Illuminated signs are crucial for business visibility after dark. Your store or cafe might have a very welcoming exterior. However, it cannot attract clients that much once the sun sets. Illuminated signs capture the attention of the nighttime traffic. Plus, they also serve as effective outdoor advertising. A well-designed LED or Neon sign creates brand awareness at night. It gets etched in people’s memory. As a result, they can remember your business better. The signage can also keep delivering your brand message to the public during business after-hours. These signs are also energy-efficient and weather-resistant.
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The Different Types Of Illuminated Signs & Their Advantages
Illuminated signs is a broad term. It includes different varieties and options. Each has its own advantage and business specificity. You can review the different options below-
LED Signage
LEDs stand for Light Emitting Diode. When electricity passes through a semiconductor material it emits light. This is the principle of LEDs. These signages promise the most return on investment (ROI).
For instance, LEDs consume 75 per cent less energy than normal bulbs. They also last 5-10 times longer. This means smaller electricity bills. Plus, you don’t have to replace them that often. Therefore, LEDs are widely used in commercial signboards. Lesser energy consumption makes this light popular with organisations that practise sustainability.
Benefits
- Highly energy-efficient signs
- Long lifetime
- Low maintenance
- Sustainability
- Temperature tolerant
Neon Signs
Neon signs create a unique ambience. It’s nostalgic, artistic and has a retro feel to it. This is why bars, restaurants and entertainment venues often use neon signs to create atmosphere. They are also popular with vintage-themed cafes and boutique shops
The signs are made from neon gas-filled tubes. When the electricity passes through it the tubes glow vibrantly. This happens as the gas inside becomes ionised and emits light.
Neon tubes are one of the best custom signage solutions. You can shape these flexible tubes in any way you want. For instance, you can shape letters or other forms. Also, the neon gas is generally orange. But you can easily mix other gases to change the colour. So, you can make it blue by adding Xenon. Meanwhile, Helium can give it a pink hue.
The tubes also give the signage a 3-D look. This makes it more noticeable than flat signs. Plus, they are energy-efficient signs and easy to install.
Benefit
- Unique and artistic
- Easily customisable shape and colour
- Readily installable
Illuminated Billboards
Retail store signs mainly guide customers towards the business. Meanwhile, illuminated billboards are truly for outdoor advertising. This is why you see these signs in high-traffic areas. At the same time, store signs are mostly limited to business premises.
There are two types of illuminated billboards. Lighted billboards and digital display boards. The first ones are traditional static billboards. A flood light or external light source sheds light on the advertisement. The biggest benefit of these boards is that they are cheaper. However, you have to change the content of the board manually.
Digital billboards are a marvel of LED technology. It uses the lights to display multiple advertisements. The display is a rotating slideshow. As a result, these boards are more attractive. Therefore, it is more effective at advertising. Plus, you can change the content remotely. However, these boards are quite expensive.
Benefits
- More impact on the audience
- Delivering the brand message at night
Highway Signage
There are two types of signage on the highway. They provide drivers with information and prevent accidents. Highway signages are large, illuminated boards. They display directions, distances and exit info. Meanwhile, traffic safety signs are comparatively smaller. These signs use reflective material and lighting. It tells the driver about speed limits and hazardous road conditions.
Benefits
- Provides important road information
- Saves lives
Backlit signage
These are slightly different from typical LED or neon signs in stores and cafes. In typical signs, the LEDs or neon tubes form the letters or designs. Backlit signs are more like a translucent screen. There is a light source behind it. This might be LEDs or fluorescent lights. They lit up the content on the screen. The result is a more formal look and better readability. Airports, restaurant menu boards, and directories use these signs.
Benefits
- A professional and formal look
- Perfect readability of information
Safety Signage
These signs are essential for regulatory compliance in Australia. An organisation must have proper safety signages according to the WHS Act of 2011. These signs inform the staff and visitors at the facility of potential hazards. They also provide various emergency information.
Wayfinding signs are mandatory in hospitals per the NSQHS Standards. These signs help people find emergency exits quickly. All safety signages must be easily understandable. This means you have to use clear fonts and good lighting.
Benefits
- Assists workers and visitors
- Helps you to stay compliant
The Business Advantages Of Illuminated Signs
Illuminated signs help your business thrive. It attracts foot traffic and conveys a professional look. The colour and design of the lighting instantly make a statement about your business. Therefore, these signs can effectively create brand awareness.
Visibility in Low light
Businesses that open after sunset can’t operate without illuminated signs. The sign acts like a beacon. It attracts and draws customers to your doorsteps.
Vibrant signage also has some psychological effects. People are naturally scared of the dark. A well-lit signage provides them with a sense of security. It tells them your store or cafe is a safe and comfortable place for them. Therefore, they are naturally drawn towards it.
