Designing a business sign sounds easy, right? Just slap your business name up there and call it a day! But the truth is, there are a ton of little slip-ups that can make your sign less effective or downright confusing. If you want your sign to grab attention in a good way, steer clear of these common mistakes:
Skipping Readability and Legibility
Let’s be real: if people cannot read your sign at a glance, they are not going to bother. Here is what to watch out for:
- Tiny fonts: No one squints at signs. Make sure your text is big enough to read from a distance.
- Fonts that are way too big: Oversized text can look awkward or childish.
- Bad spacing: Letters that are crammed together or spaced too far apart are tough to read.
- Fancy, hard-to-read fonts: Save the script fonts for wedding invitations, not your storefront.
If you are looking for inspiration or need help getting your message just right, check out custom signs in Sydney for ideas and expert advice.
Tip: Stand across the street. Can you read your sign in three seconds? If not, tweak it!
Cramming in Too Much Information
Your sign is not a brochure. Keep it simple!
Do not do this:
- Business name, slogan, phone number, email, website, Instagram handle, AND your life story…all on one sign.
Instead:
- Stick to the essentials: your business name, main service or tagline, and maybe one contact method.
- Leave some white space so your sign does not feel crowded.
Remember: Less really is more. People should get your sign in a single glance.
Using Bad Color Combos
Colors can attract or repel customers. Here is how to keep your sign looking sharp:
Clashing Bright Colors
- Neon green on hot pink? Ouch.
- Bright yellow on white? Impossible to read.
- Too many bold colors fighting for attention just look chaotic.
Or…Boring, Dull Hues
- If every color is muted or too similar, your sign blends right into the background.
What works?
- Use 2–3 colors that contrast nicely think dark text on a light background, or vice versa.
- Stick to your brand colors for consistency.
Picking the Wrong Fonts and Styles
Fonts are more than just decoration they set the vibe for your whole business.
- Do not mix a bunch of random fonts. Two is plenty.
- Avoid fancy script or novelty fonts that are tough to read.
- Use larger/bolder type for important info like your business name, and smaller type for less crucial details.
Bottom line: Clear, readable fonts make your sign look professional.
Ignoring Size and Placement
Even the best-designed sign will not work if no one can see it.
- Too small? People walk right past.
- Too big? It overwhelms your storefront.
- Put your sign where it is visible from the street, not hidden behind a tree or another sign.
Pro tip: Step back and see if your sign stands out from across the road if not, adjust!
Forgetting About Lighting and Visibility
Your sign needs to shine literally.
- If you are open at night, make sure your sign is well-lit.
- Use LED or backlighting to make the text pop.
- Avoid glare or uneven lighting no one likes reading in a spotlight.
- Think about weather: Rain, fog, and snow can all make your sign harder to see if you do not plan ahead.
Quick checklist:
- Visible at night?
- Still looks good in the rain?
- No weird reflections or shadows?
Being Inconsistent with Your Brand
Your sign should feel like you not a totally different business.
- Match your font, color scheme, and logo to your other branding like your website or social media.
- Do not use different styles or colors just because they look cool.
Consistency = trust. People recognize you faster and feel more confident doing business with you.
Going Cheap on Materials and Printing
A flimsy, faded, or peeling sign screams unprofessional.
- Invest in high-quality materials that can handle sun, rain, and wind.
- Use a good printer blurry text and images make your business look sketchy.
- Spend a bit more now to avoid constant repairs and replacements later.
Ignoring Local Regulations
Oops! You put up your sign and suddenly the city wants it taken down…
- Always check for permits and local rules before you design and install your sign.
- Some towns have strict rules about size, lighting, or placement.
Save yourself the headache do your homework first!
Not Testing Before You Install
Do not just design your sign and hope for the best.
- Show a draft to a few people who do not work with you. Can they read it? Does it make sense?
- Try it in different lighting or from different angles.
- Make adjustments before you spend money on the final version.
In a Nutshell
Designing your business sign is not just about making something pretty it is about communicating clearly and attracting the right attention. Keep it simple, readable, true to your brand, and easy to spot, and you will be miles ahead of the competition. Need help? Ask a designer or get feedback from friends. Your sign is your business’s handshake make it count!