Finding success in your business takes a special blend of a variety of factors.
From researching your target market to creating a strong brand identity, your success can only be possible if you have a well-rounded approach that integrates all essential aspects of business growth.
One essential aspect that should never be overlooked is carefully curated and well-designed commercial signs.
- Custom signage can be an excellent marketing tool for any business trying to grow their audience and customer base.
- Knowing the best practices for strong sign design will help ensure your signs stand out.
- Spend some time finding a reputable signage company that understands your brand, your audience and your needs.
- ― Reason #1: Know Your Audience
- ― Reason #2: Emphasize Your Brand Identity
- ― Reason #3: Prioritize Legibility
- ― Reason #4: Use High-Quality Materials
- ― Reason #5: Incorporate Eye-Catching Design Elements
- ― Reason #6: Consider Location and Placement
- ― Reason #7: Include a Clear Call-to-Action
- ― Reason #8: Utilize Lighting Effectively
- ― #9: Keep It Simple
- ― Reason #10: Don’t Ignore Regular Maintenance and Updates
- ― Let Your Reasoning Lead You to Easy Signs
Effective commercial business signs can make a lasting impression by drawing people in and continuing to remind them of your message, long after they’ve walked out your door.
Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, well-designed signs can set you apart from the competition and drive business growth. Let’s look at ten essential tips for how this is really done.
Reason #1: Know Your Audience
Understanding your target audience’s preferences and behaviors is the first step in creating effective signage.
Tailoring your signs to appeal to your specific customer base can significantly enhance their impact.
For example, if your target audience is young and tech-savvy, using modern, sleek designs with digital elements might attract them more effectively. Conversely, if you’re targeting an older, more traditional demographic, classic and elegant designs might be more appropriate.
By aligning your signage with your audience’s tastes and needs, you can create a more engaging and relevant experience.
Reason #2: Emphasize Your Brand Identity
Incorporating your brand’s elements, such as logos, colors, and fonts, into a custom commercial sign is going to help reinforce your brand identity.
Consistency in branding across all your signs ensures that customers can easily recognize and trust your business. A strong brand identity fosters customer recognition and loyalty, making it easier for people to remember your business and what it stands for.
Think of the following:
Logos:
Your logo is the face of your brand. It should be prominently displayed on all signage to create an immediate visual connection. For instance, the iconic swoosh of Nike is instantly recognizable, reinforcing the brand every time it’s seen.
Colors:
Consistent use of your brand’s color palette across all signage creates a unified and memorable visual identity. Colors can evoke emotions and perceptions, helping to communicate your brand’s values. Coca-Cola’s red and white are instantly associated with their brand, evoking feelings of joy and refreshment.
Fonts:
The fonts you use should reflect your brand’s personality and be easy to read from a distance. Whether it’s the sleek, modern typography of Apple or the playful, whimsical fonts of a toy store, choosing the right font enhances brand identity and makes your signage more effective.
By ensuring these elements are consistently applied, you reinforce your brand’s identity, making a lasting impression on anyone who sees your signage.
Reason #3: Prioritize Legibility
One of the most crucial aspects of effective signage is legibility.
Choosing clear, readable fonts and appropriate font sizes ensures that your message can be easily understood from a distance. High contrast between text and background further enhances readability.
Here are some tips for making sure every indoor and/or outdoor business sign you design is clear:
Select Simple Fonts:
Opt for clean, sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica that are easy to read at a glance. From wayfinding signs to promotional ones, make sure you avoid overly decorative or script fonts that can be hard to decipher, especially from a distance.
Use Appropriate Font Sizes:
Ensure your text is large enough to be legible from the intended viewing distance. As a general rule, the further away the viewer, the larger the font should be.
High Contrast:
Choose colors that provide high contrast between the text and the background. For instance, black text on a white background or white text on a dark background is easily readable.
Limit Text:
Keep your message concise. Too much text can be overwhelming and difficult to read quickly. Focus on key information and make it stand out.
Consistent Spacing:
Ensure there is enough spacing between letters, words, and lines of text to prevent the sign from looking cluttered.
Test Readability:
Before finalizing your design, test your signage from different distances to make sure it is easily readable. Consider different lighting conditions as well.
