Custom business signs are an essential marketing tool. They get your business noticed. They show your brand identity. They advertise the products and services you offer.
Research shows that a well-designed custom sign does more than draw attention to your business. It can also increase profitability. A 2012 survey showed that 8 out of 10 customers entered an unfamiliar store after signage was installed outside. Another study showed that 19% of consumers purchased something due to a signage ad.
But a sign will only be as effective as its design. A sign with an eye-catching layout will attract attention and draw customers in. A sign that fades into the background will not have the same effect.
So how can you ensure your custom sign design stands out? Here are a few tips.
Design Tips for Custom Business Signs
Use the Right Colors
Colors have a significant effect on consumers’ emotional states. For example, red evokes passion. Black signifies luxury. Green represents nature and serenity.
You likely have brand colors that are in line with your brand identity. Use these colors in your custom business sign designs and other marketing materials to increase brand awareness. It will make your brand more recognizable. It will also evoke the desired emotions in consumers.
Incorporate Contrast
Using your brand colors is essential. But businesses must also consider contrast. For instance, if your brand colors are red and blue, you probably won’t want to use red text on a blue background.
Instead, use the blue and red as background elements. Add white text to make the sign pop.
Generally, dark colors contrast with white or bright colors. You can also check the color wheel. Contrasting colors are opposite each other. Utilize these color combinations to ensure your signage is eye-catching.
Consider Layout
Layout is a crucial consideration in custom business sign design. Take advantage of negative space.
Some companies may think it’s best to cram as much information onto their sign as they possibly can. But this strategy will make the sign difficult to read. It will overwhelm consumers.
Determine which information you should include and what can be left out. Keep print to a minimum. Create a custom business sign design that conveys your message in as few words as possible.
Don’t overwhelm the sign with images. A simple business sign design will advertise your services without confusing the senses.
Pay Attention to Font
Font plays a critical role in ustom business sign design. Many companies use a unique font to make their brand stand out. But readability is essential.
Never sacrifice readability for design. If your sign is impossible to read, it won’t be worth the investment.
Letter case and height are other font considerations. Capital letters can attract the consumers’ eye, but it’s important not to overuse them. They will make your sign harder to read.
Tall letters are easy to read from a distance. But if your letters are too tall, they will overcrowd your sign.
Visibility
You must consider where your sign will be displayed. If you design a sign for a highway billboard, people will view it quickly as they drive by. Use as few words as possible to get your message across. Rely on images instead of words.
If your sign is on a storefront, your business name should take up most of the real estate. You may want to add smaller text that tells consumers about your brand and the products and services you offer.
Hierarchy
Hierarchy tells people what they should read first. The essential information should be the most eye-catching. The filler information can be in the background.
The layout you use will establish a hierarchy. People read from left to right and top to bottom. So place important text on the top or left side of your sign.
Placing text in the middle is another attention-grabbing technique.
Colors and font size will also encourage viewers to read important information first. Brightly colored text is an effective focal point. You can also use larger text to control what consumers read first.
Capture Your Brand Image
When you design your business sign, you must consider your brand image. Incorporating company colors will set the tone. Carry it through with images, text, and a voice that matches your company identity.
If your brand is ‘fun’, child-like images and bright colors will match your identity. A sustainable brand will use a minimalist approach and soothing colors like blue, green, and tan. A luxury company will make a bold statement with black backgrounds and jewel tones.
Consider Sign Shape
Custom business sign design must consider the sign’s shape. If the sign is tall and narrow, the signage design should be too. A wide sign calls for a design that will span out over it.
Most designers can use tools that help them see how a sign will look before it ends up on a billboard or storefront. Knowing the measurements in advance will ensure a smoother process.
How Can Colographic Help?
Colographic will make your custom business sign project a success. Our team of graphic designers can help you design your business sign. We offer everything from graphic design to logo design to layout design.
Our team understands what will catch a consumer’s eye and we will create an attention-grabbing, memorable, easy-to-read layout. We will ensure your sign attracts customers and increases conversions.
