Pylon signs, also known as freestanding signs, are large freestanding structures that sit on one or more pylons (poles). They have been used to advertise and identify businesses for centuries, with one of the earliest examples being ancient obelisks and columns used in Egypt, Greece and Rome to mark important locations.

Over time, pylon signs evolved to utilize new materials and technologies. In the early 20th century, illuminated pylon signs became popular. These signs used incandescent bulbs and neon lighting to grab attention, especially at night. By the 1950s-60s, bold and elaborate pylon signs defined the Las Vegas Strip and other destinations.

Today, modern pylon signs take advantage of LED lighting, digital screens, and a wide range of materials to create eye-catching displays. They allow businesses to showcase their brand in a dramatic, visible way to attract customers.

Benefits of Modern Pylon Signs

Modern pylon signs offer several key advantages for businesses looking to stand out and attract customers in competitive markets. One of the main benefits is increased visibility and prominence compared to traditional signs. With their taller stature and ability to incorporate larger text and graphics, pylon signs are designed specifically for high impact visibility from further distances.

Whereas old-fashioned pylon signs relied on static images and text, modern pylon signs can integrate digital LED displays, allowing for eye-catching dynamic media and messaging. This kind of flexible digital display enables businesses to showcase special offers, promotions, animated graphics and video content to capture customer attention.

Thanks to innovations with modern materials like aluminum, steel and acrylic, today’s pylon signs are also extremely durable while still being lightweight. This durability ensures the signage retains its high visual impact for years, despite exposure to outdoor elements.

Integrated lighting and effects take the customization even further. Backlighting, accent lighting and even neon lighting can make business pylon signs truly stand out, especially at night. These lighting enhancements highlight key elements and give the signage a sleek, modern aesthetic.

For brands wanting to project a contemporary, cutting-edge image, a well-designed modern pylon sign serves as an important physical emblem of this identity. The bold, innovative nature of pylon signs aligns with forward-thinking brands, versus more traditional signage styles.

Digital Display Options

Modern pylon signs allow for a range of digital display options that make them highly customizable and able to adapt to changing business needs. One of the most popular options is full-color LED video screens. These screens can display everything from static images and text to full-motion video.

LED pylon signs provide eye-catching visibility day or night. The screens are made up of thousands of individual LED nodes that can be programmed to create vivid and dynamic displays. Content can be easily updated in real-time with a cloud-based software system.

Some benefits of LED pylon signs include:

• Displaying special offers, events and messaging that quickly grabs attention.
• Adapting content by daypart to target specific audiences.
• Integrating weather triggers, third party data feeds and scheduling.
• Promoting your brand identity with creative visuals.

Other digital pylon options include LCD screens, 3D holographic displays, and transparent LED film technology. The customizable nature of digital displays allows for endless creativity.

Investing in a modern digital pylon sign enables businesses to cut through the visual clutter and constantly engage customers with dynamic messaging. The versatility, visibility and wow-factor make them an impactful branding and advertising tool.

Customization Options for Modern Pylon Signs

One of the biggest advantages of modern pylon signs is the ability to fully customize them to match a brand’s unique identity and goals. Companies have many options when it comes to customizing their pylon signs:

Size

Pylon signs can range greatly in overall size and height, from small signs around 10 feet tall to large signs over 100 feet tall. The optimal height depends on visibility needs, budget, and sign regulations in your area. Larger signs naturally gain more attention from passing traffic.¹

Single or Double Sided

Companies can choose single or double sided pylon signs. Double sided allows visibility from both directions, maximizing exposure, while single sided focuses messaging in one direction only.

Digital Display vs Static

Modern pylon signs can integrate digital LED displays for dynamic, changeable messaging that can promote special offers or event campaigns. This adds interactivity compared to traditional static sign faces.²

Materials

Pylon signs today are commonly made from aluminum, steel, acrylic, or metal composite materials that create a modern, sleek appearance. The materials impact durability and cost.

Lighting

Integrated LED lighting and effects can make a pylon sign stand out. Backlighting, accent lighting, and programmable lighting sequences are all options.

Graphics and Color

Vibrant graphics and visuals that reflect a brand’s image can be incorporated into the pylon sign design. This allows complete customization of the color scheme.

Strategic Placement of Modern Pylon Signs

Proper placement is crucial when installing a modern pylon sign, as it can maximize visibility and impact for your business. According to experts, there are several key factors to consider for optimal strategic placement:

Visibility – Your pylon sign should be easily seen from the road and positioned to catch the eye of passing traffic. Consider sight lines, foliage or other obstructions, and proximity to intersections when choosing a location.

Location Branding – Use your pylon sign to reinforce your physical location, especially at busy retail centers or strip malls. Make sure it aligns visually with other branding elements on your store exterior.

Brand Identity – Incorporate your logo, fonts, colors and other brand identifiers into the pylon design. This will trigger instant recognition for your business.

