From stores to multinational businesses, signage is important. In fact, if you step outside, there’s a good chance different signs are on display around your neighborhood. Because large places, like a city, always have a signage plan.

To go from one place to another, you need to have the address. But any address without signage is useless. How will you find your way? It’s impossible without a good wayfinding plan. 

BlinkSigns have designed and set up signage for various businesses belonging to different industries. Our experiences tell us, businesses or companies that are scattered over a large area always need a properly planned signage solution.

So, in today’s article you will get to know what a signage system is and whether your business needs one or not.

What is a Signage Plan or System?

A signage system or plan is, at its basic level, the most effective way to provide information and direction to people. Allowing them to navigate their way around large areas such as marketplaces, huge building complexes, and hospitals, etc.

Directional signage is installed to relay different kinds of information. In advertising, they are used for promoting your products, services, or special offers. Generally, signs are used to warn people and stop them from doing something dangerous, for example, a stop sign.

However, a wayfinding plan is a system specifically designed for providing directional information to people using interior or exterior signs within or around a place of business.

Your Business Needs A Wayfinding System If…

When customers or visitors complain about having difficulty finding their way around your business or office building, then you definitely require a good signage plan.

Now, it’s not necessary for you to have a large firm. A convenience store or corner shop needs a good wayfinding system just as much as any other business. 

So, if you think that clearly defining different areas within your business can help your customers, then you should design and implement a way-finding system to boost your sales.

We would recommend asking for professional help and working with a signage solutions company to design your signage plan. Why is that? Because there is a whole process and set of standards that you need to keep up with during and after the design phase. If you’re not familiar with the process, rules, and regulations, then it will end up taking more of your time and money.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Planning a Signage System

Whenever you’re trying to strategize a wayfinding plan, you need to know what to do and what to avoid. Otherwise, making an effective signage system is out of the question.

Here’s what you should do:

  1. Observe How Customers Maneuver Around Your Business Space 

The best way to start designing your signage strategy is by learning how your customers or visitors walk through the area. Basically, you need to walk in their shoes. Notice where they stop and look for directions or clues to get to their desired destination.

Being attentive to the customers’ or occasional visitors’ needs will help you plan an effective signage system, no matter who finds themselves within your business place.

  1. Classify Signage Depending On Their Importance

You need to know which signs are more important for smooth navigation. That’s why you need to follow a signage hierarchy. There are six types of wayfinding signage, namely:

  1. Directory
  2. Primary
  3. Secondary
  4. Tertiary
  5. Collateral
  6. Decor

For more information, you can always refer to an existing good signage plan example in place. 

Now, exploring things you should avoid:

  1. Don’t Use Unreadable Font In Your Signage

Letter types and fonts hugely impact the overall visibility and readability of all signs, not just wayfinding ones. That’s why you should ensure you utilize ADA-compliant signs with easy to read fonts and standard styles. 

  1. Don’t Use Too Many Color Combinations

Again, stick to standardized color combinations. Avoid using colors that don’t go together and make it difficult to read the signage, no matter closeup or from afar. 

According to a study done by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA), black on yellow is the best color combination for signage readability from a distance.

BlinkSigns Is Here to Help With Your Signage Needs

Creating a signage plan is not an easy feat. However, we have designed and implemented such systems for various clients since 2007. So, if you need to consult our experts for your signage system, we encourage you to reach out to us– anytime.