What are the different types of corporate signage?

Every surface in your business tells a story about who you are. From the moment someone spots your building to the second they leave your premises, each sign shapes their perception of your professionalism, values and attention to detail.

Today’s businesses use sophisticated signage systems that work together to create seamless brand experiences. Each element serves a specific purpose, from attracting new customers to helping your employees feel proud of where they work.

The correct corporate signage builds trust, guides behaviour and reinforces your brand at every touchpoint. But with so many options available, how do you know which types will work hardest for your business?

This guide explores the different types of corporate signage available, what each one does best, and how to choose the right mix for your specific needs. Whether you’re updating tired signage or planning for new premises, you’ll discover options you might not have considered.

External signage

Your external signage works harder than any employee. It never takes a break or calls in sick and greets every potential customer who passes by. The quality of your exterior signage can often determine whether people choose you or your competitors.

Building signage creates the strongest visual connection between your brand and your premises. Fabricated letters offer a premium, three-dimensional appearance that catches light and creates shadows throughout the day. Tray signs provide a more contained option, perfect when you need to include additional information like contact details or opening hours.

For maximum impact, illuminated or LED signage ensures your business stays visible long after sunset. It’s particularly valuable for hospitality, retail or companies that operate in the night-time economy.

Panel and post signs work brilliantly at business park entrances or when your building sits back from the road. They’re often the first touchpoint for visitors, providing essential directions and information while building brand recognition. Fabricated totems take this concept further, creating landmark features that become local navigation points.

Sometimes, you need temporary external signage that still looks professional. Hoarding boards can transform construction sites from eyesores into marketing opportunities. Rather than apologising for the disruption, they build excitement about what’s coming. The best hoardings tell a story, showcase a vision and turn inconvenience into anticipation.

Reception and entrance signage

Your reception creates a crucial first impression on everyone who walks through your doors. Within seconds, your visitors form opinions about your professionalism, success and attention to detail. The right entrance signage sets their expectations and builds confidence before anyone speaks.

Acrylic signs provide a contemporary, floating appearance that suits modern offices. The material’s versatility allows for creative effects, from crystal-clear transparency to bold colour statements. Aluminium signs are particularly effective for technology companies or creative agencies, while glass signs help elevate any reception area with subtle branding.

Three-dimensional signage adds drama and depth. Fabricated letters create shadows and highlights that change throughout the day, making your reception feel dynamic. They work at any scale. The key is choosing proportions that fit your space without overwhelming it.

And digital A-board displays in your reception areas can welcome visitors by name, share your company news or showcase your latest achievements. Unlike static signs, they keep your reception fresh and relevant. However, they work best as supplements to, not replacements for, permanent signage.

Wayfinding and directional signage

Lost visitors waste everyone’s time. They interrupt your staff, arrive at meetings flustered and leave with unnecessary frustration. Good wayfinding signage prevents these problems before they start.

Interior and exterior wayfinding serve different purposes. Outside, signage helps people find the right building, entrance and parking area. Inside, it guides them to specific destinations quickly. Both need to work together seamlessly.

Directory signage anchors most wayfinding systems. In multi-tenant buildings, they’re essential for helping visitors find the right company and floor. The best directories balance comprehensive information with a clear hierarchy. Visitors should instantly spot what they’re looking for without feeling overwhelmed by the options.

Modular sign systems can provide flexibility as your organisation evolves. When your departments move or new tenants arrive, you can update the individual components without replacing the entire system. This adaptability makes them cost-effective for growing businesses or buildings with changing occupancy.

Door signs are crucial for navigation. Clear room identification prevents awkward interruptions and helps people feel confident they’re in the right place. Some door signs can even incorporate room booking details, accessibility information and departmental branding.

Printed floor tiles add an unexpected wayfinding element. They’re particularly effective in large open spaces where wall signage might be limited. Creative floor graphics can guide visitors along the correct route, mark out waiting areas or add visual interest to otherwise plain surfaces.

Accessibility isn’t optional. Your wayfinding must work for everyone, including visitors with visual impairments or mobility challenges. This means considering colour and contrast, font sizes, tactile elements and mounting heights.

Wall graphics and interior branding

Blank walls represent missed opportunities. Every corridor, meeting room and break area could reinforce your brand, inspire your team or communicate important messages. Wall graphics can transform these spaces into something meaningful.

Meeting rooms offer the perfect canvas for brand storytelling. Your wall graphics can set the tone for creativity and collaboration, showcase your company values or simply add visual interest to a bland, drab workspace. The key is choosing designs that enhance rather than distract. Bold statements work well in breakout spaces, while subtle patterns are better suited in formal boardrooms.

Investing in wall graphics for your corridors, bathrooms, kitchen/dining areas and communal spaces can show your staff you value them, while creating spaces they actually want to use.

Modern printing technology delivers stunning quality at architectural scale. Whether you want floor-to-ceiling imagery or subtle texture, wallpaper printing makes it possible.

Specialist signage

If you run a retail business, you’ll know how demanding your signage needs can be. Your retail totems need to work hard. They’ve got to catch the eye of busy shoppers while clearly displaying prices, promotions and product information.

Your payment kiosks are another challenge. Your customers should feel confident using them, but they also need to be secure and tamper-proof. When every square metre of your shop floor affects your sales, getting these details right matters.

For premium developments and high-end commercial properties, standard signage simply won’t do. This is where architectural signage comes into its own. Stainless steel signs don’t just identify your building. They become part of its character, ageing beautifully and maintaining their premium appearance for decades. When you commission architectural metalwork, you’re not just buying a sign. You’re investing in a bespoke feature that enhances your building’s design and reflects the quality of everything that happens inside.

Many modern businesses want to incorporate digital technology into their signage, and the options available today are exciting. Fixed LED displays can transform entire building facades, delivering dynamic content at architectural scale. Even in traditional building interiors, you can now integrate LED screens seamlessly without compromising the existing aesthetic. The trick is making sure the technology serves your message, rather than overwhelming it.

And don’t overlook your windows if you have a street-level location. Traditional window displays often disappear in bright sunlight, but high bright window graphics solve this problem. They can transform what’s often wasted space into valuable marketing real estate that works just as hard at midday as it does at midnight. For many businesses, investing in professional window graphics delivers better returns than almost any other signage option.

How can PB Signs help?

Corporate signage encompasses far more than most businesses realise. From commanding exterior displays to subtle interior touches, each sign plays a vital role in your overall brand experience.

If you’re to upgrade your existing signs or invest in new corporate signage, understanding your options will help you make an informed decision. Whether you need to attract more customers, improve navigation or strengthen your brand presence, there’s a signage solution designed for that specific purpose.

At PB Signs, we can help you discover which signage types will work hardest for your business. Our expertise covers every option discussed here and many more. We’ll assess your needs, understand your objectives, and recommend the perfect mix of corporate signage to transform your business premises. So, if you’re ready to explore what professional signage could do for your business, get in touch to start the conversation.