Monumental Mistakes: Top-4 Monument Sign Errors To Avoid In Fort Worth, TX
Monument signs are among the most popular and effective advertising tools for businesses looking to attract local audiences, build authority, and convert views to sales. But their effectiveness is drastically reduced by the following 4 monumental design and placement mistakes.
Read on to learn what not to do to get great results on your next monument sign order, or call (817)-769-8453 to speak directly with a monument sign specialist near you in Fort Worth, TX.
1. Insufficient Contrast In Your Monument Sign Design
In a 2017 report for the Interdisciplinary Journal of Signage and Wayfinding, research lead John Bullough concluded that “the contrast between a sign and its immediate background is the primary determinant of one’s ability to detect the sign in visually simple environments, perhaps more than size.”
Accordingly, your monument sign design should strive to maximize the contrast between your sign copy and substrate. Black-on-white, white-on-black, and white-on-red were rated among the most effective high-contrast combinations, but these are not your only options, as long as you maintain the recommended luminance ratio of 12:1.
Of course, internal contrast, that which exists within your sign, should not be your only concern. For best results, consider ways to create external contrast between your monument sign and its surrounding environment. For example, if your business backs onto a verdant strip of forest or green space, don’t pick a green sign—try red, white, or yellow to really stand out. The same goes for your surrounding signscape, too; unless you’re forced to conform with the design standards set by a multi-tenant mall owner, strive to stand out from your competitors.
If you need more help finding ways to crank up the contrast and put sign design theory to practice, our monument sign team is standing by!
2. Poor Monument Sign Placement At Roadside
Even the best monument sign design will fall flat with improper placement.
For example, according to a report by the U.S. Small Business Administration, “signs mounted on the left side of the road require letters to be one-third larger than those on the right side of the road for equal legibility” (Bullough, 2017).
Accordingly, we always recommend placing your monument sign on the right side of the road. When this isn’t possible, consider using a pylon sign or similar vertical display instead, as this will ensure that your message isn’t blocked by traffic traveling in the left lane.
3. Imperfect Monument Sign Angle And Setback
“People see things most clearly when they are directly in-front and facing them,” states the International Sign Association. “Every adjustment up, down, or to the side, and every angle of rotation, affects the visibility of that sign.”
Obviously, few businesses will get the opportunity to display their monument signs head-on, but roadside displays still need the correct angle and setback, and we can help you with this critical calculation.
4. Improper Monument Sign Specifications
Choosing the wrong specifications for your monument sign can not only cost you sales by allowing your message to go unseen—it can also expose you to fines due to sign code violations.
According to the Fort Worth Code of Ordinances, monument signs must be designed with
- A maximum height of 8 feet
- A maximum width of 16 feet
- A maximum advertised message area of 96 square feet
- A minimum ground contact of 75% of the structure’s width
When you work with our monument sign team, you have nothing to fear. We provide full support with permitting applications and approvals, and we’ll keep your specifications 100% code-compliant, every step of the way.
Get A Free Quote On A Custom Monument Sign In Fort Worth, TX
More Than Words Sign Solutions is a leading provider of monument sign design, production, permitting, and installation services throughout Fort Worth and all of the surrounding areas, including the communities of:
- Dallas
- Weatherford
- Irving
- Johnson
- Mansfield
- Arlington, and beyond
To get a free quote on any custom monument sign order, you can:
- Call (817)-769-8453
- Write email@fortworthsignsolutions.com
- Fill out our online contact form to request a callback at your convenience
References
Bullough, J. (2017). Factors affecting sign visibility, conspicuity, and legibility: Review and annotated bibliography. Interdisciplinary Journal of Signage and Wayfinding, 1(2), 2-25.
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