When most people think of a business sign, they are usually thinking about the sign on the building.
But sometimes the most important sign is not attached to the building at all. It is the sign out by the road. That's what a monument sign is.
What is a monument sign?
A monument sign is a freestanding sign typically located near the entrance of a property. You see them at:
- 01Shopping centers
- 02Medical offices
- 03Business parks
- 04Churches
- 05Apartment communities
- 06Schools
- 07Industrial facilities
Their job is simple: help people find the property. In many cases, a monument sign is the first thing a customer sees.
Why choose a monument sign?
The biggest reason is visibility. If your building sits far back from the road, a monument sign can make it much easier for customers, visitors, and deliveries to find you.
They can also help identify multiple businesses on the same property. Shopping centers and office parks often use monument signs to display tenant names and directions.
What to know before getting one
Monument signs tend to involve more planning than people expect. The biggest questions are usually:
- 01Is there already a sign on the property?
- 02Is the existing sign being updated or replaced?
- 03Does the property owner need to approve it?
- 04Are permits required?
- 05How much room is available on the site?
Every property is different, which is why the first step is usually gathering information about the location.
What the process usually looks like
Most monument sign projects begin with a site review. From there, the process typically includes:
- 01Reviewing the location
- 02Understanding any property requirements
- 03Developing a design
- 04Determining permit requirements
- 05Fabrication
- 06Installation
Some projects move quickly. Others require approvals before work can begin.
Final thought
One of the most common mistakes I see is treating a monument sign like an afterthought. In reality, it may be the first thing people see when they visit your business.
If you are considering a monument sign and are not sure what your options are, give me a call. If I can help, I will. If I can't, I'll point you in the right direction.
