Keep it simple.
The proper design of your sign is critical to its effectiveness.
 Use as few words as possible so your signage is legible. Your sign must be attractive and appropriate for your type of business.

Grab attention.
There should be something about the sign that will reach out and command attention. Ideally, the first read should be a large pictorial graphic or your company logo, but it can also be large dominating text.

Appeal to impulse buyers.
People see, shop and buy. If a sign is ineffective, it can actually cost the business owner more in lost sales than the entire cost of a good sign.

Avoid obstructions.
Make certain the sign can be viewed without obstruction from any source. Drive past your business from all directions to help determine the most visible location for your sign.

Use pictures or graphics.
 It should have an attractive pictorial graphic or company logo that clearly grabs a viewer's attention first.

Consider colors carefully.
Too many colors take away from the quick readability of the sign. If you have several colors in a graphic, stay away from multi-colored lines of text or words - Black text is better.

Place it to be seen.
 An attractive and well-designed sign will only be effective if it is placed in a location that optimizes its visibility to passers-by.