What Makes a Great Business Sign? |

When it comes to running a business, first impressions matter—and more often than not, your sign is the first thing people notice. A well-designed, professionally-made sign doesn’t just show people where you are. It sends a message about who you are.

At Cole’s Signs in North Bay, we’ve seen how the right sign can completely transform how a business is seen. So what makes a sign great? Let’s break down the five key elements every business sign should have.

1. Readability at a Glance

If someone has to squint or slow down to read your sign, it’s not doing its job. Readability is everything—especially for signs that need to catch the eye of people driving through North Bay.

That means:

• • Using clean, legible fonts
• • Keeping your message simple
• • Choosing high-contrast color combinations

A beautiful design is pointless if no one can read it quickly. We always design with clarity in mind first.

2. Strong, Clear Branding

Your sign should be a seamless extension of your brand. Colors, logos, taglines—it all needs to feel connected. A mismatched or outdated sign can confuse customers or even turn them away.

We work closely with our North Bay clients to make sure their signage reflects their brand’s personality—whether that’s bold and modern, clean and professional, or warm and welcoming.

3. Proper Sizing & Placement

Even the best design falls flat if it’s not sized correctly for the space—or worse, installed in a spot that gets lost in the background.

We consider:

• • Building proportions
• • Traffic flow and sightlines
• • Viewing distance

From downtown North Bay storefronts to highway-visible signs, we make sure your sign stands out exactly where it needs to.

4. Quality Materials Matter

A sign should work hard and look good doing it. That’s why material choice is a big part of what we do. Weather-resistant materials, UV-protected printing, strong mounting systems—they all make a difference in how long your sign lasts and how it looks over time.

We offer a variety of materials based on your budget and the North Bay climate—so your sign stays sharp all year round.

5. Compliance You Don’t Have to Worry About

Local sign bylaws, permits, landlord approvals… it can feel overwhelming. One wrong move can delay your whole project.

We know the North Bay signage regulations inside and out. We’ll handle all the compliance and paperwork so you can focus on your business.

The Bottom Line

A great sign does more than mark your location—it builds trust, drives traffic, and reflects your brand. Whether you’re opening a new location or giving your business a refresh, a well-designed sign is one of the best investments you can make.

At Cole’s Signs in North Bay, we’re here to help from concept to installation.

📞 Contact us today for a free consultation and quote. Let’s make your business stand out—right here in North Bay.