How to Design a Custom Sign for Your Business

Updated: 17th May 2023

Creating your own successful business sign comes down to one key thing: attracting as much attention as possible. Think about it; if a business didn’t have a company sign above the door, you probably wouldn’t even know it was there. It’s important to create a shop sign that customers will notice whether they’re walking their dog or driving past your business, or wherever it is you’re hoping to place your advertising. As a Graphic Designer specialising in print, I’ve gathered my top tips for creating custom signage design that converts. So, let’s dive in and find out how to make your own business sign!

1. Choose a Distinctive Colour

   Coca Cola red, Facebook blue, Cadbury purple – these brands are so distinctive I don’t even need to show you their logos for you to picture the colours. Colour can really say a lot about a business, so you need to pick the one that suits your brand messaging – are you a corporate company? Try a trustworthy blue for your sign board! Want to appeal to families and young children? Bright, energetic orange is a great choice for your company sign!

   It’s also important to think about where you’re placing your signage when it comes to choosing a colour. Will it be against a grey wall? Are there green leaves from the trees in the background? Pick a shade that will contrast against the background and make customers pay attention to your shop sign

   If you’re creating a sign board for a sale, the best colour to use is red. Since it’s used so often, customers will know you’re advertising a sale without even having to read what it says! 




2. The Bigger the Better

   When it comes to making your own shop sign, size really does matter in terms of the signage and the text. I’d recommend getting as large a company sign as you can for the area you’ve got. Measure out the advertising space you have before deciding on a size.

   For your message, it’s best to keep it short and sweet. For the sign above your door, your company name can often be enough, but a short tag line or slogan can work too. For advertising, keep the message as short as possible – ‘Sale now on’, ‘Open for Business!’. The smaller your message, the bigger you can make the font. 
    

3. Choose the Right Type of Sign

   Where you’re planning on displaying your signage will determine what kind of shop sign you should make. Here’s a quick rundown of types of signage and their pros and cons.
   
   Cardboard signs
   These indoor signs are made from a fully recyclable display board. A temporary solution, this option is best for short-term advertising rather than a long-wearing company sign. 
   
   Foam signs
   Foam signs are most popularly used at events and exhibitions, as well as instore or around the office. They’re made from an extremely light yet rigid PVC material, meaning they’re great for hanging up, but won’t last long outside. 
   
   Correx signs
   Correx is the corrugated plastic material that for sale signs are made out of. Another temporary signage option, correx can be used indoors or outdoors – and you can recycle it when you’ve finished with it!
   
   Aluminium signs
   A hard-wearing material, aluminium signs are best used for outdoor company signs. Although a little more expensive, no other kind of signge lasts as these ones do. This is the best choice for a sign attached to the outside of your business.
   
   Magnetic signs
   Ever wondered how to make your own business sign for a car or van?  The answer is magnetic signs! Just add your logo and advertise your business on the go.



4. Include Important Information

   When you make a sign for your business, it’s important not to clutter the design too much. However, there are certain bits of information you should always include. These are:
   •    The name of your business
   •    The logo
   
   Then if you have room on your sign board, or your sign isn’t going directly above your shop’s door, you should also include:
   •    The address and telephone number
   •    Directions to your store
   •    Website (if you’re an online business)
   
   You’re using signage to get exposure for your business, so including all the vital information for customers to find you is essential.
   
    

5. Effective Contrasts

   As well as contrasting your sign board in your environment, you should also contrast different elements of your design too. An easy place to start is your logo. Take a look at your logo – is it bright, dark, pale? If it’s pale, use a dark background, if it’s bright, white might be a good option, pale colours will suit a dark logo best. 
   
   Your sign needs to be seen from afar so create as much contrast as you can between the colours of your logo, text and background for an attention-grabbing effect.

Care to Chat?

Now you’ve got these design tricks up your sleeve, you’ve got everything you need to create an eye-catching company sign! Pick your sign type now or start designing online using our free sign maker.

For more information on how to make your own business sign or for some simple, friendly advice, contact us here.