Did you know that customers form their first impressions about your brand within the first seven seconds of walking through your door? That is why it’s important to have an eye-catching sign that accurately represents your brand. Outdoor vinyl signs are a popular and effective way to do this.
Vinyl is a great material for signage because it’s durable and weatherproof. It can be used for indoor and outdoor applications, making it a versatile option for businesses of all types. The question is, how do you create the most outstanding vinyl sign that’ll help you make the best impression on your business?
This blog post will discuss the basics of vinyl sign design and offer some tips on creating eye-catching outdoor vinyl signs that will help your business stand out from the competition.
Determine the Purpose of Your Vinyl Sign
Before you start to create your vinyl sign, it’s important to take a step back and determine the purpose of your sign. What is the main message you want to communicate with your sign? Some common goals for outdoor vinyl signs include:
- Advertising a sale or special event
- Representing your brand
- Directing foot traffic
- Informing the public
There are many more purposes for custom outdoor vinyl signs, but these are some of the most common. Once you’ve determined the purpose of your sign, you can start thinking about the design.
Decide Which Type of Vinyl Sign You Want to Use
There are two main types of outdoor vinyl signs — decals and banners. Decals are made from a thicker, more durable vinyl material and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Banners are made from thinner vinyl material and are not as durable.
If you’re looking for a sign that will last for years, then a decal is the way to go. However, if you need a more temporary sign or don’t want to spend as much money, then a banner may be a better option.
When deciding which type of vinyl sign to use, also consider the design. If your design is complex, a decal may be the better option. If your design is simpler, then a banner should suffice.
Keep in mind that both decals and banners are appropriate for vinyl signs and designs, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Find the Right Vinyl Sign Creation Tools
You can find a variety of software programs online that’ll help you design the perfect outdoor vinyl sign for your business. Many of these software programs are free to use, so you can experiment with different designs until you find the right one for your business.
Once you have found the right software program, you will need to select the right vinyl material for your sign.
There are a variety of vinyl materials that you can choose from, so it is important to select the one that will best withstand the elements. You also need other vinyl creation items like plotter items, blades, holders, and self-healing mats.
Alternatively, you can contact a professional outdoor vinyl sign printing company.
Combine Appropriate Colors
Your color selection will also contribute a lot to the overall look of your outdoor vinyl sign. You have to be careful with the colors you choose and make sure they complement each other well. It would be best if you stuck to a maximum of three colors for your design.
Any more than that will make your sign look too busy and cluttered. When in doubt, you can always consult with a professional graphic designer to help you with your outdoor vinyl sign colors.
Furthermore, since you’re trying to grab attention, it’s prudent to use bold and eye-catching colors.
Keep the Message Simple and Visible
It can be tempting to add a lot of information to your vinyl sign, but more is not always better. Too much text or too many images will make your sign look busy and can be overwhelming for passersby.
Stick to one main message that is clear and visible from a distance. If you have multiple messages, consider using separate custom outdoor vinyl signs. Moreover, large outdoor vinyl signs that can be seen and read from a distance are better.
A good rule of thumb is to make your sign be at least one-tenth the height of the viewing distance. So, if people are standing 50 feet away from your sign, it should be at least five feet tall.
Finally, avoid using abbreviations or acronyms that might not be familiar to everyone. If you must use them, spell out the full word or phrase on the first mention and then include the acronym in parentheses.
How to Use Imagery on Your Vinyl Sign
If you want to add some imagery to your vinyl sign, make sure it’s high-quality and eye-catching. Blurry or low-resolution images will not look good on a large vinyl sign. Choose an image that represents your brand well and that will capture the attention of your target audience.
You can also use graphics or illustrations on your vinyl sign. If you have a logo, make sure that it is prominently featured on the sign. However, don’t let the image be the focal point, as it’ll take away from the message.
Use Appropriate Typography
The typefaces you use on your outdoor vinyl sign will also impact its overall appearance and visibility. When choosing a typeface, consider whether it is easy to read from a distance and whether it complements the other elements of your design.
Some fonts are more suitable for formal occasions, while others work better for casual settings. You should also avoid using more than two different fonts in your design, as this can make it look cluttered and confusing.
How to Put a Call to Action on Outdoor Vinyl Signs
A call to action (CTA) is essential for outdoor advertising to be effective. A CTA is a statement or phrase that encourages the reader to take a specific action, such as visiting your website or making a purchase.
Your CTA should be short, clear, and easy to understand. It should also be relevant to the product or service you’re promoting. Here are some tips for creating an effective CTA:
- Use actionable language
- Make it clear what you want the reader to do
- Keep it short and sweet
- Use persuasive language
- Offer a sense of urgency
- Use first-person pronouns
- Use strong verbs
Here are some examples of effective CTAs:
- “Visit our website to learn more.”
- “Buy now and get free shipping!”
- “Download our e-book today.”
- “Sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date.”
Remember, your CTA should be relevant to the product or service you’re promoting. For example, if you’re promoting a sale on your website, your CTA could be “Visit our website to take advantage of our sale.
Designing the Best Outdoor Vinyl Signs: A Guide
Outdoor vinyl signs are a great way to promote your business or event. They’re durable, eye-catching, and relatively inexpensive. When designing your vinyl sign, keep your audience in mind and use persuasive language, and don’t forget to include a call to action!
If you’re looking to purchase vinyl sign design tools, please give us a call, and we’ll set you up with the best materials.
Simple Solutions International offers a full selection of plotter blades and plotter pens as well as a variety of useful tools for use in plotting and sign making, such as plotter adapters, masking film, spray mask, and other sign-making tools and accessories.