If you want your business to be more noticeable than others
An expertly crafted neon sign can completely revamp your storefront appearance while forging a lasting brand impression and drawing more people to visit your business. The vast selection of available options makes it difficult to pick the right neon sign.
The good news?
Selecting the ideal neon sign for your business remains a straightforward process. By following expert advice you can choose a sign which both looks stunning and provides tangible benefits for your business.
What You’ll Discover Inside:
- Why Neon Signs Matter for Business
- Traditional vs. LED Neon: What’s the Difference?
- Choosing the Right Size and Style
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Considerations
- Budget and ROI Factors
- Installation and Maintenance Essentials
- Avoiding Common Mistakes
Why Neon Signs Matter for Business
Neon signs serve as effective marketing devices that can greatly influence business success beyond their decorative function. A well-placed neon sign which has been designed with thoughtfulness fulfills multiple functions.
- A neon sign generates instantaneous brand identity which customers easily remember
- The advertising function of neon signs remains active and supports your business operations during non-operational hours.
- Your establishment requires a specific mood and vibe which neon signs can establish through atmosphere creation.
- The neon sign captures the attention of people who are walking by and potential customers.
New market research indicates that the global neon signs industry will expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.5% during the period from 2023 to 2030. The expanding market shows persistent consumer interest in eye-catching displays across multiple sectors.
What’s driving this growth? Modern businesses understand that distinctive visual branding provides a competitive edge in today’s market. Potential customers will remember your business when you install a distinctive light up business sign instead of being forgotten.
Traditional vs. LED Neon: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the two primary sign types available today is essential before making your selection.
Traditional Glass Neon
- Traditional glass neon signs consist of glass tubes that contain neon or different types of gas.
- Creates the classic, nostalgic neon glow
- Typically more expensive
- Higher power consumption
- More fragile and challenging to maintain
- Limited color options
LED Neon-Style Signs
- The LED neon-style signs build their framework from silicone tubing which holds flexible LED strips.
- LED neon-style signs operate on up to 80% less power than traditional alternatives.
- Brighter and more versatile
- Longer lifespan (up to 100,000 hours)
- More durable and easier to transport
- Wider color range including color-changing options
The LED neon lights segment reached a value of $1.3 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach $3.3 billion by 2037 because energy-efficient solutions are driving market demand. The 7.5% CAGR projection from 2025 until 2037 confirms that LED neon has become the dominant lighting choice for numerous businesses.
Choosing the Right Size and Style
The right size and style for your neon sign selection requires consideration of multiple factors.
Location Assessment
Begin by accurately measuring the wall space or window for your sign installation. Consider:
- Available wall/window dimensions
- Viewing distance (larger signs for farther viewing)
- Surrounding décor and lighting
Style Selection
Your neon sign needs to express the unique personality of your brand. Consider these popular styles:
- Script or cursive style provides a sophisticated personal touch that works best for restaurants and boutique shops.
- Block letters provide strong and simple visuals which suit retail outlets and service-oriented companies perfectly.
- Iconic/symbol represents your brand or product with a memorable visual design.
- This style features a unique design tailored specifically to your business requirements
Your sign functions beyond mere advertising as a direct reflection of your brand identity. Select a design style which reflects your business values and captures the interest of your target audience.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Considerations
The location of your neon sign installation dictates your choice criteria.
Indoor Signs
When your neon sign is installed inside your business you gain more flexibility in design and material choices.
- Indoor environments allow businesses to display complex neon sign designs because they do not need to withstand outdoor elements.
- Both traditional materials and LED options prove to be effective choices for indoor signs.
- Power requirements (easier access to outlets)
- Maintenance (protected from weather elements)
Outdoor Signs
For exterior signage, you’ll need to consider:
- Weather resistance (IP67 rating or higher recommended)
- Brightness (must be visible in daylight)
- Durability (reinforced mounting and materials)
- Power efficiency (LED is strongly recommended)
- Local regulations (permits may be required)
The neon signs market in North America maintained a substantial market share of 29.50% in 2021 because of regional advancements in technology and the rising demand for outdoor signage. The trend demonstrates why high-quality outdoor signage is essential for competitive market success.
Budget and ROI Factors
Acquiring a neon sign demands precise financial evaluation. Here’s how to approach the budgeting process:
Cost Factors
- The size of a neon sign determines how much material is needed and how much labor it takes to build it.
- Complexity: Intricate designs cost more to produce
- LED lights have a lower price point compared to traditional glass materials.
- Customization: Unique designs may carry premium pricing
- Installation: Professional mounting adds to overall cost
Return on Investment
View your neon sign purchase as an investment that will pay off over time instead of just a cost to your budget. Consider:
- How many new customers could potentially be generated from displaying the sign?
- How much value does increased brand visibility bring?
- LED signs have an operational lifespan of 8 to over 10 years when maintained properly
- LED signs provide substantial operational savings.
The initial costs of a neon sign investment return themselves to businesses through improved customer footfall and higher sales revenue.
Installation and Maintenance Essentials
If you maintain your neon sign well and install it correctly you will enhance its longevity and safeguard your financial investment.
- Professional mounting for large or outdoor signs
- Maintain your sign by cleaning it regularly with a soft dry cloth but avoid using water for cleaning while it remains powered on.
- Quarterly inspections of connections and mounts
- Prompt repairs of any flickering sections
- Weather protection for outdoor installations
LED neon signs need minimal upkeep compared to traditional glass neon because they only require periodic cleaning and electrical testing.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Prevent common mistakes in neon sign purchases by learning from others’ experiences.
Design Missteps
- Designs which are too complex create readability issues.
- Poor color contrast that reduces visibility
- Signage fonts which are hard for people to read when they stand far away
- Signs that do not have the proper size for their intended space
Business Considerations
- Ignoring local signage regulations and permits
- Purchasing decisions made only with price considerations in mind fail to account for quality standards.
- Businesses should avoid choosing sign designs which fail to represent their brand identity.
- Placing signs in low-visibility or ineffective locations
Finding the Perfect Sign: Your Next Steps
The selection process for a neon sign requires combining visual appeal with practical use and strategic planning. The perfect sign will:
- Accurately represent your brand identity
- Your chosen sign design needs to enable your target audience to easily read and see it.
- Withstand its intended environment
- Fit within your budget while delivering ROI
- Comply with local regulations
Wrapping It Up
A suitable neon sign lights up your area and also shines your brand into the consciousness of customers. Make a valuable asset for your business by selecting a sign that matches your specific needs, environmental conditions, and budgetary constraints.
Your signage serves as the initial visual connection customers establish with your business. Select a high-quality neon sign that accurately reflects both your identity and your business offerings.
It’s time to choose the best neon sign to illuminate your business. By evaluating all the elements we have talked about you will establish a solid foundation for a decision which will advantage your business over the long term.
