Are you looking for a way to promote your company in the construction industry?

If so, we might have the answer for you. A construction signboard can be the ideal way to advertise your business on-site. You can use it to catch the eye of an audience who is already interested in hiring building services.

But before your construction sign board can start working for you, you need to design it to get the ultimate impact. We are going to discuss everything you need to know about the process from start to finish.

What is a construction sign board?

You might also know these products as job-site signs. 

Generally, you can use them at any location where you are going to be working or where your services have been hired. You can install them on your worksite, the sidewalk around it, or the boundary, like a fence around it. 

Most sign companies will make the sign from long-lasting materials like wood on which they will print the graphics or design of your choice. 

Thanks to this sturdy and durable construction, you can move it around and use it again and again on multiple sites. Therefore, think of this product as a long-term investment.

All kinds of businesses can benefit from these signs, for example:

• Construction
• Painting
• Landscaping
• Electrical
• Home remodeling
• Roofing 
• Plumbing 
• Interior decorator
• Painting

Job sites are usually high traffic areas. Hundreds, perhaps even thousands of people will pass by it or through it one day on foot and in vehicles. It would be a waste not to take advantage of this advertising space.

Benefits of construction sign boards

So how can this help you advertise your company?

First, it can help you get referrals from other companies who are working on the site or from any clients or guests visiting the site. The best part of this is that these will probably be people who have some interest in contractors in the construction industry.

Second, you can catch the eye of passersby. People are naturally curious every time they see a new construction site. So it won’t be too hard to catch their attention. With a branded sign, you can spread your feelers wider than your own industry and gain broader exposure.

Therefore, you can cover several bases at once with a construction sign.

But besides all of this, it can have some practical value too. Many businesses have found that a well-mounted construction sign board can help you hide the unsightly features on a job site. Overall, it can help you brighten up what can otherwise be a rather unattractive environment.

You can also think of the sign as an information board. It’s a relatively low effort way of communicating what the site is for, who is involved, how long it will take, and so on.

More importantly, all construction sites need to comply with safety standards set out by the relevant authorities like OSHA and ANSI. One clever use of these signs is to communicate some basic safety info as a supplement to other specialized signs.

For example, you can use it to remind anyone that this a construction site and that caution is advised.

When it comes to safety, every little bit can help.

The design process for a construction sign board

Regardless of the type of sign you are commissioning, you will follow some kind of design process. This is necessary to make sure that the sign is suitable, effective, and can help you meet your goals.

The process might seem a bit tedious. But remember, your audience will see the sign as a reflection of your business and your brand. 

Put yourself in the viewer’s shoes. This will likely be their first encounter with your business. And if all they see is a shoddy low-quality sign, their expectations for your service might be on par, whether this is true or not.

Therefore, it will be well worth your time and effort to put your best foot forward.

1 – Decide what you want to say about your business

First, you need to decide what you want to say with your sign. 

Overall, this is one of the most important decisions you are going to make. If you are using it for advertising purposes, ask yourself what you want the audience to take away from the sign, for example:

• The services you are offering
• Company’s contact details
• Your brand identity
• The name of the business
• Your approach – for instance, friendly or professional

It’s this information that will help you narrow down the content for the sign.

2 – Start designing

Only when you’ve figured this out can you start creating the design. You need to keep the end goal in mind the whole time.

If you have an eye for style and some graphics skills, you could complete the whole image by yourself. In this case, you should check out this list of the top software for designing signage.

Otherwise, you can hire a professional designer. Many sign-making companies can also assist you with this.

If you decide to go this route, it can be helpful to bring your ideas with you even if they are very rough.

3 – Consult your sign company

It’s important that you try to hire a reliable sign making company early in the process. They can significantly help you throughout the steps. 

We recommend that you consult them about the design that you have in mind. They know all the ins and outs of signs, and they can tell you whether your concept will works. For example, some color combinations might not look as good when they’re actually put in print.

On top of this, your sign specialist can advise you about the costs and how each element can reduce or increase the price.

4 – Review and finalize

After consulting with everyone involved, you or the expert can finalize the design. Depending on the situation, you might need to go through several rounds of revision until everyone is satisfied. However, by setting precise requirements and with clear communication, you can streamline the process.

