10 Examples of Great Signs and Designs for Small Businesses

A well-designed sign or logo can be a game-changer for your small business. It can create a lasting impression on potential customers, increase brand awareness, and ultimately, drive more sales. Here are 10 inspiring small business signs and designs that can help take your business to the next level.
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Bold and Colorful Typography
Bold and colorful typography can be a powerful way to create a memorable sign or logo for your small business. By choosing unique fonts and incorporating bright colors, you can capture attention and convey a sense of energy and excitement. However, it's important to ensure that your message is still legible and easy to read from a distance.
Strategic Use of Negative Space
Negative space, also known as white space, can be an effective way to create balance and harmony in your small business sign or design. By strategically leaving some areas blank, you can draw attention to the important elements and make them stand out. This can create a sense of elegance and sophistication, making your small business look more professional and polished.
The picture below perfectly describes the use of negative space. Using a tunnel for this signage design is a stroke of genius.

Image via BoredPanda
Incorporating Unique Shapes and Graphics
Using unique shapes and graphics can help your small business stand out and be more memorable to potential customers. Instead of using traditional shapes, consider incorporating more abstract shapes that are still recognizable. Additionally, using unique graphics that are relevant to your business can help communicate your brand message and values. However, be sure to keep the design simple and easy to read from a distance.
Creating this unique shape makes it clear that you shouldn't tailgate.

Image via BoredPanda
Playful and Creative Imagery
Incorporating playful and creative imagery into your small business sign or design can make it more eye-catching and memorable. For example, a restaurant could use a sign with a cartoon burger or a yoga studio could use a sign with a playful yoga pose. Just ensure that the imagery is relevant to your business and communicates your brand message effectively.
Having a simple and playful design for your signage makes it clear that you aren't thinking inside the box.

Image via BoredPanda
Clever Use of Puns or Wordplay
Incorporating puns or wordplay into your small business sign or design can add humor and personality. However, be sure to use puns or wordplay that are easy to understand and relevant to your business. It's also important to get feedback from others to ensure that the pun or wordplay is not offensive or confusing.

Image via Themarketingbirds
Creative use of Lighting
Creative use of lighting can help your small business stand out even after dark. For example, a retail store could use neon signs or LED lights to create a bold and eye-catching display. Creative lighting can also be used to highlight important elements of your sign or logo, making it more visible and attractive to potential customers.
One of the most recent and clever uses of lighting was BBC for their show Dracula. If you look in the image below you can see their use of negative space is phenomenal. The light from the sign makes the image of Dracula's shadow appear.

Image via Adweek
Eye-Catching Color Scheme
Choosing an eye-catching color scheme can help your small business stand out and make a memorable impression. For example, a coffee shop could use a color scheme with warm and inviting tones to create a cozy atmosphere. However, be sure to choose colors that are consistent with your brand and message.
Use of Negative and Positive Space
Using both negative and positive space can create a sense of depth and dimension in your small business sign or design. This can make your sign or logo more visually interesting and engaging. However, be sure to use negative and positive space in a balanced and strategic way to ensure your message is still clear.

Image via BoredPanda
Minimalist Design
A minimalist design can be an effective way to convey a sense of simplicity and sophistication. By using a simple color scheme and typography, you can create a sleek and modern look for your small business sign or logo. This can be especially effective for businesses that want to convey a sense of professionalism.
In the advertisement below you can see that they used a very simple lightbulb to convey their ideas for their billboard design.


Images via BoredPanda
Unique Materials and Textures
Using unique materials and textures can add a touch of creativity and uniqueness to your small business sign or logo. For example, a boutique could use a sign made from reclaimed wood to create a rustic and vintage feel. Using materials that are relevant to your business can also help communicate your brand message and values.
Creating a see-through shirt for a billboard when it rains is the perfect way to use unique materials in your designs.


Images via BoredPanda
Final Thoughts
Creating a great sign or design for your small business doesn't have to be daunting. By incorporating some of these creative ideas and tips, you can create a sign or logo that is memorable, eye-catching, and communicates your brand message effectively. Remember to keep your message simple, legible, and relevant to your business, and you'll be on your way to attracting more customers and driving more sales.