Practical advice from the local signwriting experts at Screen Signs
A storefront sign is often the very first interaction a customer has with your business. Long before they walk through the door, your signage is communicating your identity, professionalism and the type of experience customers can expect. Getting it right is one of the simplest ways to lift visibility, increase foot traffic and strengthen your brand.
Whether you are opening a new space, refreshing tired signage or planning a full frontage update, this guide outlines the steps to create signage that stands out and performs.
Step 1: Understand Your Space
Before jumping into design, take time to assess how customers view your shopfront in real life. Stand across the road, walk past from both sides and consider how it looks from a car.
Think about:
• Where people naturally look
• Which parts of your façade are most visible
• Any obstacles that may obscure your sign
• Opportunities to use multiple sign types
Seeing your premises through the eyes of your customers is the foundation of effective signage placement.
Step 2: Size and Readability
Visibility relies on clear, confident design. Larger signage with simple, legible text ensures people recognise your business at a glance. Avoid overly decorative fonts that reduce clarity. Storefront signage isn’t just visual decoration, it is a communication tool, and the message needs to land instantly.
Step 3: Make It Work Day and Night
Your sign should perform around the clock. Consider how it looks in bright daylight, overcast conditions and after dark. LED illumination, backlit lettering or even well-placed external lighting can dramatically improve visibility and brand presence outside business hours.
Step 4: Use Colour and Contrast Wisely
Strong, high-contrast combinations help your signage stand out against busy streetscapes. Use your brand colours confidently, but ensure they support readability. Effective colour blocking can make your storefront more distinctive and more memorable.
Step 5: Keep Your Branding Consistent
Your signage should feel like a natural extension of your brand identity. Fonts, colours, logos and tone should align with your website, social media and marketing collateral. Consistency builds recognition and trust, helping customers form a connection before they step inside.
Step 6: Keep Messaging Clear
A cluttered sign makes it harder for customers to understand what you do. Prioritise the essentials: your business name, primary service or offering and a simple call to action such as a website or phone number. Clean, concise messaging is easier to absorb and more impactful.
Step 7: Choose Materials That Last
Outdoor signage faces sun, wind, salt air and changing weather. Selecting durable materials makes a major difference in appearance and lifespan. Quality substrates, UV-stable inks and proper finishes ensure your sign stays sharp, professional and true to colour for years.
Step 8: Maintain and Refresh
Even the best signage loses its impact when it becomes faded or dirty. Regular cleaning and periodic checks for wear help protect your investment. Seasonal or promotional updates can also keep your storefront feeling modern and inviting.
Step 9: Add Visual Interest
If you want your storefront to be memorable, consider dimensional elements such as 3D lettering, raised panels or textured finishes. Small design choices can elevate your presence and create a sign customers instinctively notice.
Step 10: Integrate with the Customer Journey
Your external signage should work seamlessly with window graphics, reception signage and internal wayfinding. When every element feels connected, customers enjoy a smoother experience and your business presents a cohesive, professional brand story.
