A Guide to Outdoor Signs for Businesses

From temporary yard signs to monument signs that will stand the test of time, there are outdoor building signs for every business need. There are so many options, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing just one!

Our sign experts know this struggle well. To help you overcome it, we’ve created the ultimate guide to exterior signage. Read on to learn more about the different types of outdoor signs available, what they’re used for, and how they can benefit your business.

Vinyl Banners

What are Vinyl Banners?

Vinyl banners are lightweight, waterproof banners made from highly durable vinyl material. They can be used both outdoors and indoors. When putting your banner outside, it is recommended that you use a heavy material and add lamination to ensure it will last. Grommets and wind flaps can ensure the banner is secure and does not get blown away.

Who Uses Vinyl Banners?

Vinyl banners are used by all kinds of businesses, including:

• Retailers
• Restaurants, Cafes, and Other Eateries
• Car Dealerships
• Hair and Nail Salons
• Real Estate Agencies
• Nonprofits

What Are the Benefits of Vinyl Banners?

• They’re Affordable. Vinyl is inexpensive compared to many other sign materials.
• They’re Durable. They can stand up to rain and snow and can last more than a decade with proper care.
• They’re Versatile. You can use vinyl banners almost anywhere, and you can make them as big or small as you need.

Directional Signs

What Are Directional Signs?

Directional signs for businesses are signs that point people in a specific direction. They usually include arrows and place names people can use to map out where they’re going.

Who Uses Directional Signs?

Directional signs come in handy whenever you need to direct the flow of traffic around your business. They’re especially useful for:

• Real Estate Companies
• Offices in Shared Buildings
• Retailers in Shopping Malls
• Museums
• RV Parks and Campgrounds

What Are the Benefits of Directional Signs?

• They Can Be Made of Almost Anything. From aluminum to corrugated cardboard, there’s a type of directional sign to fit every budget.
• They’re Helpful. Directional signs tell potential customers how to find you while also building brand awareness.
• They Give You Room for Creativity. Directional signs are less formal than other types of signs, so you can add some fun graphics or unique sign shapes to give them more personality.

Yard Signs

What Are Yard Signs?

Yard signs are simple signs that businesses place in outdoor locations. They’re usually made of corrugated cardboard or plastic and are only meant to be used for a short period of time.

Who Uses Yard Signs?

Any business or organization that needs to advertise a limited-time event can use yard signs to spread the word. Some of these include:

• Real Estate Companies
• Politicians
• School Boards
• Construction Companies
• Retailers Advertising a Sale or Grand Opening

What Are the Benefits of Yard Signs?

• They’re Affordable. Yard signs can be made for very little money, making them extremely cost-effective.
• They Draw Attention. Yard signs are seen by everyone who passes by your location, so they’re great for raising awareness of your business or promotion.
• They’re Lightweight and Durable. Yard signs are easy to transport and can withstand rain and snow, so you can place them just about anywhere.

Ground Signs

What Are Ground Signs?

Ground signs are signs that sit at or below eye level. This can include:

• Yard Signs
• POS Displays
• Banners
• A-Frame Signs
• Monument Signs
• Post and Pole Signs

Who Uses Ground Signs?

Ground signs can be used as storefront signs, to advertise specials and sales, to promote an open house, or pretty much anything else. All kinds of businesses use them, including:

• Law Firms
• Retail Stores
• Banks and Credit Unions
• Office Buildings
• Restaurants
• Salons

What Are the Benefits of Ground Signs?

• They’re Flexible. Ground signs can be made from almost any material, so they’re accessible to businesses of all sizes.
• They Can Last for Years. Most ground signs are made of highly durable materials like aluminum, acrylic, or even stone. This gives them incredible longevity and makes them a great investment for the future.
• They’re Highly Visible. Ground signs are typically placed in high-traffic locations, and because they’re at eye level, they’re impossible to miss. This makes it easy for you to keep your business in the spotlight.

Vehicle Graphics

What Are Vehicle Graphics?

Vehicle graphics are a type of outdoor signage that is placed on trucks, cars, and other motor vehicles. This turns that vehicle into a moving advertisement for your business. There are three main types of vehicle graphics:

• Car Magnets. These custom magnets cling to a car’s metal exterior. They’re great for things like food truck menus and branded giveaway goodies.
• Car Window Decals. Car window decals can be placed on your car’s side or rear windows to advertise your business without compromising the view from the interior.
• Car Vinyl Decals. If you want to go even bigger, you can get full vehicle wraps that create colourful advertisements on the sides and hood of your cars.

Who Uses Vehicle Graphics?

Any company can use vehicle graphics, but they’re especially useful for businesses that provide services out in the community. Every time someone sees one of the cars in your fleet, they’ll think of your business. The more familiar they become with your brand, the more likely it is that they’ll give you a call when they’re in need.

What Are the Benefits of Vehicle Graphics?

• They Get Your Brand Noticed. People can’t help looking at cars with graphics on them. They stand out from the crowd and pique people’s curiosity, slowly building powerful brand awareness.
• They’re Extremely Customizable. You can make them any size and shape and out of any material according to your needs.
• They’ll Last as Long As You Need Them To. Vehicle graphics are highly durable and can last for years in the right conditions. They’re also easy to remove if you decide to go in a different direction later on.

Window Graphics

What Are Window Graphics?

Window graphics are smooth pieces of vinyl with an adhesive backing that can be applied to surfaces like window glass. They’re also sometimes called window decals. They come in permanent and temporary versions, some of which use nothing but static to cling to the glass.

Who Uses Window Graphics?

Window graphics are great for any business with a front window, including:

• Retail Stores
• Banks
• Car Dealerships
• Restaurants

What Are the Benefits of Window Graphics?

• They’re Inexpensive. Window graphics can be produced for very little money, so even small businesses can use them to make their storefront look great.
• They’re Easy to Install and Take Down. They come with adhesive already on them, so all you have to do is apply them to your window. When it’s time to take them down, they’ll peel right off and leave no residue behind.
• They Can Be Decorative or Functional. Window graphics are often used to make a store window look more appealing, but they can also be used to post important information like a store’s hours of operation.

Wall Signs

What Are Wall Signs?

Wall signs are exactly what they sound like – outdoor signs that are applied to a wall. These can be:

• Dimensional Lettering. These are some of the most common store signs. You’ll often see these plastic or metal letters lit up during nighttime hours.
• Wall Decals. These thin vinyl decals are the perfect signage solution for smooth outdoor walls.
• Logo Signage. Some companies post polystyrene or aluminum versions of their logo outside their location to promote their brand.

Who Uses Wall Signs?

Any business with at least one exterior wall can use outdoor wall signs. They’re great for helping customers find your business as well as promoting brand awareness.

What Are the Benefits of Wall Signs?

• They’re Customizable. No matter what your brand’s aesthetic is, you can create a wall sign to match it.
• They Help You Stand Out. Wall signs turn a drab exterior into a shining store advertisement, drawing attention to your business.
• They’re Long-Lasting. A well-made wall sign can last more than a decade and will look great with minimal upkeep.

Contact Us for All Your Exterior Signage Needs

Have you decided which kind of outdoor sign is right for your business? Whether you’ve made up your mind or you’re still undecided, The Sign & Graphics Manufaktur is here for you. We’ll help you with outdoor signage design ideas and handle all of the printing, fabrication, and installation involved with your project. Contact us today and let us know what you need – we’ll work with you to create the perfect outdoor sign for your business.

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