Are you interested in sign lighting and are you wondering how you can use it to benefit your business? If so, this article is specifically for you!
In this post, we will examine why sign lighting is important, examples of sign lighting, and some practical advice you can use when starting a signage project.
Click on each corresponding link to jump ahead:
Why Is Sign Lighting Important?
Increased visibility and Extends Business Hours
Flood lighting, backlighting, and self-lit channel letters
Practical Advice for Business Owners
Establish a budget and do your research
With over 10 years of experience with designing, installing, and maintaining signs, AGC Signs knows what it takes to advertise your business. Contact us today to get started!
Sign Lighting - Everything to Know
1. Why Is Sign Lighting Important?
Sign lighting adds a unique element to any sign.
Effective sign lighting is a critical aspect of any store owner's marketing and operational strategy. It goes beyond aesthetics and serves a range of practical purposes that can significantly impact the success of your business.
In this section, we'll delve into the reasons why store owners should prioritize sign lighting and explore the practical applications that make it a worthwhile investment.
A) Enhanced Visibility and Attraction
Store signage is your business's first impression on potential customers. Properly lit signs are more visible and attract attention, especially during nighttime or in low-light conditions. They help your store stand out, draw in foot traffic, and increase the chances of converting passersby into customers.
B) Extended Business Hours
Sign lighting allows you to extend your business hours well into the evening. This is particularly valuable for:
Restaurants
Bars
Convenience stores
Other businesses catering to evening and late-night crowds
It ensures that your establishment remains visible and accessible to customers after dark.
C) Branding and Identity
Your signage is a key element of your brand identity. Given this, the right lighting can
Reinforce your brand's personality
Create a memorable visual presence
Help customers locate your business
It's an opportunity to make a lasting impression and build brand loyalty.
D) Safety and Accessibility
Sign lighting enhances safety around your store by illuminating
Pathways
Entrances
Parking areas
It ensures that customers and employees can navigate your premises safely, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing the overall customer experience.
E) Compliance with Regulations
Many municipalities have regulations in place that require businesses to have properly lit signs for safety and zoning purposes. Investing in sign lighting ensures that you remain compliant with these regulations, avoiding potential fines and legal issues.
F) Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Modern sign lighting technologies, such as LED lights, are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. They not only reduce your energy bills but also contribute to your store's sustainability efforts, which can be an attractive selling point to environmentally-conscious customers. If this is something you prefer, opt for LED.
In conclusion, as a store owner, investing in sign lighting is a practical and strategic decision that can benefit your business in numerous ways. This is because sign lighting:
Enhances visibility
Extends business hours
Reinforces branding
Improves safety and accessibility
Ensures compliance with regulations
Boosts customer engagement
contributes to energy efficiency
These practical applications collectively contribute to the success and growth of your store, making sign lighting an essential element of your overall business strategy. Stay tuned for expert tips on how to make the most of your sign lighting in the following sections of this blog post.
2. Sign Lighting Examples
As a business owner, you have various options when it comes to sign lighting, each serving different purposes and applications. Here are three common types of sign lighting and their ideal applications:
A) Flood Lighting
Flood lighting involves the use of powerful, wide-angle lights that illuminate a sign's entire surface. This type of lighting is often used when you want to showcase a brand or logo prominently, ensuring it's visible from a distance and stands out during both day and night.
Flood lights increase brand visibility and are great for large signs.
Ideal Applications:
Brand Visibility: Flood lighting is perfect for highlighting your brand or logo on signs, making it easily recognizable to passersby.
Large Signs: It works well for larger signs, billboards, or signs positioned at a distance from the viewer.
Outdoor Events: Flood lighting can be used for temporary signage at outdoor events, trade shows, or promotions, where maximum visibility is essential.
Now, let’s examine backlighting.
B) Backlighting
Backlighting involves placing a light source behind the sign, creating a halo effect around the sign's edges or highlighting specific design elements. It provides a visually appealing and eye-catching way to draw attention to your sign.
