The Psychology of Signage: Colours, Fonts and Placement that Get You Noticed

When it comes to creating business signage that stands out, it’s not just about what you say – it’s how you present it. Colour, font choice and placement all have a powerful psychological effect on how people perceive your brand and whether they take action.

At Project Group, based in Castleford, we help businesses across West Yorkshire and beyond design, produce and install signage that grabs attention and reinforces your message.

Here’s how psychology plays a crucial role in signage design – and why getting these elements right can make all the difference.

Colour: more than just a design choice

Colour can trigger strong emotional responses and is one of the first things people notice. For signage, colour must work hard: it should be on-brand, readable, and impactful.

• Red: Bold, energetic, and attention-grabbing. Often used for sales signs or urgent calls to action.

• Blue: Trustworthy, calming and professional – great for offices, healthcare and corporate businesses.

• Green: Eco-friendly, relaxing, and balanced – ideal for wellness brands and sustainable businesses.

• Yellow: Optimistic and eye-catching – great for making your brand stand out from the crowd.

• Black and white: Timeless, high-contrast, and ideal for premium or minimalist brands.
  

Think about the contrast too – light text on a dark background (or vice versa) increases visibility from a distance. We can help you test colour combinations to ensure your signage stands out whether it's on a busy high street in Wakefield or on your shopfront in Pontefract.

Fonts: more important than you think

Fonts communicate tone and personality. Are you bold and modern? Traditional and trustworthy? Friendly and approachable? The right typeface will subtly reinforce this.

• Sans-serif fonts (like Arial or Helvetica): Clean and modern. Easy to read from a distance.

• Serif fonts (like Times New Roman): More formal and classic – useful for traditional brands.

• Script or decorative fonts: Can add flair but must be used with care. If it’s not legible at a glance, it’s not working!
  

At Project Group, we often advise clients on how to strike the right balance between brand personality and readability – especially on fast-paced environments like roadside signs or vehicle livery.

Placement: where your sign sits matters

Even a perfectly designed sign won’t perform well if it’s in the wrong place. Strategic placement is key.

• Shop signage: Above the door, at eye level or along a fascia – think about the customer’s eye line and walking direction.

• Window graphics: Great for promotions, opening hours and seasonal messages. These should be easily visible and not blocked by merchandise or reflective glass glare.

• Vehicle signage: Needs to be readable at a distance and while moving. Placement on side panels, rear doors and even bonnets ensures your message is seen on the road.

• Indoor signage: Think directional flow – are customers led where you want them to go?
  

Our experienced team can conduct site visits across Castleford, Leeds, and the wider West Yorkshire area to ensure your signs are installed in the best location for maximum visibility and impact.

Bonus tip: combine signage psychology with professional installation

Designing signage that works isn’t guesswork – it’s strategy, psychology, and experience. That’s where we come in.

At Project Group, we offer a full design consultation service that takes into account:

• Your goals (brand awareness, promotions, wayfinding etc.)

• The environment (indoor/outdoor, lighting, local competitors)

• Your audience (age, profession, lifestyle)
  

We’ll present options that combine clever colour use, legible fonts and smart placement – all backed by our in-house production and professional installation services.

Ready to create signage that works harder for your business?

Whether you're refreshing your retail signage in Castleford, installing window graphics in Wakefield, or wrapping your vehicle in Pontefract, we’re here to help.

Get in touch today to discuss your project – and let’s create signage that not only looks great but actually works.