Interior vs. Exterior Signs: Which Delivers Higher ROI?
For Scottsdale businesses, signage isn’t just decoration, it’s an investment. The right sign can boost visibility, strengthen your brand, and generate measurable returns. But when it comes to choosing where to spend your budget, many business owners ask: Which delivers higher ROI—interior or exterior signs?
At Phoenix Sign Studio, we help Scottsdale companies maximize the value of their signage by focusing on both function and impact. Let’s break down the benefits of each.
What Is ROI in Signage?
ROI (Return on Investment) in signage is measured by how effectively a sign contributes to business goals, whether that’s attracting new customers, improving customer flow, or reinforcing brand recognition.
Interior signage ROI focuses on how signs enhance customer experience, drive upsells, and improve navigation inside your space.
Exterior signage ROI measures how effectively signs bring in new traffic, increase brand awareness, and capture attention from passersby.
Interior Signage ROI: Guiding and Upselling Customers
Interior signage plays a crucial role in customer decision-making. Once someone steps inside, your signs shape how they move, what they notice, and what they buy.
Examples include:
Lobby signs that reinforce brand credibility
Menu boards or retail displays that increase sales per visit
Directional signs that reduce confusion and frustration
Promotional signage that drives impulse purchases
Why it matters in Scottsdale: With so many high-end shopping centers, spas, and offices, polished interior signs create a sense of professionalism and encourage repeat visits. For service-based businesses like medical practices or law firms, interior signs also reassure clients they’ve come to the right place.
👉 Interior signage ROI is strongest when customer trust, upselling opportunities, and repeat visits are key goals.
Exterior Signage ROI: Driving First Impressions
Exterior signs are often the very first point of contact between your business and a potential customer. In a competitive market like Scottsdale, where businesses line busy roads and plazas, exterior signage ROI can be significant.
Examples include:
Monument signs that boost visibility from main roads
Channel letters and dimensional signs that stand out day or night
Window graphics and awnings that capture foot traffic
Pylon signs that attract highway drivers
Why it matters in Scottsdale: With high traffic along Scottsdale Road, Shea Boulevard, and in areas like Old Town, exterior signs determine whether people stop or keep driving. A bold, well-designed exterior sign can mean thousands of extra impressions every day.
👉 Exterior signage ROI is strongest when visibility, awareness, and new customer acquisition are your top priorities.
Q&A: Interior vs. Exterior Sign ROI
Q: Which type of sign typically delivers faster ROI?
A: Exterior signs often drive quicker returns by attracting new customers, while interior signs deliver longer-term ROI by enhancing the customer experience and boosting lifetime value.
Q: Do I really need both interior and exterior signage?
A: Ideally, yes. Exterior signage draws people in, while interior signage converts that traffic into revenue and loyalty. Together, they maximize your total ROI.
Q: What factors affect ROI for signs in Scottsdale?
A: Location, design quality, material durability (especially in Arizona’s heat), and placement all play major roles. Partnering with experts like Phoenix Sign Studio ensures your investment pays off.
Which Should Scottsdale Businesses Prioritize?
If your business is new or located in a competitive corridor, investing first in exterior signage will give you the visibility needed to attract traffic.
If your business already has strong visibility but struggles with in-store flow, branding, or upselling, then interior signage could deliver a higher ROI.
Most Scottsdale businesses find the greatest return comes from a strategic combination of both.
Phoenix Sign Studio: Maximizing Your Signage ROI
At Phoenix Sign Studio, we design, fabricate, and install signage systems that deliver measurable ROI for Scottsdale businesses. From bold exterior signs that catch the eye to custom interior signs that drive sales, our team makes sure every dollar spent works harder for your business.
📍 Serving Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the Valley, we know what it takes to stand out in Arizona’s competitive market.
Ready to discover whether interior signage ROI or exterior signage ROI will move the needle most for your business?
Click below to Scehdule your Sign Consultation with Phoenix Sign Studio Today!