Hiring a sign company can be overwhelming, especially for first-time clients. Taking the time to shop around and compare options will allow you to find the right one for your needs.

Look for visually appealing yet easily readable signs from near and far. Credible signage companies offer professional design services to support your marketing goals.

Experience

Unless you are an experienced graphic designer, developing signage designs that capture people’s attention can take time and effort. Look for companies that offer professional design services and can recommend the best colors, fonts, images, spacing, and more to ensure your signs are as effective as possible.

Before entering your store, they make split-second judgments about your business based on your signage. Your signage must convey your professionalism and vibe, provide directions and assist with wayfinding.

Find out if the sign company you are considering has all the capabilities you need in-house or works with subcontractors for each service. Finding a one-stop shop will make the process easier and quicker for everyone involved.

Design

Professionals know how to design signs that complement and enhance their surroundings. They consider the sign’s location, local ordinances, and how your intended audience will view it. They’ll also consider the sign’s overall purpose – to boost marketing goals or improve visibility.

Color, fonts, and graphics are essential elements of any sign, but how those elements are used makes the difference. A sign with unreadable text will only confuse and drive away viewers, no matter how eye-catching it may be.

A professional knows to keep copy short and direct, using only a few words that communicate the business message. They’ll also use contrasting colors to make the lettering stand out. This is particularly important if your sign will be visible from a distance.

Materials

Finding a sign company Austin that uses quality materials suited for your sign’s purpose. For example, indoor signs can be made of just about anything, but outdoor signage must withstand weather conditions requiring water-resistant materials that can withstand wear and tear.

A good company will explain the different sign material options available, how each one performs in your specific application, and how well it accepts and retains graphics. They will also be able to show you samples of their work and discuss their processes.

It is also worth considering the aesthetic result that you want. Remember that research shows people make judgments about businesses and their values based on the appearance of their signs. An enticing, professional-looking sign will attract customers, while an unattractive, sloppy-looking sign will put them off.

Installation

Many entrepreneurs who start a new business seek to establish their identity and gain more customers. Creating noticeable signage is one way to achieve that goal. Signage captures the attention of people who walk by, becoming an inanimate salesperson for your company.

In addition, signs provide a welcome break from overly aggressive marketing tactics like interrupting TV shows or spamming consumers’ email or phone numbers. They attract a wide range of demographics and are easy to install.

They can be hung from ceilings, mounted on fixtures, or even at the shelf edge. They communicate special in-store promotions that retailers want shoppers to know about. Check out Channel Sign Systems for gondolas, pegboards, and more here.

Maintenance

Your signage is the most visible way to identify your brand and a key to on-premise customer wayfinding. When you hire a sign company, it is essential to understand how they will provide maintenance services to keep your signs up-to-date and attractive.

A well-maintained sign conveys that your business is operating and open to all customers. It also shows that you care about the quality of your brand. Studies* show that companies with excellent signage experience a 10% sales increase over time.

Save time worrying about the local availability of service and coordinating with multiple locations when you could have one national partner providing all of your maintenance needs. Find out if they can help you establish a program that will save you time and money.