If you want to increase local visibility, you need to put your message where people will actually see it. While digital ads can be effective, they’re also easy to scroll past. Custom yard signs offer a tangible, persistent presence in your community. They work around the clock to make sure your grand opening, special offer, or contracting business gets seen by the right people every single day. This constant exposure builds familiarity and trust, turning neighbors into customers. But to get the most out of your investment, you need a strategy. We’ll show you how to design, place, and maintain your signs for maximum impact.

Key Takeaways

• Choose Your Materials and Size Strategically: The most critical decisions happen before you even think about design. Match the sign’s material to its intended lifespan—corrugated plastic for short-term events, aluminum for permanent fixtures—and pick a size that ensures readability from the road.
• Make Your Message Unmistakable: You only have a few seconds to capture attention. Achieve this with bold, high-contrast color pairings and large, easy-to-read fonts. A simple layout with one clear call to action will always outperform a cluttered, complicated design.
• Maximize Your Return on Investment: Make your signs a lasting asset. Order in bulk to reduce the cost per sign, and protect your investment by cleaning them with mild soap and storing them flat in a dry place. This simple care routine ensures they’re ready for your next campaign.

What Are Custom Yard Signs (And Why Do They Work So Well)?

Think of custom yard signs as mini-billboards you can place almost anywhere. They’re one of the most straightforward and cost-effective ways to get your message in front of a local audience. Whether you’re announcing a grand opening, promoting a service, or directing people to an event, these signs are designed to be seen. Their power lies in repetition and simplicity; when people drive or walk past your sign every day, your message starts to stick. This is why they are such a popular and affordable way to reach people in a local area.

Unlike digital ads that can be scrolled past in a second, a physical sign in a high-traffic area commands attention. It works 24/7 to build brand awareness and encourage people to take a specific action, like visiting your website or stopping by your store. For local businesses, this kind of targeted, consistent exposure is invaluable. At APM Printworks, we create vibrant, durable large format signs that make sure your message doesn’t just get seen—it gets remembered. They’re a simple tool, but when done right, they deliver impressive results.

Find the Right Sign Type for Your Goal

Before you jump into design, think about your goal. What do you want people to do after seeing your sign? The answer will guide your choices. Choosing the right size for your yard sign is crucial for your message to be seen and understood from a distance. You need to balance legibility (how clear the letters are) with readability (how easy the message is to grasp at a glance). A sign that’s too small or cluttered won’t get a second look. A common mistake is poor use of space, which can make important details hard to read. Being intentional with your design ensures every inch of your sign works for you.

See How Different Industries Use Yard Signs

Yard signs are incredibly versatile, which is why you see them everywhere. They’re not just for one type of business or event. People use these signs for a huge range of purposes, from real estate agents advertising open houses to contractors showcasing their work in a neighborhood. You’ll spot them being used for political campaigns, local sports teams, birthday announcements, and community events. For businesses, they’re perfect for promoting seasonal sales, announcing new services, or simply directing customers to your location. This adaptability makes them a go-to marketing tool for anyone looking to make a local impact.

Choose the Right Material for Your Sign

The material you choose for your yard sign is about more than just looks—it determines how long your sign will last and how well it holds up to the elements. Before you decide, think about your sign’s job. Is it for a weekend open house, or is it a permanent fixture for your business? Answering that question will point you toward the perfect material for your needs and budget. Let’s walk through the most popular options so you can make a confident choice.

Corrugated Plastic: The Versatile, Budget-Friendly Choice

If you’ve ever seen a yard sign, it was likely made of corrugated plastic. This material, often called Coroplast, is the go-to for a reason. It’s essentially a plastic version of cardboard, with fluted channels running through the middle, making it incredibly lightweight yet surprisingly sturdy. It’s also waterproof and budget-friendly, which makes it perfect for temporary campaigns, like political races or community events. If you need a large number of signs for a short-term promotion, like a seasonal sale or a grand opening, corrugated plastic is an excellent and economical choice. It’s one of the most common types of yard signs for temporary outdoor use.

Aluminum: Built for Long-Term Durability

When you need a sign that’s built to last, aluminum is the answer. These signs have a smooth, professional finish and are completely rust-proof, making them ideal for long-term outdoor display. Think of the permanent signs you see for real estate agencies, parking instructions, or directions on a business campus—those are often aluminum. While they come with a higher price tag, their durability makes them a worthwhile investment. An aluminum sign will continue to look sharp and professional for years, resisting fading and weathering far better than plastic. This makes it the top choice for any sign you plan on leaving up indefinitely.

