What do you notice first when walking down a busy city street at night? For many, it’s the bright glow of neon signs advertising businesses.

That colorful, almost nostalgic light grabs attention—whether you’re looking for a late-night diner or a trendy new shop. But if you own a business, the real question is: how do you pick the right custom neon sign to promote your brand?

It’s not just about choosing a color, putting your logo on a glass tube, and adding FLEX LED lights. There’s more to consider, including some things you might not expect. Here are ten expert tips to help you through the process. You might even discover a few surprises along the way.

1. Start With Your Brand’s Personality

A neon sign is more than just a light; it’s the first thing people notice. Think about the mood you want to create. Is your business fun and quirky or classy and simple? For example, a bright, playful neon sign might be perfect for a dessert shop but not for a fancy law firm.

Sometimes, businesses pick the latest trendy style only to find it doesn’t match their brand. So, stop and ask yourself: What feeling do you want your sign to give people?

2. Pick Colors That Catch Attention Without Being Too Much

Color is important. Bright colors can be tempting, but sometimes less works better. Neon signs are meant to stand out, but if every sign nearby is bright pink, yours might not get noticed.

Try mixing colors—like a soft white or blue outline with a splash of yellow to highlight something. Also, think about your current branding. If your logo has a primary color, using it in your neon sign can make everything look connected.

3. Legibility Is Key

This is easy to miss. You want your sign to be creative, but if people can’t read it from far away, it won’t work. Some fonts look great on paper but become hard to read in neon. Businesses often pick cursive or very thin fonts that don’t appear well.

Before deciding, ask for a digital preview or a photo of a similar sign. Step back and squint—can you still read it? If not, it’s time to choose a different style.

4. Size Matters – But Context Matters More

It’s easy to think bigger is always better, but that’s not always true. A large custom neon sign can look great, but if your storefront is small, it might seem out of place or block windows. On the other hand, a small sign on a big building might go unnoticed.

Think about where your sign will go. Is it above the door, in a window, or inside? Take some measurements and use tape or cardboard to visualize the size. It takes a little effort but can help you avoid expensive mistakes.

5. Consider Where to Put Your Sign

Where you place your sign is just as important as what it says. A neon sign hidden behind a plant or partly covered by an awning won’t help your business much. Walk around your location at different times of the day. Where do people walk?

Are there things blocking the view? Sometimes, the best spot isn’t the obvious one. I’ve even seen businesses put their neon signs inside, facing a window, to catch the attention of people passing by. It’s a simple idea, but it works.

6. Think About Durability and Maintenance

Neon signs are made to last, but they can still be damaged. If your sign will be outside, make sure it’s built for outdoor use. Ask about weatherproofing options in places with extreme weather or humidity.

Maintenance is also important but often overlooked. Neon tubes can break, and transformers might stop working. Check with your supplier about warranties and how easy it is to get repairs. Some companies offer maintenance plans, which can be helpful, especially in busy areas.

7. Energy Efficiency: More Than Just Brightness

Traditional neon signs use real neon gas, but LED neon is becoming more popular. Why? LED signs use less energy, last longer, and are easier to customize.

Consider LED options if you care about your carbon footprint or electricity costs. They look almost the same—most people can’t tell the difference. Also, some places limit traditional neon signs so LED might be your only choice.

8. Customization: Make It Your Own

This is where it gets fun. A custom neon sign for your brand isn’t just about showing your name in lights. You can get creative with shapes, icons, and even moving effects. For example, you might want a coffee cup with steam or a shoe that "walks" across your window.

The technology is ready, and the options are almost endless. But remember, more detailed designs usually cost more. So, it’s smart to balance creativity with your budget. Still, adding something unique can make your business stand out.

9. Budget Smartly – But Don’t Skimp

Let’s talk about money. Neon signs for advertising can be expensive, especially if you want a custom design. In my view, you get what you pay for here. A cheap sign might look fine for a year or two, but it can hurt your brand's image if it starts flickering or the colors fade.

Get several quotes, ask about the materials used, and don’t hesitate to request references or pictures of past work. Sometimes, spending more upfront can save you trouble and money later on.

10. Check Local Rules and Permits

This step is often missed but important. Many cities have rules about signs, like their size, brightness, and colors allowed. Before finishing your design, check with local officials or business groups.

Sometimes you need a permit, which can take time to get. I've heard businesses putting up great signs only to be told to take them down later. Avoid this problem by checking first.

Why Neon Signs Still Matter for Advertising

In a world focused on digital marketing, it’s easy to forget how effective a physical sign can be. When did a Facebook ad last make you stop and pay attention?

A well-made custom neon sign does more than show your business name. It sets a mood, sparks interest, and becomes a local landmark.

Neon signs have a special charm. Maybe it’s the gentle glow or how the colors shine at night. People remember neon signs—they take pictures, share them online, and often return to see them again. It becomes part of your business story.

Final Thoughts on Picking the Best Custom Neon Sign for Your Business

Choosing the right custom neon sign for your business isn’t just simple. It combines practical decisions and creativity, combining some science with art. There’s always something new to think about: materials, trends, and ways to stand out. You might change your mind or find a color you didn’t expect to like. That’s all part of the process.

Your neon sign might become what people remember most about your business, or it could be a small glowing detail that makes someone smile as they pass by. Either way, it’s worth spending time to get it right. Because, in the end, it’s not just about being seen—it’s about being remembered.