First impressions count for a business, and outdoor signage is generally the first thing people see. 

According to Forbes, it takes 7 seconds to make a first impression. So it needs to be a good one. 

No matter what time of day it is or the weather conditions, outdoor signage is constantly working to grab attention and draw customers in. 

The good news is that there are so many outdoor signage options and displays. 

The bad news is that, because of this, it’s not always easy to choose the right one for your business. 

From the size to the design, there are a lot of factors to consider. You need a sign that will stand strong in the face of the elements and not lose its appeal over time. 

At Fantasy Prints, we know how important the right signage is. That’s why we offer a large selection of posters, banners, and signage solutions to help get your business the attention it deserves. All you need to do is browse our website until you see one that catches your eye. 

Then, simply fill in the details of what you want to display, and leave the rest to us. 

In this blog, we’ll be exploring all kinds of outdoor signs to give you everything you need to know in order to choose the best one for you. 

Let’s get started! 

Why Do Outdoor Signs Matter? 

Have you ever walked down a street and found your eyes drawn to an outdoor sign? 

Naturally, you probably then cast your gaze towards the business it’s attached to, or the specific one mentioned on the sign. Following this, you probably wandered into the shop or looked up the business on your phone. 

Either way, you generated traffic for the business. 

For businesses, this is the main goal. After all, what’s a business without clients and customers? 

Effective outdoor signs can be the deciding factor between someone walking and looking past your business, and someone feeling enticed to visit you.

Outdoor signage works hard at all hours of the day to get you noticed. 

Here are some reasons why they’re great for a business:

Visibility  

As we mentioned above, outdoor signage is great for boosting the visibility of your business. Custom outdoor signage works all hours of the day to engage and attract passersby and, if it’s effective, entice them to find out more about you. From foot traffic to drivers zooming past, an eye-catching sign will make your business hard to ignore. 

Brand Awareness

If your outdoor shop signage reflects your business, it’ll boost brand awareness. Outdoor sign printing can put you on people’s radar quickly. If a sign shows off your logo, your colour palette, and your brand message, it’ll stick in people’s minds. You can probably think of a memorable outdoor sign off the top of your head and link it to a business. 

This just means it’s working… 

Tailored Messaging

You can use custom outdoor signs to showcase tailored messaging that relates to your brand, which is an effective way to resonate with your target audience. You might decide to include a witty tagline or a heartfelt message and welcome to your business. 

By using a custom sign to do this, you can present your business’s voice loud and clear. 

Flexibility 

You can change custom outdoor signs to reflect changes in your business and keep signage as relevant as possible. As the seasons and trends change, you can update your signs and use more outdoor sign printing to your advantage. 

Whether there’s a new product you want to promote or a festive season sale, you can keep your customers up to date with relevant signage. 

Quality 

We’ll get to this later, but there are lots of different material options for outdoor signage, like mesh material for example. The good news is that a lot of durable and long-lasting materials are used to create signs that need to face the elements. At Fantasy Prints, we never compromise on quality. Therefore, you’ll know that every sign you get will be built to last and maintain its standard. 

Information 

Eye-catching outdoor signs are great, but they go past aesthetics. You can use custom outdoor signs to display important information that you want people to know about. For example, you can include your opening times or any current promotions you want people to know about. 

Cost-Effective Marketing 

TV advertising can be a very expensive way to promote your business. What’s a cheaper way? Outdoor signage is essentially the gift that keeps on giving. It consistently advertises your business at all hours of the day without any added marketing expenses. You can promote your business or any promotions and deals and reap the benefits of constant visibility. 

Are you still wondering if outdoor signage is a good idea?

If you want to promote your business and increase your customer count, focusing on outdoor signage is a strategic step. 

Types of Outdoor Signage 

To add to the confusion of which sign to get, there are lots of options. 

Outdoor sign printing has its fair share of choices. From festival signage to neon signs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when considering the best option for your business. However, once you know the different ones on offer, it’s a walk in the park! 

Here are the different types:

Banners 

Banners are a common choice of outdoor sign type for businesses of all sizes due to their versatility and lack of budget requirements. Plus, they work for a wide range of situations. From sales promotions to upcoming events, you can display all kinds of designs and information on a banner. 

Banners come in all shapes and sizes, so you don’t need to worry about limitations in that area. An effective print size guide can keep you on the right lines and make sure you cater to the needs of your business. You can use banners at events or for street-side advertising, as they’re great for visibility and raising awareness. 

Take a look at our roller banner printing options to elevate your space further!

A-Frame Signs

A-frame signs are poster frames that are also called sandwich boards because they’re made with two hinged boards connected at the top, similar to the two slices of bread used for sandwiches. 

These sign boards for shops are often placed outside of shops, as they can display information on both sides. Because of this, they’re great for maximum exposure to information. 

You can also use a-frame signs to direct customers to a certain area of a shop or add a quirky message to show off your brand’s personality. These kinds of boards are really easy to fold up and move inside, making them ideal for any temporary offers or discounts. 

