Outdoor Illuminated Signs: Types, Benefits, and Installation Best Practices

Outdoor illuminated signs help your business get noticed. They make your message easy to see at night or in the rain. When a sign is lit up, more people look at it. Many people pick where to stop by looking at signs outside.

• More than one-third of people see new stores because of signs.

• Almost 30% of shoppers choose where to go by reading outdoor business signs.

• Good signs make customers think your products are better.

If you want your business to stand out, use outdoor illuminated signs. They help you get more visitors and build trust.

Key Takeaways

• Outdoor illuminated signs help businesses get more customers. These signs make messages easy to see all day and night.

• LED signs save energy and last a long time. They are easy to update with new messages. This makes them a good choice for most businesses.

• Picking the right sign type and place helps people see it better. It also makes your brand look stronger.

• Good installation and regular care keep signs safe and bright. This helps signs work well for many years.

• Following local rules and getting permits keeps your signs legal. This helps you avoid paying big fines.

What Are Outdoor Illuminated Signs

Definition

You see outdoor illuminated signs almost everywhere. These signs use light to help people read messages, even when it is dark or raining. People have used signs for a very long time. Long ago, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans made signs from stone or clay. They used them to share news or tell people about things to buy. As time went on, signs changed because of new inventions. In the 1800s, people found neon gas. This made it possible to make neon signs that glow in cities. Neon signs became very popular in the 1900s because they were bright and easy to see. Now, we use LED technology for outdoor illuminated signs. LED signs save energy and last longer than old signs.

There are many kinds of illuminated signs. Some have lights that shine on the front of the sign. Others have lights inside the sign. Some signs can show moving words or videos. Here is a table that explains the main types of exterior signs:

You can pick the type of illuminated sign that works best for your business. When you know how to choose exterior signs, your message will be clear and easy to see.

Importance for Businesses

Outdoor illuminated signs help your business get noticed. When you use signs with lights, more people see your store, even from far away. These signs help customers find your business at night. You can pick different signs to match your brand and where your store is.

• Illuminated signs help bring more people into your store.

• Digital signage lets you change messages fast, so your brand stays new.

• Using the same signs all the time helps people trust your business and remember it.

• Studies say digital signage can help you sell up to 30% more.

• Some signs let people interact, so you can connect with customers.

When you choose exterior signs, think about what your business wants to do. The right outdoor sign can help your brand grow and bring in more people. Exterior signs also show that your business cares about safety and clear messages. By using new signs, your business stays modern and ready for new customers.

Types of Outdoor Illuminated Signs

Outdoor illuminated signs come in many styles. Each one helps your business stand out in its own way. Picking the right sign makes your brand easier to see. This can help you get more customers. Here are some main types of exterior signs for your business.

LED Signs

LED signs use special lights called light-emitting diodes. These signs are bright and easy to read. You often see them at stores, gas stations, and schools. LED lighting saves energy because it uses less power. These signs last a long time, sometimes up to 100,000 hours. You can change the message on digital LED signs fast. This helps you keep your ads new and interesting.

Tip: LED lighting works for both big and small signs. You can use them for simple names or for digital displays with videos and moving words.

Here is a table that shows how LED signs compare to neon and digital LED signs:

LED lighting gives you a good deal. These signs look modern and help you save money over time.

Neon Signs

Neon signs use glass tubes filled with neon gas. When you turn them on, the tubes glow in bright colors. Many restaurants, bars, and theaters use neon signs. They look classic and grab attention. Neon signs are great if you want a retro look.

But neon signs use a lot of energy. They need high voltage and can break easily. This means you may pay more for repairs. Neon signs last about 10,000 to 25,000 hours. That is not as long as LED lighting. You might spend more on fixing and powering these signs.

Note: Neon signs look cool, but LED lighting saves more energy and lasts longer.

Fluorescent Signs

Fluorescent signs use tubes with gas and a special coating. When you turn them on, the tubes light up. This makes the message easy to see. Many older signs use fluorescent lighting. You often see these signs in shopping centers and parking lots.

