BUSINESS OWNERS GUIDE TO SIGNAGE.
If you’re opening your first shop/location, or your brand is expanding fast. This guide is for you.
Read on to learn more and feel confident you’re getting your signage right the first time.
Below, you’ll discover how to:
- Create signs that grab attention and drive footfall.
- Avoid costly beginner mistakes (we’ve seen them all).
- Choose the right signage for your space, budget and brand.
- Tips to maximise on budget for your new sign.
- The process for designing, creating, and installing your sign.
- Plan with confidence to avoid any last-minute stress.
“When I opened my first shop, I underestimated just how much signage matters, until I got it wrong.”
It’s a common story, new business owners invest everything into their dream, only to realise their signs aren’t helping their business, they’re hurting.
Poor designs. Flimsy/low quality materials. Low visibility. These mistakes cost more than money, it’s the kind of stuff that keeps you up at night.
That’s why we created a free, practical guide built from helping hundreds of businesses across the UK get it right.
1. WHY SIGNAGE MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK.
“Signage is your 24/7 salesperson.” It introduces your brand, draws people in, and makes a lasting first impression. Often before a customer even steps inside. Clear, eye-catching signage that’s visible day and night (like illuminated signs) helps your business stand out when it matters most.
Consistent branding across your signs, vehicles, and marketing builds recognition and trust over time. Great signage isn’t just decoration, it’s a powerful tool to boost visibility, credibility, and customer traffic.
Sign mistakes that can cost You big. You’re putting your heart (and your hard-earned cash) into your business, but poor signage can hold you back. Here’s how to stay ahead of the most common pitfalls:
1. Too much going on
If your sign says everything, it ends up having the opposite effect and saying nothing as passing trade simply wont read it. Keep it short, impactful and easy to read with a who you are and a brief summary of what you do at a glance.
2. Difficult to read
Handwritten and script fonts might look trendy or cool, but if passing trade can’t read your sign then it isn’t doing you any good. Prioritise clarity first and foremost.
3. Too small or poorly placed
Even a great looking sign in the wrong size or place is a waste. Make sure it’s big enough to be clear and visible to passers by, and not hidden by poles, trees, and passing traffic.
4. No LED could be a missed opportunity
If you are business that opens late, or want to advertise with full visibility 24/7 then it may be a good idea to make the upgrade to an LED sign which will advertise for your business both day & night.
5. Off-brand design
You should have a set of fonts and colours you stick to for your shops image and “brand”. Using mismatched colours and fonts that dont align with these only waters down your brands image and confuses customers.
6. Skipping the red tape
Make sure your sign meets any local planning rules and regulations. We can work with you to make sure any permits required for the installation will be in place for the install date.
2. CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIGN FOR YOUR SPACE.
“Not all signage is created equally, the the right choices during the design process depends on its location, target audience, and message. A sign isn’t just a logo on a wall, it’s a tool for visibility, connection, and credibility.”
Whether you’re a beauty salon on a busy street or a café in a retail park, your sign should reflect its surroundings and appeal to your audience. Consider factors like viewing distance, lighting, materials, and the first impression you want to create. A wooden plaque offers a personal touch, while bold, halo-lit letters make a modern statement.
Placement, installation, and surroundings all play a role in finding the perfect fit. The goal? A sign that feels custom-designed for your space, because it is.
Start with Purpose: Define Your Sign’s Goal.
Every sign should address a specific need—whether it’s helping people find your location, reinforcing your brand, or guiding customers inside. Clarifying the sign’s purpose from the beginning ensures you choose the right format, placement, and design.
Visibility Matters: Design for Its Location.
Consider where your audience will first encounter your sign—whether they’re walking, waiting, or driving by. Tailor the size, font, colour contrast, and lighting to that environment to ensure your message stands out and is easily understood.
Let Your Brand Speak.
Effective signs are more than functional—they capture your brand’s essence. Whether clean and corporate, creative and quirky, or bold and modern, your signage should instantly convey your brand’s tone and personality.
