For any of you entrepreneurs or start up business out there, or even if you’re an established Seattle business looking to breathe new life into your brand, here are 10 tips to help your business sign stand out and be remembered.

Let color rule

Don’t be afraid of color when it comes to your business signs. A white on white sign might look classy, but nobody gets remembered for being understated especially if its unreadable! Think about bold, contrasting colors to make people sit up and take notice.

Stay simple

Remember the less is more rule. An uncluttered sign will be more successful in the long run. A complex sign isn’t always a better sign. You should be able to communicate your message simply, clearly, and unequivocally. A simple headline with a compelling image, plus your company name, logo and contact information might be all you need.  

Stand out from your surroundings

Great signage is about standing out, not trying to blend into the surrounding environment. Make your business signage the most interesting thing around so that people see it even when they’re not looking for it.

Be compelling

We all love something that brightens our day, so think about the entertainment value when it comes to your signs. A compelling or thought providing message or graphic is going to get you noticed and have people keen to spread the word.

Signage placement is key

Think carefully about placement to reach your audience. Low signs are better for people driving around town as drivers tend to focus on windscreen height, but when we’re on the freeway a tall sign is better as we can see them from a distance.

Lighting is crucial

Be sure your sign is well lit.  Even in daylight, especially in winters here  No one will remember a sign if they can’t see it!

Be dramatic

Don’t feel you always have to conform. Some of the most successful signage has achieved its notoriety because it’s 3D, in a strange place or oversize. Don’t be afraid to try something new.

Size matters

Make sure your sign is large enough to be visible.  Keep in mind that you want to catch peoples’ eyes in less than a second.  Large signs have the ability to draw attention, whereas if you decide to make your sign small, it will likely be overlooked.

Be aware of the legal issues with sign size – especially hanging banners outside your storefront. Nothing is more frustrating than getting a legal notice from your city or county that your sign must be removed or modified because it violates local size ordinances.  These laws differ from area to area and city-to-city so check with city ordinances.

Make it readable

Not only should your sign be big, but the text on that sign should also be large enough that it is easily readable.  This will allow the message you want to convey to be readable at the correct viewing distance. As a general rule for readability, letters on any sign design need to be 1 inch tall for every yard/meter of distance the sign is commonly going to be viewed from.  Also, make sure the font you choose is clearly readable from a distance.

Chose the right material

Sign and banners come in different materials. Selecting the best one that works for your needs not only can save you money, but also ensure the most effective display.

For example, if you are looking to create a banner that hangs from a fence or a deck, you should select a vinyl banner. This versatile material is made of durable fabric-like mesh and works well for temporary signage. It’s also important that your banner is hemmed at the edges and has metal grommets for mounting.

Whether you choose a banner, or a 3-dimensional architectural sign or a magnetic vehicle decal, choosing the right material for your sign means it will look professional and create that memorable impression you need to grow your business. 

Last, but not least, work with an experienced sign company.  

When you work with a Seattle sign company, like McNamara Signs, you can explore our gallery of signs for ideas and discuss various design possibilities that you may not have considered. We’re here to help you create a stunning sign that will get the attention you need to draw traffic through your door.