Tips for Designing Visually Effective and Interesting Signs

As a content writer who has written about signs galore, I have discovered an occupational hazard. I notice signs. Everywhere I go! Signs are everywhere: the good, the bad, and absolutely atrocious. There are plenty of shameful signs out there.

For businesses and consumers alike, signs are an investment and are designed to achieve a specific promotional or informational purpose. CustomSigns.com will help design the signs you need to meet your promotional goals, including yard signs, directional signs, banners, or safety signs, just to name a few. To get you started, we’ve compiled the following tips so that you can design visually effective and interesting signs that are sure to get the attention they deserve.

Features of Poorly Designed Signs

There are multitudes of ineffectively designed signs out there, barely grabbing the attention of anyone whizzing by, whether by bus, car, bike, or even walkers out for a stroll. Signs tend to be crammed with entirely too much information, including text, colors, pictures, or logos, among others. Perhaps the size of the sign is all wrong for the message that is meant to be conveyed.

When it comes to effective signs, keep them visible and legible – less is always more!

The Benefits of Good Signage | Signs That Are Thoughtfully Made and Easily Readable

When signs are designed and custom made for your specific needs, they will become an integral part of your marketing and branding outreach efforts. Signs are economical, easy to install, custom, and an affordable way to advertise or spread your message. The professionals at CustomSigns.com are here to assist you every step of the way.

How to Create Appealing and Effective Signage

First, it is important to determine the type of signs you need. At CustomSigns.com, we’ve got you covered with banners, corrugated plastic yard signs, aluminum signs with vinyl overlay, street signs, and vinyl signs, just to name a few.

How to Design Your Signs

There are many factors that should be taken into consideration before and during your design process. First and foremost, signs should be attractive, reusable (when appropriate), clear, concise, easily readable, and visually appealing.

Things to Remember When Designing Signs:

Make sure that your signs are able to withstand normal weather conditions
There should be either white or plainly colored space that includes no text or graphics; this ensures ease of readability and conveying your message to the reader
- Ideally, between 30 and 40 percent of a sign’s surface area should be left blank
Choose the size of your signs wisely, considering how far away readers will be and the areas they will be viewed from
Remember! Less is more when it comes to sharing your message, too many words are difficult to read from a distance and add unnecessary clutter
When choosing font style, thoughtfully choose lettering styles that are easy to read when viewed from afar
If using more than one font, choose styles that complement one another and limit each sign to two fonts; this will help your message to be more easily read
Only use capital letters when necessary; using all caps will make your text more challenging to read
If you have a specific phrase or key words to highlight, do so with bold font or black lettering
Group information logically, strategically separating your design layout and blank spaces
Sometimes, text is not necessary to relay the message of your sign, an eye-catching, self explanatory graphic is simple, yet effective

Did you know?

Adding a border can increase readability, especially for roadside signs
To make signs more easily readable from a distance, choose foreground and/or background colors that enhance the signs’ text and/or images
Graphics and digital pictures can greatly enhance the look and impact of your custom signs
Consider adding photos, official logos, artwork, or any other visually appealing design that relate to your signs’ message(s)

Where should my signs be placed?

You want your signs to be noticed – and remembered!

Post your signs in places where they are likely to get maximum exposure from your target audience
Be aware of placing your signs where potential obstructions may serve as obstacles preventing a clear view of your signs – without visibility by your target audience, your signs serve no useful purpose!

At CustomSigns.com, we are here for you, our valued customer. Whether you need help choosing premade signs that are right for you or would like to design your own signs, our knowledgeable Customer Focus Team is here to assist you every step of the way, before and after the sale. All of our products are made in our state-of-the-art facilities right here in the USA, where your complete satisfaction is our goal!

August 14, 2018July 8, 2020

How Proper Signage Helps to Promote Safety, Health, and Wellness in Schools – Part 2

As the back-to-school bell rings class into session for the new school year, promoting safety, health, and wellness throughout your school halls is a requirement for ensuring that every student has a wonderful year from start to finish.

