How to Design Outdoor Signs That Actually Get Read
Updated: Aug 28
Outdoor signs do more than show people where your business is. They can help customers notice you, understand what you offer, and recognise your brand.
A good sign should be easy to see, easy to read, and suitable for the location where it will be displayed. Whether you are designing a storefront sign, banner, billboard, or promotional sign, a few basic choices can make a big difference.
What Makes an Outdoor Sign Effective?
The best outdoor signs are usually simple. People may only have a few seconds to look at them, especially if they are driving or walking past.
There are three main things to think about:
Visibility: Your sign should stand out from its surroundings. Its size, position, lighting, and distance from the viewer all affect how easy it is to notice.
Readability: People should be able to understand the message quickly. Use clear fonts, short wording, and enough contrast between the text and background.
Branding: The sign should still feel like your business. Use your logo, brand colours, and a style that matches your other marketing materials.
Importance of Location
Choosing the right location for your outdoor sign is vital. It should be positioned where the foot traffic or vehicle traffic is highest. High-traffic areas will ensure maximum exposure, increasing the likelihood that people will engage with your business.
Consider visibility from multiple angles. Is the sign blocked by trees, buildings, or other structures? If so, relocating or redesigning your signage might be necessary.
A case study from a local café showed that moving their sign 15 feet closer to the road increased foot traffic by 30% within a month.
Pick a Material That Suits the Location
Outdoor signs need to handle weather, sunlight, and regular exposure to the environment. The right material depends on where the sign will be used and how long you need it to last.
Metal: Often used for long-term outdoor signs because it is durable and suitable for many environments.
Plastic or acrylic: Useful for lightweight signs, displays, and custom shapes.
Wood: Can work well when you want a more natural or traditional look.
Vinyl: Commonly used for banners, temporary promotions, and event signage.
Before choosing a material, consider whether the sign will be permanent or temporary, whether it will be exposed to rain, and how it will be mounted.
Color and Font Selection
Colour affects both branding and readability. High contrast usually works best for outdoor signs. Dark text on a light background, or light text on a dark background, is generally easier to read from a distance.
Try not to use too many colours in one design. Keeping the colour palette simple makes the sign easier to understand and helps the main message stand out.
Your brand colours can still be used, but readability should come first.
Keep the Font Simple
Decorative fonts may look good in a design file, but they can become difficult to read once the sign is viewed from a distance.
Choose a clear, bold font and make the important information large enough to see quickly.
If the sign includes several lines of text, create a clear order. The main message should be the first thing people notice, followed by supporting details.
Keep the Message Short and Clear
Outdoor signs are not the place for long explanations.
Focus on the one thing you want people to know. This could be your business name, a promotion, a product, directions, or a simple call to action.
For example:
20% Off This Week
Now Open
Visit Us Today
Free Quote Available
New Product In Store
If you need to include more information, make sure the most important message is still easy to find.
Add a Clear Call to Action
If the sign is part of a promotion, tell people what to do next.
A simple call to action can make the message more useful. Depending on the purpose of the sign, you could include:
Visit Our Store
Call for a Quote
Scan to Learn More
Order Today
Find Us Inside
QR codes can also be useful when you want to connect an outdoor sign with a website, menu, booking page, or promotion. Just make sure the code is large enough and placed where people can scan it safely.
Check Local Signage Rules
Before producing or installing an outdoor sign, check whether there are any local requirements.
Some locations may have rules about sign size, placement, lighting, or installation. Depending on the type of sign, permits may also be required.
This is especially important for permanent signage, illuminated signs, and signs placed close to roads or public spaces.
Checking these requirements early can help avoid changes after the sign has already been produced.
Review the Design Before Printing
It is always worth checking the final artwork before production.
Look at the spelling, contact details, logo quality, colours, and image resolution. Also make sure the text is large enough for the expected viewing distance.
If possible, view the design at a smaller scale or step back from the screen. This can help you see whether the main message still stands out.
Final Thoughts on Outdoor Signage
A good outdoor sign does not need to be complicated. It needs to be visible, readable, and suitable for the place where it will be used.
Start with a clear message, choose the right material, use simple colours and fonts, and think about how people will actually see the sign.
For businesses planning banners, posters, outdoor displays, or other large printed signage, our Large Format Printing Service can help with different print sizes and project requirements.
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