Alumacore and Other Specialty Options

What if you want the strength of aluminum without the weight? Meet Alumacore. This clever material sandwiches a corrugated plastic core between two thin sheets of aluminum. The result is a sign that’s rigid and durable but much lighter than solid aluminum, making it easier to install, especially in larger sizes. Alumacore is a fantastic mid-range option for signs that need to look premium and last for a moderate amount of time outdoors. It’s a great fit for semi-permanent storefront signage or directional signs that need a bit more resilience than standard corrugated plastic can offer.

Pick Your Material Based on Local Weather

Choosing the right material isn’t just about longevity; it’s about standing up to your local weather. Here in the Portland area, we know a thing or two about rain and wind. A flimsy sign won’t last through a single stormy season. While corrugated plastic can handle moisture, a strong gust of wind can be a problem for larger signs. For any sign you plan to keep up for more than a few weeks, it’s wise to invest in a sturdier material like Alumacore or aluminum. Don’t let a common mistake like picking the wrong material undermine your message. We can help you select the best large format printing options to ensure your sign looks great, rain or shine.

Find the Perfect Size for Your Yard Sign

Choosing the right size for your yard sign is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A sign that’s too small will be missed entirely, while one that’s too large for its location can look out of place. The goal is to find that sweet spot where your message is clear, readable, and perfectly suited to its environment. It’s not just about having enough space for your text and logo; it’s about making sure people can actually see and understand your message from a distance, whether they’re walking past or driving by.

Thinking about size from the very beginning will help you create a much more effective marketing tool. Before you jump into colors and fonts, let’s walk through how to pick a size that works for your specific needs. We’ll cover the standard, go-to sizes that work for most situations, how viewing distance changes your design requirements, and how to match the sign’s dimensions to its ultimate purpose. Getting this right is the first step to creating powerful large format signage that gets results.

Understand Standard Sizes and Visibility

If you’re not sure where to start, begin with the industry standard: 24 inches by 18 inches. This is the most common yard sign size for a reason. It offers a great balance, providing enough room for a concise message and your contact information without being overwhelming. More importantly, it’s designed for visibility. A standard 24″ x 18″ sign can be easily read from about 70 feet away, making it perfect for front yards, sidewalk displays, and roadside advertising in areas with lower speed limits. This size is a reliable and effective choice for everything from real estate listings to campaign signs.

How Viewing Distance Impacts Your Size Choice

Think about who you want to see your sign and how they’ll be seeing it. Someone walking down the sidewalk has more time to read than someone driving by at 40 mph. On average, you only have about four seconds to capture someone’s attention, so every detail matters. The speed of your audience directly impacts how large your lettering needs to be. For example, for a car going 30 mph, your letters should be about 10 inches tall to be legible. For slower, residential traffic at 25 mph, 7-inch letters will do the trick. Considering your sign’s placement and the typical traffic speed will help you make smart design choices.

Match the Sign Size to Its Purpose

The job of your sign should guide its dimensions. The versatile 24″ x 18″ sign is a workhorse for many applications, but sometimes you need something different. For real estate agents, smaller 24″ x 6″ “riders” are perfect for adding key details like “Sold” or a phone number above or below the main sign. If you have a bigger announcement, like a grand opening or a major event, you might need to go larger. Jumbo signs, like a 2′ x 2′ or even a 4′ x 4′ format, give you the space to make a bold statement that can’t be missed. All of these print products are designed to meet a specific business need.

Design a Sign That Grabs Attention

You have about three seconds to catch someone’s eye with a yard sign. That’s it. Whether they’re driving by or walking down the street, your design needs to be clear, concise, and compelling enough to make them look twice. A sign that’s hard to read or visually confusing is a missed opportunity. The good news is that you don’t need to be a professional designer to create an effective sign.

By focusing on a few core principles—color, typography, and layout—you can create a sign that does its job perfectly. The goal is to communicate your message quickly and leave a lasting impression. A well-designed sign can be one of the most effective advertising solutions in your toolkit, working for you 24/7. Let’s walk through how to make every element of your design count.

Choose High-Contrast Color Combinations

The single most important factor for readability is contrast. If your colors blend together, your message will disappear, especially from a distance. Think about a car driving past at 30 miles per hour—the driver needs to be able to register your sign instantly. Using colors like light gray text on a white background makes this nearly impossible.

