How Bars and Restaurants Can Best Utilize Custom Signage

Marketing is vital across nearly every industry out there, and one of the most unique from this standpoint is the food service realm. Restaurants, bars and other food establishments are incredibly common across the country, and helping yours stand out from the competition is a vital and ever-changing pursuit. 

One part of any good restaurant’s physical marketing arsenal: The use of custom signage from industry leaders like Signazon, who provide everything from indoor and outdoor signage to car decals, banners and much more. Custom signs are a fantastic way for restaurants and others in the food service industry to really make their presence known in both their immediate area and to a wider audience. What are some top ways to make your restaurant or bar signage memorable and effective as a marketing tool? Here are several.

Size is Vital

One of your first considerations should always be size when it comes to your restaurant or bar signage. This is doubly true for outdoor signs, which need to be large enough to be seen from a distance but not so big that they look out of place or overwhelming.

For indoor signage, you’ll want to ensure that your signs are visible and legible from all angles in your establishment. This is important for things like menus, specials boards and other key signage that guests will be relying on while they’re inside your restaurant or bar.

There may be certain limitations within your physical space, and it’s vital to be realistic and honest about what will and won’t work given the size and layout of your restaurant or bar. Trying to force a square peg into a round hole is never going to work, so be mindful of the space you’re working with when considering your signage options.

Incorporate the Menu

Are you looking to become a well-known local dining spot based primarily on a unique menu? Then get it out there! Many restaurants make the mistake of not incorporating their menu into their overall signage strategy, but doing so can be a great way to really let potential customers know what you’re all about.

This is especially effective for food trucks and other mobile eateries, as it’s a great way to give people an idea of what they can expect before they even approach your window or order from your menu board.

Make a Statement

Your signage should also reflect the overall tone and feel of your establishment. If you’re a high-end spot, then sleek and sophisticated signage is going to be key. For a more casual place, something fun and eye-catching is likely to be a better bet. Whatever route you go, make sure that your signage is in line with the overall vibe of your restaurant or bar.

This also extends to the use of color. While you’ll want to avoid anything that can be considered gaudy or tacky, incorporating your brand colors into your signage is a great way to help people remember your business down the road.

Ensure It’s Always Visible

The world of advertising never sleeps, and neither should your restaurant or bar signage. If you’re not regularly maintaining and updating your signs, then they’re not going to be doing their job. This means everything from regularly cleaning them to ensure they’re visible and legible to making sure that any special offers or changes to your menu are reflected in a timely manner.

In addition, especially if you’re a bar that operates well into the night, you’ll want to ensure that your signage is visible and legible even in low-light conditions. This means avoiding things like reflective or light-up signs that can be difficult to read, instead opting for high-contrast colors and simple fonts.

Use Quality Materials for Long-Lasting Impact

No bar or restaurant owner wants to continually shell out money for replacement signage, so using quality materials is key to getting the most bang for your buck. This means everything from using weather-resistant and durable materials for outdoor signs to investing in quality printing or vinyl cutting for indoor ones.

This is where a quality vendor like Signazon comes into play. They utilize the latest in PVC and other sign materials, including metal, yard signs, banners, and more to create long-lasting, high-impact signage for businesses of all types.

Highlight Specials or Deals

One great way to help your custom signage directly attract new business is to use it to highlight any specials or deals that you may be running. This can be anything from happy hour specials to discounts for large groups, and is a great way to help increase traffic during slower periods.

This is especially effective if you’re located in a high-traffic area, as people walking or driving by are more likely to come in if they know that there’s a deal to be had. Just be sure to update your signage regularly so that people don’t think that the special has expired.

Try Varying Angles

Especially if you’re just incorporating custom signage into your business for the first time, it can be tempting to just go with a traditional approach. But if you really want your signage to stand out, then try playing around with different angles and perspectives.

This is especially effective for outdoor signs, as people driving or walking by are more likely to notice something that’s placed at an angle or otherwise not in the traditional spot. Just be sure not to go too crazy with it, as you still want people to be able to read and understand your sign.

Add Some Dimension

Another great way to make your custom signage pop is to add some dimension to it. This can be anything from a raised lettering effect to actual 3D letters or objects that are attached to the sign.

This is a great way to really grab people’s attention, especially if you’re located in a highly trafficked area. Just be sure not to go overboard, as too much dimension can make your sign difficult to read.

Custom signage is a great way to make your bar or restaurant stand out from the competition. By incorporating your menu, making a statement, and ensuring that your signage is always visible, you can attract new business and keep your existing customers coming back for more. And with Signazon’s high-quality materials and fast turnaround times, you can be sure that your signage will make a lasting impression. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your custom signage today!