The 5 Types of Signage Every Business Needs
Whether we realize it or not, the business world is full of signs. Everywhere you go, businesses and companies alike use signs to announce to the world who they are and what they do. Of course, advertising isn’t the only thing that signs do.
When we talk about business signage, we’re not just talking about the lettering above a business’s door or the hanging sign outside of a storefront. We’re also talking about purposeful signs that let you know where to go, what to do, and what not to do.
Ultimately, every type of sign serves a specific function in a business, and if you haven’t learned about the primary signs your business needs, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s an overview of the five types of signage every business needs:
- Safety Signage
- Informational Signage
- ADA Compliant Signage
- Wall Graphics and Floor Decals
- Directional Signage
Safety Signage
It’s easy to forget about safety signage. But, no matter the industry, every business is legally required to install safety signage in certain locations throughout their store or building.
The most common safety signage you’ll see includes emergency escape route markings, exit signs, first aid kit signs, fire extinguishers, and so on. There are also safety signs in the form of reminders — such as “employees must wash hands before returning to work” signs while factories and manufacturing plants are required to have signs enforcing protective equipment, hazardous material warnings, and general reminders of best practices.
Safety signage may also include no smoking signs and warnings not to allow children to play on certain equipment and so on.
Informational Signage
Informational signs are kind of like the exception to the rule in that you want to use them to “go nuts” with information. Informational signs can be used by large businesses to help their customers or visitors navigate the area, offer pertinent information about scheduling, or to promote special items and events.
These are the signs where it’s common to use large, attention-grabbing text as well as colors and graphics.
ADA Compliant Signage
ADA signage is a legal requirement for all businesses to have as they’re used to identify certain areas and rooms throughout the building. ADA compliant signage regulations often include the use of braille dots, raised characters (also referred to as tactile characters), pictograms, and visual characters.
Compliance regulations will likely depend on the type of business, but at minimum you’ll need an ADA sign that denotes bathroom types and accessibility for the handicap.
Wall Graphics and Floor Decals
Walls, windows, and even floors can carry signage to add to your business’s branding, navigation, and more. Indoor wall graphics are great for adding large scale artwork to your decor while floor decals can be directional and enforce certain rules, such as where to wait or how much distance people must keep from each other in certain areas.
Window graphics also tend to turn retail and hospitality businesses into fun billboards that let customers know about new products coming soon, specials, promotions, and events.
Directional Signage
Directional signage is very specific and acts as a straightforward information station. You’ve likely seen directional signage in multi-level office buildings, museums, parks, and anywhere else that spreads out over a lot of acreage.
In addition, directional signage is a form of public safety, used to provide directional information to lead people towards common entrances and exits. More importantly, directional signage should not be confused with any of the above types of signs as it’s not used for any type of commercial advertising — although some of it may fall under ADA requirements.
Need More Signage Information?
Whether you’re opening a new business, moving to a new office building or simply need a new set of signs, our team at Identity Group has everything you need.