Businesses often use swinger pavement signs for a similar effect. These might display directions or a specific product. Like A-frame signs, these signs are usually outside of shops to entice customers or present information. 

Cafe Dividers 

Cafe dividers are essentially, cafe dividers. They’re very practical and also make for an excellent branding opportunity. You can use them to display your logo, your brand name, or a certain product you sell. People walking by will have no choice but to look at the outdoor sign and therefore, you’ll boost your business’s visibility in no time. 

Furthermore, they also help to create a nice space for your customers where there’s some privacy. They’re customisable and created with durable materials that can uphold against weather conditions. 

Posters and Boards

If you need a more permanent, or semi-permanent, display poster and boards are a good option. These kinds of signs are often quite big, making them an ideal choice if you want to get creative with innovative ideas for large format printing. 

You might want to showcase a large sale or discount that your business is offering, in which case, using bright colours and engaging typography on posters or boards outside your shop will attract attention. 

Or you can simply display your menu on a poster or board outside your shop. Furthermore, a price list could be a handy display option, as well as any relevant information about your business or shop. 

Window Displays 

You can’t underestimate the power of a good window sign or display. Window displays work hard to maximise your shopfront and catch the attention of people walking by. Imagine walking down a busy street and seeing a shop with a captivating display in its window. 

Chances are that you’ll either remember, walk into the shop, or have it on your radar the next time you need something specific. 

Take real estate window displays for example. Without clear and engaging signage, you wouldn’t even know about the properties out there. And if you’re interested in buying or renting, this is pretty crucial! 

You might want to use vinyl material or transparent signage to lock in some flexibility in your designs. Plus, these kinds of window stickers are often removable, so you can keep your window up to date with relevant information. 

Custom Outdoor Signage 

If custom outdoor signs are what you’re looking for, the good news is, it can work wonders. 

Essentially, you can personalise any kind of signage for your business and tailor it to your brand or business. 

However, you can go the extra mile and alter the shape, colour, and material to truly reflect your brand. 

Custom outdoor signage adds that extra layer of visibility and secures a strong identity to your brand. Whilst often quite expensive, it’s a good long-term investment for your business. Effective custom outdoor signage sets you apart from the competition, and you stand a better chance of making a strong impression. From fabric display stands to fun chalk boards, you can customise everything to fit your unique brand.

Each of these signage options offers something different to your brand. Whether you’re looking to create temporary buzz with a promotional poster or create a strong lasting impression with custom signage, the different choices bring something new to the table. 

Materials Used for Outdoor Signage

It’s time to get technical. 

When it comes to outdoor signage, there are lots of materials you can use. Depending on the kind of sign you need, different materials have certain properties that can help accentuate the sign.

Here are some common outdoor signage materials and their key properties:

Foamex 

Foamex is a brand name for a PVC foam board, and it’s a common choice for outdoor signs due to its durability. Foamex is known for its long-lasting and polished look, and therefore, a lot of brands use it for signage to achieve that professional look. As a material, Foamex is an expensive option. 

However, it’s a great long-term investment that’ll stand the test of time. You’ll see it used a lot for wayfinding signage for this reason. 

Pros:

• Durable and rigid, with the ability to hold its shape for a long time
• Weather-resistant and able to withstand the elements 
• Provides a high-quality, smooth finish 
• Customisable options 

Cons:

• A more expensive signage option
• Not able to withstand intense weather conditions for long periods

Correx 

You might already be aware of the Foamex vs Correx battle, and to make matters more confusing, both materials share similarities. However, there are vital differences to consider too. 

Correx is a brand name for corrugated plastic, and people tend to use it for more temporary signage options, like pop up banners. It’s a more convenient option that’s easy to transport, making it a good material to use at events or to display short-term promotions. 

Pros: 

• Budget-friendly material option 
• Lightweight and easy to transport
• Weather resistant (for shorter periods)
• Customisable options 

Cons:

• Not able to withstand strong winds or bad weather conditions
• Less of a polished final look 

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is a versatile material that businesses use for banners and posters. PVC offers great print quality, and it’s good for achieving that polished look. It’s worth being aware of the need for support this material requires. If you’re using PVC to display information on a poster, you might need a frame for it. 

Pros:

• Weather resistant for short to medium periods
• Flexible and lightweight
• Able to be customised 
• Produces good print quality that looks professional and polished 

Cons:

• Not self-supporting 
• If used for long periods, it might need reinforcement

Aluminum 

If you’re seeking a sturdy material for your outdoor signage, aluminium is an excellent choice. It’s the perfect option if your primary signage goal is to create a sleek and professional look due to its professional appearance. 

Businesses use it a lot in offices or scenarios where a modern and elegant look is required. 

Pros:

• Very durable and able to resist rust and corrosion in weather conditions
• Great for achieving a professional aesthetic 
• Easy and lightweight to install 
• Lasts for a long time 

Cons:

• Expensive to install 
• A heavier material that requires proper mounting 

Vinyl 

Vinyl is a very popular material choice for banners and vehicle wraps because of its flexibility and vibrant print quality. Businesses tend to use it a lot for outdoor signage because vinyl is very good at withstanding weather conditions. 