Fluorescent signs cost less at first. But they do not last as long as LED lighting. You may have to change the tubes often. These signs use more energy than LEDs but less than neon. If you want a cheap sign for a short time, fluorescent signs can work.

Lightbox Signs

Lightbox signs are shaped like a box with lights inside. The front shows your business name or logo. The box lights up from the inside with LED lighting or fluorescent tubes. You can use lightbox signs at stores, malls, and gas stations.

• Lightbox signs make your message stand out, even at night.

• You can change what the sign says by swapping the front panel.

• Businesses use lightbox signs to show sales or new products.

Studies say lightbox signs help you get more customers. For example:

• Lightbox popups make people notice your message and buy more.

• Personalized lightbox displays help you connect with customers and sell more.

• Some businesses get up to 28.57% more email signups with lightbox displays.

Lightbox signs give your business a professional look and show your brand clearly.

Channel Letter Signs

Channel letter signs use 3D letters with LED lighting inside. Each letter lights up by itself. This makes your business name easy to see from far away. You can pick the font, size, and color to match your brand.

• Channel letter signs are easy to see, even at night.

• You can make these signs fit any business.

• These signs last 7 to 10 years if you take care of them.

Channel letter signs need special work to put up. It takes more time than putting up box signs. But you get a bold, modern look that stands out. Channel letter signs use LED lighting, so they save energy and need less fixing.

Channel letter signs are best for businesses that want a fancy, custom look.

Backlit and Halo-Lit Signs

Backlit and halo-lit signs use LED lighting behind the letters or logo. The light shines out from the back and makes a soft glow around each letter. This makes your sign look modern and fancy.

• Halo-lit signs are easy to see day and night.

• You can pick colors, sizes, and fonts to match your brand.

• These signs use LED lighting, so you save money on power.

• Backlit signs help people find your business and make your brand look good.

Many businesses use halo-lit signs to make a friendly feeling. You can mix backlit and front-lit effects for a bigger impact. These signs last a long time and do not need much fixing.

Halo-lit signs help you show your brand in a cool and stylish way.

Summary Table: Types of Exterior Signs

When picking a sign, think about your goals, budget, and style. LED lighting gives you energy savings, long life, and a modern look. Digital LED signs let you change your message anytime. This keeps your ads fresh and fun. All these signs help you show your brand and get more customers.

Benefits of Outdoor Illuminated Signs

Enhanced Sign Visibility

You want people to see your business at night or in bad weather. Outdoor illuminated signs help your message stand out. Bright signage lighting lets more people notice your store from far away. These signs help more people see your business:

• 40% of customers go into a business because the signage looks nice.

• Businesses with illuminated signs get 35% more people coming in at night.

• A local café put up an LED sign and got 40% more nighttime visitors in three months.

• 75% of people say they went into a business for the first time because the sign caught their eye.

You can count how many people come in and how much you sell before and after you put up new exterior signs. Customer surveys also show if your signage works well.

Brand Recognition

Illuminated signs help people remember your business. When you use the same logo and colors on your signage, customers start to know your brand. This helps people trust you and makes your business look professional. Studies show businesses with illuminated signage have 25% more people remember them. 85% of small business owners say their brand is easier to see after adding new signage.

Energy Efficiency

Modern signage lighting uses energy-efficient lighting like LEDs. These lights use less power and last longer than old bulbs. You save money on your electric bill and do not have to fix them as much. Energy-efficient lighting is also better for the environment because it uses less energy.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Outdoor illuminated signs are made to handle rain, wind, and sun. Most exterior signs use strong materials that last for years. You do not have to worry about your signage fading or breaking easily. This means you get more for your money and do not have to pay for repairs as often.

Safety and Guidance

Good signage lighting helps people find your business safely. Bright signs help drivers and people walking see your location. Studies show better signage lighting helps drivers stop for people and helps everyone see signs faster at night.

