To place a neon sign on your storefront you will need to:

1. Find a company that can design and create your sign – neon signs are all hand-made.
2. Figure out your sign's optimal size and placement.
3. Investigate zoning laws and apply for any necessary permits.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select a signage firm

One of the best ways to select a firm to design and manufacture your neon sign is to find businesses that have signs you like and ask the owners who designed them. Also search online directories for sign makers or even buy online.

I recommend: Choose from a large selection of ready-made signs or design your own atonline shops Everything-Neon.com and Buy-Neon.com. The United States Sign Council offers an online directory of members who manufacture signs. Search for local shops at online Yellow Pages, such as the ones at Yahoo and MSN.

Make it noticeable

Before deciding what size your sign should be, or where to place it, conduct field work by walking and driving by your business and assessing visibility.

I recommend: See the U.S. Chamber of Commerce guide to figuring out proper sizing and placement.

Know the law

Many towns have zoning laws regulating signage; some communities ban neon on certain blocks, while others regulate the size of signs. You might need to consult with a lawyer to learn whether your community regulates neon signs and, if necessary, apply for a zoning variance.

I recommend: The Small Business Administration gives you advice on signs and the law, including instructions on making your case for a variance to a zoning board.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure your sign's design fits with your company's other graphic materials, such as logos or color schemes.
• •  Pretest height, brightness and placement to make sure the sign will be visible to drivers and pedestrians.
• •  Electric signs must meet certain weight and wind load standards.