What makes a business easy to recognise from the street? For many companies, the answer starts with clear and professional outdoor company signs. Whether you operate a shop, office, restaurant, warehouse or commercial property, exterior signage can help customers identify your premises and understand your brand.
But what type of sign should you choose? Where should it be positioned? Do you need planning permission? And which materials are suitable for outdoor use? Businesses exploring their options can consider Outdoor Signs when planning an effective exterior signage solution.
Why Are Outdoor Company Signs Important for Businesses?
Can a sign really make a difference to a business premises? Yes, because exterior signage often provides one of the first visual impressions customers have of a company.
A well-planned sign can help:
- Make a business easier to locate
- Improve brand recognition
- Communicate a professional appearance
- Increase visibility from roads and pavements
- Direct customers towards entrances
- Create a consistent business identity
But should an outdoor sign simply be large and noticeable? Not necessarily. A sign also needs to be easy to read and appropriate for its surroundings. A simple design with clear lettering and good contrast can often communicate more effectively than one containing too much information.
What Types of Outdoor Company Signs Can Businesses Choose From?
Which type of exterior sign is right for your business? The answer depends on your building, location, customer journey and branding requirements.
Could Fascia Signs Work for Your Business?
Fascia signs are commonly installed above shop entrances and commercial frontages. They provide a prominent space for displaying a business name, logo and key branding.
Would a fascia sign suit a retail shop, office or professional service? In many cases, yes, particularly when the building has a clearly defined frontage.
When Are Projecting Signs Useful?
Could customers approaching from the side struggle to see a conventional fascia sign? A projecting sign can provide another visibility point.
These signs extend from a building and face towards pedestrians or passing traffic. They can be particularly useful on busy high streets where people approach a premises from different directions.
Would Freestanding Signs Be Suitable?
What if your building is positioned away from the road? Freestanding or post-mounted signs can help identify the premises before visitors reach the main entrance.
They can also be useful for displaying directional information where a larger site contains several buildings, entrances or parking areas.
Should You Consider Illuminated Signs?
Would your business benefit from being visible after dark? Illuminated signage can make a business easier to identify during evening hours.
However, should every business choose an illuminated sign? Not necessarily. Brightness, positioning, local requirements and the surrounding environment should all be considered before installation.
How Should You Choose the Right Outdoor Company Signs?
What should you consider before ordering an outdoor sign? The design should be based on how the sign will actually be viewed and used rather than simply how it looks on a computer screen.
How Important Is Sign Visibility?
Can customers see the sign clearly from the expected viewing distance?
A sign beside a busy road may need different dimensions and lettering from one intended mainly for pedestrians. Consider:
- Viewing distance
- Traffic speed
- Pedestrian movement
- Building position
- Surrounding signs and structures
The main message should be easy to understand without requiring customers to stop and read excessive text.
Should Your Outdoor Sign Match Your Brand?
Would customers recognise your business if the exterior sign looked completely different from your other branding?
Using consistent colours, fonts, logos and design elements can help create stronger visual recognition. At the same time, avoid overcrowding the sign with too many details.
Which Materials Are Suitable for Outdoor Signs?
What happens when a sign is exposed to rain, sunlight, wind and temperature changes?
Outdoor signage needs materials suitable for its environment. The choice can depend on the location, desired appearance, expected lifespan and maintenance requirements.
Choosing an appropriate material can help the sign maintain its appearance and performance over time.
Why Does Professional Installation Matter?
Is a well-designed sign enough on its own? No. Installation is also an important consideration.
The building structure, sign weight, fixing method and installation position should be assessed before fitting. Poor installation can affect both the appearance and durability of a sign.
How Can Outdoor Signage Support the Customer Journey?
Should signage only display the company name? Not always.
A well-planned signage system can help customers throughout their visit. For example, a commercial premises might use an exterior company sign to identify the building, directional signs to guide visitors and additional identification near reception.
If you are planning signage across a wider commercial property, Building Signage Solutions: A Guide for UK Businesses can provide further ideas for considering signage as part of the overall customer journey.
Do Outdoor Company Signs Need Planning Permission?
Can you install any outdoor sign without permission? Not necessarily.
In England, outdoor advertisements are subject to planning controls. Whether express consent is required can depend on the type, size, location and conditions applying to the advertisement.
Before installation, should businesses check:
- Where the sign will be located?
- How large will it be?
- Will it be illuminated?
- Is the building listed?
- Are there local planning restrictions?
- Will the sign be positioned on public land or a pavement?
GOV.UK provides guidance on advertisement consent and explains that certain advertisements can benefit from deemed consent when specific conditions are met.
Businesses should therefore check the applicable requirements before manufacturing and installing signage.
How Can You Make Outdoor Company Signs Safer and Easier to Read?
Does an attractive sign automatically make a good sign? Not always. Readability and safety should also be considered.
Could small lettering, weak contrast or poor positioning create problems? Potentially. Important information should be clear and visible, while signs should be positioned so they do not create unnecessary hazards for pedestrians, drivers or other road users.
For workplace safety signs, the Health and Safety Executive provides guidance on ensuring signs are sufficiently clear and visible for their intended purpose.
This is particularly relevant for warehouses, industrial premises, car parks and other commercial environments where visitors may need clear instructions.
What Common Outdoor Signage Mistakes Should Businesses Avoid?
What can make an otherwise good sign less effective?
Common mistakes include:
- Using too much text
- Choosing weak colour contrast
- Making lettering too small
- Ignoring viewing distance
- Choosing unsuitable materials
- Failing to check local requirements
- Neglecting damaged or faded signage
- Using inconsistent branding
Could a simpler sign sometimes work better? Yes. The main purpose should be clear communication. Customers should be able to understand the key message quickly.
What Should You Remember When Choosing Outdoor Company Signs?
So, what should businesses consider before investing in exterior signage?
The right outdoor company signs should combine visibility, branding, durability, readability and practical installation requirements. The most suitable solution will depend on the type of premises, location, customer journey and intended use.
Before proceeding, ask yourself:
- Can customers see the sign easily?
- Is the message simple and clear?
- Does it match the company’s branding?
- Is the material suitable for outdoor conditions?
- Is the installation method appropriate?
- Have relevant planning requirements been checked?
- Will the sign remain useful and readable over time?
Businesses looking to improve their exterior presence can explore M Signs Centre Manchester for signage solutions suited to commercial premises.
FAQs About Outdoor Company Signs
What are outdoor company signs used for?
Are outdoor company signs only used to display a business name? No. They can identify premises, strengthen branding, improve visibility and provide directions or other useful information.
What material should you use for outdoor company signs?
Which material is best depends on the sign’s location, size, design and exposure to weather. Businesses should consider durability, appearance and maintenance requirements before making a choice.
Do outdoor company signs always require planning permission?
Does every outdoor sign require express planning permission? No. Requirements vary according to factors such as the sign type, dimensions, location and applicable planning conditions. Businesses should check current guidance and local requirements before installation.
How can you make an outdoor sign easier to read?
What makes an outdoor sign readable? Clear lettering, appropriate sizing, strong contrast and a simple layout can all help. The sign should also be designed around the distance and angle from which customers are expected to view it.