Let’s be honest—when was the last time you really looked at your business sign? Like really looked at it from a customer’s perspective? Because chances are, if it’s been a few years (or longer), your sign might be sending the wrong message. And in a world where first impressions happen in seconds, that can hurt more than you realize.

Old, ugly, or worn out signage says loudly to a customer “We are tired, don’t care, are on the decline”  OR WORSE– all of the above.  Don’t be that business!

At Johnny’s Signs, we work with businesses all over Southern Indiana—from Bedford and Bloomington to Columbus, Seymour, and beyond. We’ve seen how the wrong signage can quietly cost business owners foot traffic, credibility, and even long-term customers. So let’s break it down.

What a Bad Sign Really Says

Your sign is often the first thing people notice about your business. If it’s faded, outdated, crooked, has lights burned out, or just looks like it’s been ignored—it reflects poorly. To customers, it says you’re not paying attention. It might even make them wonder if you’re still open, or if they should keep driving to the next place.

We’ve all seen signs like that. A busted cabinet sign with one letter out, a banner flapping in the wind three months past its event date, or an old wood sign with peeling paint. That kind of thing doesn’t build trust. And even if your service or product is great, it’s not always enough to overcome that first impression.

Visibility Matters More Than You Think

A big part of what we do is help businesses stand out. You can have the best store, the best team, or the best food in town—but if people can’t see your business from the road or parking lot, you’re missing opportunities every day. We hear it constantly: “I didn’t even know you were there.”

Clear, well-placed signage isn’t just decoration—it’s marketing. It’s a silent salesperson that works 24/7. Whether it’s an EMC (digital message center), monument sign, channel letters, or window graphics—if it’s done right, it pulls people in. If it’s not, you’re losing out.

Signs That Actually Work

Good signage doesn’t have to be flashy, but it does have to be:

• Easy to read
• Visible from a distance
• Well-lit (if it’s supposed to be)
• On-brand with your business
• Maintained over time

That’s the formula. We see it all the time—once a business upgrades their signage, foot traffic goes up, calls increase, and people start noticing again.

Doing Nothing Has a Price Tag

Leaving your sign alone might seem easier (or cheaper), but it adds up. Old or ineffective signage leads to missed walk-ins, low visibility, and weak brand presence. Over time, it can mean thousands in lost revenue.

Think about it. If 10 cars drive by your business every minute, that’s 600 cars an hour. Multiply that by a full day, then a week. That’s a lot of people passing by—and your sign is the only thing they see.

What You Can Do About It

At Johnny’s Signs, we make the process simple. We’ll come out, look at your site, and have a real conversation with you. No pressure. We will hear your needs and figure out what your options are—whether that’s a total redesign or just a lighting repair.

We do everything in-house, including design, permitting, fabrication, and installation. From EMCs and monument signs to vehicle graphics and channel letters—we’ve got it handled. We work with businesses across Indiana and we know how to get it done

If your sign hasn’t been updated in the last 5–10 years—or if you’re not happy with how it looks—it’s probably time. You don’t need a massive budget to make a major improvement. You just need someone who knows what they’re doing and can walk you through it.

Let’s talk. Your next customer might be driving by right now.

Call Johnny’s Signs at (812) 275-7535
Visit www.johnnysigns.com
Proudly serving Bedford, Bloomington, Columbus, Seymour, and commercial signage clients across Southern Indiana