
What do effective signs have in common?
In order to fully explain what effective signs have in common, it only makes sense to use an analogy. So, think about what goes into the best peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
“Where are you going with this?”
Hear me out…what makes a peanut butter and jelly a peanut butter and jelly?
Obviously, you’ll need two slices of bread: one covered with your favorite peanut butter, and the other with jelly. Stick the pieces together, and voila! A perfect PB & J.
However, some might like crunchy peanut butter, while others like theirs to be smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy. Some might prefer grape jelly, and others strawberry. Some would rather eat wheat bread rather than white. And don’t even get me started on the possible variations based on food allergies.
All in all, every peanut butter and jelly sandwich contains peanut butter, jelly, and bread. Sure, there will be some variations along the way, but those three are the basic components.
That’s true for signage, too.
There are obviously many types of signs out there. That’s a given. But, there are certain aspects that all effective signs have in common. Let’s dive in.
1. Business name
As perhaps the most obvious, storefront signs wouldn’t be effective without stating the business name. It makes sense, though: why invest in something that promotes you if it doesn’t have your name?
Plus, I have a pretty good guess that time and effort went into choosing the company name in the beginning, so why leave it out?
Here’s an example of a sign with the business’s name:

Imagine trying to locate Garden View Care Center and seeing this monument out front, just to find that it only states the address and phone number. How frustrating as a consumer! Therefore, this sign is effective because it contains the company name.
2. Logo
The logo is just as important when it comes to effective signs. I’m sure it took quite a bit of effort and thought to create it, so why not flaunt it?
For example, I have a friend who started his own business. When it came time to create a logo, he felt inspired by his father who recently passed. Thus, his logo is a maple tree, which is the type that stands over his dad’s gravesite.
When a logo has that much meaning behind it, displaying it front and center on your sign makes the most sense, like this sign for the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Charles County:

Additionally, having your logo included in your sign helps with brand recognition. Create awareness within your customers by placing your logo front and center.
3. Brand colors
Just as important as your logo, brand colors also help with awareness. For example, have you ever played the logo game?
The point of the game is to name the company associated with each logo. The catch? Every logo is black and white. It’s more difficult than it sounds, trust me.
Without the brand colors, it’s hard to figure out which logo belongs to whom. That’s why they’re so important.
Plus, wouldn’t it just be flat out wrong if the Pizza Hut logo was green instead of red? Exactly.
Check out how the Bankhead Orthodontic Specialists sign captures their brand colors of white and green:

4. Capture attention
Last, but certainly not least, effective signs capture attention. One of the best compliments we receive at Classic Sign Services is when customers say: “Oh yeah, I know where you’re at! I see your sign every morning as I drive to work.”
Booyah!
After all, isn’t the goal of any business to attract prospects so that they become customers?
Signage plays a large role in that. The next time someone needs yard signs for their upcoming event, they’ll (hopefully) think of us because we’re local, provide good service, and have an attention-grabbing sign.
It’s that easy!
Get started with an effective sign of your own
Now that you know all things effective signs (and peanut butter and jelly), it’s go time! At Classic Sign Services, we know what it takes to make a sign stand out.
With over twenty years in the industry, we’ve kept up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices. You’ll receive a sign that exceeds your expectations, as well as a team that won’t stop until you’re happy!
Let’s work together to create the sign of your dreams.
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