When it comes to advertising your business, outdoor signage can be a highly effective tool. However, choosing suitable materials for your signage is crucial to ensuring its longevity, visibility, and effectiveness in attracting customers.
With so many different materials available, it can be difficult to determine which one is best for your business.
This article will discuss the various factors you should consider when choosing outdoor signage materials. By the end of this article, you will better understand the different materials available for outdoor signage and how to choose the right one for your business’s unique needs.
Durability
Durability is the most essential factor to consider when choosing your outdoor signage material. You want your signage to withstand exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as rain, wind, and direct sunlight, without fading or cracking.
Choosing a high-quality, durable material is crucial to ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of your signage. One example of durable material in vinyl signage is the Oracal 651 vinyl. This material is known for its superior durability and resistance to outdoor elements.
According to SignWarehouse, a supplier of signage material, Oracal 651 vinyl features a transparent adhesive and can withstand up to 6 years of outdoor use. This type of outdoor vinyl is equipped with a unique custom-release liner that ensures effortless weeding and consistent quality every time. With a range of 60 high gloss colors, including metallics, transparent, and 18 matte colors, Oracal 651 is a versatile choice for various applications.
By choosing a durable material like Oracal 651, you can ensure that your outdoor signage will stand the test of time and continue to effectively advertise your business for years to come.
Cost
The cost of outdoor signage materials is among the initial considerations when choosing your sign. While cheaper materials seem like a good option, they may not last as long or be as effective at attracting customers as higher-quality materials.
It’s essential to consider your budget and weigh the cost of the materials against their durability and effectiveness. Choosing a slightly more expensive but durable and effective material can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacement or repairs.
Ultimately, the cost of outdoor signage materials should be balanced against their quality and effectiveness in promoting your business.
Visibility
The visibility of your outdoor signage is crucial to its effectiveness in attracting customers. Certain materials, such as reflective or neon, can help your signage stand out and catch the attention of potential customers.
Reflective materials can be highly visible at night or in low-light conditions, while neon materials can create a vibrant and eye-catching display. It’s important to choose a material that will make your signage stand out from the surrounding environment and draw the attention of passersby.
By considering the visibility of your outdoor signage materials, you can create a highly effective advertising tool for your business.
Maintenance
Facility Management (FM) reports that a company’s signage portfolio can cost over $10 million per year. Maintenance expenses make up a significant portion of this total cost. However, decision-makers often neglect signage maintenance, which creates ongoing challenges for facility and maintenance managers.
Some signage materials require more maintenance than others, such as wood or painted signs that may require frequent repainting or repairs. On the other hand, materials like aluminum or vinyl may require less maintenance and be more durable over time.
It’s important to choose a material that is feasible for your business in terms of maintenance requirements and cost. By selecting a low-maintenance material, you can reduce the need for frequent repairs or replacements and save time and money in the long run.
Branding
The material you choose can influence the look and feel of your signage and impact how customers perceive your business. Materials like metal or wood can give your signage a more traditional or upscale feel, while materials like vinyl or plastic can give a more modern and sleek look.
Selecting a material that aligns with your brand and helps you communicate the desired message to potential customers is important. By choosing a material that aligns with your brand, you can create a more cohesive and effective marketing strategy for your business.
Environmental Impact
According to The European Business Review, creating sustainable custom signs is essential because it can help minimize the environmental impact of sign-making and promote sustainability. By using eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastic, bamboo, or reclaimed wood, waste can be minimized, and natural resources conserved.
Sustainable signage can also demonstrate social responsibility by supporting local communities and reducing the usage of harmful chemicals and processes. This can also help enhance your brand image as a socially responsible business that cares about the environment.
Size and Shape
Another important consideration in selecting outdoor signage materials is the size and shape of your signage. Some materials may not be able to support larger or irregularly shaped signs, which can impact their durability and effectiveness.
For example, if you’re creating a large sign for your business, materials like aluminum or acrylic may be more suitable due to their durability and ability to support larger sizes. However, materials like paper or cardboard may not be able to support larger or irregularly shaped signs and may not be as durable or long-lasting.
Conclusion
According to Future Market Insights, signage comes in various forms and sizes depending on the location of installation and the company’s objectives. However, their purpose is the same: to attract customers and enhance brand awareness. To increase sales, the company’s signage must have an appealing design.
According to a report, globally, the signage market is projected to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% between 2022 and 2031, with an estimated value of USD 63.3 billion by 2031.
By taking the time to research and select the right outdoor signage material, you can create an effective marketing tool that helps you reach your business goals and communicate your message to potential customers.
