| You would think that all signs designed and built for | | | | boards which display any kind of business information, |
| the purpose of attracting business are the same; | | | | typically news, announcements, or restaurant menu |
| however, there are many different types of | | | | items. A freestanding sign is unattached to any |
| commercial signs. Here's a quick breakdown of | | | | buildings or structures and stands alone typically on a |
| various kinds of advertising signs. | | | | wooden or metal frame shaped to support its |
| Much sign terminology is based on where the sign is | | | | weight. A portable sign is designed to move around |
| physically located on the business establishment. A | | | | from location to location, common examples being |
| very common location sign is a window sign, which is | | | | for sale or open house real estate signs. A pole sign |
| a sign that is placed directed onto, behind, or within | | | | is an advertising sign independent from a building that |
| the direct vicinity of the store window. There is the | | | | is supported by a pole or other upright driven into |
| canopy sign which is a sign above any type of | | | | the ground. |
| protective awning or cover located over entrances | | | | There are also different forms of advertising signs. A |
| or exits of businesses. There is the roof sign, which | | | | neon sign is a bright glowing gas-filled tubular-glass |
| obviously is a sign placed onto the roof of an | | | | sign, very effective at drawing attention. An |
| establishment or any of the servicing buildings of the | | | | animated sign can be a neon, LED, or LCD sign that |
| establishment. There is the wall sign, which can be | | | | uses action and special effects similar to video and |
| commercially printed or painted. It's generally | | | | motion pictures. A beacon is when strong light |
| considered commercial if there are any types of | | | | sources beam into the atmosphere and form a |
| logos, trademarks, locations, phone numbers, or any | | | | commercial brand or slogan into the sky. Beacons can |
| other business-related markings. Walls signs made for | | | | move or rotate as well. Indirectly lighted signs do not |
| artistic purposes are generally considered murals. A | | | | contain their own light source. They have secondary |
| projecting sign is a sign that extends from a building | | | | lighting shining on them. The opposite are directly |
| and is typically targeted at passer-by foot traffic. | | | | lighted signs, which are signs that have their own |
| The billboard is a raised, off-site sign, typically | | | | lighting built into the unit and projecting from behind |
| roadside and much larger than other types of signs. | | | | the sign front. |
| People also advertise on mobile vehicular signs. | | | | There are other different terms used for advertising |
| Advertising signs also differ in size and shape and are | | | | signs as well, but many are forms of the above |
| hung in different ways. There are commercial | | | | described such as flush wall signs, hamper signs, |
| banners, flags, and pennants which are usually made | | | | plaque signs, or projecting wall signs. It is important |
| of fabric, plastic, or paper. These are usually less | | | | as a business owner to make sure which advertising |
| permanent and are attached on poles, vehicles, or | | | | signs are appropriate and effective for your business |
| buildings with nails, rope, or adhesive. There are also | | | | and which are permitted in your location. |
| bulletin boards which are marker, chalk, or cork | | | | |