7.2.2014
It’s always good to be on top...isn’t it? Shouldn’t you take the opportunity to be lifted up where you belong every chance you get?
Shouldn’t these maxims and platitudes apply to outdoor signage?
One would think so, but no one can assume that the top is the place to be until a little research is conducted.
As we often point out on our blog, the outdoor signage is often subjected to terms and conditions. For those who rent the space, the rules are often very clearly laid out on the lease. There are often price premiums for the top locations on streetside signs and signage in the anchor locations.
For those who own the space, the signage is still restricted to city / metro, county, state and federal size restrictions. In an extreme example, placing a sign that interrupts local air and flight restrictions will get you a legal order to have it taken down. Other such restrictions would include lines-of-sight regulations, especially in travel and tourist destinations, and signage that would interrupt travel signage.
Every business’ needs are different. Some need to be established on their street. Some just need to be found in accordance with their Google Maps directions. Others can have have unique logistical opportunities near highway and interstate exits - provided that they are allowed the clearance. Determining the flow of traffic for the business will help determine signage.
When it comes to outdoor signage, the rule of thumb is that “shorter is better.” It’s hard to be memorable if someone has trouble remembering what the sign said. Keeping a short catchy message will make it easier for folks to read. Phone numbers can work, so long as it is easy for your customers to memorize.
In this step, it is good to have multiple messages because once step 4 is reached - do the math - some messages might be too big for the space allowed.
Once the restrictions are noted, the market is determined and the message is written, it’s time to decide the message that will best fit within the size allowed to determine the size and price of the sign.
Here’s a couple standards for letter heights:
For a full table of letter heights, please visit the following links.
Here are a few sample outdoor sign standards.
For a full list, please visit the following table.
But with these sample measurements and guidelines, you should be able to make the pennies stretch as you find the optimal location for your sign, whether it’s on top, out in the open or somewhere in between.