Top Common Yard Sign Mistakes to Avoid

Julia Ching

4 years ago

Customized yard signs are very popular promotional tools. They are perfect for every business, especially small businesses with a low marketing budget. You can choose attractive yard signs even if your business runs on a small budget. They are simple, affordable, weather-resistant and extremely versatile. In short words, yard signs are one of the most powerful marketing tools for businesses.

As per a report, outdoor marketing signs boost the visibility of a company by 40%. Even though digital marketing methods dominate advertisement platforms, yard signs are very effective in increasing revenue and promoting your products or services. Apart from that, yard signs are also effective for political awareness campaigns.

However, some companies still make some huge mistakes with their yard signs. They either neglect the importance of design or try to minimize their expenses. This is why many businesses fail to utilize the benefits of yard signs. The purpose of this article is that we will discuss the top 4-yard sign mistakes that you need to avoid.

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Contents

1 Choosing the Wrong Size
2 Your Color Choice is Poor
3 Your Sign is Very Illegible
4 Uneven Spacing
5 You Choose the Wrong Material
6 Best Practices for Improving Yard Sign Readability
7 FAQs
8 Conclusion

Choosing the Wrong Size

One of the most common yard sign mistakes is selecting the wrong size for your needs. Signs that are too small can be difficult to read from a distance, while excessively large signs may appear overwhelming or fail to fit in the desired location.

Factors to consider when choosing yard sign size:

Viewing distance: Consider how far away people will be when they see your sign. For roadside placement, larger sizes (24″ x 18″ or bigger) are recommended.
Location constraints: Ensure that your sign fits within the available space without violating any local regulations or obstructing pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
Message complexity: If your sign contains a lot of text or intricate graphics, a larger size may be necessary for clarity.

Best practices for yard sign sizing:

For residential areas, 18″ x 12″ or 24″ x 18″ signs are often sufficient.
In high-traffic or commercial areas, consider using larger signs (32″ x 24″ or bigger) for better visibility.
Always check local regulations regarding sign sizes and placement restrictions.

Your Color Choice is Poor

This is one of the most common mistakes and it can be made in different ways. Maybe you have a particular color combination in your mind, but it lacks contrast and you end up creating a dull yard sign. Remember that yard signs with poor color contrast cannot be read from a distance.

Or maybe you focus too much on the visibility of the yard signs that you use high-contrast and aggressive colors. These will also ruin the appearance.

Tips for selecting high-contrast color combinations:

Use light-colored text on dark backgrounds, or vice versa, for optimal readability.
Avoid using colors that are too similar in hue or intensity, such as light blue text on a white background.
Consider the environment where your signs will be placed. For example, green text may blend in with surrounding foliage.

Recommended color combinations for yard signs:

Black text on a white or yellow background
White text on a dark blue, red, or green background
Yellow text on a black or dark blue background

If you want to apply appropriate colors to your yard signs, make sure you pair them with both cool and warm colors.

Your Sign is Very Illegible

Legibility is another important aspect of yard signs and several factors can negatively affect their legibility. Hence, you need to prioritize the legibility of your yard signs so that your investment and efforts don’t go in vain.

Uneven Spacing

Just like poor legibility and color choice, uneven spacing can also put a strain on the eyes. Many business owners end up with uneven spacing on their yard signs because they try to design their yard signs all by themselves.

If you’re designing your outdoor signage, make sure you focus on the spacing of letters. Additionally, the spacing needs to be constant throughout the entire text. This will ultimately improve the aesthetics of the fonts you use in your yard signs. As per Company Folders, uneven spacing is one of the worst typography mistakes.

Apart from that, the spacing needs to be relevant to the size of your text. The negative space is also important depending on the size of your yard signs.

You Choose the Wrong Material

Choosing the wrong material for yard signs is another common mistake many business owners make. Remember that the longevity of your yard sign is highly dependent on the materials you choose.

If your yard signs will be exposed to the sun every day, you need to use fade-resistant ink. Additionally, you have to choose waterproof materials if you want to protect your yard signs from the constant rain.

Additionally, make sure that the design and materials are relevant to the image of your brand.

Best Practices for Improving Yard Sign Readability

Choose clear, legible fonts such as Arial, Helvetica, or Verdana. Avoid decorative or script fonts that can be hard to read from a distance.

Use a font size that is large enough to be easily read from the intended viewing distance. A general rule of thumb is to use at least one inch of letter height for every ten feet of viewing distance.
Maintain adequate spacing between lines of text and individual letters to prevent crowding and improve clarity.
Limit the number of different fonts used on your sign. Stick to one or two fonts for a cohesive and professional appearance.

FAQs

How can I ensure consistent branding across my yard signs?

To maintain consistent branding across your yard signs, use your established brand colors, fonts, and logos on all signs for instant recognition. Develop a brand style guide that outlines specific design elements and usage guidelines, and work with a professional designer or sign company that understands your brand and can ensure consistency.

Where should I place my yard signs for maximum visibility?

For maximum visibility, place your yard signs in high-traffic areas where they are likely to be seen by your target audience, such as near busy intersections or along main roads. Consider placing signs near relevant businesses or community centers frequented by your ideal customers or supporters.

How can I track the performance of my yard signs?

To track the performance of your yard signs, use unique URLs, QR codes, or phone numbers on your signs to monitor viewer engagement and conversions. Implement customer surveys that ask how people heard about your business or event, and include yard signs as an option. Monitor website traffic, phone calls, or foot traffic during the period when your signs are displayed to gauge their impact and compare the performance of different sign designs, locations, or messaging to identify best practices.

How can I make my yard signs more environmentally friendly?

To create an environmentally friendly yard sign campaign, choose sustainable materials such as recycled plastic or cardboard, and opt for water-based or soy-based inks instead of traditional petroleum-based inks. Minimize waste by ordering only the number of signs you need and using double-sided printing. Properly dispose of or recycle your signs after the campaign, and consider partnering with a sign company that offers recycling services. Promote your eco-friendly efforts through your signs, website, or social media channels to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.

How often should I replace my yard signs?

The frequency of replacing your yard signs depends on factors such as the materials used, weather conditions, and the duration of your campaign. Inspect your signs regularly for damage, such as cracks, holes, or peeling graphics, and replace or repair them promptly to maintain a professional appearance.

Can I place yard signs on public property?

The rules regarding placing yard signs on public property vary by location and jurisdiction. In most cases, placing signs on public property, such as sidewalks, medians, or parks, is prohibited without prior permission from the relevant authorities. Always research and adhere to local sign regulations to avoid fines, legal issues, or the removal of your signs.

Conclusion

Creating effective yard signs requires careful consideration of various factors, from design and placement to accessibility and environmental impact. By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing best practices, you can develop a yard sign campaign that effectively communicates your message, engages your target audience and achieves your desired results.

Remember to continually assess and adapt your approach based on changing circumstances, feedback and performance metrics to ensure that your signs remain relevant and impactful throughout your campaign.