Encouraging a Bully-Free Zone in Your School

Turn knowledge into power. Educating students, teachers, and parents about how to identify, stop, or even prevent the bullying problem that continues to escalate in America’s schools today will go a long way in creating a welcoming and safe learning environment for everyone.

There are many forms of bullying. Whether bullying is physical, verbal, electronic, or done directly or indirectly, the emotional tolls are significant and have even led to suicide. Additionally, while bullying affects the victim, it also impacts those who bully others and those who witness bullying take place. According to national statistics, nearly 30 percent of middle and high school students have been the target of bullying, while approximately 70 percent of students say they have witnessed bullying across school campuses.

Schoolbullying.gov is an excellent resource for finding and sharing bullying information, including the following:

What to Look for – Signs of Bullying Behavior

Loss of interest in school or declining grades
Sudden loss of friends or withdrawal from social activities
Frequent nightmares or difficulty falling or staying asleep
Frequently feeling sick or revealing unexplainable injuries
Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem
Changes in eating habits, including not eating or binge eating
Lost, damaged, or destroyed personal items, such as clothing or electronic devices
Self-destructive behaviors that may include self-harm, suicide, or running away from home

Tactics for Preventing Bullying in Schools

Keep Awareness and Communication at the Forefront

Creating awareness and building an environment where open communication is welcomed will go a long way in creating the opportunities for connection and bullying prevention.

Teach Kindness and Compassion

Treating others with kindness and having the ability to see things from someone else’s perspective helps students to better understand others and what they may be going through. With this deeper understanding, students may be less likely to bully and more likely to reach out to others unlike themselves.

Create Opportunities to Connect

Bringing others together helps them get to know one another on a more meaningful level. Learning that what you see on the outside is not always reflective of who a person is or how he or she is doing on the inside is a valuable lesson that can go a long way.

Recognize the Signs

Being aware of the signs of those who are bullied and those who are bullying others is paramount to recognizing and addressing the problem quickly and effectively.

Encourage a Collective Community

To effectively prevent or reduce bullying in any school, it takes the whole community to be aware, communicate, and share the responsibility of ensuring that all students have a safe, open, and nurturing environment where they can grow and learn.

Creating a Culture of Awareness and Prevention

Keep bullying awareness and prevention at the forefront by posting reminders that bullying is forbidden on your school campus. At CustomSigns.com, our traditional signs for posting in the hallways or vinyl decals for adhering to classroom doors or windows will keep bullying awareness front and center and encourage potential bullies to think before they act. When the whole school community is actively involved and working together to create an environment centered on kindness and respect toward everyone, positive change is likely to follow.

August 7, 2018July 7, 2020

How Proper Signage Helps to Promote Safety, Health, and Wellness in Schools – Part 1

UPDATED: March 12, 2020

As the school bell rings each morning, parents and teachers are busy ensuring that students have a year full of happy, healthy days in schools everywhere! Promoting safety, health, and wellness in the classroom are sure-fire ways to ensure that students stay healthy, strong, and ready to learn all year long.

In light of recent coronavirus concerns, there are several steps that parents and teachers can take to help keep healthy practices at the forefront and germs at bay throughout the school year and beyond.

Keep Germs from Sprouting up in Your Classroom

During the school year, classrooms can become breeding grounds for millions of tiny bacteria, causing quite the stir as sniffles and sneezes are constantly whirring in the background. Healthy classrooms promote healthy minds, and promoting healthful practices every day will help keep kids in the classroom and learning at the head of the class.

Promote Practices for Good Health and Hygiene

Establishing healthful habits requires repetition. Remind students every day to do their part to keep germs away. A great place to start is by promoting healthy restroom practices. Proper hand washing is essential for preventing the spread of germs and disease.

