Design Mistakes

Overcomplicating the Message

Signage should be clean and have a clear, concise message. If your sign is overrun with too much text, images, or graphics, then the message won’t be delivered to the viewers quickly. To keep people’s interest in your sign, keep it simple by using fewer words, minimal visuals, and a straightforward call to action.

Choosing the Wrong Font

Fancy fonts might look creative, but they often fail in real-world settings. Small, thin, or highly stylized fonts can be difficult to read from a distance or in poor lighting conditions. Choose bold, clean fonts that maintain legibility immediately, especially for outdoor or drive-by signage.

Using Poor Color Combinations

Businesses should choose their color palette strategically to make the sign easier to read and more visually appealing. Low contrast between text and background, or clashing color palettes, can make signs difficult to read. Design your sign to ensure the text stands out and use complementary colors.

Inconsistent Branding

Your signage should align with the rest of your brand identity. Using different fonts, logos, or color schemes from your website or marketing materials confuses customers. Maintain consistent signage with your established brand to foster trust and recognition.

Installation Mistakes

Poor Placement

Even great signage won’t work if no one sees it. A common sign installation mistake is placing signs behind trees, furniture, or architectural features. Signs should be positioned in clear, high-traffic areas where they are easily noticed from multiple directions.

Incorrect Height and Angle

Choosing the right height and angle of the sign significantly impacts how well people can read it. Interior signage should be positioned at eye level to ensure the best visibility. For outdoor signs, take into account the viewer’s distance and their approach to optimize visibility.

Ignoring Lighting Needs

Insufficient lighting is a significant issue, particularly for signs intended to be visible at night. Unlit or poorly lit signs quickly lose effectiveness. Incorporate proper lighting, such as LED backlighting or spotlights, to always keep signage visible and attractive.

Noncompliance with Local Codes

Local zoning laws and signage regulations vary by location. Ignoring these can result in fines, required removals, or legal trouble. Always research and comply with local rules on sign size, placement, materials, and lighting before installation.

Improper Mounting Techniques

Using the wrong installation of hardware or adhesives can lead to safety issues and early wear. This is especially critical for textured or uneven surfaces. Especially for exterior signage, since those need to withstand the weather. Work with professionals to ensure secure, material-appropriate mounting for long-term stability.

Maintenance and Repair Mistakes

Neglecting Routine Maintenance

Faded, cracked, or dirty signs make a business look neglected. One of the most common sign maintenance mistakes is failing to inspect signage regularly. Routine cleaning and touch-ups can keep your signage looking fresh and professional.

Using the Wrong Materials for the Environment

Not all signage materials are built for every climate. Exterior signage is exposed to intense sunlight, moisture, or wind need materials designed to withstand those conditions. The wrong substrate can warp, fade, or deteriorate, resulting in early replacement costs.

Poor Hardware for Temporary Signs

When installing a temporary sign, choosing quality materials helps make the signage last longer and requires less maintenance. Otherwise, you could notice sagging and damage that could lead to difficulty installing a new sign later. If it’s a temporary exterior sign, then it needs to be capable of withstanding all weather conditions without breakage.

Ignoring Lighting Maintenance

Lighting should be treated as part of your signage. Burned-out bulbs or malfunctioning LEDs hurt visibility and damage your image. Check lighting regularly and replace components as needed to maintain a bright, consistent appearance.

Skipping Testing

Whether permanent or temporary, signage should be tested before and after installation. Check for visibility under different lighting, weather, and viewing angles. Identifying issues early prevents costly rework and ensures the sign performs as intended.

Conclusion

These mistakes can lead to numerous inefficiencies, such as ineffective messaging and possible damage to the sign itself. By putting thoughtful consideration into your sign, your business can improve customer experience, brand identity, and even prolong the life of your sign.

Action Services Group is a national provider of signage services and wants to help you promote your brand. We offer a full range of services from on-demand and scheduled maintenance services to removals and upgrades to ensure your signage looks its best. Reach out today by calling 610-558-9773, emailing [email protected], or scheduling a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below.