When you use good exterior signs, you help keep customers safe and make your business easier to find.

Tip: Exterior signs do more than look good. They help you get more customers, save money, and keep people safe.

Outdoor Sign Lighting Best Practices

Outdoor sign lighting helps your business get noticed. It also keeps your message easy to read. To get the best results, you should follow some important steps. This section will show you what to do, from picking a spot to following the rules.

Site Assessment

First, check the area before putting up any signs. You want your sign to be seen from many places. Walk around and look for things that block the view, like trees or buildings. Make sure the ground is flat if you use a freestanding sign. If you put a sign on a wall, check that the wall is strong enough.

Use the right tools to measure where your sign will go. Mark the spot so you know where to work. Get all your tools and safety gear ready, like ladders and gloves. Always check for wires or pipes underground before digging. Clean up the area, make the ground flat, and make sure water can drain away. Good ground and drainage help your sign last longer.

Tip: Think about how you will fix or upgrade your sign later when picking a spot.

Lighting Type Selection

Picking the right lighting is very important for your sign. Each type of lighting works best in different places:

• LED lighting is bright, saves energy, and lasts a long time. It works well in sunlight and saves money.

• Neon lighting gives a classic look and stands out in any weather. It is good for old-style or creative signs.

• Fluorescent lighting is cheap and good for simple or short-term signs. It is not as bright as LED or neon.

• Solar-powered lighting is good for the planet and saves money. It works best where there is lots of sun.

• Wash lighting spreads soft light over big signs and looks nice.

• Flood lighting covers a large area and is good for big signs far away.

Think about the weather where you live. Use waterproof lights if it rains a lot. Use cool lights for foggy days and adjustable lights for snowy places. Bright LEDs work best in strong sun. Clean and check your lights often to keep them working.

Mounting and Positioning

Putting your sign in the right place helps more people see it. Pick a spot where lots of people walk or drive by. Use strong mounts that can handle wind and rain. Cover electrical parts to keep them safe from water.

Follow these tips for the best results:

1. Put lights above the sign if the bottom is high off the ground. Put lights below if the top is low. This stops glare and makes the sign easy to read.

2. Pick the right mount for your area. Use in-ground mounts for safety, or surface mounts for buildings. Use arms if you cannot attach the sign directly.

3. Choose the right light for your needs. Floodlights light up a big area. Point lights shine in one direction. Linear lights show off textures.

4. Check how bright your lights are using lumens or footcandles. Think about your sign’s size, the area, and how much light bounces off the sign.

Note: Check your lights for damage after storms or strong winds.

Electrical and Safety

Staying safe with electricity is very important for outdoor signs. All wires and parts must follow the rules. Use grounding and surge protection to stop shocks and problems. Cover all electrical parts to keep out water and rust.

• Use wires and connectors made for outside.

• Add circuit breakers to stop overloads.

• Pick energy-saving bulbs like LEDs to lower heat and fire risk.

• Wear gloves and helmets when working on signs.

• Check your lights often for damage or rust.

Safety first: Always turn off the power before working on your sign lights.

Maintenance

Taking care of your sign keeps it bright and safe. Clean the lights and sign face to get rid of dirt. Look for broken bulbs, loose wires, or water inside. Change batteries in solar lights when needed. Check your sign after storms or bad weather.

• Clean and check your sign every three months.

• Fix broken parts right away to stop bigger problems.

• Write down all repairs and checks.

Good care helps your sign last longer and keeps your business looking nice.

Compliance and Permits

You must follow local rules and get permits before putting up sign lights. Every city has its own rules about sign size, height, and brightness. Some places have special rules for old areas or near homes. If you do not follow the rules, you could get fined or lose your license.

For example, some cities have strict rules for digital and lighted signs. You may need approval from special boards. Permits can take a few weeks to get and cost different amounts.

• Check local rules for sign size, brightness, and types.

