When you’re investing in custom business signage, one of the biggest questions isn’t just what kind of sign to make — it’s where to put it.
The truth is, even the most beautiful, high-quality sign won’t deliver results if it’s in the wrong place. At Uni Signs, we help business owners every day choose the perfect placement for their signage — balancing city regulations, building layouts, and marketing visibility to make sure every sign gets noticed.
Here’s how to make your sign placement work as hard as your business does.
Understanding How Placement Impacts Visibility
Many business owners assume that if they choose a large sign, people will see it. But that’s not always the case.
We often find that the most common misunderstanding is about size and scale. Sometimes the wall space is too small for the design they envision — or a sign that seems large on paper ends up looking tiny from the street.
The key is proportion and perspective. Our designers always take on-site measurements and photos so we can show clients exactly how their signage will look from different viewing angles and distances.
Popular Types of Business Sign Placement
At Uni Signs, we work with every major category of signage placement:
- Building Signs / Storefront Signs – Ideal for retail and high-traffic storefronts.
- Pylon Signs – Great for businesses near major roads or shopping centers.
- Monument Signs – Perfect for entrances and shared properties.
- Window Graphics & Vinyl Lettering – Cost-effective visibility for ground-level spaces.
- Interior Signs – Professional branding inside lobbies or offices.
The best location depends on your space, your audience, and how people approach your business.
The Best Locations for Visibility and ROI
We always recommend placing signs that face streets with heavy traffic. The higher and more visible the sign, the greater the return on investment.
For example, one of our clients, Dr. Smiles, had a dental office located behind a Starbucks. We designed a second sign on the back of the building — facing the coffee shop’s drive-thru. It dramatically increased visibility, catching hundreds of potential customers every day who would have otherwise missed the office.
That’s the power of strategic placement.
What About Regulations and Permits?
This is where many businesses get caught off guard.
Every city and county has its own sign placement regulations, and they can vary dramatically.
In some areas, you can’t even use your full-color logo — one city we work in, Missouri City, only allows white letters in a specific font. Katy is also known for being strict about sign codes.
We help our clients navigate these rules from day one. Our team handles design, permit applications, and landlord approvals to ensure your sign meets local codes and stands out visually.
Smart Design Choices for Maximum Impact
Placement and design go hand in hand. We look at factors like:
- Wall color and contrast – White letters on a light wall don’t stand out.
- Obstacles – Trees, awnings, or columns can block visibility.
- Lighting direction – Proper illumination ensures visibility day and night.
- Traffic flow – We optimize placement for the angle where drivers and pedestrians actually notice the sign.
When we worked with Moe Smiles Dental, we advised shortening their sign text because nearby trees blocked part of the view. By simplifying the layout, we increased readability and impact.
Combining Multiple Signs for Better Exposure
Sometimes one sign just isn’t enough. For businesses on corners or in shopping centers, multiple signs can dramatically improve visibility.
A storefront sign can attract people walking nearby, while a monument or pylon sign draws in drivers from a distance. Even window graphics can help connect your brand message across different angles of visibility.
Lighting, Digital Displays, and Advanced Options
If you’re adding lighting or digital displays, placement becomes even more important.
Running electrical lines, choosing the correct pixel resolution, and determining how far viewers are from the sign all impact how it performs. We help clients calculate viewing distances, brightness, and angle so the display looks crisp and readable — without wasting power or overwhelming nearby tenants.
Safety and Installation You Can Trust
Visibility is important, but so is safety.
Our installation crews are equipped with helmets, harnesses, and all necessary safety gear to ensure secure installations on tall or complex structures.
For multi-tenant buildings, our design team creates scaled layout proofs to make sure every sign looks cohesive while giving each business maximum visibility within the property’s guidelines.
Expert Advice: It’s Not About Size — It’s About Location
We tell clients this all the time:
“It’s not about how big or how expensive your sign is — it’s about where you put it.”
Even a modest sign, positioned correctly, can outperform a large sign that’s hidden or poorly lit. We always aim to maximize your budget, recommending the most cost-effective placement that brings real results.
A Real Example: Texas Car Club
One great example is Texas Car Club. The client wanted to catch attention from customers at a gas station across the street. We analyzed sightlines and placed the sign just above the roofline. That small change gave them the exposure they needed — proof that even a few feet of elevation can make all the difference.
The Uni Signs Difference
At Uni Signs, we don’t just make signs — we make sure your signs get seen.
Our team combines design, engineering, and marketing insight to help businesses choose strategic, high-visibility placements that attract attention and stay compliant with local laws.
When you work with us, you’re not just ordering a sign — you’re partnering with experts who understand how placement drives performance.
