7/10/2025
Signage is more than decoration—it's your brand's frontline. Whether you're opening a new location or refreshing your storefront, professional sign installation is essential for ensuring your message is seen, understood and remembered.
Unfortunately, even the best-designed signs can fail if they're poorly installed. From visibility issues to structural failures, installation mistakes can reduce impact, frustrate customers and waste your marketing dollars. At True Install, we’ve seen these pitfalls firsthand and we’re here to help you avoid them.
We’ve broken down the top sign installation mistakes businesses make, why they matter and how to fix (or avoid) them with expert support.
One of the most common and costly signage mistakes is placing your sign in a location that’s hard to see or easy to ignore. No matter how eye-catching the design, your sign won’t make an impact if it's hidden behind trees, mounted too high or low, or facing the wrong direction.
Why It Matters:
How to Avoid It:
Pro tip: Place signs at eye level in high-traffic areas, free from obstructions and visible from key entry points.
Every city has its own rules regarding signage size, height, illumination, and placement. Skipping this step—or misunderstanding the regulations—can lead to fines, forced removals, or delays in opening.
Why It Matters:
How to Avoid It:
Pro Tip: Never make assumptions or follow the lead of other businesses. Do your research and rely on a professional installer to avoid costly fines or additional expenses incurred from relocating a sign due to improper installation.
Your signage might look great when it’s first installed, but if it’s not secured correctly, it won’t stay that way for long. Inadequate mounting, improper anchors, or cheap hardware can lead to structural failures, liability risks, and premature replacement costs.
Why It Matters:
How to Avoid It:
Pro tip: Consider how often you need to access or change the sign. A pylon sign may only need to be updated based on branding, but other signage may require you to swap out offers, letters or even bulbs.
Illuminated signs require more than aesthetic design; they also necessitate safe and compliant electrical work completed by a licensed professional. Skipping licensed electricians or using the wrong lighting can result in outages, short circuits, or ineffective signage.
Why It Matters:
How to Avoid It:
Pro tip: Bring in an electrician who can evaluate your needs during the design phase. Their needs and concerns should be communicated to your sign technician to ensure everyone is following the same plans.
Failure to Account for Weather and Environmental Conditions
Outdoor signage takes a beating from the elements—UV rays, wind, moisture, and temperature swings can all wear down materials over time. Failing to plan for your regional climate will shorten your sign’s lifespan and increase maintenance costs.
Why It Matters:
How to Avoid It:
Pro Tip: Research the history of your building to understand common natural disasters or environmental factors that may contribute to wear and tear. Sharing these considerations with your sign installer can help them make more informed recommendations.
Bonus Mistake: DIY or Unqualified Installation
Sometimes, business owners try to save money by installing signage themselves or hiring inexperienced contractors. While this may cut costs in the short term, it often leads to poor results and higher expenses down the road.
Why It Matters:
How to Avoid It:
At True Install, we specialize in expert sign installation that protects your investment and maximizes your brand’s impact. Our team understands the technical details, safety requirements and creative vision behind every sign we install.
When you partner with us, you get:
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Installation Mistakes Dull Your Brand
Your signage is one of the most visible parts of your brand. It guides customers, reinforces your identity, and sets the tone for your business. Don’t let preventable mistakes undercut your message.
With expert installation, you ensure that your signage not only looks good, but lasts, performs and delivers a return on investment. Avoid the pitfalls that can cost you money and reputation. Choose professionals who understand the science, strategy, and structure behind sign installation.
Ready to install with confidence? Let True Install handle the details, so you can focus on what matters—growing your business.
