What Businesses Need to Know About Visual Communications Signage

When someone visits your business, the first thing they notice isn’t your handshake or your customer service — it’s your signs. From the logo on your building to the wayfinding system inside, signage plays a huge role in how customers experience your brand. Yet many companies underestimate just how many types of signage exist and how each serves a different purpose.

In this article, we’ll break down the core categories of signage every business should consider: exterior, interior, digital, environmental graphics, and code-compliant signage.

Exterior Signs: Your First Impression

The outside of your building is your chance to make a statement. Exterior signage helps people locate your business, reinforces your brand, and boosts curb appeal.

Common options include:

Building signs such as illuminated letters or mounted designs

Monument signs at entrances and along streets

Window graphics ranging from vinyl decals to full wraps

Done right, exterior signs make your business easy to find and hard to forget.

Interior Signs & Wayfinding: Guiding the Experience

Once visitors step inside, interior signage takes over. Lobby signs, directional markers, and wall graphics aren’t just practical — they help tell your story.

Examples include:

Lobby signs that set the tone immediately

Directional signage to reduce confusion and interruptions

Wall murals or branded graphics that showcase your values

Strong interior signage improves navigation while also reinforcing brand identity.

Digital Signage: Real-Time Engagement

Digital signage brings flexibility and movement to your communications. Unlike static signs, screens and kiosks can be updated instantly with new information.

Businesses use digital signage for:

Lobby or retail displays

Interactive kiosks for check-ins and wayfinding

Content management systems that scale across multiple locations

Digital signage grabs attention and allows you to keep messaging fresh and engaging.

Environmental Graphics: Branding Beyond the Basics

Walls, floors, and glass aren’t just surfaces — they’re opportunities. Environmental graphics transform blank spaces into immersive brand experiences.

Popular approaches include:

Large-scale wall murals

Frosted or tinted glass films

Floor or ceiling graphics for unique design touches

These graphics inspire employees, delight visitors, and make your space unmistakably yours.

ADA & Code-Compliant Signage: Safety and Accessibility

No signage strategy is complete without compliance. ADA and safety signage ensure accessibility and protect your business legally.

Critical types include:

ADA signage with braille, tactile lettering, and contrast requirements

Safety signs like hazard warnings and fire exit markers

Emergency evacuation maps for clear guidance in critical situations

Beyond compliance, this signage shows you value inclusivity and safety.

Signage is more than decoration. It’s an essential tool for visibility, navigation, communication, and compliance. By investing in the right mix of exterior, interior, digital, environmental, and code-compliant signs, your business can create an environment that works for both customers and employees.

Want to learn which signage solutions are right for your space? Contact BLR Visual Communications to get started.