Choosing the Right Signage for Your Business: A Guide by Cooper Printing
When it comes to your business, signage isn’t just decoration; it’s a vital part of how you communicate with customers. From making a memorable first impression to guiding people through your space, the right business signs do a lot of heavy lifting. At Cooper Printing, we specialize in helping businesses choose and create custom signage that’s both beautiful and strategic. Here's a comprehensive guide to selecting professional printed signs that fit your goals, audience, and environment.
Understanding the Different Types of Signage
1. Outdoor Signage
Outdoor signage is often the first interaction a potential customer has with your brand, so it needs to be bold, clear, and instantly recognizable. This category includes storefront signs, billboards, A-frames, banners, monument signs, and even vehicle wraps. Whether mounted on a building or displayed curbside, outdoor signage serves to capture attention, build brand awareness, and draw people in.
Best For: Brick-and-mortar businesses, especially those located in high-traffic areas. Restaurants, salons, retail shops, and service providers all benefit from standout exterior signage that communicates professionalism and visibility.
Pro Tip: Think beyond just your logo; include key information like hours of operation, promotions, or even a call to action. Use durable materials like aluminum, vinyl, or weather-treated wood to ensure your signage withstands the elements year-round.
2. Indoor Signage
Once customers enter your space, indoor signage shapes how they interact with your brand. It goes beyond decoration; it informs, educates, and influences decision-making. Examples include directional signs, branded wall graphics, menu boards, POP (point-of-purchase) displays, and lobby signage.
Best For: Businesses that want to create a seamless, on-brand customer journey. Indoor signage helps people navigate your space, engage with your offerings, and feel confident in their purchasing decisions.
Pro Tip: Use indoor signs to reinforce your brand identity. Consistent colors, fonts, and messaging across all signs can boost brand recognition and make your space feel professional and cohesive.
3. Digital Signage
Digital signage adds a dynamic element to your communication strategy. From LED message boards to touchscreen kiosks and animated displays, digital signs allow you to rotate content, display videos, update pricing, and promote limited-time offers; all in real time.
Best For: Businesses that need flexibility or frequently update their messaging such as like restaurants with changing menus, event venues, gyms, and retail stores running regular promotions.
Pro Tip: The upfront cost may be higher than traditional signage, but the ability to change messaging instantly (without printing costs) offers long-term value. Plus, digital displays tend to capture attention more effectively, especially in busy or competitive environments.
How to Choose the Right Business Signage
1. Define Your Business Goals
Start by identifying what you need your signage to do. Are you looking to drive more walk-in traffic? Highlight a new product line? Improve wayfinding in a complex space? Your primary objectives will help narrow down which type of signage is most appropriate and how it should be designed.
For example, if your goal is visibility from the street, a large, exterior sign with a light strategically placed will be key. If you’re aiming to boost impulse purchases, strategically placed POP displays might be your best bet.
2. Know Your Audience
Business signs aren't just about what you say, it’s about who you’re speaking to. Consider your customer demographics. A tech-savvy, younger audience may respond well to sleek, interactive digital displays. On the other hand, a more traditional or active customer base may prefer clear, static signs that are easy to read and navigate.
Also consider accessibility: make sure your signage is inclusive, using high-contrast colors, large fonts, and, and memorable images.
3. Assess Your Location
Your environment plays a big role in determining the size, placement, and materials for your printed signs. Are you in a downtown shopping district with lots of pedestrian traffic? A suburban strip mall with car traffic? Or inside a large office building where navigation is key?
Be mindful of visibility, lighting, zoning laws, and local sign ordinances. The best business signs in the world won’t help if it’s blocked by a tree or isn’t allowed by the city. Cooper Printing can assist with design that complies with local guidelines while still making a strong impact.
4. Balance Your Budget with Long-Term Value
Custom signage is an investment, and like any investment, it’s important to consider both short-term costs and long-term returns. Budget-friendly options like vinyl banners and posters are great for temporary events or seasonal promotions. When purchasing signs for permanent installations, it’s worth investing in quality materials that won’t fade, crack, or peel over time. Make sure you have the proper tools and help to install your permanent signs securely and safely.
Digital signage requires more upfront investment and can run up electricity costs, but can help to enhance the printed signs you have when planned properly. Think of your signage not just as a cost, but as a revenue-generating asset that enhances visibility, credibility, and customer engagement.
Partner with the Pros
Selecting the right business signs isn’t always straightforward, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Cooper Printing, we’ve helped hundreds of local businesses design, produce, and install signs that not only look great, but help to grow the customer base, and build their brand. Our team brings experience in both design and functionality, ensuring your signs align with your goals, brand, and budget.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating existing signs, we’ll guide you through every step from choosing the right materials to navigating local trends and beyond.
Contact Cooper Printing today for a free consultation and project quote. Let’s build something that grabs attention, and keeps it!
Authored by: Sharp Innovations | Posted: 10/16/2025