While eye-catching hand washing signs will easily remind older children to properly wash their hands, teach the little ones to use lots of soap and water and scrub hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. You can customize a hand washing sign with a simple message, give a step-by-step tutorial, or warn of the danger of spreading germs.

Set up hand sanitizing stations around your classroom for an easy way to prevent the spread of bothersome germs. With just a small squeeze of sanitizer before playtime or meals, after recess, or anytime throughout the day, this practice will help keep those germs from invading your classroom. Be sure to put a station at the classroom door, where students can sanitize every time they come or go.

Creating a classroom cleanup routine will encourage everyone to be mindful of daily responsibilities while helping to keep germs away. Have your “classroom cleanup crew” focus on different areas each day, using disinfecting wipes with an alcohol content of at least 60% or 70% (they’re handy, neat, and disposable) to regularly wipe down everything including desks, doorknobs, light switches, handles, computers and keyboards, bathroom sinks, lunch tables, toys, and other surfaces commonly touched throughout the day. Anything little hands touch or any materials that are shared among students should be on the list.

Encourage Personal Space to Keep Germs at Bay

With any contagious disease, including colds, the flu, and the novel coronavirus, establishing personal space is a must, and in classrooms full of children who love to play together and are often in close proximity to one another throughout the day, creating physical boundaries are a must.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend keeping a distance of six feet from one another to avoid the spread of contagious germs and bacteria. In addition, teach children to cough or sneeze into a tissue that can be immediately thrown away, or into the elbows of their sleeves.

Encourage children to refrain from touching their faces, especially eyes, nose, and mouth, especially with unwashed hands.

Encouraging mindful behaviors and healthy habits in school will help keep germs out of your classroom and students filing in, eager to learn, play and grow all year long!

TEACHER TIP:

All That Glitters – Germs Are Everywhere

First things first! Help children to “see” how germs travel by having students participate in a “sparkling” science experiment that demonstrates the importance of keeping germs at bay. Begin by having each student rub a thin layer of lotion on his or her hands. Next, sprinkle some glitter on each student’s hands, using one color for half the class and another color for the remaining students.

Have the children go around the classroom, shaking hands, opening doors and closets, picking up books, and moving about as usual. After a few minutes, have everyone look at their hands and see that the “glitter germs” have easily spread throughout the class. Finally, have everyone wash their hands with water only, demonstrating that the germs are still there. Then, bring on the soap suds and watch the germs wash down the drain!

August 1, 2018February 7, 2023

Custom Banners for School Events

How Can Custom Event Banners Help Your School?

Custom designing an original school banner is one of the most effective ways to get – and keep – the attention of students, teachers, and parents alike.

While there are many school events that take place annually, there also are many new and exciting events that take place each academic year – and even a few throughout the summer.

Full-color, durable, vinyl banners are a colorful, festive way to get your message out while putting your school spirit on display!

Students celebrating their graduation under a Graduation Banner

What Makes A School Banner Effective?

Purpose

To begin with, identify your purpose and target audience and begin designing your banner with these objectives in mind.

For those events that happen each year, such as orientation and welcoming children back to school, sporting events, and book sales, just to name a few – keep your message general and non-specific by not including dates and/or times. These event banners will be ready to go with each new school year.

Children studying together under a Math Club banner

Design

Add as much color (school colors are a favorite!) and detail as you like! The brighter and more eye-catching the banner, the more likely students will take notice and be excited.

Using a combination of text (no more than two font styles is ideal) and images (be sure they match your message!) is a terrific way to help young minds remember whatever message your banner is relaying.

With that said, be sure not to create a banner that is overly “busy” with too many colors, text, or images so that your message doesn’t get lost in a sea of clutter.

Sports banner hanging below a basketball hoop

Sending a Message

For any banner, whether it will be used every school year or it’s a banner designed for a specific event, it is best to keep the message short and simple.

Focus on a single message and include an encouraging call to action. Additionally, bullet points or numbers are perfect for highlighting key information that will be easier to remember.

