When it comes to business signage, first impressions are everything. Whether it’s a storefront in Overland Park, a lobby in downtown Kansas City, or a monument sign at a suburban office park, a great business sign does more than just display your name—it speaks for your brand.
At Forerunner Signs & Graphics, we’ve helped countless Kansas City businesses create custom signs that reflect their identity and bring customers through the door. So, what actually makes a great business sign? Let’s explore the essential elements that take a sign from basic to brilliant.
1. Brand Identity: Tell Your Story at a Glance
Your business sign should communicate your brand’s personality. Whether your vibe is bold and modern, rustic and handmade, or high-end and professional, the sign should reflect it. Every design choice—fonts, colors, materials, shapes—should be aligned with how you want to be perceived.
Example: A boutique in Country Club Plaza might use a vintage-style hanging sign with elegant script fonts, while a tech startup near the Crossroads may opt for a sleek backlit acrylic logo on the lobby wall.
2. Clear and Concise Messaging
Your message should be understood in seconds. That means:
Keep the wording minimal
Use legible fonts
Choose contrasting colors for readability
Include your logo, tagline, or a brief call to action
If people can’t read your sign while driving by or walking past, it’s not doing its job.
3. Strategic Location and Placement
A great sign is only effective if it’s visible. Consider:
Distance from the viewer (pedestrians vs. drivers)
Line of sight (obstructions like trees or poles)
Height and angle (especially for monument signs or window graphics)
We often recommend site surveys to determine optimal placement based on traffic flow and visibility zones.
4. Eye-Catching Design Without Overwhelm
Aesthetics play a huge role. But balance is key—your sign should catch attention without being chaotic. Smart design elements include:
Clean layout
Brand-consistent colors
Bold graphics or icons
Subtle lighting for night visibility
Modern LED signs, dimensional lettering, or even simple yet bold vinyl graphics can offer the “wow” factor without going overboard.
5. Material Quality and Durability
Kansas City weather can be unpredictable—scorching summers, icy winters, and everything in between. That’s why high-quality, weather-resistant materials matter. A durable sign:
Holds up over time
Reduces long-term maintenance
Reflects professionalism
Whether it’s high-density urethane for carved signs or aluminum composites for outdoor panels, we help you choose materials that last.
6. Compliance and Permits
Every city, including Kansas City and surrounding areas like Olathe or Lenexa, has its own zoning regulations for signage. Working with a professional sign company like Forerunner ensures your signage is:
Code-compliant
Properly permitted
Installed safely and legally
This saves time, money, and headaches.
7. Consistency Across All Signage
From lobby signs to vehicle wraps, keeping your visual identity consistent builds brand recognition. A cohesive signage strategy includes:
Matching logos and colors
Unified tone and style
Similar font usage
This helps customers recognize your business instantly—whether they see your storefront, banner at an event, or delivery truck on the highway.
8. Functionality: Wayfinding and More
Beyond branding, signs serve functional purposes—directing, informing, and organizing. Great signs enhance customer experience through:
Clear directional signs
ADA-compliant signage
Informational signs (hours, rules, safety notices)
Incorporating function into design helps customers feel comfortable and confident in your space.
9. Lighting: Shine Day and Night
Illuminated signs extend your business’s visibility long after sunset. Whether it’s LED channel letters, backlit panels, or digital message boards, lighting adds professionalism and 24/7 exposure.
We offer energy-efficient solutions that maximize impact and minimize your power bill.
10. Adaptability: Easy to Update
Your signage should evolve with your business. Consider signs that are:
Modular or interchangeable (great for seasonal promotions)
Digitally controlled (like LED displays)
Easy to refresh with new graphics or inserts
Future-proof your investment with signs that grow with your business.
The Local Advantage: Why Work With Forerunner Signs?
We’re not just sign experts—we’re Kansas City signage experts. That means:
✅ We know local business needs
✅ We handle permits and local codes
✅ We offer personalized, in-person support
✅ We stand behind our work with ongoing service
Whether you're launching a brand-new business or refreshing your current signage, our team at Forerunner Signs & Graphics will help you make a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts: Invest in a Sign That Works for You
A great business sign is more than a design—it’s a tool for visibility, branding, and connection. With the right approach, your signage can attract foot traffic, reinforce your brand, and support long-term business growth.
? Ready to design your perfect business sign?
Contact Forerunner Signs & Graphics today for a free consultation and discover how we can help your Kansas City business stand out.
