Whether you need to put up a sign for your brand-new business or you’re installing a new one as part of a branding redesign, the process can be daunting. Unfortunately, for many business owners, their knowledge of sign design, fabrication, and installation extends only to the fact that they need a sign.
At National Signs, we want to make the process as easy as possible so you can get your marketing and place and get back to running your business. While we certainly can’t cover everything in one article, we’ve put together a list of top considerations anyone putting up an outdoor business sign in Houston needs to address.
1. Design
Let’s start with what your sign will look like. It’s crucial that your branding, including your logo, color palette, and font choices, are consistent no matter where you use them. When a potential customer drives past your sign, they should recognize it from your website, your social media profile pics, or anywhere else they might have interacted with your business.
As far as the content is concerned, you should aim for as little information as needed. Customers need to know they’ve come to the right place, but they don’t need to also see your website address, phone number, etc. Remember: the more elements that are on your sign, the weaker each one becomes. Of course, if you have an LED display as part of your signage, there’s some leeway here.
Also, keep in mind that people read from left to right and from top to bottom. So make sure that the most essential element of your sign starts towards the upper left corner.
2. Visibility
Where is your sign going to go? Some businesses may be restricted on their sign placement because of circumstances outside their control, but it’s time to start scouting if you have a choice in the matter. You’re looking for a location that will get a lot of views. If you can, walk or drive by to see where you might run into obstructions.
Even if your business isn’t open late, you don’t want anyone to forget about you at night. Your sign needs to be lit, preferably by LED lights. While these lights use far less energy than others, they still need power. National Signs can help you determine if your first choice for sign placement has good power access.
Now that you have a good idea of where your sign is going, you may need to take a step back and reevaluate your design. Take a look at the surrounding area, paying particular attention to the colors, building shapes, and other signage. If you need to, consider redesigning your sign to stand out from the elements around it. You don’t want to blend into the scenery!
3. Permits
The City of Houston requires businesses to get a permit before installing their signs, but there’s another important document you’ll need to have first. Make sure you have a current Certificate of Occupancy for your business premises, or the city won’t allow you to put a sign on the property. Once you have your permit, you generally have six months to install your sign and have it inspected by city officials, so don’t delay!
You’ll also need to keep height restrictions in mind if you want to be compliant (and avoid having your sign taken down). Signs can’t be taller than 42 ½ feet from the street, and roof signs can’t be more than 25 feet above roof level.
How are you supposed to keep all of these rules and regulations in mind? The good news is you don’t have to. National Signs will guide you through every step of the process, including permitting, so you can focus on your business.
What Can National Signs Do For You?
At National Signs, we’ve helped countless businesses just like yours get their outdoor signs designed, fabricated, permitted, and installed. We even offer a 5-year warranty on all parts, labor, and signage.
Take a look at our gallery to get inspired, then give us a call when your Houston business is ready for its next outdoor sign.
