Signage is one of the most powerful marketing tools for businesses, helping to attract attention, communicate messages, and reinforce branding. But not all signage is created equal!
To truly make your signage work for you, it must be clear, visually appealing, and strategically placed.
Here are some expert tips from The Smart Printing Company to ensure your signage stands out and delivers results.
Keep It Clear and Concise
Did you know that on average, a person will only spend 2-4 seconds looking at your business’s sign?
Your signage should instantly communicate your message. Avoid cluttered designs or long-winded text. 83% of UK businesses say clear signage has helped increase footfall. Stick to bold headlines, easy-to-read fonts, and minimal but impactful wording.
Choose the Right Colours
Colour plays a huge role in visibility and branding. Use high-contrast colour combinations to enhance readability, think black text on a yellow background or white on dark blue. Make sure your colours align with your brand identity.
Colour can improve brand recognition by up to 80%, and improve readability by up to 40%, worth bearing in mind when you’re picking out your palette.
Select the Best Font and Size
Legibility is key. Choose clean, bold fonts that can be read from a distance. Avoid overly decorative or script fonts for your main message. Ensure text size suits the sign’s location—larger for outdoors, slightly smaller (but still readable!) indoors.
Over 60% of UK shoppers say they wouldn’t enter a business if the signage is unclear, and no one wants to be standing squinting from the pavement.
Use High-Quality Materials
The quality of your signage reflects the quality of your business. Invest in durable, weather-resistant materials such as laminated diabond. This is a fan favourite of our customers at The Smart Printing Company for their outdoor signs.
68% of consumers say signage quality directly impacts their perception of a brand, so don’t cut corners.
Consider Placement and Visibility
Even the best-looking sign won’t do much if it’s tucked away out of sight. Make sure signage is placed at eye level or in high-traffic areas, and well-lit if it’s likely to be seen after dark.
Effective signage placement can boost sales by up to 30%, a proper return for doing it right.
Incorporate a Call to Action
Don’t leave people guessing what to do next. Add a call to action, whether it’s “Visit Us Today,” “Call Now,” or “Follow Us Online,” it gives customers a clear next step.
Signage with a call to action is 3x more likely to spark a response. You can’t argue with that.
Refresh and Maintain Your Signage
Faded, cracked, or outdated signs don’t say much good about your business. Keep an eye on wear and tear and make updates when needed.
52% of shoppers say poor signage puts them off a business, so don’t let yours look past its best. A quick refresh goes a long way.
Good signage isn’t just something to tick off a list, it’s a hardworking part of your marketing. When it’s done right, it gets you noticed, builds trust, and brings people through the door.
Need a hand getting your signage spot on? Give us a call or contact us online, and we’ll help you create something that looks the part and does the job!
