Signage outdoors has come a long way since the 1800’s when outdoor signs were the primary way of advertising for businesses. Now, outdoor signs are part of large marketing budgets and utilised across the world. With the ability to customise and let your creativity run wild, this traditional means of advertising is still effective in its own right.

Signage outdoors is a fantastic way for existing and potential customers to recognise your place of business when passing by. This cost effective method of targeting messages to an audience within a specific space is excellent for delivering key messages. When placing a physical sign outside a business, such as sale signs or menu boards, you communicate a strong message to a wider group. This audience is already near your place of business, you just need to peak their interest enough for them to walk in.

On the other end, outdoor signs are perfect for reaching a mass audience with a one off spend. Your audience is unable to turn off, mute or exit your advertising. This allows greater reach as you gain access to an audience you may not find elsewhere. Outdoor signs can reach younger/older generations, busy workers and groups that may not be accessible through other means.

Outdoor signage is also an effective means for gaining awareness. With the ability to make the messages as short, vague or controversial as you like, large outdoor signs are a fantastic way of getting in front of a consumer. The bigger the better right?! If your sign is able to cut through the noise of other business and capture a consumers’ attention, you’ve gained a high level of awareness which is invaluable when converting customers.

So what makes a good outdoor sign? Keep it brief. Chances are, someone passing by your sign is either driving or walking. Either way, you still only have a short time frame to get the message across. A simple business name, logo and tagline can be effective in delivering your message through tone, colours, imagery and text.

That brings us to colouring. You don’t want to be so bright that it’s hard to look at, but you also don’t want to be dull to the point it’s boring to look at. After gauging the message you’re trying to portray, pick an array of colours that are bold enough to grab attention, but not too crazy that it may confuse the messaging.

Be sure to use a material for your outdoor signs that is weather resistant yet fits your budget. With an array of signage materials, from vinyl to dibond, choose a material that fits the space of the advertising, the likely weather conditions, budget and message. Save the big bucks for the big messaging signs and billboards.

Lastly, be sure to check the final product. Any spelling mistakes, design tricks or left out details can affect the desired result for the sign. You can never be too careful!