Away from Competitors – Try to choose a spot that stands apart from competitors’ signs, so yours is more distinct and visible.

Compliance – Be sure to follow local regulations for sign placement, size, etc. Some areas may restrict proximity to intersections, for example.

Creative Design

There are endless creative possibilities when it comes to designing modern pylon signs. Color choice can greatly impact the overall look and feel of the sign. Vibrant, saturated colors tend to attract more attention, while muted tones align with a more upscale look. The shapes and lighting of the sign also influence the aesthetics. Rounded edges and illuminated channel letters create a softer, modern appearance compared to stark rectangular borders.

Materials like perforated metal and acrylic allow for unique lighting effects. Translucent backlit panels glow at night, while internally illuminated channel letters stand out sharply against the background. Programmable LED lights take it a step further with dynamic color changing displays. The graphics and text style also contribute to the overall creative design. Sleek, minimalist fonts reinforce a modern aesthetic. Icons, logos, and other graphic elements can be incorporated for visual interest and brand recognition. Overall, there are endless options to create a custom pylon sign that reflects the brand’s image with a stylish, contemporary look.

Cost Factors

Several key factors affect the overall cost of a modern pylon sign:

Size and Height – The larger the sign face and taller the sign structure, the more it will cost. Industry experts estimate pylon sign costs at around $3,000 for every 10 square feet of sign face.

Materials – Aluminum and steel are the most common materials used. Acrylic, metal composite materials, and LED screens add cost for the fabrication and installation labor. Higher grades of each material type will increase cost as well.

Installation – Installation costs factor in needs like pouring concrete footings, erecting the steel support(s), and mounting the sign. Larger or higher signs often require special equipment and labor.

Digital Components – Adding LED screens or digital displays will significantly increase cost due to the electronic components and programming/integration labor.

Design Complexity – More complex and custom sign shapes, lighting, and graphics require more design time and specialized fabrication, increasing costs.

Permitting – Most areas require permits for new pylon sign installation, with fees based on the specific sign size and location. Permitting can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Return on Investment

Installing a modern, eye-catching pylon sign can provide excellent return on investment for businesses through increased brand awareness, foot traffic, and sales.

With their tall, prominent placement and utilization of bright colors, lighting, and digital screens, pylon signs attract attention from passing vehicles. This translates to significantly improved visibility and brand recognition compared to lower, smaller signs. By serving as an instantly recognizable beacon, pylon signs reinforce brand identity and association with a location.

The high visibility of pylon signs means more potential customers will notice the business. Even if they don’t visit right away, the repetition of seeing the branded pylon sign will build familiarity over time. When consumers are ready to make a purchase decision, they are more likely to choose the recognizable, trusted brand.

By serving as visual cues for wayfinding, pylon signs can also help direct additional foot traffic into a business location. Strategically placed at entrances or along access roads, they will guide interested consumers right to the business.

The boosts to brand visibility and foot traffic that a modern pylon sign provides have a direct impact on sales and revenue. The investment in a high-quality pylon sign pays dividends across many years of attracting new customers and growing the business.

Regulations

When investing in a new pylon sign, it’s important to be aware of the local regulations and permitting requirements. The specific rules can vary significantly by municipality.

Before installing or modifying a pylon sign, you’ll need to apply for a sign permit from your local city or county planning department. The application process usually requires submitting a sign design plan showing the dimensions, materials, and placement of the pylon sign on your property. There may also be permit fees to pay.

Most cities have restrictions on the total height and size of pylon signs. For example, in Perris, California, pylon signs cannot exceed 25 feet in height or 150 square feet in area per side according to municipal code Chapter 19.75. There are often separate size limitations if the pylon sign includes digital display elements.

Zoning regulations also restrict the placement and positioning of pylon signs. There are usually setback requirements from the street and property lines. The city may limit the total number of pylon signs allowed per street frontage. Regulations aim to ensure signs don’t obstruct pedestrian or driver sight lines.

Having a clear understanding of the local permitting rules will allow you to design a compliant pylon sign from the outset. Partnering with a reputable sign company can also help navigate any regulatory hurdles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, modern pylon signs provide a range of benefits and strategic advantages for businesses looking to stand out and attract more customers. By investing in a thoughtfully designed and placed pylon sign utilizing the latest materials and technology like LED displays, companies can maximize their visibility and reinforce their brand identity.

Key takeaways include:

• Pylon signs offer increased visibility and the ability to incorporate unique design elements that reflect a modern, cutting-edge image.
• Flexible digital display options provide opportunities to highlight special offers and events or cycle through branded content.
• Strategic placement along busy roads and intersections ensures high impression counts.
• Thoughtful design tailored to the brand and location helps amplify impact.
• While a significant investment, the benefits of a modern pylon sign make it a valuable marketing asset.

For companies looking to drive more traffic, reinforce their brand, and communicate with customers in their area, investing in a high-quality and strategically placed pylon sign is a smart choice.