1. Do not use your opponent’ s color scheme. Okay, this isn’ t rocket science, but we have to say it...Nobody wants to show up in the same color.

2. Stay away from light colors also known as low value colors. For example, yellow letters on a white background are difficult to read. Pastels (baby blue, yellow, pink, light green) will not contrast against white backgrounds. And although they appear quite bright, fluorescent colors will not contrast on white. Choose a dark color (navy blue, maroon, forest green), also known as high value colors. And along the same lines, never use a high value color with a high value color (dark on dark). For example, navy blue lettering on a black background will not show. Just remember, lettering and background must always contrast in order to be readable.

3. Not only is it cost-efficient (it’ s free!), white is your principal base stock color. Blue or red lettering on a white background is a one-color print, and white lettering on a colored (red, blue, green) background is a one-color print.

4. If you are a Northerner, avoid white signs in winter. You don’ t want your sign getting lost in the snow, so use a bright-colored printed background with white letters. In the same way, green backgrounds can get lost in more lush territories and seasons, as yellow signs can against barren backgrounds. A recognizable sign has to be a color that contrasts with its environment. Hence, avoid khakis, gray and brown background colors.

5. The most common colors used on yard signs include red, white & blue. However, too much of a good thing can reduce the distinct nature of a custom sign. Don’ t be afraid to live it up a little with mixing and matching colors.

6. One-color v. two-colors? You can always improve on a one-color design by adding a second color. Remember white, as a base stock color, is free. Two-color printing to produce a yellow/black sign or a red/white/blue sign or a fluorescent green/navy will always stand out with greater impact. With a two-color sign, you will pay more per sign, but it’ s worth it.

7. Unreadable color combinations distract the reader from your main goal. It’ s wise to NOT spend the extra money for multiple colors, shadows or gradients (shades). These color features can make a sign difficult to read. This philosophy also applies to bright color combinations. Many people mistakenly believe that because warning, construction and traffic signs are bright, they must be easier to read. However, they are more readily noticed, but the actual wording can give the optical illusion of being blurred! Generally, a one-color sign, with part being in reverse print and part being regular, will give you the most impact!

FREE BONUS SECRET: YARD SIGN COLOR COMBINATIONS
These color combos are the most readable and successful color combinations in order of viewing efficiency. Remember, color combinations with high contrast between the background and letters are easier to read and can be seen from greater viewing distances.

a. Yellow on Black
b. White on Blue
c. Yellow on Blue
d. Green on White
e. Blue on Yellow
f. White on Green
g. White on Burgandy
h. Burgandy on Yellow
i. Burgandy on White
j. Yellow on Burgandy
k. Red on White
l. Yellow on Red
m. Red on Yellow
n. White on Red