Everything You Need to Know About Call Signage. What It Is & Why It Matters

Introduction

“Call signage” might sound niche, but its impact is far from minor. Whether you need customers to call you, visit your location, or simply notice your message—call signage serves as a powerful tool to drive engagement. At Martin Sign, we help businesses leverage call signage not only to attract notice, but to incite action.

This article explains what call signage is, where and how to use it, design best practices, examples, and how to measure success.

What Is Call Signage?

• Definition: Signage specifically designed to trigger a response—this could be a phone call, website visit, social media engagement, or physical foot traffic.

• It usually combines messaging (e.g. “Call now”, “Visit us today”, “Text OR Click”) plus directional or contact info.

• Often used on billboards, banners, trade show booths, window graphics, sidewalk A-frames, and sometimes digital signage.

Why Call Signage Matters

1. Supports lead generation

• A well-placed sign can spur someone unfamiliar with your business to take action—call you or visit your site.

2. Enhances brand awareness

• Even if they don’t call immediately, the exposure reinforces your brand name, services, location.

3. Drives onsite traffic

• For physical businesses, call signage pointing to your store or office can increase walk-ins.

4. Cost-effective marketing

• Compared to ads or digital campaigns, well designed physical signage has lasting exposure, and no recurring costs.

Types of Call Signage

Design Best Practices for Call Signage

• Clear call to action (CTA): e.g., “Call Now”, “Order Today”, “Visit Us”, “Book Appointment”. Use action verbs.

• Concise contact info: A phone number, website, or QR code—no clutter.

• Readable typography: Choose fonts that are legible from distance, avoid overly decorative typefaces for main messaging.

• High contrast & visibility: Light-on-dark or dark-on-light, good contrast, especially for outdoor day/night visibility.

• Lighting / illumination: Ensuring visibility at night or during low light—backlighting, halo lighting, or external lights.

• Proper placement & height: At eye-level for pedestrians; high enough for cars; angle and orientation matter.

Examples: Call Signage in Action

• A boutique in San Francisco placed a window graphic saying “Call for Custom Orders: (415)-xxx-xxxx”. Foot traffic increased, and they gained repeat phone inquiries.

• A restaurant used an A-frame on sidewalk: “Call Ahead for Pickup – (415)-xxx‐xxxx”, reducing wait times during lunch rush.

• Retail store with a fleet van: every vehicle doubling as mobile call signage by listing phone and website.

Measuring Success

• Track calls / leads: Use a specific phone number on signage to measure how many calls came via that sign.

• Increase in foot traffic: Count walk-ins before/after sign placement.

• Conversion rate changes: Use promotional codes referenced in signage.

• Brand recall & survey feedback: Ask customers how they heard of you.

How Martin Sign Helps with Call Signage

• We consult on message clarity, design, and placement.

• We fabricate using durable materials suitable for outdoor or indoor environments.

• We provide lighting, installation, and permitting if needed.

• We help with design iterations—mockups so you can see before committing.

Call signage is more than decoration—it’s an investment in visibility, engagement, and growth. With clear messaging, strong design, strategic placement, and measurable outcomes, it can deliver high value. At Martin Sign, we’re here to help businesses harness this power. 

Want to explore call signage options? Reach out today and let’s create signs that connect with your customers.