Ideas For School Banners:

Welcome back to school!
Orientation
Promote school pride
Display school mission and values
Display school rules
Set positive tone and expectations
Belonging and inclusiveness
Improving school morale
Displaying encouraging messages
Dances, homecoming, talent shows
Seasonal event banners
Fall or other festivals
Fundraisers

Individual classrooms/departments/doors
Lunchrooms
School nutrition
Book Sales
School clubs
Band banners
Gymnasiums
Championship banners
Add a name/date/championship banners
Sporting events
Sports fields
School and/or sports team sponsors
Graduations
School and/or campus expansions
Parking

Welcome Back To School banner hanging up at a school.

Custom Banner Options and Standard Features

Our Custom Full-Color Vinyl Banners are perfect for a variety of uses for your school throughout the year. Whether you’re welcoming students or promoting your school’s latest fundraiser, our banners are an eye-catching way to get your message noticed! Our banners come with:

Choice of background color
Choice of several banner sizes
Customizable text, choice of font style, color(s) & font size(s)
Option to upload your school logo, mascot, or other image
Are suitable for indoor & outdoor use
Choice of wind slits (for outdoor use)
Choice of grommets and grommet placement (if needed)
Are fade resistant with vibrant colors

When is the Best Time to Order School Banners?

Long gone are the days when students head back to school after the Labor Day holiday has passed. Now, back to school dates vary widely across the country – some students even head back to the classroom at the beginning of August. Starting early to prepare for your new year is key. Place your orders early to avoid the last minute back to school rush. Custom banners typically ship within 1-2 business days.

Check us out on social for more custom sign ideas!

July 13, 2018November 9, 2020

No Soliciting Sign: Do Signs Stop Solicitors? No Soliciting Explained

[UPDATED: 12/10/19]

Table of Contents
1. Who Are Solicitors?	7. Can I Be Refunded?
2. What Do They Sell?	8. Can HOAs Ban Them?
3. Is It Legal?	9. When to Be Aware
4. How Do I Stop Them?	10. Beware of Fraudsters
5. Do No Soliciting Signs Work?	11. Soliciting Laws by State
6. Are There Exemptions?

Who Are Solicitors?

A solicitor is any person who goes door-to-door attempting to sell goods to residents.

What Kinds of Things Do Solicitors Typically Sell Door-to-Door?

Most often, solicitors offer tangible goods like windows, doors, or other structural, big ticket items. Or, they offer intangible goods like clean up and repair after a major weather event or insurance policies and other financial instruments.

Is Door-to-Door Soliciting Legal?

Even private property owners may be surprised to learn that door-to-door soliciting actually is legal in the United States. The Supreme Court has ruled that traveling salespeople have a constitutional right to be there, upholding their right to free speech for commercial purposes. States, and even local municipalities, are not allowed to create laws or regulations, for example requiring registration or permits or setting permissible solicitation hours.

How Can I Keep Solicitors From My Home or Business?

While door-to-door soliciting may fall under the constitutional rule of law, one effective way to deter or even stop a solicitor from knocking on your door is by posting “no soliciting signs” or “no trespassing signs” conspicuously on your property. These signs make it known to potential visitors that they are not welcome to infringe on your privacy or trespass on your property.

No Soliciting Signs at CustomSigns.com, Use Code csign20 — Get 20% off soliciting signs with code **CSIGN20**

Neighborhood residents should post signs in windows, on doors, fences, trees, or at property entrance ways. Businesses should post signs at all public and property entrances and in parking lots for all to see.

With the current state of the world and active social distancing, reminding solicitors to stay away means more than ever. Posting social distancing signs at your home or business helps flatten the curve and prevent unecessary contact with others.

Do No Soliciting Signs Really Work?

Yes! “No soliciting” signs are effective in deterring unwelcome guests. By posting these signs, you are exercising your legal right to refuse uninvited visitors and convey your request to not be disturbed. Anyone who refuses to leave can face trespassing charges and/or fines.

