Design Tips for Effective Plastic Signs
To decide on the design of your plastic yard sign, you have to begin by answering the following questions first.
Who are your customers?
You have to define your target market first to determine what kind of design appeals to them. Are they the class D consumers who are afraid to even ask about something that spells class? Or busy mothers who can’t afford to spend time reading long messages?
How should you communicate to your customers?
After defining your target market, it makes sense to use their language on your plastic yard sign. If straight forward message suits them, that’s what you give them.
What would you like to tell them?
Less is more. Clean it and make it clear to give more impact. It’s easy to fall into the trap of putting all the information that you want your target customers to know because you think that you might not get a chance to tell them about it. But you have to remember that they are just passing by and they will not stop by to read them. Stick with only a few simple words with big text. Leave the explanation when they come to you.
How much are you willing to spend on your plastic signs?
Almost all yard signs are made with corrugated plastic due to its durability and affordability. What will make plastic yard signs cheap or more expensive is the number of colors that will be used, the shape and size, the frame that you want to use, and if you want to use one or both sides for your advertisement.
After you answer the four questions above, you have a better chance at success. Now, to complete the details, read the following tips.
1. Make it visible
This is common knowledge. But believe it or not, this is one of the common mistakes business owners make. Their sign or the texts are too small. You have to remember that you only have about a second or two for a passerby to read your sign. A 4 inch font can only be read within 40 feet or less, so that a 10 inch letter has 100 feet of visibility.
Use contrast between the texts and the background to make it easier to read even from afar. Avoid using fancy fonts if you want everyone to read it. Arial, Verdana and Sans Serif are highly recommended. And last, but most important of all - get a big sign. It may cost more, but your chance at success is better.
2. Choose you wording carefully
You’ve got to phrase and paraphrase your message to ensure that your message is clear and direct to the point. Avoid unnecessary words. You can try funny and clever words but you have to make sure that it’s not sloppy and will not distract the attention of your target customer.
3. Do not clutter the space
While you want to make the fonts larger, make sure that there is enough space around the words so as not to confuse the reader. One or two lines of message with an arrow for direction or a phone number are enough. If you want to make impact, your plastic yard sign should contain nothing more than 15 words. If there’s too much information that you want to put in there, find a way to say them in a few words.
4. Do you really need to put down that logo?
I can understand that branding is important. But if you have a limited space and your target customers don’t know about it, will the logo matters? Or will it just clutter your space? All you need to put on that plastic yard sign, really, is what your product is and how to get them.
5. Colors, colors, and colors
One tip in choosing the colors on your sign: look at the background where you intend to put it. You should choose a color that will be a good contrast to the environment.This is one thing that will never fail to attract attention. So if you yard sign will just be a few inches above the grass, avoid using green background.
If you make it right, plastic yard signs can become so powerful. Combine it with all other marketing strategies and you will be on your way to success.