5 Common Sign Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

There are still many uses for printed signs. From creating a sign to put in a customer’s yard promoting your work, to starting an ad campaign for your business - it’s important to make your sign work for you.  Surprisingly, people seldom think about how to get the most from their signs.  

Here are the 5 common sign mistakes and how to avoid them. 

Not understanding the local zoning laws

You might want the biggest sign to promote your business, but be sure to check your local zoning laws so you don’t waste money on a sign that would be illegal to use. 

Not using the right material for your sign

It’s important to think about how long you want your sign to last before selecting a material.  Poly-coated signs last 3-6 months; corrugated signs last for 2 years; and aluminum or alumalite signs can last 5 years or more.

You also have to consider weather.  Is your sign going to bake in extreme heat?  Freeze in deep cold and snow?  Bend under strong winds or drown in rain?  The right sign material makes a big difference.

Misspellings and grammar errors on your sign

If there is a misspelled word or common grammar error on your sign, it instantly loses credibility. The absolute best way to avoid making a spelling or grammar error on your sign is to have someone else read it before you print it.  There’s no Wite-Out® for signs.

The sign is hard to read

Make sure your sign has a simple design and is easy to read, especially if you want drivers to be able to see it from the road. If your sign’s background is too busy, it can be distracting from the text. If there is too much text, drivers won’t be able to read your sign.

Also, make sure your colors don’t clash.  Red letters against a dark background is a recipe for disaster.  Ideally, put dark-colored letters against a light background.

Not knowing where to put your sign for maximum exposure

Don’t just put your sign anywhere. Spend a few minutes on the Department of Motor Vehicles website to find roads in your area with heavy traffic. For Wisconsin traffic numbers, go to http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/counts/. 

If you put your sign on a one-way street, make sure it’s facing oncoming traffic.  You’d be surprised how often signs face the wrong way.  For maximum exposure, consider a 2-sided sign.

Gary Bezella is founder of http://www.PromoteSigns.com and has been in the sign business over 28 years and created the site in October 2002 as valuable source of ideas and signs for those seeking effective ways to promote their business or event.

Sources: http://www.earticlessite.com/common-sign-mistakes/  http://www.signdealz.com/Blog/bid/79694/7-Common-Mistakes-When-Buying-Your-First-Business-Signhttp://www.promotesigns.com/blog/