Checklist For Successful Custom Signs In The New Year

By Author: Angel Rhett
Total Articles: 55
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The new year is upon us, and every year people express their desires for improving themselves in the year to come. These resolutions often include improvements in image, whether through weight loss, hair styles, or something else that can change the way people are seen through the eyes of others. People are also quick to promise changes within their professional lives, finding new ways to bring in business or create better marketing strategies.

One way to increase your business's name recognition and market your company is by designing a new custom sign. Sometimes just finding a new way to promote yourself is all you need to remind others of how much you have to offer. When designing your custom sign be sure to include the points on the following checklist to give yourself a custom sign that will bring nothing but positive changes to your business in the year to come.
Create A Custom Sign With High Visibility Lettering

There is virtually no point in ordering and investing in a new custom sign if no one can read it due to small or unclear lettering. In order to achieve a high degree of readability, be sure ...
... to choose lettering that is large enough to see from a few hundred feet away. Typically, letters with a 10" height get maximum visibility, but whatever size you think you need, go up at least one size. Even an inch can make a difference when it comes to viewing your custom sign.

Along the same lines is the font you use on your custom sign. Avoid curvy, script lettering on your custom sign; even though it may look pretty, it is very difficult to read, especially from a distance or at high speeds. You want passing motorists to notice your custom sign, so choose a lettering style that leaves no doubt as to what your business offers. It is a good idea to stand back as far as you can and read your proof before sending it to production. It is an even better idea to get someone else to read your custom sign for you without knowing what you are trying to say in advance. While design is important in custom signs, visibility is definitely an example of 'form follows function'.
Use Interesting Colors With Contrast On Your Custom Sign

Not all custom signs need color to be attractive and appealing. Many signs use black on white or white on black for a contemporary, professional look. However, market research shows that using at least two different colors increases retention of an image, so while you do want people to notice your custom sign, you also want people to remember it.

Avoid using colors that are so close in shade or tone that they blend into each other, such as gray on black or green on dark blue. Even if you use white on black, at least your are providing contrast in your custom sign. Contrast is essential to grasping the text on your custom sign because it awakens the eye rather than fatigues it and allows people to focus instead of search for a message. This may sound like over-thinking something small, but consider that viewers have only 3 1/2 seconds to read a sign - you want to make those few seconds count as much as possible.

Using a border around your custom sign in a contrasting color, such as black around a white background, also provides an opportunity for your custom sign to pop out. This simple addition to your custom sign brings viewers directly to your message and also increases memory retention.
Provide Graphics On Your Custom Sign

An image or logo on your custom sign that helps brand your company not only adds personality and originality to your business, it also gives people a mental association. Think about it - when giving directions, don't you almost always use a sign as a landmark? And doesn't that sign usually have a graphic on it that you mention? Images along with text make for memorable custom signs. And adding a photograph to your custom sign is even more effective in allowing readers to remember your business, and it is just as easy to add to your custom sign as any other image.
Keep Your Custom Sign Short And Simple

Those 3 1/2 seconds don't afford viewers a lot of time to digest a lot of information, so keep your message concise and to the point. A simple name and maybe a slogan is all that is needed on most custom signs. If you want to say more, then try to do it in a graphic, but stay away from a cluttered custom sign that will distract from your message rather than attract potential business. After all, your custom sign speaks for your business, and you want to deliver a message of efficiency.
Review Your Checklist Before Ordering Your Custom Sign

Remember that an effective custom sign has large, visible letters in a legible font, contrasting colors, appealing graphics, and a short message. Adhere to these rules of thumb in custom sign design, and your business is sure to bring you a prosperous new year!
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