Being a business owner in Miami, you know how crucial it is to stand out and get noticed by potential customers. One great way to ensure your business receives the attention it deserves is to use a sign. But how do you choose the right type of sign that’s best for your business? There are two popular choices, monument signs and traditional signs. Each has its benefits. This blog will help compare monument signs with traditional signs for you to decide for your Miami location.
What Are Monument Signs?
Monument signs are large, free-standing signs installed on the ground. These signs are made of durable materials like stone, brick, metal, or concrete. They are mounted low to the ground and placed in the vicinity of the business entrance or at the busy street corner. Monument signs can be big or small and include the name of the business, the logo of the business, and sometimes extra information like contact details or a website.
Monument signs are highly durable and can be provided with the aesthetic look and feel of your business. They are mostly visible for large distances, so ideal for organizations that need to catch the attention of drivers and passersby.
What Are Traditional Signs?
Traditional signs are more common and can be seen mounted on most buildings. Traditionally, signs were hung outside of buildings and establishments and also displayed inside. They can take any form- hanging sign, window sign, or wall sign. Traditionally, signs are fixed directly to the building or structure within which the business takes place. The materials used can include wood, metal, plastic, or vinyl. Traditional signs can be of any shape and size and are designed to be more versatile and easier to change.
A big banner hanging outside a restaurant is one example of a traditional sign, and a small sign attached to the front door of a store is another example. These signs are usually viewed by people who are already within proximity to the business, like pedestrians or passersby walking through a shopping mall.
Monument Signs vs. Traditional Signs: Which One to Choose?
Choosing between monument signs and traditional signs for your Miami location involves several factors. Let’s consider the pros and cons of both.
1. Visibility and Attention
The greatest advantage of a monument sign is that it is very visible. Because monument signs are on the ground and are often larger than traditional signs, they can be seen from a distance. This makes them a great choice for businesses located along busy streets or highways where they can attract the attention of drivers. Monument signs are also perfect for businesses that want to be noticed by a large number of people every day.
In contrast, most traditional signs are smaller and are attached to the building. They can be very effective when attracting people walking by or driving by very close to your business. However, from a distance, they may not stand out so much. When your business is located in a busy area where there are many buildings and signs, a traditional sign may be obscured by the surrounding crowd.
Winner: Monument signs are much better for visibility and getting noticed from a distance.
2. Durability and Longevity
You would want the sign to last for a longer time. Monument signs are made from very strong materials like stone, brick, and metal. Such materials are designed to be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Miami happens to have strong sunlight, heavy rainfall, and humidity. When well made, such a monument sign will last for years and years without indicating wear and tear.
Traditional signs can be made from a wide variety of materials, some of which may not be as durable. For instance, a vinyl banner or plastic sign might fade over time or get damaged during a storm. Some traditional signs can be very durable, but if you want them to last long in a tough environment like Miami, you should choose high-quality materials.
Winner: Monument signs are stronger and last longer than traditional ones.
3. Cost
The cost of a sign is always an important factor to consider, especially for small businesses with a limited budget. Traditional signs are usually more affordable than monument signs, mainly because they are smaller and made from materials that are less expensive to produce. Traditional signs are also easier to install and don’t require as much labor or specialized equipment.
On the other side, monument signs are a great investment. Given their size and requirement for more material and installation by an expert, this is usually associated with a slightly higher cost when it comes to traditional signs compared to monument ones. However, whereas it is costly on initial investment, they can guarantee a long-term return in increasing visibility and accessibility for your clients.
Traditional: They are cheaper for manufacturing and construction but offer long-term advantages compared to a monument sign.
4. Customization and Branding
Both monument signs and traditional signs offer a lot of room for customization. With a monument sign, you can choose materials, colors, fonts, and designs that match your brand’s personality. Monument signs are often large enough to include your business name, logo, tagline, and contact information in a way that makes your business shine.
Traditional signs also allow for a lot of flexibility in design, but they are usually smaller and may not accommodate as much detail. For instance, a wall-mounted sign can only display the name of your business, whereas a monument sign has more space to display your logo, website, and other information that may be important.
Winner: Monument signs offer more leeway in personalization and advertisement, which will make them more apt for businesses looking for a great presence.
5. Maintenance
Monument signs can be somewhat less maintenance since the materials used in this type of signage are made out of stone, metal, or something similar. Such signs can tolerate rain and sun; they won’t need frequent replacing or changing as often.
Traditional signs tend to be more labor-intensive, especially if they are made from vinyl or plastic. They tend to fade over time and can get damaged by the weather, so they might need to be repaired or replaced.
Winner: Monument signs are easier to maintain and last longer.
Conclusion
So, which is best for your Miami location: monument signs or traditional signs? It depends on your business and your needs. If you’re seeking a sign that’s going to have pretty wide visibility, stand the test of time, and give you great branding opportunities, a monument sign might be your best bet. But if you’re looking to conserve some dollars or the foot traffic in your area is greater than the drive-by foot traffic, a traditional sign may work well for you.
Whichever option of sign you go for, each of the types will allow your business to come alive and help catch the eye of potential clients. Just pick that one that can accommodate your business requirements, locality, and budget. Happy hunting of signs!
