A yard sign has become a powerful marketing tool for brand promotion. Today, marketers use yard signs to convey a brand message, allowing people passing by to quickly recognize and connect with the brand.
What is a yard sign?
When thinking of a yard sign, know that it is a temporary, small sign that is usually placed in a yard or lawn. These signs are typically large enough to be seen clearly from a reasonable roadside distance.
These signs are typically made of corrugated plastic, making them portable. Wire stakes provide support to the signs so that they can stand. They are placed in visible locations, such as front yards or along busy streets.
What is the purpose of yard signs?
Yard signs are popular with marketers for promoting a brand message. But that is not the only purpose. Ranging from political campaigns to personal expression, yard signs have been used for a variety of causes. These signs are mostly temporary, used for a short-term campaign.
Here are some key purposes of yard signs:
- Advertising – Promoting an event, service, or business
- Awareness – Generating awareness about a social cause or organization
- Political campaigns – Endorsing a candidate of a political party
- Personal – Supporting a hobby, personal belief, sports team, etc.
- Safety – Issuing warnings, providing directions, property boundaries, etc.
Key considerations to make a yard sign stand out
When designing your yard sign, consider key aspects to make it stand out and convey a compelling brand message. Here is what you need to keep in mind:
Ensure that the yard sign is a unique design
The first and most important tip is to ensure your yard sign stands out. There is no point in having the same sign design as your neighbor and others already have.
So, brainstorm unique ideas to make your yard sign stand out. But the idea should also represent your brand. To create a distinctive sign, consider using holographic surfaces and other unconventional materials. Such custom yard signs will look like a work of art. Create a yard design that reflects your brand personality and makes a bold statement about your brand values.
Use your brand colors
Your yard sign should have colors that people identify with your brand. That measure will let them align the sign with your brand quickly. Use a burst of colors to draw people’s attention to the sign as they walk down the street.
It is advisable to use bold and contrasting colors so that the sign and its text are visible from a distance. With a strategic use of colors, your yard sign can stand out. Incorporate colors that help the sign pop and not blend with the surroundings.
Create the sign in bold typography
Since a yard sign is typically meant for seeing from a distance by the passerby, its message must be instantly legible. Therefore, ensure that your yard sign has the message in bold typography. Bold letters are easily readable from a fair distance. The fonts you use should be bold and clear.
Choose a font that helps your text and yard sign stand out. The font selection should be such that it complements your overall yard design. You have many font choices to make, ranging from modern and sleek to sophisticated and classic, to convey your message.
Pick a shape reflecting your brand personality
The shape of a yard design plays a significant role in making it look different. There were days when most of the yards were rectangular. You can come up with a distinct shape that draws viewers’ attention. So, consider creating your business yard signs in a playful circular or arrow shape.
However, it is advisable to pick a shape that grabs viewers’ attention. There are already hundreds of yards in your vicinity. Try to come up with a unique yard shape that aligns with your brand personality.
Include attractive graphics
Do not forget to include impressive but unique graphics as part of your yard sign design. Incorporate an image that visually represents your desired yard design. Strategically placed graphics will make the yard sign memorable.
Ensure that the visuals you choose tell your brand story. The visuals should evoke the desirable emotions from your audience. For instance, a playful mascot will make your yard look friendly. So, incorporate graphics that align well with your brand personality and message.
Inject a touch of humor
People will love to look at your yard sign more often if its design includes some elements of humor. By bringing a smile to people’s faces, your lawn sign will draw their attention even more. It also helps in creating a yard design that stands out.
To add a touch of humor, you can include a funny image. Or, use some witty wordplay or clever puns. But ensure that the humor elements reflect your brand and its offerings.
Give social proof
Social proof on your yard sign helps build trust and credibility with your target audience. They generally believe in a service that people on social media endorse.
Your social channels might have positive reviews about your services that you should mention in your yard sign. But ensure that the yard sign highlights the social proof so that passersby can get it at a glance.
Incorporate interactive elements
People respond readily to interactive promotional materials. That means people want to gather information independently. Therefore, include interactive elements in your yard sign design to make it more helpful to your target audience.
So, you can incorporate a QR code in your yard sign. Reward your audience with some exclusive offers when they scan the QR code. Such interaction will create a memorable experience for the potential customers.
Display it at a strategic place
Now that you have created an impressive yard sign, it will be noticed only when you put it in the right place. Strategic placement of the sign is a key factor in driving customers to your business.
Choose a location that naturally attracts people’s attention. Ensure your yard sign is positioned near your business and visible from major roads. Consider placing yard signs for businesses in high-traffic areas for maximum exposure.
Lighten up the signboard
How you light up your yard sign also helps it look different from many other such signs. Illuminate the sign so it remains visible to everyone from a reasonable distance at night. A brightly lit sign is vital for events like an opening ceremony.
These are the considerations to keep in mind when designing your yard sign. Make sure that it is a unique design that helps your brand stand out.
Designhill is a creative marketplace that has hundreds of yard sign designers. You can explore their expertise by launching a yard design contest, with the winning designer getting your prize money. Alternatively, you can work with a designer of your choice to create customized yard designs.
Wrapping Up
Yard signs are eye-catching displays designed to grab roadside attention. A unique sign design not only attracts viewers but also drives attention to a brand. When making a yard sign, focus on choosing the right colors, typography, and graphics, and add a touch of humor.
