Do people walk by your building without even noticing it? Is your brand fading into the backdrop of other businesses on your street? If you answered yes, it could be time to rethink your outdoor signage. 

An eye-catching business sign is often the difference between getting noticed and overlooked. To help you stand out from your competitors and attract more customers, we’ve compiled a guide to creating effective outdoor business signage.

How To Create an Effective Outdoor Business Sign

Creating a results-driven business sign requires some thought and practice. Here are some factors to consider: 

1. Know your goal: What do you want to achieve with your sign? Do you want to attract more customers? Maybe you want to promote a sale or create brand awareness. A clear idea of your goal is essential for creating an effective sign. 
2. Understand your audience: Next, consider your audience. Who are they? What motivates them? What are their spending habits? Knowing your audience can help you create more tailored messaging. 
3. Choose the right sign: All signs are unique and have different purposes. For example, corflute signs promote sales and discounts outside a storefront. At the same time, media walls are great for creating a striking backdrop at your event. To pick the right sign, consider your goal. 
4. Plan your design: This step involves brainstorming your graphics and messaging. Think of themes, colour schemes and fonts that are easy to see and communicate your brand and goal. Consider working with professional designers to develop a high-quality and visually appealing design. 
5. Consider location: Consider the best placement or location before installing your sign. Inspect your building and surroundings for areas where it will be noticed. Knowing and complying with your local laws for placing signs is also essential. 

Design Tips for Eye-Catching Signage 

Now that you know how to create your sign, it’s time to make it stand out with an eye-catching design. Here are some design tips and best practices to help you get started. 

Consider Colour 

Using suitable colour in your design is vital for creating a visually appealing sign. Here are some best practices:

• Contrasting colours: Create variety with contrasting colours or hues opposite each other on the colour wheel, like blue and red. Using varying colours can make your sign more noticeable. Light and dark contrasts can also improve readability. For example, white text on a royal blue background can be easier to read and reduce eye strain. 
• Add a border: A thick frame or border around your sign can emphasise your colour and text. Play around with different border styles, colours and thicknesses to find the right fit.   
• White space: Incorporate white or negative space into your backdrop to balance the design and reduce clutter.
• Exterior colours: Consider the colour of your building and surrounding areas and choose colours that stand out.

Think Lighting 

If you want your sign visible at night, consider placing a light source behind it. 

Focus on Readability 

The most important design concept is readability. Your text should be the focal point, and your overall design should not distract from your messaging. Here are some tips for making your sign easy to read:

• Minimal words: Use as few words as possible to capture the audience’s attention and prevent overwhelming them.
• Creative language: Get creative with alliteration, rhymes and repetition to create memorable catchphrases. 
• Bold fonts: Stick to bold fonts and avoid using thin ones, as they can get lost in the backdrop.  
• One style: Choose one font and stick with it throughout to prevent overcluttering your design. 
• CTA: Pick a short and impactful call to action (CTA) that clearly states what action you want audiences to take. Avoid using too many CTAs, as it can be confusing. 

Use Quality Materials 

The sign material you choose can impact your design. Consider high-quality options like acrylic, aluminium, and vinyl to complement your graphics and text. A professional designer can advise you on the best materials for your design goals.  

Create Visual Harmony 

Consistency or visual harmony is another important factor when designing your sign. This concept involves ensuring your graphics, colours, and text are uninformed to create visual flow. It also includes keeping your design consistent or aligned with your brand to make it more recognisable. 

Trust the Experts at Splash Colour Imaging 

A well-thought-out and professionally designed outdoor sign can leave a lasting impression and help you achieve your business’s goals. Need help creating yours?

Splash Colour Imaging is a leading signage and display manufacturer. We use advanced printing techniques to create high-quality custom outdoor signs.

Our team of professional designers has experience developing impactful business signage for various industries, including food and beverage, retail, and wellness. They advise you each step of the development process and deliver efficient and quality results. 

Contact us online to learn more about our services and get started.