Your business signage is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. It can make or break their decision to step inside. But what happens when your sign is illegible or just plain confusing?

You could be losing out on valuable business opportunities without even realizing it.  Your signs need to be easily visible and legible so that customers can quickly understand your message. Signage readability can help attract potential customers, communicate important information, and enhance your brand’s image.

However, creating a sign that is both readable and visually appealing requires mastery of various elements. In this article, we look at the key elements of signage readability to ensure your sign is doing its job effectively and drawing in potential customers.

Font and Typeface

Choosing the right font for your sign is critical to making it readable. It’s all about understanding your audience and how they will view your sign. If your sign will be viewed from a distance, use a large and bold font so it’s easy to read.

But if people will view it up close, a smaller, more detailed font may be appropriate. The font should be easy to read, so avoid the overly decorative ones that may look pretty but be tough to decipher.

You should also consider the typeface and how it aligns with your brand’s style and image. A sign for a formal business like a law firm may use a traditional font like Times New Roman, while a sign for a trendy coffee shop may use a more playful and modern font like Brush Script.

Contrast

Contrast is all about color choices, so you should choose colors that contrast well to make your signage more readable. High contrast improves accessibility by ensuring that the text is visible and readable by all, regardless of visual abilities or age. You should be careful about contrast because signage accessibility is a legal requirement.

When designing your sign, choose colors that provide a sharp contrast between the text and the background. For example, black text on a white background or white text on a black background is easier to read than when you use pink and orange together.

Lighting

Lighting can also impact your signage readability, especially at night. Illuminated signs can be a great way to enhance the visibility of your signage. You can choose from a variety of lighting options, such as LED, neon, or fluorescent lighting.

Additionally, consider the placement of your sign in relation to the lighting. Ensure that your sign is not too bright, which can cause glare, or too dim, making it difficult to read.

Simplicity

Most people will only glance at the sign for a few seconds, so what do you want them to notice and remember? Always aim to convey that message in the most straightforward way possible. Avoid using too many words or graphics that can confuse or overwhelm the viewer.

For instance, in the case of directional signage, use clear and concise language that directs the viewer to their intended destination without confusion. Adding too many unnecessary details or images can distract the viewer from the primary message, making it more challenging to find their way. Instead, use arrows or icons to make it easy for them to understand where they need to go.

Work With the Expert Signage Team at Identity Group

Incorporating these elements into your signage design will ensure that your sign is easily readable and effectively conveys your message to your target audience. At Identity Group, we have positioned ourselves as the largest manufacturer of interior signs and have been doing it for 67 years. Since we have perfected the art of designing exceptional signage and visual décor, we will help you create readable signage for your business.

Whether you want 3D signage, ADA signs, or everything in between, we can help you. Contact us today to get started on crafting readable signage.