Not all signs are created equal. Some grab attention, build trust, and bring people through the door. Others? They fade into the background and get overlooked.
If your sign isn’t working hard for your business, you’re leaving opportunities on the table. The right design choices can make all the difference.
Let’s look at six key elements that separate high-quality business signs from the rest.
1. Durable, Professional Material
The material your sign is made from says a lot before anyone reads a single word. Cheap, flimsy signs wear down fast. They warp in the sun, peel in the rain, and signal a lack of attention to detail.
Quality signage Perth starts with the right material. It needs to hold up against weather, stay sharp over time, and reflect the image you want to present. Acrylic is one of the most popular choices for a reason. It’s sleek, durable, and gives a polished, professional finish that works for both indoor and outdoor use. It can be cut and customised in different ways, and it’s easy to clean without looking worn after a few months.
Other strong options include aluminium, steel, and certain high-grade plastics. The best choice depends on where the sign will be placed, how it will be mounted, and the style you’re aiming for. But if you’re after something modern, clean, and long-lasting, acrylic is a safe bet.
2. Clear, Readable Text
The words on your sign need to do their job without making people stop and squint. That means legibility is essential. The message should be easy to read from the right distance, even when someone’s in a hurry.
Font style, size, and layout all come into play here. Avoid anything overly decorative that makes the text hard to follow. Keep it bold and balanced. Also, think carefully about how much information you include. A cluttered sign does more harm than good.
Contrast is key. Light text on a dark background, or vice versa, will always be easier to read than similar shades blending together.
3. A Design That Matches Your Brand
Your sign is often someone’s first impression of your business. So it should feel like an extension of your brand, not something generic or disconnected.
Every choice — colours, typography, icons, layout — should reflect the tone and personality of your business. If your brand is minimalist and modern, the sign should feel the same. If your business is more playful or creative, bring that through with shape or colour choices.
A well-branded sign helps people remember who you are. It creates a visual link between your physical space and every other way they experience your business, from your website to your packaging.
4. Proper Sizing for the Space
A sign that’s too small won’t get noticed. One that’s too big might look awkward or overwhelming. The right size depends on a few things, including where it’s going, how far away people will be when they see it, and what else is in the surrounding space.
Take measurements before making any decisions. Consider height, width, and depth. A sign needs to look intentional, not like it was squeezed in as an afterthought.
Also, think about movement. If people are walking or driving past, a larger sign with fewer words will do more for you than something detailed and compact. Keep sight lines, angles, and lighting in mind too.
5. Lighting That Works Day and Night
A great sign should be visible 24/7, not just during daylight hours. That’s where lighting becomes important. Whether it’s front-lit, backlit, or edge-lit, good illumination helps people see and read your sign in all conditions.
For indoor signs, lighting can add mood and highlight certain features. For outdoor signs, it’s more about visibility and function. In either case, consistent lighting keeps your sign looking sharp no matter the time of day.
Well-lit signs also tend to look more premium. It adds another layer of polish that gives people confidence in the quality of your business.
6. Placement That Maximises Visibility
You can have the best-designed sign in the world, but if people can’t see it, it won’t do its job. Where your sign goes matters just as much as what it looks like.
Ask yourself:
Is the sign in a spot where people naturally look?
Does anything block the view from different angles?
Is it at the right height for the people passing by?
For shopfronts, the top centre is usually the strongest position. For signs inside a space, eye level or near entry points tends to work best. And for roadside signage, height and angle should match how fast people are moving past.
It’s also worth stepping back and checking the view from different distances. A sign might look good up close, but disappear completely from further away.
Let Your Sign Speak for You
A quality business sign does more than tell people who you are. It sets a tone. It shows you care about detail. And it gives people a reason to pay attention.
Investing in the right materials, design, size, and placement isn’t just about appearance. It’s about creating something that works hard for your business every single day. If your sign isn’t pulling its weight, it might be time to rethink how it’s working for you.