5 – Proof

Before you send your design in for printing, it’s useful to ask for design proof. This will either be a digital version or a printed mock-up that will give you an idea of what the finished product will look like. 

Usually, this will be your last opportunity to check for any mistakes in the design, like spelling errors, and correct them.

Now you are ready to print the sign.

But before you jump the gun, let’s take a look at the critical aspects of the design.

Tips for designing the elements of a construction sign board

One common misconception about design is that it only involves the graphics or whatever is printed on the face of the board. But a well-thought-out plan should cover everything from the dimensions of the sign to the way it will be installed.

To help you get started, below are some expert tips on the critical elements of construction boards.

The material

First things first, you should decide which material you want the sign to be printed on. If you want the board to come anywhere close to a job site, it needs to be durable. You want it to be able to withstand knocks and bumps.

That’s why most companies use materials like wood, aluminum, or composites.

Generally, the price and your budget will play a critical role in your decision.

Aside from the board, you should also decide how the sign company will print and treat the face. For example, you could ask about finishes like UV protection to keep the surface looking new for longer.

The location 

Next, you have to pick a spot for the construction sign. 

One of the criteria should be how many people will be able to see it. You want to place it in a high traffic spot for optimal effect. The viewing distance and height will also factor into this.

Another consideration should be local permits and regulations. Different states and neighborhoods have different requirements that you need to fulfill. For more information on sign regulations in Detroit, you can take a look here.

Name and logo

You don’t want to leave people guessing. Anyone who sees the sign needs to immediately know who it belongs to. The basics for doing this is displaying your name and logo.

Take a look at this sign we made for CEVA Logistics. Their name and logo is loud and clear.

A few ways to make sure they stand out are the following:

• Choose a different color for the logo and the name than you used for the rest of the sign
• Make sure the font and graphics are large enough. Generally, you can design them to be slightly bigger than the other elements.
• Print them near the top, or the middle of the board so that they catch the eye.

The layout of the sign

Another key feature is always the layout of the design. The individual elements could be perfect, but if they aren’t arranged correctly, they won’t make a positive impact. It plays a major role in the impact and advertising potential of the board.

Significantly, as we’ve seen above, you can use the layout of a sign to emphasize specific elements. To do this, you can place it at the top of the center of the design.

The general rule of thumb is not to use too much content. You don’t want it to be too crowded because it will detract from the impact of each and make your sign less attractive. 

Don’t be afraid of white space. It usually improves the overall appearance and effect.

Use graphics sparingly

Generally, you don’t want to use too many images or graphics for construction sign boards. In this way, they are often quite different from other types of signage. Above all, you want to show that your company is professional and reliable.

If you do use images it should be for a specific purpose. For example, your image can: 

• Help to demonstrate what your business offers
• Show what the project will look like when it’s done
• Share a striking message for a significant impact

Luckily, using fewer images can help to keep the printing costs low.

Pick your words with care

All in all, this is the most straightforward tip but can also be one of the most challenging to follow. 

You want to use as few words as possible. Many businesses have even made impactful signs with the bare necessities. In other words, by only including their company’s name and contact details.

Most of the time, you don’t have to go so sparse. But still, try to keep it short and sweet.

For the words you do use, be sure to format with a readable font in a suitable size. 

Recognizable branding

The name and logo of your business are critical parts of your brand and its visual identity. But they aren’t the only features. Each and every element of the sign should reflect your branding. From the images to the colors, they should reflect your business.

To make your signs effective, you want them to form part of a coherent advertising strategy. They should fit with each other and complement each other. 

This is one way you can promote your business successfully and make it more memorable.

Part of your marketing

Creating unique signage like a construction sign board can be a great step toward growing your business. With some clever design tricks and marketing secrets, you can attract new potential customers, generate leads, and encourage people to give your services a try.

But whenever you plan on launching an advertising campaign, it’s crucial that you remember it’s a process. Promoting any business isn’t only about commissioning one sign. Instead, you should make your signage part of a much wider advertising strategy.

For more…

As we’ve said, a critical part of marketing is your brand identity, so be sure to check out the importance of brand awareness to the success of your business.

