The Six Simple Steps to Creating a Custom Sign

Custom signs are among the most versatile marketing tools at your disposal. The sheer breadth of options can seem overwhelming. However, if you plan the process out and take advantage of all the resources at your disposal, custom sign creation is surprisingly simple. Instead of worrying about too much at once, take a look at our step-by-step guide, then contact your local signage professional to get the ball rolling on your new custom sign!

1.     Define the application. Is this a custom business sign that needs to endure all four seasons year after year? Or are you hanging it inside and advertising a special promotion? Deciding on a location and size for your custom sign should be done first as it streamlines many of the subsequent decisions.

2.     Select a style. Once you have decided on a location, the style of sign should be addressed. If you decided on a permanent, outdoor application, then you can eliminate options such as banners and sidewalk signs. These are great types of signs, but they aren't ideal for a permanent installation. If you need some guidance in this step, try consulting online signage catalogs for inspiration.

3.     Determine the ideal material. Some styles will limit you to a specific material, such as channel letters and aluminum. With other styles, there may be a number of materials available to you. Wood signs are great for a variety of businesses, but they may look out of place outside a technology company whose office is all glass and brushed steel. Aluminum is a popular, neutral choice for outdoor signage, while PVC, plastic, and foamcore all work great for indoor signage.

4.     Any extra features? Some signage enhancements like grommets in banners or illumination for outdoor signage may affect the next step, so you should consider them now.

5.     Design! This step is either the most stressful or the most fun depending on who you ask. If you're comfortable with design, you can handle this step yourself. Many sign makers offer the option to upload your design online to get the creation process jumpstarted and Signarama even features an online banner design tool, so you can create custom banners from scratch and order them from the comfort of your home or business. If you don’t have a talent, or even an eye, for design, don't fret! Your brand colors and logo make an excellent jumping off point and signage professionals can make recommendations on font and layout.

6.     Ordering and installation. These steps are fairly self-explanatory but that doesn't mean that they aren't important. With signage, you get what you pay for, so select your sign maker and contractor carefully.