Instead, opt for bold, high-contrast pairings. Classic combinations like black on yellow, white on royal blue, or black on white are effective for a reason: they’re easy on the eyes and simple to process. Avoid low-contrast pairs like yellow on white or blue on purple. When in doubt, stick to a dark color for your text and a light, bright color for your background, or vice versa. This simple choice makes your sign more accessible and your message much clearer.

Prioritize Fonts That Are Easy to Read

Your font choice can make or break your sign’s effectiveness. While a fancy script or a highly stylized font might look great up close, it often becomes an unreadable blur from the road. The key is to prioritize legibility over personality. Choose clean, bold, sans-serif fonts like Helvetica, Arial, or Franklin Gothic. These typefaces are designed for clarity and are easy to read at a glance.

Make sure the text is large enough to be easily read from a distance. A good rule of thumb is that every inch of letter height adds about 10 feet of legibility. So, if you want your sign to be readable from 50 feet away, your letters should be at least five inches tall. Keep your message brief so you can use a larger font size for maximum impact.

Follow Key Layout Principles (and Avoid Common Mistakes)

A cluttered sign is an ignored sign. It’s tempting to fill every inch of space with information, but this usually backfires. One of the most common issues is poor use of space, which can leave large areas blank while important details get crammed together. A balanced layout uses negative space (the empty areas around your text and images) to draw attention to your key message.

Keep your design simple and clean. Focus on one primary message—whether it’s “Open House,” “Sale This Weekend,” or your company name and phone number. Too much text or too many graphics will overwhelm viewers. A great layout guides the eye naturally from the most important piece of information to the least. Our team can help you find that perfect balance with our large format printing expertise.

Template vs. Custom Design: Which Is for You?

When it comes to design, you can start with a template or create something from scratch. Templates are a great option if you need a sign quickly and have a straightforward message. They provide a solid foundation and ensure you’re following basic design rules. However, they can sometimes feel generic and may not fully capture your brand’s unique identity.

A custom design allows you to create a sign that is perfectly tailored to your business and goals. A strong custom design delivers a clear message without unnecessary clutter and helps you stand out from the competition. Whether you have a complete vision or just a rough idea, working on a custom design can produce a more memorable and effective final product. Explore all our print products to see what’s possible.

Display and Maintain Your Signs Like a Pro

You’ve put in the work to design a fantastic yard sign, but your job isn’t quite done. Where and how you display your sign is just as important as what’s on it. A sign that’s installed incorrectly, placed in a low-visibility spot, or left to battle the elements won’t do you much good. Getting the display and maintenance right ensures your message reaches the most people and that your investment continues to look professional for as long as possible. Let’s walk through a few simple steps to make sure your signs are set up for success from day one.

Pick the Right Stakes for Installation

Your sign’s stability starts from the ground up. For most standard corrugated plastic signs, simple metal H-stakes are the perfect solution. They’re lightweight, affordable, and make installation a breeze—just slide the prongs into the sign’s vertical flutes and press the stake firmly into the ground. When you order your large format signs, make sure to add the right stakes to your cart. For larger signs or for placement in areas with softer soil or higher winds, you might consider a more robust frame or post. The goal is to keep your sign upright, stable, and facing your audience, not tilted or blown over after the first gust of wind.

Find the Best Placement for Maximum Views

Location is everything. To get the most eyes on your sign, place it in a high-traffic area where people are likely to see it, like a busy intersection, near a community entrance, or right in front of your business. Think about the sightlines from the street. Is it easily readable for someone driving by? Avoid placing it behind a parked car, a large bush, or other obstructions. Also, be sure to check your local sign regulations, as many cities have rules about where signs can be placed in public rights-of-way. A quick check of the City of Portland’s sign code can save you a headache later. If you’re using multiple signs, space them out so each message can be read clearly without overwhelming viewers.

Protect Your Signs from the Elements

Your best defense against the weather is choosing the right material from the start. Our various print products include options like durable, 4mm corrugated plastic designed to hold its own against sun, heat, and plenty of Portland rain. This material is built to resist fading and won’t turn to mush when it gets wet, keeping your message looking sharp. While the signs are tough, you can extend their life even further. If they get splashed with mud or dirt, a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth will keep them looking clean and professional. For long-term campaigns, periodically check on your signs to ensure they are still secure and visible, especially after a storm.