Some businesses like real estate depend heavily on word-of-mouth advertising. Current or previous clients tell their friends and family members about the business, and those friends and family members turn into new clients. Thanks to these referrals offered by satisfied customers, the business grows and expands with the assistance of the very people it serves. 

But what if your marketing strategy as a real estate agent is to capitalize on word of mouth referrals while also generating some leads of your own? Well, if that’s the case, then you might be looking to explore signage options to generate interest in your services. While word-of-mouth referrals may “talk you up” verbally, you want your signage to “talk you up” with visuals and text. 

So let’s explore how you can create great real estate signs to help connect you with the people who need your real estate services. 

1 – Time well

Time is a consideration when aiming to use your signs in the most effective way possible. For instance, try to leave your signs up for as long as appropriate. Additionally, install your signs in advance when necessary. For instance, in the case of an open house, you might want to get your signs out there before the actual open house date. 

Another thing to remember—use your “under contract,” “pending,” and “sold” riders strategically so the community can get an idea of how effectively you work. 

2 – Place your signs thoughtfully

Naturally, your signs look better in an aesthetically-pleasing environment. To the best of your ability, make sure that the yard your sign is placed in is well-maintained. For better or for worse, people will associate your sign with the yard they see it in. So make sure it gives a good impression.

3 – Leverage directional signs (several of them)

A directional sign pointing to the property you have for sale could be just as important as the for-sale sign itself. So be sure to have several directional signs leading to the property you’re selling. 

4 – Remember your image is only as good as the quality of your graphics

Now, here’s a tip that you’ve heard us offer on the blog before. And it bears repeating because it’s important. You need high-quality graphics and designs if you want to end up with a high-quality sign. Poor visual design could drag down your sign even if the quality of your sign’s materials is top-notch. 

Thus, if you’re not good at design yourself, consider hiring someone who is. Find someone who is good at mixing colors and fonts and at balancing the different sign elements. Your sign specialist may even be able to help with this. 

5 – Keep it relatable 

As a real estate agent, you’re in the personal service business. So try to foster a personal connection with people. A good photo may help with this. You’ll want to project an image of friendliness, professionalism, or whatever qualities your target client is looking for. 

6 – Give an action step

Make sure that you clearly outline the action you want your target client to take. Are they supposed to call you and ask for a free home valuation? Or should they mail you for a free consultation? Should they text you to chat about the local market? Whatever it is you want viewers to do, make it obvious. 

7 – Provide a way to get in touch

Just as you want to provide an action step, you also want to be sure that you’ve given your target market a way to take that action step. That’s basic, right? If they’re supposed to email you, provide an easy-to-remember email address. If they’re supposed to call, make that phone number easy to see.

8 – Use the channels your ideal client prefers

You also want your “way to get in touch” to be tailored to your ideal client. For instance, working with Millennials might call for being available via Facebook Messenger. Other people might prefer texting. And some people might like to reach you via email or phone messages. Try to discover what channels of communication your target market is likely to prefer. Then, make that communication method available on your signage. 

9 – Promote specialization

You can even use your signage to set yourself apart from the competition. Certainly, that could include your design and visual appeal. But it could also include what you say about yourself. For instance, do you specialize and have plenty of experience in selling high-dollar value properties? Or maybe you have quite the record of successfully buying and selling manufactured homes. Whatever it is, considering getting the message out via your real estate signage.

10 – Be memorable. Be brand-oriented.

Craft your real estate signage to be visually and verbally memorable. If you have a slogan, consider putting it on your sign. Use the same terminology across your branding so that the community learns to recognize you and what you stand for. 

If you’re using a photo of yourself or a logo or other graphic, use the same one (or a combination of the same ones) across your advertising and marketing channels. And this could even apply to your online channels as well as your physical marketing channels. 

Plan for success

Get your real estate signage off to a great start by planning in advance. Don’t cobble something together at the last minute. Instead, prepare yourself by learning about your signage options. And give yourself enough time to get the job done right. Get started with The Small Business Owner’s Guide To Creating Your Own Unique Signage. Then take a look at How Your Business Can Take Advantage Of The Different Sign Types.

You don’t have to be a genius or a specialist to know that the field of communications is a rapidly changing one. We use forms of communication today that didn’t even exist in our grandparents’ era (or our own parents’ earlier lives, for that matter). 

