5 business signage design mistakes

5 Mistakes to Avoid when Designing Business Signage 

Business signage design mistakes can negatively impact visibility and reduce the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. Your business signage design mistakes may prevent customers from noticing your brand. Your business signage is more than just a marker–it’s a vital piece of your brand’s identity and a powerful marketing tool. In Huntsville, where competition is thriving, well-designed signage can make all the difference in attracting customers. We’ve provided a list of 5 common business signage design mistakes to avoid so your signs work effectively to promote your business.

1. Overloading Your Business Signage Design with Information

Overloading your signage is one of the most common business signage design mistakes. It’s tempting to include everything about your business on your sign, but less is more. Overcrowding your signage with too much text, images, or details can confuse potential customers and make your message less impactful.

What to do instead:

Focus on your business name, logo, and a short tagline or key service. Clean, minimal designs are easier to read and remember, especially for those passing by quickly.

2. Using Fonts that are Hard to Read

Another frequent business signage design mistake involves choosing fonts that are difficult to read. Creative fonts can be appealing, but if they’re too decorative or complex, they can make your sign illegible. This is especially important in areas like downtown Huntsville or Madison’s busy shopping districts, where viewers may only have a few seconds to read your sign.

What to do instead:

Stick to bold, clear fonts that are easy to read from a distance. Consider fonts with a more modern, professional look, and test visibility at various distances before finalizing your design.

3. Ignoring Local Business Signage Regulations

Ignoring local regulations is a costly business signage design mistake. Huntsville and Madison have specific regulations for business signage, including size, placement, and lighting requirements. Ignoring these rules can lead to fines, delays, or even removal of your sign.

What to do instead:

Research local ordinances or consult a professional signage company like Shepard Signs. We’re familiar with the rules and can guide you through the permitting process to ensure your sign meets all legal requirements.

4. Choosing Poor Color Combinations for Your Signage

Choosing poor color combinations is another business signage design mistake that can impact readability. The wrong color combinations can make your sign difficult to read or fail to grab attention. Low-contrast colors like light yellow on white or red on green can blend together, making your sign less effective.

What to do instead:

Use high-contrast color combinations like white on navy blue or black on yellow to enhance readability. Also, consider colors that align with your brand identity to create a cohesive look across all your marketing materials.

5. Neglecting Illumination Options for Visibility

Neglecting illumination is a common business signage design mistake that reduces visibility during evening hours. With shorter daylight hours in winter or high traffic during the evening, an unlit sign could mean missed opportunities to attract customers. In areas like Bridge Street Town Centre or downtown Madison, illuminated signs help your business stand out and attract more foot traffic even after dark.

What to do instead:

Invest in lighting options such as LED illumination to ensure your sign is visible day and night. LED lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and effective for catching attention even after the sun goes down. Adding backlit or edge-lit signage can further boost nighttime visibility and appeal.


Contact Us & Get It Right the First Time

Your business signage design mistakes can prevent your signs from achieving maximum impact. Your business signs can be the first impression customers have of your brand. By avoiding these common business signage design mistakes, you can ensure your signage stands out and works effectively to promote your business. With the right signs, you can attract more customers, improve your brand, and start the year strong.

Contact Shepard Signs in Huntsville, AL, today and let us capture your brand’s unique identity!

About Shepard Signs

Shepard Signs and Graphics is a family-owned and operated business in Huntsville, AL. We’re proud to serve the signage needs of the entire Tennessee Valley. Give us a call today and rediscover that courteous, hometown service still exists.

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