When it comes to creating effective signage for your business, design plays a crucial role in capturing attention and communicating your message. Whether it’s a storefront sign, a window wrap, or a vehicle wrap, the wrong design choices can hinder visibility and diminish your brand’s impact. At Hexagon Signs and Wraps, we believe in the power of smart design, so we’ve compiled a list of common mistakes to avoid when designing your business signage.
1. Overloading the Design with Information
It’s tempting to cram as much information as possible onto your sign, especially when trying to communicate multiple aspects of your business. However, too much text or imagery can overwhelm potential customers. Remember, signage needs to convey your message quickly—people may only glance at it for a few seconds. Stick to a clear, concise message that can be understood at a glance.
Tip: Prioritize essential information, such as your business name, tagline, and key service or offer. Less is often more when it comes to effective signage design.
2. Using Fonts That Are Hard to Read
While it’s fun to experiment with different fonts, readability should always come first. Thin, ornate, or overly stylized fonts may look great on a computer screen, but can be difficult to read from a distance or while driving by. You want your signage to be legible no matter the environment.
Tip: Choose bold, simple fonts that reflect your brand’s style without sacrificing readability. Always test the legibility at various distances before finalizing the design.
3. Ignoring Color Contrast
Color is one of the most powerful tools in signage design, but poor contrast between your background and text can make your sign unreadable. For example, light-colored text on a light background or dark text on a dark background can blend together, making it hard for your audience to differentiate key elements.
Tip: Ensure there’s enough contrast between your background and text or graphics. High contrast color combinations—like black and yellow, or blue and white—tend to stand out best in all lighting conditions.
4. Choosing the Wrong Size
Bigger doesn’t always mean better, but too small certainly means missed opportunities. Whether it’s a window wrap or an outdoor sign, size should be considered carefully. If your signage is too small, it won’t be visible from a distance. On the other hand, excessively large signs might overwhelm the space and look out of place.
Tip: Consider the location and typical viewing distance when deciding on the size of your signage. At Hexagon Signs and Wraps, we help you find the perfect size that balances impact with your specific environment.
5. Neglecting Brand Consistency
Your signage should be an extension of your overall brand identity. Inconsistent colors, fonts, or logos can confuse your audience and dilute your branding efforts. Every sign, wrap, or plaque should reinforce your brand’s image.
Tip: Use your brand’s colors, fonts, and logo consistently across all forms of signage. This creates a cohesive, professional look that strengthens brand recognition.
6. Forgetting About Lighting
If your sign isn’t visible after dark, you’re missing out on potential business. Lighting can be an essential element for your signage, especially if it’s intended to attract customers during the evening or nighttime hours. Many business owners forget to consider this aspect, which can lead to reduced visibility and impact.
Tip: Consider options like lighted dimensional lettering or external lighting for your signs to ensure 24/7 visibility. We offer a range of illuminated signage solutions at Hexagon Signs and Wraps to help your brand shine—literally.
7. Skipping the Expert Consultation
Designing business signage is more than just slapping a logo on a board. It’s a strategic process that takes into account location, customer behavior, and technical considerations like material durability. Many businesses try to go the DIY route and end up with signs that don’t last or fail to capture the essence of their brand.
Tip: Consult with a professional signage company (like us!) to ensure your design is functional, durable, and on-brand. We handle everything from design to installation, so you get signage that works as hard as you do.
Final Thoughts
Creating effective signage is about making smart design choices that reflect your brand while grabbing the attention of potential customers. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your signs are clear, professional, and impactful. At Hexagon Signs and Wraps, we’re here to help you avoid pitfalls and create signage that truly enhances your visual impact.
Need help with your next signage project? Contact us today to learn how we can bring your brand to life with custom signs and wraps!