More and more customers are demanding lit signage. Follow these tips to increase your revenues and serve your customers better.
Illuminated, or lit signage at its core is a wayfinding tool. Companies that have an exterior or interior lit sign draw the attention of passersby.
The tell-tale sign, if a business is open, is if its sign is aglow with life or dimmed into unwelcoming darkness. As customers pass by, a lit sign serves as “Welcome, we’re open”. Though profitable, lit signage is a wide and, at times, intimidating landscape to navigate.
Sign shops that are hesitant to introduce this option to their customers are missing out on an opportunity to diversify their offerings and generate more revenue. That’s why we curated these tips on entering the market to help you grow your business.
Know Your Options
Many sign professionals have a basic understanding of what a lit sign is, but they may not be aware of all the details involved in creating an illuminated sign. In addition to choosing a color and style of lighting, clients have the option to select from metal or plastic materials, colors, and an array of construction styles. Each style has its own unique features and may be better suited for different applications but knowing the available options and their benefits gets you halfway there.
If you are outsourcing the work, gather information from your manufacturer. If this is your first time purchasing it, reach out to the company to learn more about your choices and what would be best for your clients.
Gemini manufactures several lit signage options: Lit Formed Plastic, Lit Acrylic, Lit Cast Metal Letters, and Lit Fabricated Letters. Lit Formed Plastic comes in a
Be Aware of a Sign’s Backdrop
Lit signage, by definition, is made to be mounted on a surface. Depending on what lighting style you need, some surfaces work better than others. Overall, brick and wood generally perform well with all lit styles.
If you’re trying to have a light project out of the back of the sign and create a glow, dark-colored surfaces, especially black, soak up the light and give you dim glows. Reflective or high gloss surfaces, such as tile, are also not suitable as they distort the light.
Consider Sight Distance and Color
Thinking about the location of the sign, type of lighting, and how people will encounter the signage are all crucial elements to take into account. By carefully considering these aspects, you can ensure that your signage captures attention and effectively conveys your message to potential customers.
- Think about the location of the sign. Will it be at eye-level in front of a store or across a busy street? Certain LED colors will be more visible at night or from a distance, whereas others, like blue, tend to wash out quicker over a distance than white would.
- When considering indoor illuminated signage, it's important to adjust your approach. While bright LEDs are effective for drawing attention outdoors, a more subdued approach is often preferred indoors. Opting for softer colors and halo-lit signage can be easier on the eyes when viewed up close.
- Lighting style is also important to consider based on distance. Face lighting is best for capturing a person’s attention from a considerable distance, while halo lighting may not have the same visibility or reach.
- Additionally, think about how a consumer will first encounter the signage. If you were in their position – walking, bicycling, or driving a vehicle. What would catch your attention the most?
Turn to the Experts
Make sure that you connect with experts when dealing with illuminated signage. Most cities, counties, and states have ordinances and requirements that must be followed when installing lit signage. In some cases, you may need to acquire a permit before legally installing a new illuminated sign. Connect with a building inspector at your local city hall to find out what the local code for interior or exterior lit signage is for your area.
It is also important to consult a trusted electrician. While it may seem more efficient to handle the installation in-house, traditional sign installers without electrical experience will not be able to install the sign properly. You will need a licensed electrician to be able to install an illuminated sign correctly without risking damage to the sign or the building.
Lastly, gathering information from your manufacturer about lit signage is a must. If this is your first time purchasing it, reach out to the company to learn more about your choices and what would be best for your clients. It's essential to inquire about UL certification as it ensures that the product meets specific safety standards, reducing the risk of electrical hazards and ensuring compliance with local regulations. This certification provides peace of mind, knowing that the signage is safe and reliable for your clients. Make sure you check if the lit signage you are buying from your manufacturer is UL-certified.
Increase Your Business’ Revenue: Offer Illuminated Signage Today
Illuminated signage can seem complicated but working with a sign manufacturer that knows what they’re doing will set you up for success.
“To not offer lit signage would be to miss out on a huge slice of the pie,” says Nick Dyson, Product Manager at Gemini, one of the leading manufacturers of lit signage in the U.S. and Canada. “It’s very clear that lit signage is a growing segment of the market, and more people are looking to incorporate lit signs into their own businesses. As a sign shop, if an end-user absolutely needs lit signage, and you can’t offer that to them, you are essentially forfeiting that revenue to a competitor.”
Whether you’re looking for faster lead times, want to expand the lit signage your shop can provide, or are looking for a way to introduce lit signage into your business for the very first time, Gemini can get you where you need to go. Browse material and lighting options or get connected with helpful consultants to get you started in the right direction, here.
