Fascias vs. Hanging Signs vs. Window Graphics
Choosing the Right Exterior Signage for Your Business
Your business signage is more than just a name above the door, it’s a powerful marketing tool that attracts customers, reinforces your brand, and makes a lasting first impression.
Whether you run a shop, cafe, salon, or office, the right signage can help you increase foot traffic, build credibility, and stand out in a crowded market.
But with so many options available, how do you decide which type of sign is best for your business? We compare fascia signs, hanging signs, and window graphics, to help you make the right choice for your business.
What Are the Main Types of Exterior Signs?
When it comes to business signage, choosing the right type can make a significant difference in how effectively you attract and engage customers. It’s often the first thing people notice, so it needs to be clear, professional, and well placed to maximise its’ visibility.
Exterior signage comes in many forms, each type serving a different purpose and depending on your business location, one (or a combination) of these options may work best for you.
🔹 Fascia Signs: large, fixed signs mounted on the front of a building, usually above the entrance
🔹 Hanging Signs: suspended from a bracket and extending out from the building, making them visible from different angles.
🔹 Window Graphics: applied directly to glass windows, offering branding, advertising, and privacy benefits.
Fascia Signs: Bold, Permanent, and Eye-Catching
What Are Fascia Signs?
A fascia sign or sign tray is the main sign fixed to the front of your building, above the entrance. These types of signs are usually flat panels that provide a sleek, modern appearance. Versatile for various designs and commonly used in retail and hospitality.
Best for
✅ Retail stores, restaurants, salons, and offices
✅ Businesses on main roads or in shopping centres
✅ Companies needing maximum visibility from a distance
Why Choose a Fascia Sign?
✔ Large & eye-catching: makes your business visible to passing traffic and pedestrians.
✔ Customisable: can include logos, branding, lighting, and 3D lettering.
✔ Can be illuminated: perfect for businesses open in the evening or winter months.
✔ Long-lasting: made from durable materials to withstand the weather.
Things to Consider
🔹 As they are fixed to the building, they are not suitable for all locations.
🔹 Some areas may require planning permission for large or illuminated fascia signs.
🔹 If your business is on a narrow street, a fascia sign alone might not be enough to attract passing foot traffic.
Hanging Signs: Traditional, Elegant & Versatile
What Are Hanging Signs?
A hanging sign (also called a projecting sign) is attached to the front of a building using a bracket, extending outwards so that people walking by can see it from multiple angles.
Best for
✅ Cafes, pubs, boutiques, salons, and high-street shops
✅ Businesses on narrow streets or pedestrian-heavy areas
✅ Companies looking for a classic or traditional signage style
Why Choose a Hanging Sign?
✔ Highly visible from the side: grabs attention from pedestrians walking along the pavement.
✔ Great for high streets: especially effective for shops, restaurants, and salons.
✔ Stylish & elegant: adds a premium, boutique feel to a business.
✔ Can be double-sided: ensuring branding is visible in both directions.
Things to Consider
🔹 Limited space for branding, usually smaller in signs, so they work best for simple logos and business names.
🔹 Installation needs to be strong, as they extend from the building, needing secure fixings to withstand wind and weather.
🔹 May require approval, with some historic or listed buildings having restrictions on external signage.
Window Graphics: Customisable, Flexible & Cost-Effective
What Are Window Graphics?
Window graphics are vinyl decals, printed designs, or frosted films applied directly to the glass surfaces of your shopfront. They are versatile and removable, making them an ideal option for temporary promotions or branding updates.
Best for
✅ Retail shops, salons, cafés, and restaurants
✅ Offices needing privacy or branding without major installations
✅ Businesses with large glass windows
Why Choose Window Graphics?
✔ Multi-functional: acting as branding, advertising, and privacy screening in one.
✔ Budget-friendly: cost-effective alternative to traditional signage.
✔ Easily changeable: perfect for seasonal promotions, sales, or event marketing.
✔ Doesn’t require planning permission: unlike fixed signs, window graphics can be applied without approvals.
Things to Consider
🔹 Limited visibility from a distance, window graphics are most effective up close.
🔹 Best when combined with other signage, working well alongside a fascia sign for maximum branding impact.
🔹 Needs professional installation for a polished, long-lasting look that avoids bubbles, peeling edges, and fading over time.
Which Sign Is Right for You?
Each signage type has unique advantages, so selecting the best one depends on your business location, customer flow, and branding goals.
🔹 Need maximum visibility from the street? Go for a fascia sign.
🔹 Located in a busy pedestrian area? Hanging signs work best.
🔹 Looking for a flexible & budget-friendly option? Window graphics are ideal.
Want the ultimate branding impact?
Combine two or more signage types for full effect!
Combining multiple signage types, such as a fascia sign with window graphics or a hanging sign with pavement signage, creates a stronger, more cohesive presence that attracts customers from all angles.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Business Impossible to Miss
Make Your Business Impossible to Miss
Your exterior signage isn’t just there to look good, it’s a powerful tool that helps customers find you, remember you, and choose you over competitors.
Whether you’re looking for high-impact fascia signage, eye-catching hanging signs, or versatile window graphics, the right combination will help you stand out and drive more foot traffic.
📞 Need help choosing the perfect exterior signage? Contact the team at Signs Express Liverpool & Wirral today, and let’s create something that gets your business the attention it deserves.
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