Your sign, in many cases, may be the first thing a potential customer sees. It is imperative to have a sign that gets your message across. You will only have a few seconds to make an impression and it is important to make a good one. Your sign may be saying many different things about your company, some good and some bad. Let’s take a look at what your sign is saying. If you find that your sign is creating a bad impression, it may be time to design and purchase a brand new one.
First, let’s take a look at the shape and color of your existing sign. Many people are not aware that something as simple as color can make the difference when designing a sign. Certain colors evoke specific emotions and it is important to find the color that will work for your business.
Colors such as yellow, orange and red garner quick attention. These signs are typically used for road signs and consumers have been trained to pay attention to them. However, using a sign that uses one of these colors in a garish shade can have the opposite result. It may get the attention of someone, but if it is painful to read, people will pass it by. These colors are useful when advertising sales or events.
Softer colors, such as white, pastels or greens are useful when you have a basic informational sign. These signs are easy to read and make great directional signs. A contrasting color should be used for any designs or text on this type of sign to ensure that it stands out well. For example, black text on a white sign may seem boring, but it is a good combination when you need someone to read it quickly. If you prefer, you could also use dark green lettering for the same purpose.
Shapes are also important when it comes to signs. Simple rectangles or squares can be very useful and are normally perceived as informational signs. This is due to many companies and states using this type of sign to quickly relay information. Specialty shapes like circles, octagons or triangles should be used when you want to draw attention to your message. The shape will stand out from the background and attract the eye more quickly.
After color and shape, the actual design of the sign is also important. Is your sign laid out well? Text and graphics should be well balanced to avoid discomfort in the viewer. If something is out of alignment, even subtly, this can disturb the visual sector of the brain. The customer may not even be aware of it, but a feeling of discomfort can arise, prompting them to move on.
What you say is also important. Your message should brief, informational and to the point. Use your sign to first create interest and then other methods once you have a customer’s attention, such as promotional flyers.
Your sign should be kept clean, even if it is outdoors. A dirty sign leaves a very bad impression on you and your company.
