Throughout the course of doing business, you will need signage, whether for customers or employees. You may not think hand-writing your signs is a bad idea, but it can make your business look unprofessional.
Most signs should be printed; the more professional they look, the better impression you’ll leave on your customers.
Here are some common types of signage you might need for your business:
- Open and closed signs
- “Out of order” notices for the bathroom or other equipment
- Signs displaying the special for the day
- “Be right back” signs
- “Reserved” signage for tables
- “Do not disturb” signs
- Welcome signs for the lobby
- Signs telling customers what’s out of stock
- Signs instructing customers on how to use something or where to go
- Banners
- Flyers
These are just some of the signs businesses need, and when you don’t have anything pre-made, it’s easy to scribble messages onto paper as needed. For instance, if an employee needs to use the restroom, they might create a handwritten sign stating they’ll be right back using a black marker. Or, you might want to put a sign on your front door telling people whether they should push or pull to get inside.
Although it may seem like no big deal, you should avoid using handwritten signage for the following reasons.
1. Even neat handwriting can be hard to read
Signs are used to convey important information, and when they’re handwritten, there’s a good chance something will be lost on the people reading those signs. No matter how simple the words are, a handwritten sign takes longer to read than printed text. People might skim the copy or glance at it and not even read it in the first place.
With signage, you should be able to convey your message to the intended target quickly and efficiently, and that’s easier to do with professionally printed signage. You might be able to get away with writing “be right back” on a piece of paper, but as a general rule, big signs and signs with plenty of text should always be professionally made. For instance, if you need signage for a special event, like a corporate party, trade show, or festival, have it printed by a reputable company in the printing business.
2. Printed signs make you look professional
When you present a professional aesthetic, it can help you build trust with your customer or client base. Professionally-printed signage can have a positive impact on how you are perceived, and you can even use it to influence sales. For example, beautiful menu signage with the right colors can influence people to make a purchase.
Good signage can also indirectly influence your bottom line. For example, when customers or clients walk into your lobby, the right signage can make them feel at home, welcome, comfortable, and calm. With professional signage, you can shape how other people experience you and your brand.
3. People will get used to the overall look of your signage
If your signage looks different every time it’s used because it’s being handwritten as needed, your customers or clients will never map a consistent visual in their mind. They’ll have to read the text every time they see your signs, because they won’t know at a glance which sign they’re reading. For example, if you close early sometimes, everyone will need to walk all the way up to the front door just to read the sign that states you’ve closed early.
On the other hand, having unique, printed signs for every purpose will give people the chance to memorize what each sign looks like, and they won’t have to work so hard to get the message. For example, your regular customers will be able to spot your “closed early” sign on the front door while driving through the parking lot, and they won’t even need to park their car to know you’re closed.
4. Spelling mistakes will make your business look bad
Handwritten signs are prone to spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes, and other embarrassing errors. You should never allow employees to write signs unless it’s an emergency and they have no other choice.
5. Your sign might not give the right message
These sign failures say everything. With handwritten signs, there’s a good chance you’ll end up confusing your customers, clients, and possibly even your employees.
Professionally printed signs are more effective
Professionally-made signs will help you generate more sales and convey your messages more effectively. When you ditch the handwritten signs, you’ll be boosting your credibility and giving your business the professional aesthetic you need to succeed.