How to Make an Outdoor Business Sign: A Complete Guide for Business Owners

8/25/2025

If you're a business owner planning to invest in a new outdoor business sign, you know it's more than just a design decision—it's a strategic one. The right signage can make your storefront more visible, bring in foot traffic, reinforce your brand identity, and even increase your sales. In fact, a study from the University of Cincinnati found that about 60% of businesses reported a boost in sales—an average of 10%—after improving the design or visibility of their signage. 

But creating an effective and compliant sign involves several key steps, from concept to installation. At Signs Now, we specialize in guiding businesses through this process, helping ensure your sign looks professional, aligns with local regulations, and achieves your goals. 

Here’s a comprehensive look at how to create your outdoor business sign from start to finish. 

Step 1: Define the Purpose of Your Sign 

Before you begin designing, it's important to understand why you're creating a sign in the first place. Are you trying to increase walk-in traffic? Promote a special offer or product? Establish stronger branding and visibility from the road? Or maybe all of the above? 

Identifying your sign’s primary purpose will help determine the best location, design elements, and materials. For example, a restaurant looking to attract nighttime customers might benefit from illuminated signage, while a boutique may want a stylish blade or awning sign to catch the eye of pedestrians. 

Step 2: Understand Local Sign Regulations 

Once you have a purpose in mind, you’ll need to research your city or county’s signage regulations. Most municipalities have ordinances that govern everything from size and height to lighting, materials, and even colors. These rules are especially important if your business is in a historical district or a shared shopping plaza. 

Permits are typically required before fabrication or installation can begin, and navigating this process can be time-consuming. The good news? Signs Now may handle the permitting process for you—we work with local authorities to ensure your signage meets all requirements and stays compliant. 

Step 3: Choose the Right Location 

Where you place your sign is just as important as what it says. You’ll want to evaluate your property to identify the most visible and effective location for your audience. Visibility from the road, pedestrian foot traffic, sightlines, and nearby obstructions like trees or light poles all come into play here.

Depending on your property and local regulations, your sign could be mounted on your building, installed on a pole, integrated into a monument structure, or displayed with an awning. Our team can provide a site audit to help you choose the best placement for maximum impact. 

Step 4: Select the Best Type of Outdoor Sign 

There are many types of outdoor signs available, each with its own advantages. The best option for your business depends on your goals, location, and budget. 

A-frame signs are ideal for small businesses that rely on sidewalk traffic, while monument signs offer long-term branding at street level. If your business operates in the evening, illuminated or digital signage can help you stay visible after dark. And for seasonal promotions or limited-time events, banners and vinyl graphics offer flexible, cost-effective options. 

Choosing the right format early on ensures your sign functions well in its environment and reaches your intended audience effectively. 

Step 5: Pick a Durable Sign Material 

After selecting a sign type, it's time to consider materials. Outdoor signage must withstand the elements, so durability is key. Common materials include: 

• Aluminum, which is rust-resistant and long-lasting, often used for permanent signage. 

• Acrylic, known for its sleek, modern appearance and often used in lightbox or dimensional letter signs. 

• Vinyl, a versatile option for window graphics, banners, and vehicle wraps. 

• Corrugated plastic – or Coroplast - which is lightweight and great for temporary use, like event or real estate signs. 

We help you choose a material that suits your sign’s purpose, environment, and expected lifespan. 

Step 6: Design Your Sign for Impact 

This is where creativity meets strategy. Your sign’s design should clearly communicate your brand, capture attention, and be easy to read from a distance. That means choosing the right typography, color contrast, spacing, and imagery. 

Your logo and color scheme should be front and center, creating consistency across your brand. Strong calls to action or high-visibility elements (like illumination or movement) can further enhance your sign’s effectiveness. 

At Signs Now, our experienced designers work with you to create a sign that reflects your brand personality while meeting functional needs. Whether you're refreshing an existing design or starting from scratch, we’ll make sure it communicates exactly what you want your audience to see. 

Step 7: Submit Your Permit Application 

Once your sign design and location are finalized, it’s time to submit the official permit application. This usually involves providing documentation such as blueprints, engineering specs, and visuals that outline the sign's size, materials, and placement. 

Many businesses underestimate how time-consuming and detailed this step can be. That’s why we take care of it for you—from compiling the documents to communicating with local permitting offices. 

Step 8: Build the Sign 

After receiving permit approval, fabrication begins. Our team uses modern tools and quality materials to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re opting for 3D lettering, illuminated signage, or a more traditional printed display, we ensure every detail is precise and polished. 

The fabrication process is handled by our in-house team, which means faster turnaround times and consistent quality control from start to finish. 

Step 9: Install the Sign Safely and Professionally 

Finally, your sign is ready to be installed. Proper sign installation ensures your sign is both secure and optimally positioned for visibility. Whether it’s mounted on a wall, pole, or freestanding structure, our installation experts follow strict safety and structural guidelines. 

This final step can make or break the impact of your sign—so we don’t cut corners. We’ll schedule installation at a time that minimizes disruption to your business and ensure everything looks perfect before we leave. 

Partner with Signs Now for End-to-End Outdoor Signage Solutions 

Creating an effective outdoor sign for your business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Signs Now, you get a full-service partner who handles every step—from creative design and materials selection to permitting, fabrication, and professional installation. 

We understand that your sign is more than just a marker—it's an investment in your business’s visibility and success. Whether you're looking to upgrade an outdated sign or start fresh with a bold new design, we’re here to help you stand out. 

Contact us today for a consultation and let’s talk about your next great sign. 

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