When choosing the perfect business signs, it is essential to understand the different types of signs available and their best uses.

Each type of sign serves a unique purpose and offers distinct advantages, from attracting foot traffic and enhancing brand visibility to providing crucial information and guiding customers.

Whether you’re a small local shop, a large retail chain, or an office building, selecting the right business signage can significantly impact your success.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 types of signs and their best uses, helping you make an informed decision to elevate your business’s presence and effectiveness.

Here are the Top 10 Business Signs and the Best Uses for Each

1.) Blade Signs

Blade signs are fantastic for busy areas with lots of foot traffic, like downtown streets and shopping districts, because they stick out from the building and can be seen from different angles. 

They work well for businesses with limited storefront space or those on narrow streets, making it easy for people walking by to notice them. 

Customize them with different shapes and add lighting, making them eye-catching and effective day and night.

Whether wall-mounted, pole-mounted, projecting, or hanging, blade signs are an excellent choice for maximizing visibility and attracting attention to your business, no matter your location.

Blade Sign Examples

For more information on Blade Signs, check out our post, Blade Signs for Business, Storefront & Restaurant Signage.

For more examples, check out our Blade Signs Gallery.

 

2.) Channel Letters

Channel letters are an excellent choice for retail stores, shopping malls, and other businesses. These have 3D profiles, and you can choose either LED or neon illumination options for them.

If your business operates in the late evening hours or during nighttime, these illuminated signs are a great way to create an impact.

Some say they are the Gold Standard of signs. Either way, you can’t go wrong with a channel letter sign.

Channel Letter Sign Examples

For more information on Channel Letters, including the different types, check out our post, Channel Letters 101 – What You Need to Know to Select Yours.

For more examples check out our Channel Letter Signs Gallery.

 

3.) Monument Signs

Monument signs are a great way to make your business stand out and be more visible. These signs come in various forms, each offering unique advantages depending on the specific needs and environment.

Let’s explore the 3 most popular types of monument signs—ground-level, pylon, and post and panel—and what sets each apart.

1. Ground-Level Monument Signs

These signs sit close to the ground, typically no more than five feet tall, and are designed to be at eye level for drivers and pedestrians. They offer a professional and upscale appearance.

Whether providing a listing of businesses at a shopping mall, helping customers navigate a complex, or using digital signage to communicate your message, these freestanding signs contribute to the overall perception of your property.

Ground-Level Monument Sign Examples

2. Pylon Signs

Pylon signs, also known as pole signs, are taller and more prominent than ground-level monument signs. They are often 10 to 20 feet in height and mounted on one or more poles, making them highly visible from a distance.

They are great for businesses that need to be seen from the freeway or people driving by. Places like shopping centers, gas stations, and car dealerships use these to attract customers.

Just like ground-level monument signs, they can have a list of stores or be dedicated to an entire business.

Also, if you have an existing pylon sign on your property, it’s easier to update the sign when it comes to city permits since the sign’s existing structure is already in place and permitted.

Pylon Sign Examples

For more information check out Pylon Signs: The Ultimate Guide.

3. Post and Panel Signs

Post and panel signs are versatile and budget-friendly. They consist of one or more vertical posts supporting a panel displaying the sign’s content. These signs are usually medium height and designed to provide clear, easy-to-read information.

The panels are easy to update or replace, making it simple to change your message or branding as needed. These signs are made from weather-resistant materials and can withstand different environmental conditions while still looking great.

Post and Panel Sign Examples

For more info and examples check out our Monument Signs Gallery and our Property Management Signs Gallery.

 

4.) Dimensional Letter Signs aka 3D Signs

A dimensional letter sign is a 3D sign made from materials like metal or acrylic, designed to give your business a more eye-catching and professional look. 

They get their name from their three-dimensional construction, which makes them more engaging and noticeable from different angles than flat signs. 

These signs are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. They can be lighted or unlit and are durable enough to withstand various weather conditions. 

Moreover, their high level of customizability allows businesses to craft a unique and polished appearance that truly reflects your brand identity, all while being cost-effective.

Dimensional Letter Sign Examples

For more info and examples check out our Dimensional Letter Signs Gallery.

 

5.) Illuminated Signs

Illuminated signs come to life with the vibrant glow of LEDs, neon, or fluorescent bulbs, creating eye-catching displays that shine day and night.

They come in various forms, including channel letters, neon signs, LED signs, lightbox signs (cabinet signs), digital signage, and externally lit signs.

Digital signs are dynamic, showing messages like events, dates, and pricing on screens. Some even display full animation or video, much like TV screens.

Externally lit signs are illuminated from above or below with spotlights or barn lighting, casting a bright glow on your business name.

Think of illuminated signs as 24/7 advertising for your business. They ensure your brand is always visible and attracts attention around the clock.

