Starting a new business comes with a long list of decisions. From choosing a location and building a website to ordering inventory and marketing your grand opening, it’s easy for signage to become an afterthought.
The reality is that your signage is often the first interaction customers have with your business. Before they visit your website, read a review, or walk through your door, they see your sign.
If you’re opening a new business, here are the essential signage elements you should consider.
1. Start with Your Storefront Sign
Why It Matters
Your storefront sign identifies your business and helps customers find you. It’s also one of the most important tools for creating a professional first impression.
Questions to Consider
- Can people easily see your business from the road?
- Is your logo readable from a distance?
- Will the sign be visible during the day and at night?
- Does it fit your building and brand?
Common Storefront Sign Types
- Channel letters
- Cabinet signs
- Dimensional lettering
- Monument signs
- Hanging signs
Pro Tip: A beautiful storefront sign can continue working for your business 24 hours a day for years.
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Don’t Overlook Window Graphics
Why They Matter
Many new business owners focus entirely on the main sign and forget that their windows are valuable advertising space.
Window graphics can:
- Display services
- Promote products
- Add branding
- Increase privacy
- Make an empty storefront look established
Examples
- Company logo
- Business hours
- Contact information
- Featured services
- Promotional messages
A well-designed storefront combines both the main sign and window graphics to create a cohesive appearance.
3. Make Your Hours and Contact Information Easy to Find
Why It Matters
One of the most common frustrations for customers is arriving at a business and not knowing if it’s open.
Door graphics should clearly display:
- Business hours
- Phone number
- Website
- Social media (if applicable)
This small detail helps customers and creates a polished, professional appearance.
4. Consider Directional and Wayfinding Signs
Why They Matter
Depending on your location, customers may need help finding parking, entrances, pickup areas, or service counters.
Examples
- Parking signs
- Entrance and exit signs
- Pickup signs
- ADA-compliant signs
- Interior directional signs
Good wayfinding improves the customer experience and reduces confusion.
5. Vehicle Graphics: A Mobile Billboard for Your Business
Why They Matter
If your business uses vehicles, they can become one of your most effective marketing tools.
Vehicle graphics:
- Build local awareness
- Increase credibility
- Create thousands of daily impressions
- Help customers identify your team
Great Candidates
- Contractors
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Landscapers
- Cleaning companies
- Delivery services
Many new business owners are surprised by how much visibility vehicle graphics generate compared to other forms of advertising.
6. Prioritize Based on Your Budget
Not every new business needs every type of sign on day one.
A simple priority order often looks like:
Essential
✓ Storefront Sign
Highly Recommended
✓ Door Hours & Contact Information
✓ Window Graphics
As Needed
✓ Directional Signs
✓ Vehicle Graphics
The right combination depends on your location, industry, and goals.
The best signage plan isn’t necessarily the biggest or most expensive. It’s the one that helps customers find you, understand what you do, and feel confident doing business with you.
If you’re opening a new business, taking time to plan your signage strategy can make a significant difference in visibility, professionalism, and customer experience from day one.
Need help determining which signs are right for your business? The team at 3i Graphics & Signs can help you create a signage plan that fits your location, goals, and budget.
📞 917.538.9754
Frequently Asked Questions
What sign should a new business purchase first?
For most businesses, the first signage investment should be a storefront sign. Your storefront sign helps customers find your location, builds credibility, and creates a strong first impression before a customer ever walks through the door.
Do I need window graphics if I already have a storefront sign?
While a storefront sign identifies your business, window graphics can communicate additional information such as services, promotions, hours, and contact information. Window graphics also help create a more professional appearance and maximize the visibility of your storefront.
What information should be included on my business sign?
Your business sign should clearly display your business name and branding. Depending on the sign type, you may also want to include your phone number, website, business hours, or a brief description of your services. The goal is to provide important information without overcrowding the design.
Are vehicle graphics a good investment for a new business?
Vehicle graphics are one of the most cost-effective forms of advertising for many businesses. Unlike digital ads that stop working when your budget runs out, vehicle graphics continue promoting your business every time your vehicle is on the road or parked in public.
Do I need directional signs for my business?
If customers may have difficulty finding your entrance, parking area, pickup location, or service department, directional signs can improve the customer experience and reduce confusion. They are especially useful for larger properties and multi-building locations.
How much should a new business budget for signage?
Signage budgets vary depending on the type of business, location, and goals. Most new businesses should prioritize essential items such as a storefront sign, door graphics, and basic branding elements before investing in additional signage. Working with a professional sign company can help determine the best options for your budget.
How long does it take to produce a custom sign?
Project timelines depend on the type of sign, design requirements, permitting, fabrication, and installation needs. Simple projects may be completed in a few weeks, while larger custom signs can require additional planning and production time.