Is Anyone Exempt From Following A No Soliciting Sign?

In the US, anyone who refuses to leave your property upon request is breaking the law. While each state is different, many areas impose penalties on those who choose to ignore posted “no soliciting” or “no trespassing” signs on private property, including businesses that post such signage. Even those who are not actually selling a tangible product, such as religious, political, or charitable organizations, are legally required to leave your property upon your verbal or written request.

Can I Be Refunded For A Purchase Made With A Door-to-Door Salesperson?

Even though there are no formal laws prohibiting soliciting, there are laws in place to protect consumers from defective products, fraudulent offers, and scams. Many individual cities or towns require door-to-door salespeople to post a solicitation bond before selling their goods to the masses. This protects the customer in the event that a product or service is faulty or part of a scam; the consumer will be able to claim a portion of these funds proportional to the money he or she lost as a result of the original transaction.

Further, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has instituted a rule that allows anyone who purchases something at his or her home from a door-to-door salesperson (totaling $25 or more) to cancel his or her order and receive a full refund within three days. This rule also applies to purchases made from solicitors at other locations with a purchase price of $130 or more.

Can Homeowner’s Associations Ban Solicitation in Their Neighborhoods?

Typically, homeowner’s associations are not permitted to stop solicitors from visiting individual homes in a neighborhood, since the decision to listen to or purchase from someone is an individual decision. There may be exceptions, though, as when gated communities post “no soliciting” or “no trespassing” signs at the neighborhood entrances. Since rules can widely vary, always be aware of your local directives.

When To Be More Aware Of Door-to-Door Scams

The most popular seasons for solicitors to be out and about are typically during the spring and summer months when the weather is wonderful and many people are home during seasonal breaks. However, additional caution should be used when unforeseen events happen in widespread areas, such as strong storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, or other disasters. Unfortunately, scammers use these catastrophes to take advantage of vulnerable people who are desperately in need of assistance.

Major Storm Alert! Be Aware of Fraudulent Solicitors

Centrally located on Florida’s first coast in Jacksonville, at CustomSigns.com, we know how important proper preparedness is for major tropical storms and hurricanes. Especially in southern coastal states where natural disasters seem to be a common occurrence, preparedness also means educating local residents to be particularly mindful of potential scam artists. These fraudsters, who often show up suddenly and unannounced, offer deeply discounted prices and promise immediate repairs, only to take the homeowner’s deposit and run. In addition to protecting your property with “no soliciting” and “no trespassing” signs, whenever in doubt, always take the time to get the facts. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a reputable place to begin, as well as asking for references and verifying professional licenses and insurance. Safety always comes first.

Soliciting Laws by State

Most states have established municipal codes following the same general regulations. However, as with anything, there are exceptions and distinctions from state to state, county to county, and even city to city.

The following table lists examples of municipal codes concerning solicitors, peddlers, and canvassers by state and city. The examples include the required or suggested wording for your “No Soliciting Sign” to comply with local laws and regulations.

NOTE: the following table is NOT comprehensive by state or municipality. For additional information, visit Municode.com or contact your City Clerk or other local government official.

Select Your State
AL	AK	AZ	AR	CA	CO	CT	DE	FL	GA
HI	ID	IL	IN	IA	KS	KY	LA	ME	MD
MA	MI	MN	MS	MO	MT	NE	NV	NH	NJ
NM	NY	NC	ND	OH	OK	OR	PA	RI	SC
SD	TN	TX	UT	VT	VA	WA	WV	WI	WY

Select Your State
AL	AK	AZ	AR	CA
CO	CT	DE	FL	GA
HI	ID	IL	IN	IA
KS	KY	LA	ME	MD
MA	MI	MN	MS	MO
MT	NE	NV	NH	NJ
NM	NY	NC	ND	OH
OK	OR	PA	RI	SC
SD	TN	TX	UT	VT
VA	WA	WV	WI	WY

