It only takes seconds for most people to decide what they think about a place. Your signage is one of the first things they’ll notice, so taking the time to get it right can turn that first impression from average to amazing.
A good sign does more than provide information – they tell your brand’s story and showcase your character. But how do you make quality hospitality signage that works? In this article, we’ll get into some practical tips to help you design signs that look fantastic and boost your business, whether you’re launching a new restaurant or updating your current space.
Get Some Attention with Outdoor Signage
Your restaurant’s outdoor signs work as silent salespeople around the clock to bring diners through your doors. Good exterior signs tell people where you are and what you serve. Small or unclear signs make it hard for customers to find your business, and some studies have shown that adding new signs or updating existing ones can see your sales go up by 10% or more.
Outdoor restaurant signage types
The best exterior signs match your restaurant’s location, identity, and the customers you want to attract.
- Illuminated Signs: The cost-effective way to get 24/7 exposure for your business. Our LED tech means they can last for over 10 years.
- 3D Letterings: Three-dimensional letters that people can read easily, with LED options to get heads turning
- Wall murals and wraps: Wrap your whole building in high-quality materials tough enough to stand up to Brisbane’s weather
- Digital Signage: Outdoor LED signs give you a sleek, modern look and give you the option to make changes or add interactive elements.
Using colour and contrast
Your sign’s colours shape how customers see your business, and the right colour can make them more hungry!
Casual dining spots often use red and yellow because these bold, energetic colours make people hungry and ready to act. Health-focused restaurants often pick green and blue to show freshness and create a relaxed mood.
You should test how your colours look in different light since daylight and nighttime can change how they appear. As a general rule, dark text on light backgrounds (or the other way around) makes your signs easy to read.
Better placement = better visibility
Even the best-designed sign won’t help if people can’t see it. Smart sign placement draws more attention to your business, so don’t put a sign behind a tree, bush, or lamppost. If you have multiple entrances, you’ll need several signs so people can find you from any direction. Take the time to check how your signs look from various spots and distances before you install them.
Hospitality signage ideas for foot traffic
Window decals and vinyl graphics give you space to share hours and promotions while making your storefront look better. Frosted or tinted designs can even help reduce glare and heat, meaning your customers will have a better experience once you get them in the door
Guide Your Guests with Indoor Signage
Interior restaurant signage plays a vital role in creating a smooth dining experience. A well-laid-out and functional sign system makes your guests feel at ease by directing them through your space without confusion.
Wayfinder and safety signage
If you have a space with multiple sections, wayfinder signs help your customers feel at home. The right placement avoids confusion and helps people navigate to outdoor seating, private dining rooms, or bar areas. High-traffic areas will benefit the most from easy-to-use signs, especially for first-time visitors.
Menu boards
Menu boards can be more than just a list of items. With the right design, they can shape purchasing decisions and make ordering smoother. Digital menu boards give you the flexibility to update content instantly when items sell out or specials change. Plus, adding some drool-worthy visuals can engage your customers while they wait!
Boost Your Brand Identity
Hospitality signage is a powerful extension of your brand identity. Visual elements shape how customers see and remember your establishment after they leave.
Colours and fonts
Your brand’s colour choices can have a big impact on the way your customers feel. Warm reds and oranges bring energy, while blues and greens convey calmness and trust. Your colour palette should reflect your restaurant’s character, setting the mood for customers from the minute they see it.
Logo placement
Your logo embodies your restaurant’s identity, and the right placement can make it even more effective.
- Size: your logo should be visible without overwhelming the sign
- Strategic positioning: top or bottom corners work best
- Colour harmony: logo colours should blend with the sign’s overall palette
Matching signage to restaurant theme
Every venue has its own unique story. Elegant high-end restaurants might use sophisticated lettering, while a more family-friendly spot could use playful fonts that make guests feel at home. Your choice of material can play a part too, with neon working great for vibrant night spots, and engraved wood suiting a more rustic venue.
Create Drool-Worthy Hospitality Signage with Signs Brisbane!
Whether you’re running a street-corner cafe, a family restaurant, or a high-end dining spot, quality signs are worth the investment and bring real returns. Working with the right sign partner makes a big difference, and the local experts at Signs Brisbane are ready to help.
We’ll work with you to pair the best design with the right indoor and outdoor options, creating hospitality signage that guides your guests and boosts your business.
We’ll help you make the most of your budget, so contact us today to start designing your restaurant signage today!