You see signages every day, almost anywhere you go. It is a common sight telling us where a specific place is, or the right spot to park and cross the street. Signage is a design that uses symbols or signs to convey information, give directions, raise awareness, or promote a business.
It helps your audience identify and make decisions based on the information provided by the signs. If you have one, it would be wise to update your signage once in a while to ensure that it remains relevant and appropriate to the time and situation.
So if you are thinking of putting up or updating signage, here are some tips to help you install the right signage for your business.
Right Size
Visibility is an essential factor you must consider when putting up signage. It will not serve its purpose if you put signage where no one can even see it. Therefore, it is vital to develop signage with the right size, colour, characters, and symbols that people can easily see, read, and interpret.
The size of your signage depends on many factors. The important thing is to make sure you have the right size that can maximize visibility. One factor to consider is where you are going to place your signage. Sample places to put signage are:
- On top of your physical structure (like your building or commercial property)
- On the wall
- Right beside your parcel of land as a stand-alone
- On a lamp post
It also depends on environmental factors. If there are other signages around the place, you must consider how your signage will stand out in size. In cluttered areas, your signage has to be more hardworking when it comes to size and design.
Ensure Readability
Even if you have prominent signage, but the font and design are not readable, the sign becomes useless. Consider the size and font you are going to use. Check out the optimum and maximum viewing distance. If you want your signage to be visible from across the street, make sure signage is readable from the other side.
In choosing the size of the letters to make it readable, consider the viewing distance. The lettering of three inches in height can be seen from about nine meters. A measure of 18 inches can be readable to about 54 meters.
Hence, the lettering size depends if you want the sign to be readable by people walking directly in front of your store or across the street. It might be best if you also considered the height of your signage. The lettering of your signage should be readable if people will look up to your sign. Measure the height so you can best approximate the size of the letters you need.
Here’s a table you can use as a guide.
Height of Letters | Readability | Optimum Distance for Readability |
3 in | 9 m | 30 m |
4 in | 12 m | 45 m |
6 in | 18 m | 60 m |
8 in | 24 m | 106 m |
9 in | 27 m | 122 m |
10 in | 30 m | 137 m |
12 in | 36 m | 160 m |
15 in | 45 m | 192 m |
18 in | 54 m | 228 m |
This table is only a guide or a simple reference. Also, consider other factors like the location of your signage. Also, is the signage eye level or high up? Is the signage inside the store or outside the store? If signage is inside the store, the lettering can be smaller, like two inches. But if placed outside a store, the letterings should be more prominent. If you want the signage seen from across a stadium or football field, lettering should be at least 8 inches.
Also, consider who will see the signage. Is the signage meant for people who are sitting at a park? Or are you advertising to owners and riders of cars? Imagine the speed level of the vehicle that passes by. If the is faster than usual, like 60-80 kilometres, make sure you use at least 22 inches in size. But, let’s say the vehicle’s speed is a bit slower, then you may want to use a lettering size of at least 13 inches. Again, these numbers are guides. Nevertheless, there are still many other important factors that come into play in determining the lettering size. Generally, you have to be very critical of the measurement to ensure maximum visibility.
Right Colours
The colours make a significant impact on your signage. Having the right combination of colours can make your sign visible even from afar. For example, use black text on white or lighter colours. On the reverse, use white text or very light colours for a darker background like black.
Consider the dominant colours of the place you are putting your signage. If the colour of the building is blue, then don’t use blue. Choose a colour that comes in contrast with the surrounding areas.
But, how about if the surrounding areas are multi-coloured? Then, choose one colour that can make the most impact amidst the stream of colours.
Colours also have meanings. Each colour also depicts different emotions. You may also want to consider these in choosing the right colour for your signage.
Attractive Design
Your design is also very relevant. Amidst a cluttered background, a simple signage design with striking contrast can work better.
In other places where it is less cluttered, creative, and out-of-the-box design can work. This type of signage design can be desirable to passers-by.
But also remember that less actually is more. Always keep your message as short as possible. You want your signage to be easily read in a single glance, especially if the place is a busy street where people and cars swiftly pass by.
Most owners are tempted to put more designs on signages as much as possible. Crowding a sign with too many symbols, graphics, and arrangements will make it hard to read, especially from a distance. You should give importance to “white-space.”
This white space is the empty area not covered by any text or design. But don’t take the term literally, since any colour can actually fill your white space.
However, there is always the temptation to fill-up this void space with more designs. Take note that 30-40% of the signage area must be left as white space to read and understand the message of any sign easily.
Ensure Safety
When you install signage, consider the structure. Make sure the size and the supporting structure is safe. It should be strong enough for external factors like storms and strong winds.
Signage is one of the most affordable forms of advertisement; any big or small business can quickly put up to promote their product or service. Hence, it is vital to keep in mind that signage has to be effective and must serve its purpose whether you are doing it for promotion, information, wayfinding, or enhancing how the surrounding looks.
We hope that these helpful tips can guide you when you put up signage for your business. Having hardworking signage can do wonders for your business. It creates branding and recall. It can also attract customers to go inside your store. Thus, make sure you maximize the signage’s potential with the right size, font, colours, and design. Also, ensure the safety of your signage to avoid potential falling. It can lead to accidents and injuries. Lastly, it is best to get a professional and credible signage maker.
For expert advice on the right signage, we can help you. For Perth signage company, look us up at Signarama Joondalup.