Backlighting adds an aesthetic appeal and nighttime ambiance.
Ideal Applications:
Aesthetic Appeal: Backlighting is ideal for signs with intricate designs, graphics, or architectural elements that you want to emphasize.
Nighttime Ambiance: It's great for creating a soft, inviting glow around signs that enhances the overall ambiance of your storefront or business.
Menu Boards: Backlighting is commonly used for menu boards at restaurants or cafes, making them easy to read in dimly lit conditions.
Now, let’s take a look at self-lit channel letters.
C) Self-Lit Channel Letters
Self-lit channel letters are individual, three-dimensional letters or shapes that contain built-in lighting elements. They provide a bold and highly visible way to display your business name or message.
Self-lit channel letters must be expertly designed and installed.
Ideal Applications:
Storefront Identification: Self-lit channel letters are commonly used for storefront signage, allowing your business name to be prominently displayed.
Indoor Signage: They work well for indoor signage, guiding customers to various sections within your store or highlighting product categories.
Multiple Colours: Channel letters can be customized with various colours, making them suitable for businesses looking to add a vibrant touch to their signage.
Self-lit channel letters are one of three great choices for your storefront.
Choosing the right type of sign lighting depends on your specific goals and the design of your signage. When deciding between these three types of sign lighting, consider the following:
The size of your sign
The message you want to convey
The visual impact you aim to achieve
Combining different types of sign lighting can also create a dynamic and attention-grabbing display that effectively represents your brand and attracts customers to your store or business.
3. Practical Advice for Business Owners
Planning a new sign is a crucial aspect of your businesses branding and visibility. Due to the fact that a quality sign improves the look of your storefront, it also makes your business appear professional and trustworthy. If you are a store owner that is considering getting a new sign, here are some practical pieces of advice:
A) Establish a Clear Budget
Determine how much you're willing to invest in your new sign. Consider not only the initial cost but also maintenance and operational expenses like electricity for lighting. Purchasing a sign for your business is an investment.
B) Define Your Sign’s Purpose
Understand the primary purpose of your sign. Is it for:
Advertising?
Way-finding?
Clarifying this will help guide design decisions and conversations with professional signage companies.
C) Research Regulations and Obtain Permits
Check local zoning and signage regulations. Different areas may have specific rules about:
Sign size
Sign placement
Sign lighting
Ensure your sign complies with these regulations to avoid potential issues.
Or, better yet, work with a company like AGC Signs that handles this for you.
D) Hire a Professional Designer
Consider working with a professional sign designer who can create a visually appealing and effective sign that aligns with your brand identity and goals. Some companies, like AGC Signs, will even design your sign, install it, and maintain it!
E) Research Sign Companies
Research and choose a reputable sign company with a track record of quality work and good customer service. Check reviews, ask for references, check their gallery, and visit their previous installations if possible.
F) Plan for Maintenance
Develop a maintenance plan to keep your sign in top condition. Regular cleaning and inspections will help extend its lifespan.
By following these practical tips, you can plan and execute a new sign installation successfully, ultimately enhancing your business's visibility and brand presence.
Need Help With Sign Lighting? Trust AGC Signs
AGC Signs has the design expertise, manufacturing equipment, installation machinery and professional staff to help you successfully and safely erect any business signs. They also handle all permit requirements and bylaws and can maintain your sign for years to come.
With over 10 years of experience serving Pickering and the GTA, AGC has signs of all types that you’ll be proud to display. Be confident in your choice and choose AGC Signs!
Contact us to discuss the signage options available to you.
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“They have always been wonderful to work with. I was first referred to them by another happy customer of theirs as I was planning to open my own office. AGC’s designer worked with me and the customer service rep to create my business logo, letterheads, business cards, and the large signs outside the office. From the designing, to editing, making and printing, and sign installing... Everything was done in a timely manner and they were so professional to work with.
Every year or two, I reach back out to make a small order here and there, and they are always ready to help. Strongly recommend them! Thank you Adrian and Rhonda!”
