Opening a new location in Sarasota involves dozens of moving parts. Leases, permits, utilities, staffing, and inventory usually get the most attention. Signage often comes later, even though it shapes how customers find you, understand your business, and decide to walk in. Sarasota business signs do more than show a name. They communicate that a business is open, legitimate, and ready to serve the public. This checklist explains the seven signs every new business should have in place before opening day. Each section explains the purpose of the sign, where it belongs, and why it matters during a launch.
1. Primary Storefront Sign (Exterior Building Sign)
Your primary storefront sign is the most visible identifier of your business. It tells people who you are and confirms they are in the right place. For most locations, this sign must be readable from a roadway, parking lot, or sidewalk. Size, placement, and contrast all affect visibility, especially in shared retail centers.
Exterior building signs usually display the business name and logo. Common formats include illuminated channel letters, aluminum panel signs, and dimensional lettering mounted directly to the façade. The correct option depends on the building design, landlord rules, and local code requirements. In Sarasota, exterior signs often require permits and approval before installation.
This is one area where delays can affect opening day. Designing, permitting, fabricating, and installing an exterior sign takes coordination. Sarasota Sign Shop handles design, material selection, permitting support, and installation so the main sign is ready when doors open.
2. Door Graphics and Business Hours
Door graphics are small but essential. Customers look at the door before entering, especially if the space is new or unfamiliar. Clear business hours help avoid confusion and missed visits. A clean vinyl layout also signals that the business is organized and open for operation.
Typical door graphics include business hours, the business name or logo, and optional contact details like a phone number or website. These graphics are usually applied directly to glass or metal doors using durable vinyl that holds up to daily use and weather exposure.
For new businesses, door graphics are often overlooked until the final days before opening. Having them installed early prevents last minute scrambling and helps set expectations from day one. Door graphics are essential for storefronts, offices, and service based locations.
3. Temporary Coming Soon or Grand Opening Banner
Temporary banners play an important role during the weeks leading up to opening day. Construction, build outs, or inspections may delay a full storefront reveal. A coming soon or grand opening banner lets people know what is arriving and when.
Banners are quick to produce and easy to install. They can be mounted over windows, attached to fencing, or secured to building façades where allowed. Effective banners usually include an opening date, a short description of services, or a social media handle for updates.
For startups, banners help build awareness before marketing campaigns begin. They also signal progress to passersby who may otherwise assume the space is vacant. Sarasota Sign Shop offers fast banner production for businesses working toward a fixed opening timeline.
4. Sidewalk Sign (A Frame or Sandwich Board)
A sidewalk sign captures attention from foot traffic that might otherwise walk past. These signs are especially useful in areas with steady pedestrian movement, including downtown corridors and mixed use districts.
A frame signs can display menus, daily specials, promotions, or simple directional messages. Many models allow interchangeable inserts or whiteboard surfaces so content can change daily. Durability matters since these signs are placed outdoors and moved frequently.
For new businesses, sidewalk signs help bridge the gap between visibility and entry. They provide an extra cue that the business is open and active. When placed correctly and within local rules, they can support opening day traffic without requiring permanent installation.
5. Interior Branding Sign (Lobby or Reception)
Once a customer steps inside, interior signage reinforces the brand. A lobby or reception sign often features the logo or business name and becomes a visual anchor for the space. It helps orient visitors and supports a consistent brand experience.
Interior branding signs can take many forms. Common options include acrylic logo panels, dimensional lettering, or flat wall graphics. The goal is not decoration alone. The sign should feel intentional and aligned with the overall design of the space.
Interior signs are popular in salons, medical offices, retail shops, and professional offices. They are often installed near the entrance or behind a reception desk. Sarasota Sign Shop designs and installs interior branding signs that match existing finishes and layout plans.
6. Directional or ADA Compliant Signage
Directional and accessibility signage supports navigation and usability. These signs help customers find restrooms, exits, and key areas within the space. In many buildings, ADA compliant signage is required by code.
ADA signs typically include tactile lettering, braille, high contrast colors, and standardized mounting heights. They must be permanently installed and positioned correctly to meet requirements. Even small errors can cause issues during inspections.
Beyond compliance, directional signs improve the customer experience. Clear navigation reduces confusion and makes the space easier to use. Sarasota Sign Shop provides both code compliant signage and branded options that align with the rest of the sign system.
7. Parking or Street Visibility Signage (Optional but Recommended)
Not all businesses are visible from the street. Locations set back from the road, inside courtyards, or behind other buildings may need additional visibility support. Secondary signs help guide customers from the street or parking area to the entrance.
Options include pole signs, monument signs, fence banners, or directional panels. These signs are especially helpful for rear entrances, shared parking lots, or multi unit properties. They reduce missed visits and help first time customers find the location without frustration.
While optional, these signs can make a meaningful difference during a launch period. They provide clarity and support wayfinding until customers become familiar with the location.
Sarasota Sign Shop Handles It All In House
New businesses often juggle multiple vendors during a launch. Signage does not need to be one of them. Sarasota Sign Shop provides design, printing, and installation for all sign types listed in this checklist.
Exterior signage includes permitting support to help avoid delays. Production is handled in house using equipment such as the Canon Colorado, EPSON V7000, and a contour cutter. This setup allows tighter control over timelines and consistency across different sign formats.
The shop works with startups and growing businesses throughout Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and Venice. Coordinating signage through one provider simplifies communication and helps keep opening schedules on track.
Need Help With Your Opening Day Sign Plan?
If you are preparing to open a new business and want to confirm your signage plan, Sarasota Sign Shop can help. A consultation can identify which signs are required, which are optional, and how to schedule production and installation before opening day. Contact the shop to review your location, timeline, and priorities so your Sarasota business signs are ready when customers arrive.
