years- channel letters, neon, monument signs, and more to get an idea of what we’ve worked on in the past. Maybe you’ll get some inspiration for your creation! Think about your type of business and which colors best represent it and what draws people in. Colors are extremely important and every successful company knows it- McDonalds and hundreds of other restaurants use red and yellow colors as they’re associated with food and hunger. Purple hues are great for places that are geared towards females, like a salon or spa. Green makes most people think of eco-friendly products or things relating to money. So, what colors best represent your business? Start brainstorming. For your logo and your sign, the right colors draw people in and the wrong colors can deter people. Once again, we love helping with the designing phase, so we’re open to assist along the way. But we also know it can be fun to start dreaming and planning on your own too. Do some research, take note of signs that get your attention, and have fun!

 

4. Contact Nashville Signs Inc! 

If you haven’t already in the process, contact us, your go-to sign company in Nashville, TN. All of this may seem a little overwhelming as you try to work out the final details of your new business, so let’s sit down and talk about what your needs are and how we can help! Remember, signage should be part of your advertising budget because of how effectively it brings in paying customers. Your sign choices have the power to draw people into your location or drive them away. We look forward to working with you as you get started on this new business adventure!

The act of using signage to identify and brand one’s business has been around for over a thousand years. Naturally, signs have changed and evolved since its inception, and we now find ourselves in a digital age. Digital signage tools have gained immense popularity, because they help deliver personalized and real-time content to current and potential customers. While digital signage can be increasingly popular and effective, we know that traditional signage continues to be one of the most useful tools for attracting customers. They have yet to lose their charm or effectiveness. At Nashville Signs Inc, we continue to provide high quality, high functioning signs and aspire to be your preferred sign company in Nashville, TN. The following three types of traditional signage are still very effective and will be for years to come.

Monument Signs

Monument signs combine graphic and architectural designs to give your business a bold look. These signs are particularly effective for stand-alone buildings like doctor’s offices, places of worship, schools, and plazas. Monument signs offer a guaranteed audience as almost all of us spend a decent amount of time on the roads. Monument signs provide information and inform drivers of your location; you get the opportunity to target customers on their way to work or school and even those on their daily walk or run. Channel letters, backlit lettering, and/or lighting make your sign visible all night long, so you can advertise your business 24/7 with little effort. Well-designed monument signs, like the ones we create here at Nashville Signs Inc, are extremely effective in helping you stand out from the crowd and draw in more customers.

A-Frame Signs

Also referred to as sandwich boards, A-frame signs are cost-effective, easy to use, and easy to customize or interchange. While simple in design and function, A-Frame signs can catch the attention of most everyone passing by that specific business, which brings in more customers and subsequently more money. Because A-frame signs are a less expensive signage option and bring in paying customers, they provide a large return on investment for your business.

Another benefit that’s contributed to its survival as a non-digital option is that you have the ability, means, and freedom to change the location, and even message, to grab maximum impressions. They’re easily customizable for quick announcements and sales. Restaurants, pubs, and bars even use them for displaying menus and/or drink specials. They’re made with quality materials, made to withstand weather and fluctuating temperatures, unlike many digital signs. A-frame signs are low maintenance with the potential for high results, so it’s easy to see how they’ve stood the test of time.

Neon Signs

Nothing says it like neon! This technology that’s been around since the 1920s still thrives today and has actually increased in popularity over the

last several years. Technological advances in recent years have made neon longer lasting, requiring less maintenance. Neon signs can come in practically any color, since modern versions rarely use just the neon element (or use colored glass tubing). They’re classic, eye-catching, and perfect for a unique touch. We’ve been making and installing signs in Nashville, TN for over 30 years and hope to continue helping businesses add extra pizazz to their buildings with neon signs inside and out!

At Nashville Signs Inc, your preferred sign company in Nashville, TN, we’re able to design and create anything from ​banners to pylon signs​ for your company or organization. Whether you need COVID-19 specific signage or a new exterior sign, we’re ready to create alongside you. ​Contact us​ today!