By prioritizing legibility, you can create custom building signs that effectively communicate your message and capture the attention of your audience.
Reason #4: Use High-Quality Materials
Investing in durable, high-quality materials for your business signage is essential for long-term success.
High-quality materials not only look more professional, but also withstand weather conditions and wear over time.
Options like aluminum, vinyl, and weather-resistant corrugated plastics are ideal for outdoor signs, while materials like acrylic and fabric can be used for indoor applications.
Quality signage reflects well on your business, giving customers confidence in the reliability and professionalism of your brand.
Reason #5: Incorporate Eye-Catching Design Elements
Using bold colors, unique shapes, and creative layouts can make your signage stand out and attract attention.
While creativity is important, it’s crucial to balance it with clarity and readability. Striking design elements should complement, not overshadow, your message.
For example, using a unique shape for your sign or incorporating bright, contrasting colors can draw the eye, but still allow the text to be the main focal point.
Reason #6: Consider Location and Placement
The placement of your signage can greatly influence its effectiveness.
Strategically positioning your signs for maximum visibility and impact is key. Factors to consider include foot traffic, sightlines, and environmental obstacles.
For instance, placing signs at eye level at your business location and in high-traffic areas can ensure they are seen by the most people. Additionally, consider the surrounding environment; a sign placed in a cluttered area may not stand out as much as one in a clearer space.
Optimizing placement helps ensure your message reaches your intended audience.
Reason #7: Include a Clear Call-to-Action
A clear call-to-action will direct your customers on what to do next.
Are you hoping that they’ll visit your store or commercial building, contact you for more information, or visit your website?
Crafting a compelling call-to-action can drive engagement and conversions. Effective CTAs are concise, direct, and action-oriented, using phrases like “Visit Us Today!” or “Call Now for More Information.”
By providing a clear next step, you guide potential customers toward taking the desired action, increasing the chances of a successful interaction.
Reason #8: Utilize Lighting Effectively
Proper lighting can significantly enhance the visibility and attractiveness of your signage, especially at night.
Whether it’s for monument signs, parking lot signs, or entrance signs, good lighting can:
Increase Visibility:
Illuminated signs are much easier to spot from a distance, ensuring your message reaches a wider audience.
Enhance Readability:
Proper lighting reduces glare and shadows, making your signs easier to read both day and night.
Improve Safety:
Well-lit signs can also enhance safety by improving visibility around your property, helping to prevent accidents.
Boost Aesthetic Appeal:
The right lighting can highlight the design elements of your signage, making them more visually appealing and professional.
Extend Operating Hours:
For businesses that operate after dark, illuminated or reflective signs can attract customers and signal that your business is open and welcoming.
Investing in high-quality, energy-efficient lighting solutions will ensure that your signage stands out and remains effective in any lighting condition.
#9: Keep It Simple
Simplicity is often the key to effective communication. Avoid cluttering your signs with too much information and focus on the key message you want to convey.
Clear, concise messaging is more likely to be remembered and understood long after the passerby has moved on.
By keeping your signs straightforward, you make it easier for customers to grasp your message at a glance, increasing the likelihood of engagement.
Reason #10: Don’t Ignore Regular Maintenance and Updates
Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your signage looking fresh and professional.
Schedule regular inspections and cleanings to ensure your signs remain in good condition. You’ll also want to update your signage to reflect new promotions, events, or changes in your business.
Outdated or damaged signs can give a negative impression, so keeping them well-maintained helps maintain a positive image of your brand.
Regular updates also show that your business is active and engaged, which can attract more customers.
Let Your Reasoning Lead You to Easy Signs
Most business owners know that custom business signs are a powerful tool for enhancing a business’s visibility. However, finding high-quality signs that stand out without breaking the budget can be challenging.
This is where Easy Signs can help.
At Easy Signs, we deliver business sign solutions that will make your customers smile with satisfaction and ensure potential customers take a second look.
Whether you need custom outdoor business signs or indoor ones, Easy Signs has got you covered.
When you need new custom building signs, reach out to Easy Signs to get started.
With our excellent online design tools and amazing Customer Happiness Team, we know we can help you find the exact custom business sign you’re looking for!