3. BUDGETING FOR SIGNAGE.
As your business grows, balancing ambition with budget is key and signage plays a crucial role. Consider it an investment in your brand’s visibility and marketing. Done right, it will deliver long-term returns.
Pro Tips to Maximise Your Signage Budget
Talk to Your Sign Partner Early
Transparency helps. Share your budget early with your signage company so they can tailor recommendations and quote accordingly to your budget. It’s not about upselling, it’s about building something that works for your business, your goals, and your wallet.
Don't Cut Corners On Quality
Cheap materials/signs can fade, crack, or fail quickly. Investing slightly more upfront on durable materials and expert fabrication means you’ll save money down the line (and keep looking sharp long term).
Factoring Costs
When getting quotes for your project. Beyond the initial cost for the sign, remember to account for costs like design, permits, installation equipment (e.g., cherry picker), and electrical setup. These would all be factored in to your quote upon carrying a survey out on your business. If you’re on a tight budget, prioritise signage that offers the best return, typically your exterior fascia or main entrance sign. These signs attract customers, and you can add internal and extra signage gradually.
Explore Alternatives
If your dream sign feels out of reach, ask for alternatives. A good provider will suggest creative solutions to create your sign in many different ways. Such as non illuminated flat and 3D letters, spotlighting options. All there to match the look without matching the cost. We also have finance terms and payment options available if you would like to spread the cost over 3-12 monthly instalments (ask us more about this!)
4. THE SIGNAGE PROCESS.
A standout sign starts with the right team. Whether you’re launching a new location or growing your brand, great signage takes more than just a logo — it takes planning, design, compliance, and expert installation.
At Design It, we make it easy. From site surveys and design to permits, fabrication, and install, we manage the whole process so you don’t have to.
Keep reading to learn how we work and how we ensure your sign not only looks fantastic but performs flawlessly for years.
Want a sign that turns heads and lasts for years? Let’s show you how we make it happen.
1. SURVEY
It all starts with your initial enquiry. Each project is unique, with its own measurements, style, and needs. We begin with a free site visit to understand your business and goals. During this visit we will measure up and identify any challenges (like installation access or electrical sources). From there, we will work with you to discuss the best signage options for your business. We can bring material samples, whether that’s 3D letters, LED options, vinyl, or architectural film, and showcase past work to spark ideas. We can then suggest signage options that will make your business stand out.
2. QUOTE
Based on the measurements taken during the site survey, along with the design preferences and material options we discussed, we’ll prepare an initial quote for your signage. This quote will cover the full process — from design and fabrication to installation — in line with the specifications we reviewed during the survey. Once you’ve received the quote, there’s flexibility to adjust it as needed, whether that means scaling back or enhancing elements to better suit your budget or design preferences. We can also discuss finance options for payment if required.
3. DESIGN
Once the project is to go ahead and we have your payment option in place, whether that be a deposit or a finance payment agreement. We will move on to designing your project, and applying your branding to your chosen signage. During this design phase, you will benefit from unlimited design revisions to your project’s artwork until you are happy with how the resulting project will look once installed.
4. CREATE
When you are ready to approve the artwork, we would then get to work on manufacturing and turning your project artwork into reality. Using our in house technology to provide you with a high quality project ready for installation.
5. INSTALL
With the items required for your project nearing completion. We will book a suitable time and date with you for us to install your project. Using our professional in house fitting team, we can install your project over the standard working week, or sometimes over weekends and during holidays to help minimise disruption to your business.
6. THE BIG REVEAL
Get your camera at the ready, it’s finally time for the big reveal. The “tadaaa” moment if you will. As we marvel at the completed project we created together with your input and our creative ideas and project management combined. With the goal in mind to make your new or existing business stand out and be noticed, with scaling materials and processes to suit your budget.
5. SIGNAGE CHECKLIST.
Here’s a handy checklist to make sure you’ve ticked all the right boxes when planning ahead for your new sign. So nothing slows you down when it’s time to bring your vision to life!