• Stay updated on rule changes by joining business groups or reading news.

• Hire a sign company or expert to help with paperwork.

• Keep all your papers and permits safe.

Tip: Ask local sign experts for help so you do not make mistakes and your sign follows all the rules.

Following these steps will help your business stand out. You will have safer signs and know you are following all the rules.

Sign Visibility and Placement

Size and Viewing Distance

You want your signs to be easy to read from far away. The right size and font help people see your message quickly. Larger signs let you use bigger letters, which makes your signage clear even from a distance. Use bold, high-contrast colors like white on black or yellow on dark blue. These color choices make your display stand out in any light. Choose sans-serif fonts because they are easier to read from far away. Place your signs at heights that match where people look. For highways, 7 to 10 feet works well. In cities, 8 to 12 feet fits most situations. If you use digital signs, adjustable brightness helps keep your message visible in different weather. Always check for things that might block the view, such as trees or other signs.

• Use large, bold text for better legibility.

• Pick high-contrast color combinations.

• Place signs above eye level but not too high.

• Make sure nothing blocks the sign from view.

• Use durable, reflective materials for low-light conditions.

These steps help with improving sign visibility and make sure your message reaches more people.

Prominent Location

Where you put your signage matters as much as how it looks. Signs near busy intersections, shopping centers, or decision points get more attention. You should study where people walk or drive and place your signage where they will see it first. Research shows that signs in the upper middle or central areas catch the eye faster. Place your signs at or just above eye level for the best results. Good lighting, especially for digital signage, keeps your message clear at night. You can track how well your signage works by counting foot traffic or using digital tools to see how long people look at your signs. Adjust your placement if you notice people miss your message.

Tip: Test different locations and monitor which spots bring in more customers.

Architectural Integration

Your signage should match your building’s style. When you blend signs with the building’s design, your business looks more professional. Use colors and materials that fit the building. For example, a modern building works well with sleek digital signs, while a historic building may need classic styles. Make sure your signage does not cover important features or block windows. Good integration helps your signs look like a natural part of your business, not just an add-on. This approach builds trust and makes your brand stronger.

• Match sign materials to the building.

• Use lighting that highlights both the sign and the building.

• Avoid blocking doors, windows, or key design elements.

When you plan your signage with these ideas, you create a strong, attractive presence that draws people in and supports your brand.

Outdoor illuminated signs make your business easy to notice. They help bring in more people to your store. Picking the right sign helps your brand grow. It also makes your business simple to find. Bright signs keep people safe and show you care about your area. Research says people feel safer with better lighting. They also like having good lights in their neighborhood. You should look at your signs and see if they work well. Follow the best tips and ask experts for help. Always check the rules in your town before putting up new signs. Good signs help your business and make your community better.

FAQ

What is the best type of lighting for outdoor signs?

LED lighting works best for most outdoor signs. You get bright light, low energy use, and long life. LED signs also need less maintenance than neon or fluorescent options.

How often should you clean and check your illuminated sign?

You should clean and inspect your sign every three months. Regular checks help you spot damage early. Clean signs look better and last longer.

Do you need a permit for installing outdoor illuminated signs?

Most cities require a permit before you install an outdoor illuminated sign. Always check local rules first. A sign company can help you with the paperwork.

Can outdoor illuminated signs handle bad weather?

Yes, most outdoor illuminated signs use weather-resistant materials. These signs can handle rain, wind, and sun. You should still check your sign after storms.

How do you choose the right size for your sign?

Pick a size that people can read from the street or sidewalk. Use large, bold letters and high-contrast colors. Test your sign’s visibility from different distances before you install it.

See Also

Exploring Different LED Sign Types And How To Use Them

Indoor Versus Outdoor Digital LED Signage: Key Differences

How Rotating LED Signs Boost Visibility And Return On Investment

Business Owners’ Guide To LED Sign Boxes: Specs And ROI

Understanding LED Digital Signage: Uses, Tech, And Advantages