A sign is vital for your business, attracting attention and pulling people into your store. Yet they are more than just tools to sell a product; they provide vital clues about your brand and its mission.
So do you know how to create the right one?
If you are having trouble getting a design correct, we can help. Read on as we give our design tips for outdoor and indoor signage.
1. Color Schemes for Signage
Think about the many brands with color as an intrinsic part of their identity. If you have already done some work, you may already have your brand color scheme. When you don't, you should consult a marketing professional before attempting to get your signage done.
Color can play a massive part in how people will view your store and brand. Specific colors induce different emotions and feelings. This can also be interpreted differently by varied demographics, so take a look at the psychology of color and decide what would be best for you.
2. Signage Taglines and Phrases
Taglines and phrases can be a considerable boost when attracting attention. You can use them on banners or menu boards to provide insight into your business operations.
First, however, you have to think very clearly about the wording.
Too much text, and the tagline won't be snappy enough. Instead, cut it down to a few words, making sure each inspires the desired effect. You may even choose to include a call to action (CTA) which informs the reader what to do next.
3. Consider Readability
You must check your design for readability even on larger areas such as window decals and wall graphics. A balance needs to exist between the image and text so the writing does not blend into the picture and get lost. Most signs will have the text placed in front of or in line with an image.
If images are also the same color as fonts and text, they may become hard to see. Instead, you should consider contrasting colors or think about placing a border around the text.
4. Signage Design Sizes
While it seems like a simple one, signage design sizes matter. A large format gives more space, allowing you to make more prominent characters that are easy to see.
That does not necessarily mean that the bigger the sign, the more eye-catching. A large, busy design may blend in with the billboards and other shops if it's located on a street filled with stores and businesses. Readability, colors, and font choices become critical in these situations.
Of course, it is not always possible to go large. Outdoor signage space may be limited, so you need to return to the original design. Try to alter it so that it remains eye-catching yet straightforward without using prominent characters.
5. Choose the Right Font
The font carries a lot of weight when it comes to your sign. It needs to complement the images and branding you want to get across. The font can convey as much of a message as the text it depicts.
However, go too straightforward, and your branding will look the same as everyone else's. Go overly elaborate, and no one will be able to read the text because of the confusing font.
A quality graphic design company will be able to determine what font works best for your company. Serifs, Sans Serif, and Helvetica are standard fonts with slight adaptations. You can then consult a signage business and see how they recommend adapting it to retain your branding while increasing visibility.
6. Signage Design Materials
Signage design materials also link to your company branding. If you are a sustainable, eco-friendly company, you will want to include woods and natural materials. Futuristics technology companies may have aluminum, acrylic, and neon lights.
The material also needs to be durable—particularly with outdoor signage. This will also be dependent on your budget as some materials and finishes will cost a lot more than others.
7. Choosing the Right Places for Signage
Knowing where you can place signage is also vital. You don't want to get a custom sign for an area, then find it does not fit. Different signs will serve alternate purposes depending on the location.
For example, point of sale signage does not need to attract customers because you already have them by that point. Instead, they can be more informative and text-driven to drive additional sales.
In contrast, signs should be short and snappy in areas people move through. They need to grab attention and draw people toward the sale point.
If you are designing sidewalk signs for outdoor spaces, you need to check local regulations. You may have to get permits and leasing for specific areas.
8. Keep It Updated
If you are using indoor signage, boards, and wall decals, you should update them once in a while. While this is an extra expenditure, it keeps your business looking fresh and adds interest.
You don't have to change it entirely, as complete changes can be costly. Just a few alterations or adjustments can bring the energy back. You may change some of the text, colors, or even the placement within the premises.
Creating Outdoor and Indoor Signage
Now you know these tips for great outdoor and indoor signage, discuss them with your marketing team. Once you have a solid brand and design, you can visit a signage company. They will turn your dreams into reality.
AlphaGraphics should be your first stop for signage. We serve the Newark area and can create stunning graphics for your property. Contact us here to get a quote.