How to Make a Sign & Graphics Plan for Your Business

A cohesive sign and graphics plan is one of the most effective strategies to market your business and increase brand awareness. From big companies to small boutique enterprises, all successful businesses invest time and resources into eye-catching and informative signs that enrich their overall image.

If you’re looking to upgrade your marketing strategy, gain more customers, and distinguish your brand in the marketplace, it’s time to invest in successful sign and graphics solutions.

How Does a Sign and Graphics Plan Contribute to Your Business?

A striking sign sets you apart from the competition. With so many other brands vying for the same customers, your unique signage solutions distinguish what makes your brand special, notable, and useful. Signs provide wide-reaching advertising, help establish your business, and reinforce brand recognition.

Additionally, a well-designed sign should make it easy to locate your business and help customers navigate your retail space. In short, signs help your company shine by showcasing essential information and memorable graphics to anyone who passes by.

How to Implement Your Sign and Graphics Plan

Implementing a sign and graphics plan entails evaluating your budget, developing a graphic design strategy, and selecting signs that will best serve your business.

Budget – First things first, you need to establish your signage budget. Most likely, this money will be part of your overall marketing budget, so it’s important to meet with your marketing team to discuss how much money you can dedicate to signage. Once you’ve determined your financial plan, you’ll be able to strategize about specific factors like quantity, location, and materials.

Design – A well-designed sign represents your business and provides customers with accessible information about your brand. Some design features may be more appropriate for certain locations, so take into account where signs will be posted as you finalize your design plan. For example, outdoor signs need to be easily readable, noticeable, and durable, while indoor signs may require more detailed information about company policy or health and safety guidelines. Consider these factors as you develop a cohesive design strategy for multiple locations.

Sign Selection – From A-frames to neon lights, there’s a sign for every occasion. Here are a few of the most common signs that businesses use to represent their brand:

• Banners: Advertise your business loud and proud with weatherproof, outdoor banners.
  
• Digital Signs: Sleek and modern, digital signs are easily customizable options that set you apart from the competition.
  
• Wayfinding Signs: These signs help your customers navigate your business space.
  
• Safety Signs: From temporary “wet floor” signs to permanent “hazard” signs, safety signs ensure that your clients enjoy a safe visit to your establishment. ADA compliant signage also assists visitors with disabilities.
  
• Window Decals: Provide information like business hours, sales promotions and seasonal specials with window decals.
  
• A-Frame Signs: A classic sidewalk sign is a great option for attracting customers in areas where there’s lots of foot traffic.

The Dos and Don’ts of Sign Selection

Do: Research your plan ahead of time. Check that your signs meet city guidelines and acquire any necessary permits. If you’re planning on installing outdoor signs, research the durability of your materials and check to make sure those will withstand your local weather conditions.

Don’t: Rush into a decision hastily. Although it’s tempting to jump-start your advertising strategy, remember not to compromise on your needs or settle for sub-par design elements.

Do: Pay Attention to clarity. Effective signs relay information without being wordy or long-winded. Make sure your signs convey your message in a clear, efficient manner, and steer clear of adopting too much text into your sign.

Don’t: Try to convey everything in one place. It’s okay to have multiple signs for multiple purposes! This will simplify each individual sign and provide accessible information to customers.

Do: Select bold colors with bright contrasts. Select colors that fit with your brand, your business’s energy, and the products you’re selling. Once you have your core palette, make sure lettering and graphics pop against the background and are easy to read.

Don’t: Go overboard with design elements. While a well-placed graphic works wonders on a lackluster sign, it’s a bad idea to use busy patterns or numerous images. Keep it simple.

Finding Your Sign Plan with Bishop Image Group

At Bishop Image Group, we are printers of the impossible. We provide high-quality, customized signage to companies across the country. BIG’s team of sign experts is dedicated to working with you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to signage installation. We want you to know that your brand experience is our top priority, and we are excited to work with you to provide effective signage solutions.