Understand the Cost of Custom Yard

Figuring out the budget for your yard signs doesn’t have to be complicated. While they are one of the most affordable advertising tools available, the final price tag depends on your specific choices. The main elements that will shape your quote are the sign’s size, the material you choose, the complexity of your design (like printing on one side versus two), and, of course, how many signs you need. A simple, single-sided sign will naturally cost less than a large, double-sided one made from a premium material. Understanding these components helps you balance your vision with your budget and ensures you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Key Factors That Influence Price

Several key factors determine the final cost of your custom yard signs. The size is a primary driver—larger signs require more material and ink, increasing the price. The material itself is another major factor; standard corrugated plastic is the most budget-friendly option, while more durable materials like aluminum will have a higher upfront cost. Don’t forget about the design. A simple one-color print is more economical than a full-color, double-sided design. Finally, the number of signs you order plays a huge role. As you’ll see, ordering more can actually lower your cost per sign.

How Bulk Orders Can Save You Money

If you’re planning a large-scale campaign, ordering your signs in bulk is the smartest way to go. Most printers offer significant discounts on larger quantities because it’s more efficient to print many signs at once. As the order size goes up, the price per sign goes down. This is perfect for political campaigns, real estate agencies advertising multiple properties, or businesses running a city-wide promotion. By planning ahead and placing one large order for all your advertising and media solutions, you can stretch your marketing budget much further and get the most impact for your investment.

What to Look For in a Printing Partner

Choosing the right printing partner is about more than just price; it’s about finding a team that offers real value. Look for a local printer that provides clear, upfront pricing without hidden fees. A great partner will also be flexible, accommodating both small and large orders without a strict minimum. It’s also incredibly helpful to work with a company that offers design support. Whether you need a little guidance or a full design created for you, having experts on hand ensures your final product looks professional and effective. A reliable partner makes the entire process, from design to delivery, feel seamless.

Get the Best Value for Your Investment

Getting the best value means finding a sweet spot between cost, quality, and speed. A cheap sign that fades or falls apart after one rainstorm isn’t a good deal. Instead, focus on investing in signs made from durable, weatherproof materials that will last through your entire campaign. Fast turnaround times are also crucial, especially if your promotion is time-sensitive. A quality printer will deliver vibrant, well-made large format signs quickly, ensuring you get a great return on your investment. Ultimately, a sign that looks great and holds up to the elements is what will truly represent your brand well.

Place Your Order with Confidence

You’ve designed the perfect yard sign, and now you’re ready to bring it to life. Placing your print order should be an exciting final step, not a stressful one. To make sure the process goes smoothly and you get exactly what you envisioned, it helps to keep a few key things in mind. Thinking about timelines, quality, and how you’ll submit your design will ensure there are no surprises. A little preparation here goes a long way in getting your signs printed, delivered, and ready to work for your business.

Know the Turnaround Times

When you need a sign for a grand opening, a weekend sale, or a political campaign, timing is everything. Before you commit to a printer, make sure their production schedule aligns with your deadline. Turnaround times can vary widely, so it’s always best to ask upfront. At APM Printworks, we pride ourselves on fast turnarounds for all our print products because we know that Portland businesses move quickly. Always factor in a little buffer time for shipping or pickup, especially if your signs are for a time-sensitive event.

Check for Quality and Customer Support

A cheap sign that falls apart after one rainy day isn’t a good deal. Look for a printing partner who prioritizes quality materials and stands behind their work. Your yard signs are a direct reflection of your brand, so they should be durable and look professional. Equally important is customer support. Can you easily reach someone if you have a question about your order? Having a local team you can rely on for advertising solutions provides peace of mind and ensures you have a partner invested in your success.

Prepare Your Artwork Files Correctly

To get a crisp, clear print, you need to provide a high-quality art file. Most printers prefer vector files (like .AI, .EPS, or .PDF) because they can be scaled to any size without losing quality. If you’re using an image, make sure it has a high resolution (typically 300 DPI) to avoid a blurry or pixelated result. If you’re not a design pro, don’t worry! Many printers offer templates to get you started. And if you’re feeling stuck, our team at APM Printworks is always here to help review your files and make sure they’re print-ready.

Quick Guide: Best Practices for Sign Design

A yard sign has just a few seconds to catch someone’s eye. To make those seconds count, your design needs to be clear, concise, and compelling. It’s less about cramming in every detail and more about making a single, powerful impression. Let’s walk through the essential elements that make a sign effective and the common mistakes that can render it invisible.

Must-Have Elements for an Effective Sign

First, think about visibility. Your sign’s size should be appropriate for its viewing distance—if people can’t see it, they can’t read it. Next, focus on your font choice. Stick with simple, bold, sans-serif fonts that are easy to read from afar. While decorative scripts might look nice up close, they often become a blurry mess from the road. Readability is always the top priority.

