You could have the best product in Mansfield, the friendliest staff in Ashland, or the most competitive prices in Wooster—but if your signage doesn’t grab attention, people may never walk through your door. That’s why you need our signage design tips!

At Brady Signs, we’ve helped thousands of Northeast Ohio businesses get noticed through innovative, strategic sign design. And we’re here to let you in on our best-kept secrets—those proven signage design tips that can turn a casual passerby into your next loyal customer.

Whether opening a new location in Ontario or upgrading a tired storefront in Bucyrus, these signage design tips are your roadmap to creating signs that don’t just look good—they work.

We’ve spent decades watching what works and what doesn’t across the diverse communities of Northeast Ohio. These are the foundational design principles behind effective signs, backed by real-world experience.

Big Letters, Fewer Words

When it comes to signage, clarity beats cleverness. People viewing your sign are likely in motion—driving, walking, or glancing. You typically have just a few seconds to get your message across.

Keep your copy short and your letters large. Prioritize essential information and eliminate anything that doesn’t help communicate your value. Big, bold text ensures your message is visible from a distance and makes your sign easier to read under less-than-ideal conditions, like foggy mornings or winter evenings in Northeast Ohio.

At Brady Signs, our visibility guidelines ensure your sign works well from the intended viewing distance. For busy roads like Route 90 or Lexington-Springmill, maximizing readability is key to turning passing traffic into potential customers.

Utilize Negative Space for a Clear Message

Negative or white space is the area around your design elements that creates visual breathing room. It helps guide the viewer’s eye and improves comprehension.

A cluttered sign filled with text and graphics forces the brain to work harder to understand the message. Signs that embrace negative space look more modern, professional, and easier to digest.

In Northeast Ohio communities with bustling commercial strips—like Westlake or Avon—where signs compete for attention, effective use of negative space helps your sign rise above the noise.

Use Unusual Visuals to Catch People Off Guard

People are naturally drawn to what’s different. Unusual images or surprising design elements can make people stop, look twice, and remember.

The goal isn’t to be strange for the sake of being strange. You want unique visuals that are clearly connected to your brand or offer. This might be a quirky illustration, a bold graphic, or a playful visual pun.

Something as simple as a custom 3D sculpture on a pylon sign can turn a regular sign into a local landmark, significantly increasing walk-in traffic.

If you can spark curiosity or amusement while conveying your message, you’ve got a winning combination. But also make sure you’re following your community’s codes and regulations.

Play With the Visual Patterns in Your Industry

Every industry has its go-to visual style. Dental offices lean on tooth icons. Salons use scissors or elegant script fonts. Car dealerships go bold with reds and blacks.

These visual cues help people quickly identify what kind of business you are. But when everyone follows the same formula, signs start to blend together.

Instead of copying your competitors, consider breaking from the visual norms just enough to stand out. That could mean using an unexpected color palette, a hand-drawn logo, or a minimalistic layout in an industry known for flashy signage.

In Wooster or Ashland, where local storefronts sit side-by-side, a slight twist on the expected look can help your sign draw the eye and create a memorable impression.

Additional Signage Design Tips

Test your sign design from a distance. Print a scaled version and look at it from across the room. It’ll be even harder to read from the more challenging ones if it’s hard to read.

Think beyond just your logo. Effective signage communicates a benefit, not just a brand. Ask yourself what a customer unfamiliar with your business needs to know instantly.

Remember lighting. Even a well-designed sign needs to be seen. We recommend illuminated signs for Northeast Ohio businesses, where overcast days and long winters reduce visibility. LED lighting ensures your message shines all year long.

Brady Signs is a third-generation family business that has been a premier provider of business signage solutions throughout the North Central Ohio region and beyond for over 50 years. We’re here to discuss how our eye-catching signage can transform your brand into a statement.