Considering how rapidly businesses evolve, standing out is critical. Customized monument signs create an impressive solution by offering striking visuals with practical features that meet the needs of local businesses.

Monument signs are permanent displays set on the ground and made of brick, stone, metal, or high-density urethane foam. These symbols are positioned near doorways or beside roads to mark the boundaries of the business.

Here’s what you need to know about monument signs and how to take advantage of them for your business. 

Advantages of Custom Monument Signs

Enhanced Visibility

By setting the signs at eye level, pedestrians and drivers will be able to notice the brand. Traditionally, signs higher in the air draw more visibility, but over time, many local zoning codes have preferred lower-profile monument signs over taller pylon signs, as they can easily blend into the local architecture of your business and neighborhood while still grabbing the attention of potential customers.

Versatile in Design

Monument signs can be customized with your business logos, colors, and taglines, allowing you to showcase your brand truly. Many businesses also get creative with sign materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, masonry, faux wood, and more. To enhance customization, you can also opt for an electronic message center (more on that later).

Resistance To Climate

Monument signs, constructed from robust materials, are designed to withstand diverse weather conditions, from deep winter freezes to summer thunderstorms. This durability ensures that your sign will maintain its beauty and functionality for the future, providing a secure and long-lasting investment for your business.

More Economical

Monument signs offer a cost-effective advertising solution for businesses. A single sign can serve as perpetual advertising with no ongoing payments. This cost-effectiveness makes monument signs a wise investment. They advertise your company and serve as a town marker, establishing you in your community.

Designing and Installing Custom Monument Signs

When creating monument signs, consider your business’s specific needs and capabilities. Then, partner with a trusted sign company to properly promote your brand, appeal to your audience, and comply with local laws. At Brady Signs, we have a wealth of experience designing monument signs that express our clients’ unique identities while ensuring they avoid zoning violations, providing you with a secure and legally sound signage solution.

As business competition intensifies and traditional advertising costs continue to climb, we expect to see more custom monument signs in 2025. Don’t let your competition leave you in the dust!

How To Choose the Best Monument Signs

Here are the four main things you must focus on when designing your monument signs.

1. Selecting the Right Materials for Longevity

Proper material must be selected considering the changing weather patterns in Northeast Ohio, including winter snowstorms and humidity in summer. The best signs often mix materials that offer longevity and create an eye-popping design. 

• Brick and Stone: These materials offer durability and a timeless aesthetic, making them ideal for law offices, corporate buildings, and upscale retail centers.
• High-Density Urethane (HDU): A weather-resistant alternative that mimics wood or stone but withstands moisture and temperature changes better.
• Aluminum: Sleek, modern, and rust-resistant, these are perfect for tech companies and medical facilities looking for a contemporary feel.

2. Integrating Lighting for Maximum Visibility

Illuminating a monument sign can significantly increase visibility, particularly in the early mornings and evenings.

• Backlit Signage: Backlit signage enhances visibility, especially at night, creating a professional and eye-catching appeal that strengthens brand recognition. It is energy-efficient, durable, customizable, and helps attract more customers.
• Halo-Lit Signage: Halo-lit signs create a sophisticated, high-end appearance suitable for professional service providers.
• Electronic Message Centers: LED signage is a growing trend for businesses that want to update their messages frequently, such as banks, schools, event venues, municipalities, and more.

3. Customizing For Local Branding And Aesthetic

Northeast Ohio is home to a diverse business community, from manufacturing plants in Akron to boutique stores in Chagrin Falls. A custom monument sign should reflect the business’s identity while complementing the surrounding environment.

• Bold and Modern Metal Designs: Best suited for corporate parks in Cleveland or industrial hubs in Lorain.
• Multi-Tenant Signs: Ideal for shopping plazas in Westlake or mixed-use developments in Mentor.
• Faux Wooden Finishes: Great for businesses in historic districts like Medina or Hudson. While actual wood is not recommended due to longevity concerns, numerous ways exist to achieve a unique wood-like look. 

4. Ensuring Compliance with Local Zoning Regulations

Each municipality in Northeast Ohio has specific regulations governing the size, height, and signage placement. Failure to comply can result in fines or costly redesigns.

• Cities like Cleveland and Akron have strict guidelines on illuminated signs in historic districts.
• Suburban areas like Westlake and Rocky River require approval from city planning boards before installation.
• Many townships, including those in Erie, Lorain, and Cuyahoga counties, have restrictions on electronic message boards to prevent light pollution.

Working with a reputable local sign company like Brady Signs ensures that your business remains compliant while still having memorable and impactful branding. It’s also important to note that many design review boards grant variances when appropriate and needed. Working with a local sign company takes the guesswork out of navigating sign codes and restrictions. 

Planning for the Future: Monument Signage Trends for 2025

As technology and design trends evolve, businesses should consider the latest advancements in monument signage:

• Eco-Friendly Materials: Recyclable and sustainable materials are becoming more popular among environmentally conscious businesses.
• Smart Signage Integration: QR codes and NFC (Near Field Communication) embedded in monument signs allow customers to interact with businesses digitally.
• Augmented Reality (AR) Elements: Some businesses are exploring interactive AR signage, where customers can scan the sign to access promotional videos or directions.

In 2025, businesses need to leverage monument signage as a branding tool and a strategic asset in customer engagement. Whether you run a family-owned restaurant, medical office, corporate headquarters, or anything, a well-designed monument sign reinforces credibility and attracts foot traffic.

Brady Signs is a third-generation family business that has been a premier provider of business signage solutions throughout the North Central Ohio region and beyond for over 50 years. We’re here to discuss how our eye-catching signage can transform your brand into a statement.