In a world of digital marketing and social media ads, one of the most reliable and effective ways to attract attention remains planted firmly in the ground: outdoor signage. 

For businesses along high-traffic roadways, few signage options offer the same level of visibility and impact as a custom pylon sign. Their unique height and design make them stand out, ensuring your business is noticed by both passing drivers and pedestrians.

Used by shopping centers, restaurants, service stations, industrial facilities, and multi-tenant properties across Northeast Ohio, pylon signs are tall, freestanding structures designed to capture the attention of both passing drivers and pedestrians. 

Whether you’re trying to increase brand awareness or make your location easier to find, pylon signs for businesses are a thoughtful and lasting investment.

Here’s everything you need to know about them—from design options to how they differ from other signage styles.

What Are Pylon Signs?

Pylon signs are vertical structures supported by poles or columns, often placed near roads, parking lots, or building entrances. They’re engineered for visibility, typically standing much taller than monument signs or wall-mounted displays.

Most are double-sided to attract traffic moving in both directions and are designed to be visible from a long distance. Their design often includes the business name, logo, and tagline, as well as optional lighting or digital message boards for added functionality.

These signs are ideal for businesses located off the road, those in industrial parks and shopping centers, or any other area where standing out in a crowded visual landscape is crucial.

Monument Signs vs Pylon Signs: What’s the Difference?

While both serve to identify businesses and mark entrances, monument signs and pylon signs differ significantly in structure and visual effect.

Monument signs are typically low-profile and built at ground level. They’re ideal for businesses seeking a more subtle, architectural aesthetic, such as corporate campuses or medical offices.

Pylon signs, by contrast, rise high above eye level, sometimes 20 feet or more. They’re ideal for roadside visibility, especially in areas where businesses are set back from the street or competing with other signage.

Choosing between the two depends on your location, municipal code, and the level of visibility you require.

Types of Pylon Signs for Businesses: A World of Customization 

Like any signage solution, pylon signs can be customized in numerous ways, depending on your goals, budget, and brand. Here are the most common structural styles, each offering a unique way to showcase your business:

Single-Pole Mount Pylon Signs

These features have one central support column and are popular for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. They work well for businesses looking for a clean, modern appearance and are commonly used by gas stations, retailers, and restaurants.

Twin-Pole Mount Pylon Signs

As the name suggests, these use two vertical supports. This configuration provides added stability and can accommodate wider sign cabinets or multiple tenant panels, making them an excellent fit for shopping centers and plazas.

Covered-Pole Pylon Signs

Covered-pole signs conceal the supporting structure with a custom enclosure, often designed to match your brand colors or architectural style. This is a great way to elevate the aesthetic appeal of your signage while maintaining the benefits of a tall roadside display.

Custom Lightbox Pole Signs

Lightbox signs feature internal illumination, allowing your message to shine both day and night. These are particularly effective for 24-hour businesses or locations that experience significant nighttime traffic. Lightboxes can be integrated into any of the mounting options above and are often paired with interchangeable panels for easy updates.

Design Choices That Maximize Visibility

To maximize the return on your pylon sign investment, it’s essential to make informed design choices that balance both functionality and brand perception. Your design choices can significantly impact the visibility and effectiveness of your sign; therefore, it’s essential to be involved in the creative process.

• Use high-contrast color combinations to improve readability
• Choose fonts that are bold and legible from a distance
• Incorporate logos and brand elements consistently across all signage
• Keep messaging short and easy to digest in seconds
• Select materials and finishes that resist fading and weather damage

Customizing your pylon sign also means thinking through how it performs at all times of day. That’s where lighting comes in.

External Lighting, Lightboxes, and LED Message Boards

Adding lighting to your pylon sign significantly extends its reach. Businesses in Northeast Ohio often experience cloudy days, early sunsets in winter, and heavy rain or snow, making visibility an ongoing challenge.

External spotlighting is a straightforward way to illuminate your sign, while internal lighting within a lightbox provides even brightness throughout the display. For more dynamic control, LED message boards enable you to display rotating messages, promotions, or service updates in real-time.

These programmable digital elements are particularly effective for businesses that need to update their messaging or frequently share time-sensitive information.

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.