Effective signage can be one of the most valuable marketing tools for your business. It acts as a visual connection between your brand and audience, so it must be clear, legible, aesthetically pleasing, attention-grabbing, and unique to your business.

This guide outlines the most important signage design principles, so your business can enjoy the benefits that come from well-designed branded signs and banners.

How to Create Effective Branded Signage

While your signage needs to be unique to your business and brand, here are some of the universal design elements you can use to ensure your signs actually grab the attention of your target market:

Highlight Your Branding

Whether your signage is going to be used to announce a sale in a storefront window or to attract eyes at a tradeshow, it needs to be an extension of your brand.

Your logo, brand name, and core branding elements should all feature in the design of your signage to build brand recognition and reinforce trust.

Remember, even if you’re just creating temporary signs, uniform branding will help your business stand out in the minds of your target market.

Prioritize Simplicity

The most effective signage communicates a single message in as little as a glance.

Avoid overly wordy messaging and confusing phrases. Viewers should be able to understand your sign's message immediately.

You should also avoid overly cluttering your design with unnecessary words and imagery. Even your branding can be subtle and simplified, like adding your logo to the corner of the sign and using your brand’s main colour scheme as a background.

Focus on Readability

Alongside leaning into the overall simplicity of the design and text, it’s also essential to choose readable fonts and typefaces.

Everything should be easy to read, even at a distance. Avoid overly stylized fonts that are too tightly spaced, as these can be difficult to read.

You also need to consider contrast, so the text stands out from the background. Both the boldness of the text and the colour's contrast with the background will make a significant difference in readability.

Consider Physical Size

While there are exceptions, bigger is usually better for signage. Consider where you’ll be installing your signage and how far away your viewers will be standing.

While choosing the size of the imagery and text in relation to the design of the sign is important, it’s also necessary to consider how big the actual sign will be.

Ideally, your sign and the branding elements it contains will make a strong visual impact and be visible from a distance. Scaling up the size of the sign itself will help in this regard.

Choose High-Quality Materials

Even the most expertly designed signs will be ineffective if they deteriorate prematurely.

While it seems obvious that a tattered and faded sign will not be as effective as one that looks crisp, it’s also essential to recognize the fact that low-quality signs also reflect poorly on your entire brand.

Choose materials and printing inks that can withstand the challenges of the environment where the signage will be used.

From selecting materials that have lasting UV and moisture resistance to more durable materials that can stand the test of time, durable signs will help communicate your brand’s dedication to quality and professionalism.

Have a Clear Call to Action

All signage should have a clear purpose, and the sign itself should communicate this.

Whether it’s detailed messaging about an upcoming sale or just a simple branded banner that announces your company’s presence at a tradeshow, you want the sign to have a brief and compelling message that will encourage viewers to take action.

Let Carbon Graphics Group Help with Your Branded Signage

One of the best ways to ensure your signage is effective and showcases your brand in a positive light is to work with experienced professionals. From help with design layout to material selection, it’s the easiest way to avoid costly mistakes and guarantee your signage is effective.

Thanks to over 40 years of experience, the latest printing technology and a comprehensive range of printing options, Carbon Graphics Group can deliver signage solutions that look great and perform even better. Ready to elevate your signage?

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