How To Choose A Fantastic Font For Your Business Signage

For signage obsessives like the team here at ProjectGroup, we love geeking out over the finer details and Font choice is one of them. 

You can't escape fonts! They're on your coffee cup, your car, your phone screen. And yet, we don't tend to take much notice. However, choosing a font for your own business can become an anxiety inducing, decision crippling nightmare!

We know that the font you choose for your signage can make or break your brand identity. And we're here to help. 

Fontastic History 

Fonts or “typefaces” have been around since the invention of printing in the 15th century. Back then, typefaces mimicked the calligraphy of the time. Fast forward to the 20th century and fonts became as much about personality as readability.

Think of Helvetica, created in 1957, famous for its clean, modern look, so iconic that brands from Jeep to Panasonic to Nestlé have all used it. Or Times New Roman (is there even any need for an intro?!), developed for The Times newspaper in 1931, which became a default font in everything from school essays to government documents.

And then there’s Comic Sans… the less said about Comic Sans the better! 

Why fonts matter for business signage

Your company signage is usually the very first thing a customer sees. Sometimes before they even know what you sell! A font doesn’t just display words, it conveys feeling.

Serif fonts

(those with little “feet” on the ends of letters, like Times New Roman) suggest tradition, reliability and authority.

Sans-serif fonts

(clean and foot-free, like Arial or Helvetica) feel modern, clear and approachable.

Script fonts

(think handwriting styles) can feel elegant and personal but should be used carefully as they can be tricky to read in certain contexts. 

Display fonts

(bold, quirky, decorative) grab attention and show personality, but not to be overused. 

A simple guide to choosing fonts for your business

When picking fonts for your signage, think about:

1. Readability 

Can someone driving past your shop at 30mph read it in an instant? If not, it's probably not the font for you. 

2. Brand personality

A law firm in Wakefield probably shouldn’t go with bubble letters. But a sweet shop in Pontefract? Perfect. 

3. Consistency

Stick to two or three fonts across your signage and marketing. Too many fonts can cause confusion.

4. Scalability

Your font should look just as good on a giant shopfront sign as it does on a business card. While unusual fonts are fantastic, they might not look so wonderful when embroidered on a jumper!

5. Contrast

Pair a bold heading font with a simple body font. It helps guide the eye to what's most important. 

Famous fonts you already know

Coca-Cola

That flowing Spencerian script is iconic worldwide.

Google

Clean, playful sans-serif in primary colours, designed to look friendly and accessible.

The London Underground

Proof that a great font stands the test of time - Johnston Sans, created in 1916, is still used today on every tube sign. 

How Project Group can help

Choosing the perfect font isn’t just about picking something you like. It’s about creating signage that communicates who you are, works in your space, and gets noticed for all the right reasons. At Project Group, we combine design expertise with practical know-how:

• We’ll guide you through font and design choices.

• We’ll make sure your signage is visible, legible, and compliant with local planning.

• We’ll provide mock-ups so you can see how your fonts look in real life.

• We’ll produce and install the signage for a flawless finish - we can also maintain the signs for you too!

Whether you’re launching a new café in Castleford, updating your office in Leeds, or rebranding your retail space in Wakefield, our team will help you choose fonts (and signage) that work as hard as you do.

Fonts might seem like a small detail, but in business signage, they speak volumes. The right font can make your brand look trustworthy, exciting, luxurious, or even fun.

Which font are you? (a fun quiz for business owners)

Grab a pen, keep score, and let’s find out which font (and signage style) matches your business personality.

1. How would you describe your business vibe?

a) Professional, reliable, traditional

b) Modern, approachable, clear

c) Fun, bold, a little quirky

d) Elegant, stylish, premium

2. Your dream customer is…

a) Someone who values trust and heritage

b) Someone who wants things quick and simple

c) Someone with a sense of humour who loves creativity

d) Someone who wants luxury and attention to detail

3. If your signage was a type of outfit, it would be…

a) A tailored suit

b) A clean polo shirt and jeans

c) A colourful patterned shirt

d) A designer dress or sharp tux

4. Where will your signage be most important?

a) On a professional office or law firm in Wakefield

b) On a café, gym or high-street shop in Castleford

c) On a funky pop-up in Leeds or Pontefract

d) On a boutique or high-end salon in West Yorkshire

Mostly A’s – You’re a Serif Font

Classic, trustworthy and authoritative. Think Times New Roman or Georgia. Perfect for traditional businesses such as law firms, accountants, or established retail brands. Project Group can design elegant built-up lettering or professional office signage to match your style.

Mostly B’s – You’re a Sans Serif Font

Modern, clean and approachable. Fonts like Helvetica or Arial show clarity and friendliness. Ideal for cafés, gyms, and everyday retail. A bold shopfront sign or vehicle wrap with a clean font could be your best investment.

Mostly C’s – You’re a Display Font

Playful, bold and attention-grabbing. From funky bubble letters to punchy custom typefaces, you’re all about standing out. Project Group can help with vinyl graphics, event signage, or even a wrapped wall mural to make your brand impossible to ignore.

Mostly D’s – You’re a Script Font

Elegant, stylish and personal. Script fonts like Lobster or Brush Script (used carefully!) add luxury. They’re perfect for beauty salons, boutique retailers, or premium services. Project Group can craft illuminated signage or window graphics to highlight your refined brand.

From design consultation to full installation, we’ll make sure your signage looks professional, eye-catching and perfectly matched to your brand personality.

So, what’s your font personality? Whatever it is, Project Group can bring it to life with beautifully designed and installed signage across West Yorkshire and beyond. Get in touch today!