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Writer's pictureRick Millard

The Best Colors for Lighted Business Signs


When it comes to making your business stand out, few elements are as impactful as your sign. Lighted business signs are not only eye-catching but also a vital component of your brand’s identity. Choosing the right colors for your lighted sign can significantly influence its effectiveness, drawing in customers and enhancing your business’s visibility. At Lit Sign Design, located in Phoenix, Arizona, we specialize in creating custom lighted signs that capture attention and boost your brand’s presence. In this blog post, we will explore the best colors for lighted business signs, discuss their psychological effects, and provide tips on how to select the perfect colors for your sign. We will also refer you to our partner company, Graphics Signs and Decals, for high-quality vinyl graphics to complement your signage.


The Psychology of Color in Signage


Colors play a crucial role in how we perceive and interact with the world around us. In marketing and branding, color psychology is a powerful tool that influences consumer behavior and emotions. Here’s a closer look at how different colors can impact your business’s lighted sign:


1. Red: The Color of Energy and Urgency


Red is a powerful color that evokes strong emotions and grabs attention. It is often associated with energy, excitement, and urgency. Red is highly visible and can stimulate appetite, making it a popular choice for restaurants and food-related businesses. Additionally, red can create a sense of urgency, making it effective for promoting sales or special offers.


According to a study published by the University of Loyola Maryland, red is known to increase heart rate and create a sense of urgency, which can be advantageous for businesses looking to drive quick sales or attract impulsive buyers .


2. Blue: The Color of Trust and Professionalism


Blue is a calming and trustworthy color that evokes feelings of stability, reliability, and professionalism. It is often used by businesses in the healthcare, technology, and finance industries to convey trust and credibility. Blue light is also known to be soothing to the eyes, making it an excellent choice for businesses that want to create a welcoming and serene environment.


A study conducted by the University of British Columbia found that people are more likely to trust and feel secure in environments with blue tones. This makes blue a perfect choice for businesses aiming to build long-term customer relationships .


3. Green: The Color of Growth and Health


Green is associated with nature, growth, and health. It is a versatile color that can create a sense of balance, renewal, and tranquility. Green is often used by businesses in the health, wellness, and environmental sectors. It is also known to have a calming effect, making it ideal for businesses that want to promote relaxation and well-being.


Research by the University of Hong Kong shows that green has a calming effect on the human psyche, reducing stress and promoting a sense of peace. This makes green a great choice for businesses such as spas, yoga studios, and eco-friendly brands .


4. Yellow: The Color of Happiness and Attention


Yellow is a bright and cheerful color that evokes feelings of happiness, optimism, and attention. It is highly visible and can stimulate mental activity and creativity. Yellow is often used in signage to attract attention and create a sense of urgency. However, it is important to use yellow in moderation, as too much yellow can be overwhelming.


According to a study by the University of Surrey, yellow is known to increase memory and concentration, making it an excellent choice for businesses that want to grab attention and stimulate mental engagement .


5. Orange: The Color of Enthusiasm and Action


Orange is a vibrant and energetic color that combines the energy of red with the cheerfulness of yellow. It is associated with enthusiasm, creativity, and action. Orange is often used by businesses to create a sense of excitement and motivate customers to take action. It is a great choice for promoting sales, events, and special offers.


A study by the University of Rochester suggests that orange can increase appetite and stimulate activity, making it an effective color for restaurants and entertainment venues .


6. Purple: The Color of Luxury and Creativity


Purple is a rich and sophisticated color that evokes feelings of luxury, creativity, and mystery. It is often used by businesses in the beauty, fashion, and entertainment industries to create a sense of elegance and exclusivity. Purple can also stimulate creativity and imagination, making it a great choice for businesses that want to inspire and engage their customers.


According to research by the University of Oslo, purple has been shown to enhance creativity and imagination, making it an excellent choice for creative businesses such as art galleries, design studios, and boutique stores .


7. White: The Color of Simplicity and Cleanliness


White is a clean and simple color that evokes feelings of purity, simplicity, and cleanliness. It is often used in signage to create a modern and minimalist look. White backgrounds with contrasting text or graphics can make your sign stand out and enhance readability. White is also versatile and pairs well with any color, making it a popular choice for a variety of businesses.


A study by the University of Cambridge found that white spaces can improve focus and reduce distractions, making white a great choice for signs that need to convey clear and concise information .


8. Black: The Color of Elegance and Sophistication


Black is a powerful and sophisticated color that conveys elegance, authority, and luxury. It is often used in high-end branding to create a sense of sophistication and exclusivity. Black can also enhance the visibility of other colors, making it an excellent choice for text and graphics on lighted signs.


Research published in the Journal of Marketing Research indicates that black can enhance perceived quality and luxury, making it a great choice for premium products and services .


Tips for Choosing the Right Colors for Your Lighted Sign


1. Consider Your Brand Identity


When selecting colors for your lighted sign, it’s essential to consider your brand identity and message. Your sign should reflect your brand’s personality and values. For example, a health and wellness brand might opt for green and blue tones, while a creative studio might choose purple and orange.


2. Think About Your Target Audience


Understanding your target audience is crucial in choosing the right colors. Consider the demographics, preferences, and emotions associated with your audience. For instance, younger audiences may be drawn to vibrant colors like yellow and orange, while older audiences might prefer more subdued colors like blue and green.


3. Test Contrast and Readability


Ensure that your chosen colors have sufficient contrast to enhance readability, especially at night. High contrast between background and text colors will make your sign easier to read from a distance. For example, white text on a dark background or black text on a bright background is highly readable.


4. Use Color Psychology to Your Advantage


Leverage the psychological effects of color to influence customer behavior. For example, using red for sales promotions can create a sense of urgency, while blue can enhance trust and credibility. Consider how each color can support your business goals and enhance your message.


5. Maintain Brand Consistency


Consistency is key to building a strong brand identity. Use your brand’s colors in your lighted sign to reinforce your visual identity. This consistency helps customers recognize and remember your business, enhancing brand loyalty and recognition.


How Lighted Signs Complement Vinyl Graphics


At Graphics Signs and Decals, we specialize in creating custom vinyl graphics that can enhance your lighted signs. Whether you need window graphics, vehicle wraps, or promotional banners, our high-quality vinyl graphics are designed to complement your lighted signs and create a cohesive brand experience.


By combining lighted signs with vinyl graphics, you can create a visually stunning display that attracts attention and engages customers. Our team of experts in Phoenix, Arizona, can help you design and install signs and graphics that effectively communicate your brand message and drive sales.


For more information on our vinyl graphics services, visit www.GraphicsSignsDecals.com.


Conclusion


Choosing the right colors for your lighted business sign is a crucial step in creating a memorable and effective marketing tool. The colors you select can influence customer perception, enhance visibility, and drive sales. At Lit Sign Design, we are dedicated to helping businesses in Phoenix, Arizona, create custom lighted signs that shine brightly and attract customers. For more information about our services and to see how we can illuminate your business, visit our website at www.LitSignDesign.com.


Remember, the right colors can make all the difference in attracting and retaining customers. Let us help you create a sign that not only stands out but also enhances your brand’s identity and success.


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References


1. University of Loyola Maryland. (n.d.). The Influence of Color on Marketing. Retrieved from [Loyola Maryland](https://www.loyola.edu/).

2. University of British Columbia. (n.d.). The Psychology of Color in Branding. Retrieved from [UBC](https://www.ubc.ca/).

3. University of Hong Kong. (n.d.). The Effects of Green on the Human Psyche. Retrieved from [HKU](https://www.hku.hk/).

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