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Illuminated Signage: Shining a light on your business

Author: FASTSIGNS® Northampton

In today’s fiercely competitive business landscape, it’s more important than ever to find innovative ways to capture people’s attention and leave a lasting impression. One method that can truly set your business apart is the captivating allure of illuminated signage. In this comprehensive blog post, we will dive into the fascinating world of illuminated signage, equipping you with the knowledge that you need. Allowing you to understand illuminated signage and the different options available, also providing you with striking graphics to make it easier than ever to envision the possibilities. Get ready to illuminate your brand’s presence and stand out in the bustling crowd of competitors.

What is illuminated signage?

Illuminated signage is a type of sign that incorporates lighting elements, such as LEDs or spotlights, to make the sign more visually appealing and attention grabbing. These signs are utilised by businesses that want to enhance the visibility of their storefront, attract customers and create a lasting impression, illuminated signage is especially useful for businesses that are open late when there may not be any natural lighting.

What are the benefits of Illuminated signage?

Illuminated signage has many benefits that businesses could utilise to their advantage, this blog will outline a few of the main reasons why illuminated signage should be chosen over standard signs.

Increased aesthetic appeal - Illuminated signs add a touch of sophistication and modernise any business making it more appealing to passers by and therefore making it more likely for customers to enter your establishment.

Versatility - These types of signs can be placed indoors or outdoors and can be customised to fit whatever space you desire. Whether you use this as a design element where customers can take pictures and post them or as a shopfront sign, illuminated signage is a versatile marketing tool.

Increased Visibility and discoverability - The use of light within signage significantly increases visibility, with customers eyes being drawn to light you are sure to catch the attention of passers by. Lighting is also beneficial for locating your facility at night, so if you operate in the evenings illuminated signage may also help to improve the customer experience.

High-end perception - Illuminated signage can help others to perceive your business as higher end and will give a more luxurious feel to your business if it is well lit.

Enhanced brand recognition - Illuminated signs can help to reinforce your brand identity and allow yourself to be seen from further away. This will make it easier for customers to recognise and remember your business.

What are the different uses for Illuminated signage?

Illuminated signage can have numerous benefits, it can be used on both the exterior and interior of your building and could be the final piece that you need to create the atmosphere that you're after.

Illuminated signs can be used as:
Storefront signage
Window displays
Menu boards
Directional signage
Outdoor billboards
Interior decoration
Photo opportunities for guests
And so much more!

What are the different types of illuminated signs?

Trough Lit or Spot lit - These types of signs are lit from above with standard lighting options, depending on the length of the sign and the design elements that you have decided on, the team at FASTSIGNS can advise if a trough light or spot light would be better for your project.

Built up tray - A tray that features 3D letters. This is then lit from behind so that the light can shine through. By using a tray you are able to use a colour of your choosing to act as a background.

Face Lit - Face lit signage allows for each individual letter to be lit up and by choosing specific colours you are able to tailor what colour this light will be.

Edge Lit - Edge lit signs shine a light around the border of each of the letters so that they are still easy to read when there is no natural light.

Halo - Halo signs are lit from behind and will appear to have a glowing effect from the light behind, this allows for an easily readable sign that has increased aesthetic appeal.

Neon - Neon signs are typically one long strip of light that can be a range of different colours, this style does limit the range of fonts available to choose from.

Built up illuminated - Built up illuminated letters are 3D and will illuminate the entirety of the letter, these individual letters can either stand off from the wall or remain flat.

Fret cut tray - A fret cut tray sign is a tray that features lighting elements within it, unlike the built up tray, the letters will be cut out from the tray allowing the light to shine through.

Are there any design considerations?

As with all signs, it’s important for you to consider the type of font you would like, the colours that you use and the information included. These can all affect the legibility and accessibility of your sign, if the font is confusing and customers don’t know what it says your brand recognition is likely to suffer. Another point to consider in the design process is how the lighting may change the colour choice that you picked. This change will not be drastically different but due to the way that colour is affected by the lighting the shades may look lighter or darker depending on its surroundings. If this is a concern of yours please get in touch with the FASTSIGNS team so that we can discuss this further with you.

Could there be any Legal issues with Illuminated signage?

It is always advised to contact the local council or landlord before making any drastic changes to signage to confirm that this follows all of the laws and requirements for the local area. The same goes for Illuminated signage, there could be restrictions depending on the location of the illuminated signs, this may be specifically relevant if the business is operating near a busy road. So, it is important to note that you may require permissions from the local council before erecting illuminated signage.

What about cost considerations?

It is important to note that Illuminated signage does typically have a higher price point than non-illuminated signage options so if you’re on a tight budget then this may not be the option for you. Although, the benefits of increased visibility and customer engagement can outweigh the initial investment of Illuminated signage. The team at FASTSIGNS is here to help and will be happy to provide you with a quote for multiple illuminated and non-illuminated signage options for you to assess. Depending on the size of your sign and the illumination style chosen the costs can vary, so you’re best to get in touch or Request a Quote.

So, is illuminated signage right for you?

The benefits offered by illuminated signage can make a significant impact on business visibility and accessibility but incorporating illuminated signage into your business signage is a decision that each business should consider individually. By assessing the different design elements, location and opening hours each business can determine which type of signage will be best for them. If you want to discuss Illuminated signage even further, please contact the team here at FASTSIGNS Northampton.