Illuminated Sign Examples

For more info and examples check out our Illuminated Signs Gallery.

 

6.) Property Management Signs

Investing in high-quality property management signs can make your location more desirable, easier to navigate and may even lead to higher rents.

Property management signs come in many forms, whether a single business needs signs throughout its property or shopping malls that require storefront signs, directories, and wayfinding signs for customers.

Residential communities, apartment complexes, and office buildings also need cohesive sign programs. These signs should elevate the space, help visitors navigate, and include required ADA and regulatory signs.

Types of Property Management Signs:

1. Directional Signs: These signs guide visitors to specific locations such as entrances, exits, parking areas, and amenities.
2. Informational Signs: Provide important information such as building numbers, office hours, community rules, and emergency procedures.
3. Safety and Regulatory Signs: Indicate safety measures, regulations, and compliance information, including no-smoking areas, fire exits, no parking signs, and speed limits.
4. Identification Signs: Display the names of buildings, businesses, or facilities within the property.
5. Promotional Signs: Highlight special events, promotions, or new amenities available within the property.

Examples of Property Management Signs

For more information and examples check out our Property Management Signs Gallery.

 

7.) Interior Signs and Office Signs

Interior signs can really transform your business, making it more functional, professional, and welcoming from the inside.

They provide essential information, help visitors and employees find their way easily, and add a bit of style and brand recognition that improves the overall look and feel of the space.

With the right signs, your store or office can become more than just a place to shop or work; it can become a place where everyone wants to be.

For more info and examples check out our Office Signs Gallery and Property Management Signs Gallery.

 

8.) Custom Graphic Signs

Custom graphics are some of the best ways to attract customers. You can choose from vinyl lettering, hand-painted signs, printed graphics, wall and floor graphics, vehicle and even boat graphics. These dynamic signs are an excellent advertising tool for just about every business.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your storefront, decorate your interior, or promote your brand on the go, custom graphic signs provide an effective and visually appealing solution.

Custom Graphic Sign Examples

For even more examples and info check out our Custom Graphic Signs Gallery.

9.) Window Graphics

Window graphics come in a wide range of varieties, each offering unique benefits and styles to suit different needs. Some popular types include:

1. Vinyl Window Decals: These are adhesive graphics that can be applied to any glass surface, providing a sleek and professional look. They are perfect for displaying logos, business hours, and promotional messages.
2. Perforated Vinyl Window Film: This type of graphic allows for one-way visibility, meaning you can see out from the inside, but those outside see the graphic. It’s ideal for privacy and impactful advertising without blocking natural light.
3. Static Cling Stickers: These non-adhesive stickers cling to glass surfaces through static electricity, making them easy to apply, remove, and reposition. They are great for temporary promotions and seasonal displays.
4. Hand Painted Signs: For a more traditional and artistic look, hand-painted signs offer a unique and personalized touch. They can be customized to match your brand’s aesthetic and add a charming, handcrafted feel to your windows.

 

Custom Window Graphics Examples

For more info and examples check out our Window Graphics Signs Gallery.

 

10.) Neon Signs

Neon signs have been a favorite for over a century

Traditional Neon

Traditional neon signs are bright, colorful signs made from glass tubes filled with neon gas that glow when an electric current passes through them.

Known for their vibrant and nostalgic look, these signs catch attention and add a unique aesthetic to businesses, restaurants, bars, and even home decor.

LED Neon

A modern alternative to traditional neon is LED neon, using flexible LED strips to mimic the look of classic neon lights. These signs offer the same bright, eye-catching glow but with improved energy efficiency and durability.

Although very bright, some purists believe that LED neon doesn’t perfectly replicate the warmth and intensity of traditional neon lights.

Whether you choose traditional neon or LED neon, both options provide a stunning and effective way to make your business stand out.

Neon Sign Examples

For more information on custom neon signs check out Custom Neon Signs, Everything You Want to Know Before You Buy and our Neon Signs Gallery.

Dave’s Signs, Serving Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Nationwide

Since 1992, Dave’s Signs has provided top-quality signage solutions for businesses of all industries and sizes in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles Counties and Nationwide.

With decades of experience, we can help you develop a comprehensive sign program for your business, conduct site surveys, and help you navigate the complexities of city permitting.

Our skilled team handles everything from sign design and fabrication to installation, repair, maintenance, and sign restoration.

We are also one of the few remaining sign shops that still make neon signs in-house.

At Dave’s Signs, no job is too big or too small. Whether you are a small mom-and-pop store with a single location, a business with several locations throughout California, a nationwide chain, a property manager with multiple properties, or even another sign company needing local expertise for a ship-in, we do it all.

Have Questions? Contact Us!

Do you still have questions about types of signs or customized signs? We know how important it is to get what’s right for your application. Contact us at (805) 641-1387. We’re always happy to help and answer any questions you may have. You can even Request a Quote online.