Don't Make These Embarrassing Mistakes When Designing Your Business Signage!
Signage for any business is vitally important, as it allows visitors to easily find your company and feel welcomed and invited. Effective signage is even more important for businesses that rely on walk-in customers and clients, as that signage is what will impel them to stop and visit. When you are ready to have signage designed for your company, note a few mistakes that many business owners make, some of which are a bit unprofessional and even downright embarrassing, so you can avoid them yourself.
Reflective material
A metal sign is very durable and may last for more years than one made of fabric, but a very shiny, reflective metal may create a bothersome mirrored effect. Not only could this cause a glare that is an outright nuisance to passersby, but it may also block out the actual wording and visibility of the sign, so that the lettering can't be seen or read. If you want a metal sign, choose a matte or burnished finished rather than something shiny and reflective, so you avoid this mirrored effect and the sign can be easily seen.
What's your business about?
Unless your business is a well-known franchise, or your business name itself explains what your company offers, you want to ensure that your signage tells people what they can find inside. For example, a name like "Mom's Pizza Palace," explains your business, but a sign that simply says, "Sarah's Place," doesn't tell passersby what you sell. In cases like this, add a slogan or tagline underneath, such as, "The best family diner in town," or even a simple, "Salon & Spa." This will ensure that potential customers know what you're offering and will be more willing to visit; otherwise, your sign accomplishes very little in actually advertising the business itself.
Stereotypes
Your business signage might include a picture or a slogan, as mentioned, but be very careful about what might be offensive to potential customers. Avoid caricatures of individuals; for example, if you have a Chinese restaurant, never use a cartoonish depiction of an Asian person on the sign, or a slogan that might be interpreted as insulting to Asians. You may think such things are harmless fun, but they can be offensive to some customers and clients, and you may easily lose business because of it. Err on the side of caution, and omit any picture, saying, and the like that could even be misconstrued as an insult, to ensure you don't lose customers because of your slogan or sign alone.