Coming Soon Signs and Project Boards: Marketing Your Job Site While You Build
A construction project takes months to complete, and the site itself is visible to passing traffic the entire time. A well-designed coming soon sign or project board turns that visibility into marketing rather than leaving a plain fence or empty lot as the only impression passersby get.
What Goes On a Project Board
- Project name and a short description of what is being built
- Rendering or artist's concept of the finished project, if available
- Developer, general contractor, and key subcontractor logos
- Leasing, sales, or contact information
- Expected completion timeframe, if the project team is comfortable committing to one
- Website or QR code for more information
Keep the layout hierarchy clear: the project name and a way to get more information should be readable at a glance, while supporting logos and details can be smaller.
Where to Place It
Position the board where it faces the road with the most passing traffic, not necessarily the closest fence line. For commercial and multi-family projects, a board near the main site entrance or at a highly visible corner is often more effective than one tucked along a side street.
Materials and Format Options
- Rigid panel on posts: A common approach for a standalone board at the site entrance, using aluminum composite or similar rigid material for a clean, professional look.
- Mesh or vinyl banner on fencing: A more economical option that attaches directly to existing chain-link fencing.
- Illuminated or backlit panel: Useful for projects where visibility after dark matters, such as sites near evening commuter traffic.
Updating the Board Over Time
Some project teams design a board with a replaceable insert or overlay so the completion date, contact information, or leasing status can be updated without reprinting the entire board. This is worth planning at the design stage if the project timeline is likely to shift.
Beyond the Entrance Board
A single project board at the entrance is often paired with smaller directional signs for site visitors, sales or leasing office signage if applicable, and job site safety signage required elsewhere on the property. Treat the marketing board and the required safety signage as two separate needs, since one is promotional and the other serves a different, more functional purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big should a project board be?
Size depends on viewing distance from the road and the volume of information included. A board meant to be read at highway speed needs larger text and less content than one viewed by pedestrians or slow-moving traffic.
Can a rendering be added before final architectural plans are complete?
Yes, many project boards use an early concept rendering and are updated later if the design changes materially.
Should the board include a specific completion date?
Only if the project team is confident in that timeframe. A vague timeframe or a removable date insert avoids the board looking outdated if the schedule shifts.
Bottom line: A project board is a marketing opportunity that most construction sites leave on the table. Browse North State Signs construction and job site signage or contact the shop to design a board for your project.