Avoid These Common Mistakes When Designing a Storefront Sign
When starting a business that will require an actual storefront, you may be concerned with the building location and visibility from the street and if it will offer enough room for all your inventory and sales needs. These are important considerations, but you don't want to overlook the storefront signage you'll need. Signs alert customers to your presence and can also impel passersby to stop in and shop.
Storefront signs can offer some unique challenges in their design and installation since they won't be as visible as street-side signs and need to blend well with the building's windows and entryways. Since it can be a challenge to create and install these signs properly, note a few mistakes to avoid with these types of signs in particular.
Sizing
You may assume that a large storefront sign is the best so that it's visible from the street. However, note if the majority of your customers may be walking by on foot; if so, they may miss a very large sign!
Overly large signs may also be too difficult for someone to read as they're driving by, as drivers can only take their eyes off the road for a brief second; if they can't read your entire sign in that time, they may not be able to make out your business name. Consider the readability of the sign for those you want to bring through the front door, and tone down that size if needed.
Shape
It's easy to think that your storefront sign should be a wide rectangle so that it can fit over the entryway doors. However, note if there are trees or other obstructions that would get in the way of any part of that sign; a tall and narrow rectangle, placed along the side of the door, may make the lettering more visible. A rounded or diamond-shaped sign may also make your signage stand out from other businesses in the area! Get creative with shapes and choose shop front signs that fit your storefront and increase visibility, rather than assuming a standard rectangle is the best choice.
Sunlight
Another challenge with storefront signs is the movement of the sun across the front of your building. A sign that's easy to see one hour may be nothing but a bothersome glare the next once the sun hits its surface! Use materials that won't create glare, such as wood rather than metal, and be sure the sign is placed in an area that won't be affected by bright sunlight hitting the front of your building throughout the day.
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