Signage Design That Stands Out: Tips for Eye-Catching Business Signs

In a city full of visual noise, your signage design can be the difference between being overlooked and becoming the go-to business on the block.

At Advert & Signs, we have witnessed the impact of a well-designed business sign, its ability to draw in some of that foot traffic, help people find their way around more easily, and present a sense of professionalism for the brand. Whether you own a neighbourhood café or are coordinating sign designs from an airport or retail chain, you will need to be familiar with the elements of good sign design.

Let’s explore the crucial elements of an effective signage solution, from legibility to material choice, to help you design a sign that pops and does the job it was designed to do.

Let’s begin with the basics.

What Makes a Good Signage Design?

A good signage design goes beyond simply displaying a name or direction. It delivers the message of your sign clearly, aligns with your brand, and makes your location more memorable.

Whether it’s for a business stand, airport wayfinding, or yard signs, here’s what every sign should accomplish:

• Be easy to read, even from a distance

• Use a font and layout that balances clarity with creativity

• Communicate the core design and purpose instantly

• Use high-quality, high-resolution images or graphics where needed

• Maintain a sense of professionalism without being overly rigid

When designing your custom signs, be sure to consider their intended use. For instance, outdoor signs need to be weather and sun-resistant, and indoor and outdoor signage might only require differences in font size or material thickness.

Different Types of Signage (And When to Use Them)

Furthermore, there should be consideration as to what type of sign best fits your needs, just as much as aesthetics. Businesses frequently own more than one type to satisfy different requirements:

• Outdoor signage: Great for storefronts, entryways, and perimeter branding. These are your first impression pieces. They should also be clean and easy to read.

• Wayfinding signage: Most critical for larger spaces like malls, schools, and airports, in which people need to be guided smoothly.

• Banner or acrylic signs: Perfect for occasional promos or brand intros with a bold and modern design.

• Custom sign or yard signs: Perfect for service providers, events, or promotions in residential areas.

• Business signs: These reflect your identity. An elegantly designed company sign creates trust and can get your brand the attention it needs.

We cross sectors to develop signage that’s appropriate to its location and use — from boutique shops to heavy industry complexes.

Key Elements That Make a Sign Easy to Read

People are likely to glance at your sign for a few seconds at most. That’s why legibility is crucial. Steer clear of signs that try to jam in too much text and go for clear, high-contrast colours.

Instead:

• Use bold, readable font styles

• Aim for one key message

• Make sure there is enough contrast between the text and the background (such as dark text on a light background).

• Keep it simple

Remember, a message of your sign that’s clear is far more powerful than cleverness that confuses.

How to Help Your Brand Get Noticed

Your sign design needs to work with your brand, not against it. Every time the sign gets passed by, you have a chance to make an impression that lasts.

Here’s how to align signs with branding:

• Stick to your brand colours and fonts for consistency

• Include your logo or core graphic elements

• Ensure all signs—from directional signs to hanging banners promoting sales—maintain a uniform appearance.

• Avoid templates that don’t match your brand identity

By doing this, you not only help guide people but also ensure you get your brand noticed in the long term.

What to Avoid: Common Mistakes in Signage Design

Even with high aspirations, many signs fail because of avoidable issues. Some frequent signage design mistakes include:

• Overuse of technical jargon

• Ignoring signage FAQs when choosing size or location

• Selecting low-resolution graphics which distort when blown up

• Bad location (e.g. behind plants, too high, etc.)

Before you make a sign, ask yourself if it’s well-placed, relevant and how it aligns with your message.

Tips for Custom Signage Design That Works

Basic design concepts for signage will only take you so far, and crafting custom signs can give businesses the competitive edge. When you custom design signage, you get to select the colour, shape, materials and layout to suit not only the look, but the overall feel of your business.

When you develop a sign from scratch, make sure to:

• Use long-lasting materials (particularly for exterior signs)

• Consider wayfinding flow for directional signs

• Collaborate with a signage designer who understands your industry

• Test legibility at various distances

We would always advise working up a sketch or digital mock-up. That way, you can see how the signage will work with the space before you make any permanent decisions.

The Role of Templates and Graphic Design

Some small businesses opt for a template to save time on design. This might be fine for events or short-term promos, but when you have templates etching away at your brand, they end up undermining it.

Even if you’re going for the template route, you should still:

• Use high-quality images

• Customise colours and fonts to match your brand

• Stay away from generic-looking sign styles that could look like out-of-the-box or mass-produced signage

Even if you’re starting with a template, hiring a good graphic designer can take your signage up another level.

Practical Guide: How to Make a Sign That Reflects Professionalism

Ready to make a sign? Here’s a short checklist to ensure it meets your goals:

1. Define the signage's purpose: Is it for directions, branding, or promotions?

2. Pick the right materials: Acrylic, vinyl, metal, etc.

3. Choose the location carefully: Indoors? Facing traffic? Eye-level?

4. Create a custom layout: Don’t default to cookie-cutter designs.

5. Use high-resolution images and readable fonts.

6. Test the sign before production to avoid errors.

7. Install and observe: Is it doing its job?

As professionals in custom signage, we at Advert & Signs believe that a well-executed sign combines both creative and functional elements. It’s not just a matter of visibility, but also clarity and trust.

Business Sign vs. Just Another Decoration

The difference between a business sign and a simple decoration is purpose. A sign for business speaks your worth, leads your customers, and makes permanent brand remembrance.

Whether it’s indoor and outdoor signs, custom sign solutions or special wayfinding signage, the way you approach design can make a significant difference. Poor signage doesn’t just go unnoticed—it sends the wrong message.

What Signage Design Means for Your Business

Successful signage is a result of good design, which requires attention to space, function, audience, and brand. From massive airport signage that helps thousands of travellers navigate, to advertising yard signs that entice potential customers to a weekend sale, every form of signage has a purpose.

To summarise:

• Understand the type of sign you need

• Keep it easy to read

• Use well-designed, not just pretty, layouts

• Ensure every piece speaks to your core design values

• Consider your space: whether it’s outdoor signage or indoor displays

• Review signage design FAQs if unsure where to start

If you’re looking to create a sign that gets your brand noticed, helps you guide people effectively, and elevates your business presence, start with the foundation: a good signage design process.

At Advert & Signs, we’re proud to help businesses of all sizes develop signage that works—functionally, visually, and strategically.