Night-time visibility is also crucial for businesses to survive the competition. The busy evening streets are full of illuminated features. There are street lights, shopping mall lights, displays and signage. Your business won’t stand out from them without a proper illuminated sign.
24/7 Brand Exposure
The more brand exposure you get, the more people remember your business. Illuminated signs effectively accomplish this.
A person in your locality might’ve never wandered into your store. Still, they would notice an interesting sign that is on 24/7. It would get etched in the memory along with your business information. For instance, the name of your store and what it sells.
During an emergency need for similar services, they would recall this sign. Since you’re in the locality you are likely to be their first choice. This is how important 24/7 brand exposure is for local businesses.
Conveys Professionalism
Signages make the first impression for a business. A polished and well-lit sign makes a strong and positive one. It tells the customer that the business is established and reliable. The sign speaks of the owner’s attention to detail.
Illuminated signages often follow contemporary design trends. This can appeal to clients who appreciate innovation. Choosing consistent colours and designs can further reinforce your brand identity.
Increased Foot Traffic
Attractive signs can draw in customers who never planned on visiting you. Bright, colourful and dynamic lighting has a pleasing effect on the mind. This can stimulate curiosity in people and invite them to check your business out. In other words, the sign can work like a sales funnel.
The colours and messages on the illuminated signs work as psychological triggers. They encourage impulsive shopping or visits to your store.
Take restaurants for example. They often use bright red and yellow illuminated signs. These colours can stimulate appetite even if you aren’t hungry at that moment. Thus, driving you in for a quick snack.
Or imagine walking back home from work. You suddenly see a retro neon bar sign that says ‘50% off drinks’. The colours, atmosphere and the good deal can make you thirsty even when you weren’t planning on drinking that night.
Illuminated signs are also directional aids. Finding your business at night can be difficult without a well-lit sign. People are already tired from the day’s work. So, they would rather go home than try to find your business. A vibrant and memorable sign saves them trouble. As a result, they are more likely to walk in.
Business Premise Security
A dark, unlit premise encourages criminal attempts. Illuminated signage can prevent this. Your business might be closed and no one is present inside. Still, the illuminated signs give a sense of being monitored. As a result, thieves won’t be that interested in breaking in. Also during business hours, vibrant signage makes the area feel festive, safe and welcoming.
Signage Durability
Outdoor illuminated signs are weather-resistant signs. They commonly include aluminium, stainless steel or high-grade plastics. These are corrosion-resistant materials. Many signs also have weather-resistant coatings. Therefore, years of sun, rain and wind can’t do them much harm.
The electrical and lighting components of these signs are in sealed enclosures. So, don’t worry about water or dust getting inside easily. The components will always stay dry and functional in all weather conditions.
FAQs
How do illuminated signs impact business visibility in rural vs. urban areas?
The urban and rural applications of illuminated signs are quite different. In cities, there are too many light distractions. So, the signage needs to be bold, bright and unique to stand out from the competition. In rural areas, businesses have to worry less about standing out. The main concern is being visible from a distance. So, the signs are larger with a focus on readability. They are also less bright to prevent light pollution. You can only illuminate a sign between 10 pm and 7 am in rural zones.
What types of businesses benefit the most from illuminated signs?
Retail stores, cafes, restaurants and local businesses mostly benefit from illuminated signs. These businesses operate after sunset unlike banks and big companies. Mainstream brands can invest in illuminated billboards to get the benefit of 24/7 advertising.
Are there specific regulations for illuminated signs in Australia?
Illuminated signs are widely used for outdoor advertising in Australia. There are some specific regulations for their use. For instance, the frame can’t show any protruding cables. You have to conceal them. There can’t be any flashing animation. You also have to consider environmental and buffer zones before setting up the sign.
What is the lifespan of an LED illuminated sign compared to traditional signage?
LED illuminated signs are supposed to run for 50-100,000 hours consistently. This means they will ideally keep functioning 24/7 for over a decade. However, various external factors can affect this. Meanwhile, traditional signage with normal bulbs is only good for 1000-2000 hours.
What maintenance is required for illuminated signs?
Periodically clean the signs to get rid of dirt and debris accumulation. Check for water damage. The wiring and connection can become weary. There might be a few damaged LED bulbs. Repair and replace these as soon as possible. A professional quarterly or yearly inspection is recommended.
Final Words
A night-time business cannot survive without proper illuminated signage. However, designing the perfect sign for your brand isn’t easy. People have tried so many variations already that it’s difficult to be unique. Signage 4Business Group can help you with this. We have been creating signages for Australian businesses for over 20 years. Our experts are knowledgeable about the current trends. Their experience and creativity can help you create truly unique, brand-consistent signage at minimal costs.