Finally, personalize your sign to reflect your brand. Use your logo, brand colors, and a clear call to action with your contact information. This is your chance to make a memorable impression and connect with potential customers. Our large format printing options give you the creative freedom to bring your brand to life.

Design Mistakes That Make Your Sign Invisible

One of the biggest mistakes is a cluttered design. Too much text or too many images will overwhelm viewers. Keep your message focused and use plenty of white space to let the important elements breathe. A sign that’s hard to process will simply be ignored. Another common issue is low contrast. Light gray text on a white background might look subtle on a computer screen, but it will disappear from a distance. Always choose colors that pop against each other for maximum impact.

Finally, avoid information overload. A yard sign isn’t a brochure. Trying to include every detail about your business is a surefire way to communicate nothing at all. Stick to one key message that people can understand quickly.

Store and Care for Your Signs

You’ve invested in high-quality yard signs to get your message out there, so you want them to last as long as possible. With just a little bit of care, you can reuse your signs for multiple events, sales, or seasons, making them an even smarter investment. Proper cleaning and storage will keep your signs looking crisp, professional, and ready to capture attention whenever you need them.

Think of it this way: the better you care for your signs, the longer they’ll work for you. A clean, vibrant sign reflects well on your business, while a dirty or damaged one can send the wrong message. Taking a few minutes to clean and store them correctly protects their appearance and extends their lifespan, ensuring you get the most value out of every sign.

Simple Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Keeping your yard signs looking their best is easier than you think. Before storing them, give them a quick wipe-down to remove any dirt, dust, or pollen. All you need is a soft cloth or sponge and a gentle cleaning solution of mild soap and lukewarm water. To avoid streaks, it’s a good idea to work from the top down.

Once you’ve wiped the sign clean, rinse it gently with a light spray from a garden hose. It’s important to avoid using a high-pressure washer, as it can damage the sign’s surface or graphics. Let the sign air dry completely before you put it away. This simple routine prevents grime from setting in and keeps your colors looking bright and professional for the next time you use them.

How to Store Signs So They Last

Proper storage is the key to protecting your signs from damage between uses. The best way to store corrugated plastic or aluminum signs is to lay them flat in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Storing them upright for long periods can cause them to bend or warp. If you’re stacking multiple signs, place a thin piece of cardboard or a soft cloth between each one to prevent the graphics from scratching or scuffing.

Make sure the storage area isn’t prone to extreme temperature shifts, as this can affect the material and print quality over time. A storage closet, a shelf in a garage, or a back office are all great options. By taking these simple steps, you ensure your custom signs will be in perfect condition and ready to deploy whenever you need to promote your business.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my yard sign actually last outside? The lifespan of your sign really depends on the material you choose. A standard corrugated plastic sign is perfect for short-term use, like promoting a weekend sale or a seasonal event, and will hold up for several months. If you need something that can withstand the Portland weather for years to come, investing in a durable material like aluminum is the way to go. It’s built for long-term display and won’t rust or fade easily.

I’m not a designer. Can you help me create a sign that looks professional? Absolutely. You don’t need to be a design expert to get an effective sign. Many business owners come to us with a clear message but need help with the layout and technical details. Our team can guide you on everything from choosing readable fonts and high-contrast colors to making sure your logo looks sharp. We’re here to help turn your idea into a professional design that’s ready to print.

What’s the biggest mistake people make with their sign design? The most common mistake is trying to say too much. A yard sign is a glance-and-go medium, so a cluttered design with too much text or tiny fonts will be completely ignored by people driving past. The goal is to communicate one clear, simple message instantly. Focusing on a single call to action with large, bold text and high-contrast colors will always be more effective than a sign that looks like a miniature brochure.

How do I know what size sign to order? Think about where the sign will be placed and who you want to see it. The industry-standard 24″ x 18″ sign is a great all-around choice for residential streets and areas with foot traffic. If you need to catch the eye of drivers on a busier road, you’ll want to go larger. A bigger sign gives you the space for larger text, which is essential for making your message readable from a distance at higher speeds.

Is it really cheaper to order more signs at once? Yes, it almost always is. Printing has setup costs, and it’s much more efficient for us to run a single large job than multiple small ones. Because of this efficiency, the price per sign drops significantly as your order quantity increases. If you know you’ll need signs for multiple locations or an ongoing campaign, placing one bulk order is the most budget-friendly approach.