Visibility
Make sure your sign is clear and has bold/legible text which is large enough to read from a considerable distance. High contrast colours work well when looking at design, and check into LED and light up options to be visible both day and night.
Brand Consistency
Make sure your sign features the correct business information, fonts and colours to keep your brand identity consistent.
Messaging
Your sign should not be too busy and cluttered with information. You should have a clear message of who you are and what you do at a quick glance.
Spelling & Accuracy
During the design and approval process, make sure your sign has no spelling errors or incorrect business and contact information.
Quality Materials
We always use the very best materials for all parts of every project. This ensures our projects are built with longevity in mind being hard wearing and weather resistant.
Lighting/LED Requirements
If your sign has LED, plan ahead by having the correct power source setup for your sign to connect to.
Installation Plan
Once your sign is approved we would move it into production and plan ahead with you to schedule a suitable day and time for installation. This enables you to ensure there is suitable space and access for us to work on the installation day.
Permits & Regulations
Make sure you have enquired and secured about any permits and that your sign meets any special rules and regulations. We can work with you to make sure any permits required for the installation will be in place for the install date.
Maintenance Requirements
Ask us about signage maintenance and know how your sign will be cleaned and maintained long-term.
WHY WORK WITH DESIGN IT?
Choosing the right signage partner is as critical as choosing the sign itself. We know signage can feel overwhelming. We’ve streamlined the whole process so you don’t have to stress about the details. No confusing steps trying to figure out what you need, no endless back and forth, just a clear path from idea to install.
We’ll help you figure out what works best, handle all the details and take care of the build and install. Simple as that. Whether you know exactly what you want or have no idea where to start, we’ll guide you through it and make it easy.
Here’s what makes working with Design It a trusted, stress-free experience.
EASY PROCESS
We take care of every aspect of your project, from initial design, to manufacturing and final installation. All under one roof, this streamlined approach minimises delays, enhances communication, and provides you with a single point of contact through the process. Ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.
HIGHLY REVIEWED
We’re highly rated on social media for our exceptional service, from your initial enquiry to project discussions and installations. Don’t just take our word for it, take a look at our glowing reviews from recent clients and completed projects.
TRANSPARENT QUOTES
We have finance options available, so you can buy now and pay monthly for your next project. No more worrying about upfront cash, we have teamed up with some leading finance brokers to offer flexible payment terms which can range from 2-12 month instalments.
FINANCE AVAILABLE
We take pride in completing work to the highest standards by securing the relevant certifications and accreditations for our profession. This commitment ensures our team meets legislative safety standards and maintains excellence in all installations on-site.
TAILORED SIGN SOLUTIONS
Every business is unique, and your signage should reflect that. We customise each project to fit your brand, whether it’s an illuminated fascia sign that lights up your storefront, a striking vehicle wrap that turns heads on the road, or clear wayfinding graphics that guide your customers effortlessly.
SKILLED BRITISH CRAFTSMANSHIP
Our skilled craftsmen take pride in every sign we create, focusing on precision and quality. Using top of the line materials and the latest technology, we design signage that not only stands out but is also durable enough to withstand the test of time.
PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION
Our installation team is fully trained, certified, and insured, ensuring every job is completed safely and professionally. Whether working at ground level or at height, we follow strict safety protocols and aim to complete installations with minimal disruption to your business or site operations.
SUPPORT
We’re committed to supporting you for the long run. Whether it’s updating, servicing, or expanding your signage across new locations, we’re here every step of the way. Our dedication is why so many clients continue to trust us with their signage needs time and time again.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US...
LETS TALK ABOUT YOUR SHOP.
Great signs grab attention, reflect your brand, and draw customers in. Whether you’re upgrading or starting fresh, we’re here to help you make it count.
We hope this guide has given you valuable insights and inspiration to either improve your existing signage or embark on a new project with confidence.
Let’s bring your vision to life. At Design It, we offer free consultations, site surveys and quotes, with expert advice tailored to your needs and budget. Have an idea or just exploring your options? Let’s talk.