May 2, 2025
How many people have walked straight past your business because your sign didn’t grab them?
It’s a tough question. But one worth asking. Because your signage isn’t just a nice extra; it’s a make-or-break part of how people perceive your business before they even step through the door.
We’ve all done it. Judged a place from the outside. Noticed a tired old sign and assumed the service inside matched. Or walked into a shop just because the signage felt fresh, sharp and inviting.
This isn’t about vanity. It’s about trust, attention and credibility.
The sign outside your business is often the first thing people see. And first impressions? They stick. Whether someone is walking by on foot or scrolling Google Street View from their phone, that sign is speaking on your behalf. Loudly. Great signage Perth does three things right away:
Done well, it pulls people in. Done poorly, it sends them looking elsewhere.
It’s easy to overlook. You walk past it every day. But pause and ask: if someone saw your sign for the first time, what impression would they take away?
Ask yourself a few honest questions:
Is it clean and in good condition?
Is it readable from a distance?
Does it look current or outdated?
Is the tone consistent with your brand?
Would you walk in if you saw it for the first time?
If the answers aren’t clear or positive, there’s a problem worth fixing.
Even if someone doesn’t read every word, they’re picking up a lot just from the design. People form opinions in seconds, sometimes even before they’ve fully registered the name on the sign.
Details like spacing, alignment, font choice and colours all send subtle signals. Cheap materials or poorly applied vinyl can give the impression of rushed work or lack of care. And that translates, consciously or not, into how people expect to be treated as customers.
You might have the best product or service around. But if your sign doesn’t reflect that quality, it creates a mismatch that can put people off before you get the chance to prove yourself.
Let’s look at a few of the repeat offenders when it comes to signage that turns people away.
Think about how much time and money businesses spend on digital presence — social media, websites, email campaigns. All good things. But what about the sign that thousands of real people walk or drive past every week?
Updating your signage is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to instantly lift how your brand is perceived. It doesn’t need to be flashy or trendy. Just clean, clear and aligned with your brand’s tone and values.
If your brand is minimalist and modern, your sign should reflect that. If it’s warm and welcoming, the typography and colours should match. Consistency builds trust.
If you're thinking about updating your signage, don’t rush in without a plan. Take time to map out what your brand actually stands for and how you want to be seen.
Start with the basics:
And crucially, make sure you’re not relying on your own opinion alone. Get a few other sets of eyes on it, ideally from people who don’t already know your business. Their gut reactions will tell you more than a dozen design meetings ever could.
It’s about perception, trust, and making people feel like your business is worth their time. The outside of your business sets the tone for everything inside. If the sign makes someone pause, feel curious, or sense quality, you’re already halfway to earning their business.
Great signage isn’t loud. It doesn’t need to be flashy. But it should be intentional. Strategic. And designed to make someone stop, look twice, and think, this place looks good.
If it’s been a while since you gave your signage a proper look, not a passing glance, but a real, honest assessment, now might be the time. It’s not just a board with your name on it. It’s a silent salesperson working 24/7, speaking volumes about who you are before anyone speaks to you. Make sure it’s saying the right things.