Making a sign for your business? Follow these 5 simple rules

Whether traditional or digital, the right sign can direct foot traffic, generate interest and drive sales.

And getting started with your next sign can seem like an easy process. After all, you know your business and your industry, so how hard can it be to find a sign that represents your brand?

Turns out it can be a little trickier than you think.

While you can make a sign when you throw letters on the board and stick it to a post, it is very different from what professional sign makers do. When you get deeper and deeper in the process you’ll start to see the effect that spacing, sizing, colours, contrast, and placement make,.

The difference between a good sign and a great sign is a design that is both original and classic at the same time, something that is easier said than done.

If your goal is to make aesthetically pleasing signs, attract business and brand companies, this simple guide is for you.

Get these 5 steps right, and you’ll be on your way to a sign that’s flashy, functional and fantastic at driving business.

#1 – Considering the audience

Your audience is going to determine the kind of language to be used on your sign.

If you want to design a sign that targets consumers, you will need to make sure you go with something that the buyer is going to relate to. In contrast, when designing a banner for a trade show, you need to look at things from the perspective of a business and have a sign that is crisp, fresh and accurate.

People skills trainer Jo Antoun says considering your audience should be your first step. She says “what does your business do? What is its purpose for existing? Answering these questions will form the foundation of your professional signage. Successful branding starts by finding your audience and identifying how you want to brand yourself to them. Only once you’ve done this should you move on to more common design elements.”

#2 – Choose the placement

What type of sign are you creating?

Is the sign going to be hung?

Is it going to be wrapped around a car?

No matter how the sign will be used, it is important to make sure that the design is simple enough for it to be easily transferred to other sign options.

The goal is to have a sign that stands out, but simple at the same time – this is what makes a sign effective.

#3 – Using colour and contrast

When you use contrasting colours for your sign, it will stand out a little more.

This is because it is more readable and easier on the eye.

Not sure about the right colour to use for the sign? Black and white is a classic that never goes out of style. While neutral tones are always able to complement the existing branding of your business.

Bird proofing Rentrepreneur ussell Betland says simple is best when it comes to colours. He explains “my logo, and all branding, use a contrast of red and white. My design is simple but my signs can be understood from far away, and there’s no confusion what’s being displayed. Simplicity in contrast is key.”

If you are interested in something that has a little more colour – then you should look for a colour wheel and pick two colours that are the opposite sides of the wheel. Contrast is your friend.

#4 – Think of the big picture

You should never treat your sign as just a business card or print ad (even if it is).

Your sign is an extension of your brand. It’s made for people no matter where they are.

Let the design elements of your sign have their moment. You should not use a lot of text because it will crowd the sign making it hard for people to read (especially if it’s in a smaller format) and it also causes distraction.

You should choose a logo that will look good whether it is large or small. A logo that can be easily recognized is priceless.

#5 – Less is more

You should make every word count, and opt for a simple design.

When you see a simple design, it usually involves complex design techniques that go on behind the scenes, but they are referred to as a simple design because this is how they are perceived.

You should try having clean and neat designs to make your signs memorable and effective.

Follow these 5 steps and you’ll be on your way to branding your business as unforgettable.

Need help with signs for your business, trade show, or social media? Chat to the team at Patriart to find out more!

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Written by: Julian Black