You’ll also probably see vinyl a lot on uneven surfaces because its flexibility allows you to move it around to suit your needs. 

Pros: 

• Highly flexible, making it very adaptable for a lot of different situations, like vehicle wrapping
• Very weatherproof
• Shows vibrant and engaging colours effectively 
• Easy to customise to tailor your outdoor signage

Cons:

• Requires surface support as it can’t stand alone
• Could be more long-lasting 

At Fantasy Prints, we print on all kinds of materials. Our industry knowledge means we achieve a high-quality standard at all times and offer expert advice to make sure you get the best outdoor signage possible. From Foamex to Correx, vinyl vehicle wraps and more, all you need to do is get in touch with us to explore your options. 

Choosing the Right Outdoor Signage for Your Business

It’s all well and good exploring the different outdoor signage options, but how do you actually go about choosing the right one for your business? Essentially, it all depends on your goals. 

However, there is a lot to think about. It’s more than just aesthetics and style. It’s also about durability, longevity, and the right strategy that’ll draw people in. 

Here are some important factors to consider when choosing outdoor signage:

The Sign’s Location 

First things first, where is the outdoor signage going? An outdoor sign aims to attract as much attention as possible, so location is important to keep in mind. 

Three things to consider are:

• Visibility 
• Foot traffic 
• Surroundings 

Ask yourself if your sign will be visible from streets and walkways where people are likely to see it. For example, if it’s on a wall that faces another wall or is hidden from plain sight, people won’t see it. 

Or at least it’ll be more of an effort to, and this is not the goal. A print size guide can help you overcome struggles in this area and make the right decision for your business goals. 

Consider foot traffic potential and place your sign in an area where the most people will go. Look at foot traffic patterns and adjust your sign accordingly. An A-frame sign for example goes on the floor so won’t be as visible from a long distance. On the other hand, a large format poster on a wall will be seen from a distance. 

Lastly, consider the surroundings of your outdoor signage. This will no doubt have an impact on the colours and typography you use as it’ll need to stand out. For example, if you’re in the middle of a city centre, bright colours will put you on the radar. 

Know Your Brand 

Once you know your brand, creating custom outdoor signage is a walk in the park. For your brand to stand out as best as possible on a sign, you need to really understand what you want to present. 

Consider your colour scheme and use your brand’s colour palette to keep everything as consistent as possible. This is great for building trust and loyalty with customers.

The font and typography fall under the same umbrella, as they need to resonate with your brand as best possible. 

For example, if you’re using signage to advertise your corporate business, opt for a sleek and professional-looking font. If you’re running a cafe, more playful and fun will fit your brand. 

This goes for your brand message too. 

Keep the messaging as clear and concise as possible and make sure it resonates with your target audience. 

Consider the Signage’s Purpose

As we’ve mentioned before, an outdoor sign can have a lot of different purposes. Different signs do different things, so you just need to outline what you’re striving for and this will help your decision. 

You might want a sign that attracts attention to your business. This will mean that you need bright colours, bold graphics and innovative uses and designs to capture attention quickly. 

Other signs are there to provide information to people. Therefore, clarity and ease of reading needs to be in your mind. As a result, you might want to opt for a banner that’s big enough to display useful information. 

Or, an A-frame sign that’ll get straight to the point could be what it takes to attract people inside. 

Your Budget 

Outdoor sign printing isn’t always the cheapest endeavour. 

Some materials are more expensive than others but are seen as a long-term investment.  Foamex and aluminium are the two more expensive signage options, however, they’ll last a long time and maintain the quality of the sign. 

On the other hand, Correx and PVC are less expensive but better for more temporary outdoor signage. However, PVC and vinyl will require support, which will likely increase the overall cost. 

Your budget all comes down to your signage goals and whether it’ll be a long-term investment or not. Think about the lifespan of your sign and what and how long you need it for. 

A company like Fantasy Prints offers fair prices to make sure you get the best, most high-quality signage without spending a fortune. All you need to do is enter your design preference on our website! 

Sign Maintenance 

Being an outdoor sign, you’ll need to factor weather conditions and upkeep into the equation. Maintenance is sometimes time-consuming, so it’s a good idea to strive for as few requirements as possible. Opt for signage material that is weatherproof and will stand strong against the elements without compromising on quality. 

Furthermore, consider the fact that signage in areas with high volumes of traffic will need more regular cleaning. Opting for more durable materials can help to avoid maintenance requirements. 

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the right outdoor signage for your business. Picking the right one involves careful planning, but it’s all worth it when you achieve the results you’re striving for.

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Signage For Your Business 

Do you feel more prepared to choose outdoor signage that’ll meet your business’s needs and requirements? There are a lot of options and things to consider, but it’s all worth it when your engaging sign begins to increase your visibility and solidify your brand’s presence. 

At Fantasy Prints, we appreciate how tough it can be to decide on the right kind of signage for your business. There are so many options! 

However, our in-depth knowledge of the industry and commitment to quality outdoor sign printing make us the perfect choice for all your signage needs. Shop our collection today or get in touch with us today for more information.