5 common mistakes you make with your business sign and how to fix them

Why your business sign matters in Arizona

In Arizona, where the sun is relentless and competition for visual attention is fierce, your storefront sign cannot afford to fail. A well-designed sign not only identifies your business but also guides, persuades, and converts. Below are the five most common mistakes we see at Mas Color Signs—and proven ways to avoid them across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa.

1) Overloaded message or unclear hierarchy

If your sign tries to say it all—name, slogan, services, phone, website, and promo—you’ll end up overwhelming potential customers. The fear of “leaving something out” usually leads to visual clutter and confusion.

Solution: limit your sign to a maximum of three reading levels:

• Brand → main identity
• Category or Benefit → what you do or offer
• Accessories → hours, website, or call to action

Use clear typography, high contrast, and minimal wording. Place variable information—like promotions or schedules—on window graphics or digital displays, not the main sign.

2) Low contrast and inadequate colors for Arizona’s climate

When readability disappears at noon or night, it’s often due to trendy palettes chosen without distance testing or the use of non-UV-protected materials. Arizona’s sunlight and reflective surfaces demand smarter color choices.

Solution: choose high-contrast color combinations (dark/light or light/dark), matte finishes to reduce glare, and calibrated LED lighting. Always use UV-laminated vinyls and inks for durability. If you prefer a modern or bold look, compare which style maintains better readability in your real environment. See our Minimalist vs. Bold guide for reference.

3) Insufficient font size for the viewing distance

If your business name is unreadable from the street or parking lot, sizing was likely done “by eye” instead of following visibility standards. Legibility depends on both font size and traffic conditions.

Solution: apply the rule of ≈1 inch of letter height for every 30 feet of reading distance. This guideline, used in roadway signage, provides a reliable visibility reference. Increase size if your location faces fast-moving traffic or high visual competition.

At Mas Color Signs, we use the 1”/30’ ratio as a starting point and verify with on-site tests and reference materials from the FHWA to ensure accuracy and legibility.

4) Ignoring regulations and accessibility (ADA)

Every sign must comply with local and federal regulations. Ignoring placement, material, or typography requirements can lead to rework or fines. Interior signage, for example, must include proper contrast, tactile letters, and braille where required.

Solution: plan compliance early. Define location, installation height, and contrast levels at the design phase. Our team provides ADA-compliant signage guidance and handles permit management when needed. Learn more in our Guide to ADA-Compliant Signs.

5) Lack of maintenance or poorly calibrated brightness

Dim letters, dusty acrylics, and uneven LED brightness weaken your sign’s impact. Excessive glare or unbalanced lighting can also distort colors and make your logo unreadable at night.

Solution: implement a quarterly maintenance program that includes cleaning, electrical inspection, and seal checks. Calibrate nighttime brightness using dimmers or photocell timers. Explore our sign maintenance and lighting services for hassle-free upkeep.

Bonus tip: the anatomy of a sign that sells

A sign that attracts customers blends a clear message, high contrast, readable size, and a visible call to action such as “Order Online” or “Book Now.” Extra content (promotions, QR codes) belongs on secondary elements like window graphics—keeping the main sign focused on recognition and conversion.

Permits and frictionless processes in Phoenix

In Phoenix and surrounding cities, align design, structure, and installation early with municipal and property guidelines. At Mas Color Signs, we integrate permits and documentation into our workflow, providing plans, specs, and timelines that reduce hidden costs and speed up approvals.

Local insights: what makes successful signage in Phoenix

Based on our analysis of top-performing storefronts, three best practices stand out:

• Ensure visual consistency between exterior and interior materials.
• Optimize placement and angle to capture street and pedestrian traffic.
• Offer end-to-end service from design to installation to maintain control over quality and compliance.

At Mas Color Signs, we apply these lessons while adapting to Arizona’s climate and signage regulations for maximum visibility and ROI.

Ready to turn your facade into an asset that sells?

Our Arizona team designs, manufactures, and installs storefront signs that attract and convert. Request a quote or call us at 623-297-3457 to start your project today.