Yes, the way that we communicate is often subject to trends—cultural elements that experience dramatic shifts in popularity over time. So, let’s take a look at changes that may affect digital signage and explore ways you can tap into these changes for your business, nonprofit, or organization. 

1 – “Smarter” signage

There’s a lot of talk these days about artificial intelligence (AI). But exactly what artificial intelligence is—that’s not always well understood. When it comes to digital signage, artificial intelligence may have a role to play. 

However, it’s important to realize that this does not mean you should anticipate human-like digital billboards that are equipped to take over the world. No, not all. If you’re thinking full-size cutout signs are going to evolve into humanoid robots and take over the world, then we can see why you might panic. But that’s not actually what we’re talking about. 

Instead, we’re talking about what Lamasa Tech meant when they wrote, “AI will decide whether certain content should be shown to a specific customer after analysing many databases and indicators. It will analyse a person’s goal when he or she is in front of the screen and determine the appropriate advertisement for that particular moment.”

And we also find the same idea in this statement from Digital Signage Today, “Luckily better analytics are now on the way thanks to new technologies like AI. Deployers can now use AI to analyze historical customer data to deliver more effective, personalized content.”

Pull those two ideas together and what you do you get? The idea of leveraging computing power to help spread the right message at the right time. In other words—let computers do what computers do best to help signs do what signs do best. Head over to Digital Signage Today to learn 4 ways AI is transforming digital signage.

Tap into it

If this is the wave of the future, then you surely want to be a part of it, right? However, you might be wondering how to go about taking AI-inspired action for your own digital signage. Here are a few ideas. 

• Educate yourself – Learn all you can about artificial intelligence and how it may relate to your business or organization. 

• Talk with others – Begin polling others in your industry for advice and ideas about using artificial intelligence. Are they tapping into it already for their business or organization? If so, how are they using it and what kind of results are they seeing?

• Consult the experts – Talking with experts in the field could get you started on an effective partnership—you know your business and experts know theirs. Find a way to combine these two deep wells of knowledge to take your business to the next level. 

In this vein, you can always think of hiring a consultant. But if money is tight, consider reaching out to a local university to learn if a partnership is a possibility. The school may have information technology students who would be happy to use your real-world business as part of their final project—a win for both of you.    

2 – Better-looking signage

Now, let’s pivot and look at a trend that isn’t necessarily backed up by external data. Instead, it’s a personal perspective on what we think should be a trend in digital signage. Will it grow in popularity? We certainly hope so!

Why do so many digital signs look B-grade? Sure, you’ve seen them as you pass by schools, churches, fire stations, and business. Signs that are simply lackluster or visually unappealing. We can call it the “scourge of ugly digital signs.” 

Possible culprits

So just what are we talking about here? Well, for one thing, digital signs with garish colors can sometimes look less-than. Otherworldly turquoise on a flaming yellow background—not the greatest idea. Radiant ruby and glowing evergreen—those colors may be a little more appropriate for a holiday display than for year-round digital messages. 

Of course, dead pixels are another culprit. So are fonts and sizes of text that are difficult to read. And, certainly, another bad strategy is digitizing any marketing image—text, photos, or a combination—that was poorly designed to begin with. Let’s face it, not all visuals are created equal. And there can be a vast chasm between “good enough” marketing visuals and stellar ones. 

Tap into the power of well-designed signage

Begin your journey toward a top-level brand image by using only the best visuals to represent your company, nonprofit, or organization. Here are several ways to get started. 

Think long-term

Ask yourself what you want people to think about your company, not just now but also five years from now. If you want to be viewed as professional, expert, and trustworthy, craft your signage with those values in mind. 

Invest 

Sure, some signs are cheaper than others. But remember that in most industries, you get what you pay for. 

Get expert assistance 

Experts can weigh in on more than sign construction and installation. Some even offer design services. Ask to see any expert’s portfolio so you know if partnership will be a good fit. 

Study up 

The internet offers a vast array of resources for learning about how you can best reach your customers. Try out free classes about marketing, advertising, and graphic design. Plus, read all you can. And watch videos too. Take a look at our Tips & Tricks To Designing Eye Catching Business Signs and browse 10 Professional Sign Fonts + The Meanings Behind Them.