Business Signage That Builds Credibility for Wasatch Front Businesses

Your business signage does a lot more than just display your name! It builds credibility, attracts customers, and reinforces your brand every day. While radio ads disappear after 30 seconds and TV commercials cost thousands per month, quality signs and banners work around the clock to promote your business. The key is making strategic choices that maximize impact while working within your budget.

Making Smart Exterior Signage Decisions

Most Salt Lake City businesses operate within established business parks and strip malls, which means you’re typically working with existing sign structures rather than building from scratch. This is actually good news for your budget.

“The majority of Salt Lake, especially the metropolitan areas, is already established,” explains Justin Leader, owner of JC Pro Design. “Usually there aren’t opportunities to build new monument signs. Most of the time, we’re changing out the piece in an already established sign.”

This scenario makes updates to outdoor custom made signs in Salt Lake City straightforward and cost-effective. When you’re replacing an existing sign face, permits aren’t required, and installation is much simpler. The process changes significantly only when you’re adding electrical components where none existed before.

Material selection matters for longevity

In northern Utah’s climate, with cold winters, hot summers and UV exposure, ACM (aluminum composite material) provides the best durability for non-lit signs. It’s got a PVC core with aluminum composite top and bottom, creating a sign that withstands weather extremes while maintaining its appearance.

The decision between lit and non-lit signage often comes down to two factors: your target audience and budget. If you’re hoping to attract evening traffic, illuminated signs make sense. However, backlit signs require electrical work, permits, and sometimes boom lifts for installation, significantly increasing costs.

Take Supremo Pizza in Midvale, for example. They needed both their monument sign and custom storefront sign updated because the building sign alone wasn’t getting enough attention. After seeing the cost of a backlit building sign, they opted for non-lit updates that still dramatically improved their visibility and brand consistency.

Interior Branding That Reinforces Your Message

Creating a cohesive brand experience means your interior signage should complement your exterior updates. Smart business owners always start by working with existing brand guidelines to maintain consistency across all signage types.

“We always ask if there are any kind of branding guides to make sure that we follow colors and make sure the logos match,” says Leader. For businesses without established brand standards, professional sign companies can help maintain consistency between outdoor and indoor elements, even when working with different backgrounds and lighting conditions.

Clear acrylic signs with standoffs are the most popular choice for interior applications. They provide a professional, modern appearance while being more affordable than exterior signage since they don’t need UV protection. Complete wall wraps offer another option for businesses wanting comprehensive brand coverage in reception areas or retail spaces.

Interior signage also offers practical advantages. Installation is simpler, materials cost less, and you have more design flexibility without weather considerations.

Banner Solutions for Every Business Need

Custom event banners serve multiple strategic purposes beyond temporary promotions. They’re extremely popular for sales campaigns and short-term signage needs, but they also provide ongoing marketing opportunities many businesses overlook.

School and community sponsor banners represent a significant portion of banner work that JC Pro Design does here in Utah. When you sponsor a high school football team, those 20+ sponsor banners displayed at every game put your business in front of hundreds of local families throughout the season. It’s targeted, affordable advertising that builds community connections.

For businesses attending trade shows or networking events, retractable banners offer unmatched versatility. The standard 33-inch by 81-inch size works for most applications, and they come with carrying cases for easy transport. Many businesses also use them permanently in their offices, changing out the banner graphics seasonally or for different campaigns.

Outdoor banners can last two to three years with proper care, though wind exposure is more damaging than rain. High-wind areas might see banner life reduced to six to eight months, making material quality and installation location important considerations.

Limitless Physique Personal Training Retractable Banner

Avoiding Common Signage Mistakes

The biggest mistake businesses make is cramming too much information onto their signs. “Too much information is always bad when it comes to signage,” Leader emphasizes. “You really only got one sentence.”

Focus on your business name and tagline or slogan. Most people will Google your business for contact information, so resist the urge to include phone numbers and websites on exterior signage. This approach creates cleaner, more readable signs that actually get noticed.

Inconsistent branding across different sign types can impact your professional image. Cheap materials also backfire, since they make established businesses look unprofessional and can actually hurt credibility rather than help it.

Before ordering any signage, research your city’s requirements. Cities like Sandy have specific rules about advertising flags (only allowed during business hours), while Millcreek has particular regulations about A-frame signs not touching sidewalks. These details can save you from fines and project delays.

Making Signage Work for Your Budget

Professional signage is an investment in your business, helping to increase visibility and bring you more credibility. Standard flat signs and banners typically have a one to two-week turnaround time, making them accessible for businesses needing quick improvements.

Different material options allow you to balance quality with budget constraints. You can also save money by providing your own artwork (ensuring proper dimensions) or choosing standard installations over complex mounting requirements.

Remember that signage helps establish your business as legitimate and professional. While you can’t necessarily consider it a business asset, quality signage definitely reinforces that you’re an established, trustworthy operation.

Working with experienced sign professionals who understand local requirements, material performance, and design principles ensures your investment delivers lasting results. The right signage strategy positions your business for growth while working within your current budget and existing infrastructure.

Ready to improve your business’s visibility and professional image? Contact JC Pro Design today to discuss custom sign and banner solutions that work for your specific needs and budget.