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Get your signage right and your business becomes a landmark. People will say “just past that place”, and that place will be yours.
Get it wrong and you’re dealing with missed opportunities, confusion, and a front-of-house that says the opposite of “we’ve got this.” Whether you’re planning a new sign or replacing a tired one, here are five common mistakes to avoid, plus how to get it right first time.
Hard to read, easy to ignore
One of the most common (and costly) signage mistakes is poor legibility. If people can’t read your sign quickly and clearly, it’s not doing its job.
How to avoid it:
- Use easy-to-read fonts. Keep it clear, bold and fuss-free. Avoid fine, overly decorative or script fonts, especially on illuminated signs.
- Size matters. Make sure your text is large enough to read at a glance from the distance it’ll be viewed. Big building? Big lettering.
- Choose the right contrast. Text should stand out against the background. Think bold colour combos, not tone-on-tone.
- Keep it simple. Don’t cram your sign with information. If you’ve got more to say, consider pairing it with window or interior graphics.
2. Your brand, but all over the place
If your signs look different from your website, van or business cards, it creates confusion. And confused customers don’t stick around.
How to avoid it:
- Stick to your brand guidelines. Your signage supplier should have your correct colours, fonts and logo files. Don’t have brand guidelines? We can help.
- Get your assets in order. Ask your designer for high-res logo files and brand specs when your branding is created.
- Think inside and out. Carry your brand through from the fascia to your interior signage using consistent fonts, colours and materials for a joined-up look.
3. A tired sign says you’ve stopped caring
Your sign is often the first thing people see. If it’s dirty, broken or unlit, it sends the wrong message.
How to avoid it:
- Inspect regularly. Look for damage, dirt, peeling vinyl, colour fade, broken fixings or faulty lights.
- Fix issues fast. Don’t wait. Small problems only get bigger.
- Keep it clean. Grime builds up fast. A regular clean will keep your sign looking fresh.
- Use protective coatings. We offer anti-graffiti laminates and UV protection to keep your signage looking newer for longer.
- Go for long-life lighting. We install LED lights in all our illuminated signs. They’re reliable, energy-efficient and built to last. Win win.
4. Local rules matter (and so do fines)
Overlooking planning rules can lead to costly delays or, worse, having to take your sign down. Awkward, disruptive and nobody wants to be known as a rule-breaker.
How to avoid it:
- Know the rules. Local councils have different requirements for signage depending on size, illumination and location.
- Get the right permissions. It’s always better to check before you install.
- Work with a professional team. We’ve handled permissions and regulations for clients all over the UK. Ask us if you’re unsure, or read our blog about signs and planning permissions.
5. Great sign, wrong spot
Even the best-looking sign can fall flat if it’s in the wrong place. Think beyond the artwork you approve on your computer and consider how people will actually see it.
How to avoid it:
- Walk the site. Check visibility from different angles. Are you on a busy road? A pedestrian path? Hidden behind trees?
- Combine sign types if you’re in an awkward spot. Fascia signage is great, but a projecting sign might be more visible on foot. A combination of the two will get you seen from every angle.
- Add lighting where it counts. If your building’s shaded or open late, illuminated signage can make all the difference.
- Design for your audience. Position your sign where your customers are most likely to see it. Don’t just go for what looks good on paper.
Need help getting your signage right?
Whether you’re refreshing tired signs, rebranding, or planning signage for a new space, we’ll make sure your business gets seen and you avoid a signage mistake.
Get in touch with the team at Motive Graphics. We’re happy to advise, design and deliver signage that works as hard as you do.
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Motive Graphics, 1 Orion Court, Ambuscade Road, Colmworth Business Park, Eaton Socon, St Neots, PE19 8YX
