LED vs. Neon Signs: Why Going Digital Is the Best Choice for Your Business

When choosing a sign for your business, visibility, durability, and cost-effectiveness are all important factors to consider. For many years, neon signs were the go-to option for business signage, offering a distinctive glow that drew attention. However, with the rise of LED technology, businesses are discovering that digital LED sign s provide a range of benefits that make them the superior choice. This article explains why LED business signs are better than neon signs and how they can attract customers and boost brand awareness.

Cost Efficiency: Long-Term Savings with LED Signs

When weighing LED vs. neon signs, one of the most significant advantages of LED over neon signs is cost efficiency. While neon signs may have a lower initial cost, their long-term expenses can quickly add up. Neon signs require more energy to operate, leading to higher electricity bills over time. They also need frequent maintenance and repairs, which can add to operational costs.

In contrast, LED signs are known for their energy efficiency. LED technology uses significantly less power than neon, resulting in lower energy bills. These savings can be substantial for a restaurant in St. Louis or a retail store in Jefferson County, especially for businesses that keep their signs illuminated throughout the day and night.

LED signs also have a longer lifespan compared to neon signs. While neon tubes can fade or break after just a few years, LED signs can last up to 100,000 hours, meaning less frequent replacements and lower maintenance costs. Over time, this translates into significant savings for businesses like automotive repair shops in St. Charles or dispensaries in South County.

Brightness and Visibility: LED Signs Shine Brighter

When it comes to visibility, LED signs have a clear advantage. While neon signs provide a soft glow, they struggle to compete with the intense brightness of LED signs. For businesses that rely on visibility day and night, such as convenience stores in the Metro East or gas stations in Chesterfield, LED signs ensure their message is seen from a distance, even in bright sunlight or during bad weather.

LED signs are also highly customizable in terms of brightness settings. Business owners can adjust the brightness to suit the time of day, ensuring optimal visibility without being too harsh on the eyes. This flexibility makes LED signs an excellent choice for businesses like health and wellness centers in Kirkwood or retail stores in Webster Groves, where a professional yet eye-catching display is essential.

Take a closer look at how digital LED signs light the way to enhanced brand visibility and profitability.

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Versatility: LED Signs Offer More Creative Freedom

Another reason to lean digital when comparing LED vs. neon signs is that LED signs offer more versatility. While neon signs are limited to static designs and single colors, custom LED signs can display a wide range of colors, animations, and even video content. This gives businesses more creative freedom to design signs that truly reflect their brand and capture attention.

For instance, a financial institution in Clayton could use an LED sign to display real-time stock market updates or interest rates, while a school in Florissant could use a digital LED board to announce upcoming events or emergency alerts. LED signs can also be programmed to change messages throughout the day, making them a great tool for businesses that want to advertise different promotions at different times.

This versatility extends to size and shape as well. LED signs can be designed to fit a wide range of spaces, whether it’s a small, sleek display for a boutique in Lafayette Square or a large, towering sign for a dealership in O’Fallon.

This guide offers a comprehensive look at designing custom LED signs and what you should consider during the process.

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Durability: LED Signs Are Built to Last

Durability is another area where LED signs outshine neon signs. Neon signs are made from glass tubes filled with gas, which makes them fragile and prone to damage. A simple bump or harsh weather conditions could lead to costly breaks and failures.

LED signs, on the other hand, are made from solid-state materials that are more resistant to impact and harsh weather. This makes them ideal for businesses in St. Louis and surrounding areas where unpredictable weather—like heavy rains or freezing winters—can wreak havoc on outdoor signage. For example, a healthcare facility in Manchester could greatly benefit from an LED sign that can withstand the elements without needing constant maintenance.

Eco-Friendliness: LED Signs Are More Sustainable

Many companies are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact, and signage is no exception. LED signs are much more eco-friendly than neon signs, consuming far less energy and producing less heat. In fact, LED signs use up to 75% less energy than neon, making them a more sustainable option for businesses across St. Louis.

LED signs also don’t contain harmful gases like neon signs, which rely on mercury and argon to produce their glow. These gases can be hazardous to the environment if not disposed of properly. By choosing LED signs, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while benefiting from lower energy costs.

Digital Signage: A Modern Solution for Dynamic Displays

For businesses looking to enhance their signage, LED signs can also be integrated with advanced technology to create dynamic displays. Unlike neon signs, which are limited to static images, digital LED signs allow businesses to change their messages in real-time.

Imagine a restaurant in the Hill neighborhood using a digital LED board to showcase daily specials or a gym in St. Peters promoting different membership deals throughout the week. With the ability to easily update content, LED signs offer endless possibilities for customization and engagement.

Digital LED signs can also display a wide range of content, from simple text to high-quality videos, allowing businesses to create eye-catching and interactive displays that attract customers and enhance brand awareness.

Still Debating LED vs. Neon Signs? You Can’t Go Wrong With Excel Signs & Design

In the battle of LED vs. neon signs, LED usually emerges as the clear winner. However, Excel Signs recognizes that every business is different, and what works for one company may not be the ideal solution for another. Our team collaborates with you from the initial consultation to learn how your sign will be used, where it will be displayed, and what your objectives for it are to help you determine the best solution for your company, whether that’s a neon, traditional, or digital sign.

We welcome you to explore our portfolio of completed projects and contact us today to discuss your indoor or outdoor business signage needs.

LED vs. Neon Signs: Why Going Digital Is the Best Choice for Your Business

Cost Efficiency: Long-Term Savings with LED Signs

Brightness and Visibility: LED Signs Shine Brighter

Versatility: LED Signs Offer More Creative Freedom

Durability: LED Signs Are Built to Last

Eco-Friendliness: LED Signs Are More Sustainable

Digital Signage: A Modern Solution for Dynamic Displays

Still Debating LED vs. Neon Signs? You Can’t Go Wrong With Excel Signs & Design

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