Click your state to visit Municode.com for more information

State	Municipality	Required Wording for Your Signs
Alabama	Alabaster	“No Solicitation” or “No Soliciting
	Alexander City	16-25 square inch sign, “No Soliciting”
	Anniston	“No Soliciting” sign no smaller than 16 square inches
Alaska	Seward	“No Solicitors,” “No Peddlers,” “No Trespassers,” or similar wording
Arizona	Avondale	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” “No Canvassers,” “No Trespassing,” “Do Not Disturb,” or similar wording
	Buckeye	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” “No Canvassers,” “No Trespassing,” “Do Not Disturb,” or similar wording
	Chandler	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” “No Canvassers,” or similar wording
	Eagar	“No Peddling,” “No Solicitors,” or similar wording
	Gilbert	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors or Canvassers,” “No Transient Merchants,” or “No Trespassing”
Arkansas	Cabot	“No Solicitors,” “No Solicitations,” “No Soliciting,” “No Peddlers,” “No Trespassing,” or similar wording
	Farmington	“No Soliciting,” “No Peddling,” “No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” “No Trespassing,” or similar; City Business Manager can provide
	Springdale	“No Soliciting,” “No Peddling,” “No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” “No Trespassing,” or similar; City Clerk can provide
	Rogers	“No Solicitation”
California	Arcadia	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” or similar wording
	Ivine	Any wording clearly stated & posted
	Oceanside	“No Trespassing,” “No Soliciting,” “No Peddlers or Agents,” “No Advertisements,” or similar wording
	Redding	Any wording clearly stated & posted
	Saratoga	“No Solicitors,” “No Trespassing,” or similar wording
Colorado	Alamosa	“No Solicitation” or “No Trespassing”
	Denver	Any wording clearly stated & posted
	Fort Collins	“No Solicitation” or “No Trespassing”
	Johnstown	“No Solicitors,” “No Peddlers,” or similar wording
	Lafayette	Any wording clearly stated
Connecticut	Avon	Any wording clearly stated & posted
Connecticut	Shelton	3” x 4” sign “Only Solicitors Registered in Shelton Invited” or “No Solicitors Invited”
Delaware	Dover	“No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Solicitations Allowed,” or similar wording
	Milford	Any wording clearly stated & posted
	Newark	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” or similar wording
	Smyrna	“No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Solicitations Allowed,” or similar wording
Florida	Bay County	“No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Solicitations Allowed,” or similar wording
	Callaway	3” x 4” sign “Only Solicitors Registered in Callaway Invited” or “No Solicitors Invited”
	Fellsmere	“No Trespassing,” “No Solicitors,” “No Soliciting,” or similar wording
	Jacksonville	“No Solicitors,” “No Solicitors Allowed or Invited,” “No Peddlers,” “No Peddlers Allowed or Invited,” or similar wording
	Kenneth City	“No Soliciting” or similar wording
Georgia	Acworth	“Solicitors, Peddlers, Salesmen Prohibited”
	Alma	“No Soliciting” or similar wording
	Berkeley Lake	Any wording clearly stated & posted
	Bloomingdale	“No Peddlers,” “No Soliciting,” or similar wording
	Duluth	Any wording clearly stated & posted
Hawaii	No information available	Contact your municipal clerk’s office
Idaho	Aberdeen	“No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Solicitors Allowed,” or similar wording
	Homedale	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” or similar wording
	McCammon	“No Solicitors or Peddlers” or similar wording
	Preston	“No Solicitors” or similar wording
	St. Anthony	“No Solicitors” or similar wording
Illinois	Alsip	3” x 4” “NO SOLICITORS INVITED” weatherproof card
	Bartonville	3” x 4” sign “Only Solicitors Registered in Bartonville Invited” or “No Solicitors Invited”
	Calumet City	3” x 4” weatherproof card provided by the city Police Department
	Davis Junction	“No Soliciting”
	Geneva	3” x 4” “NO PEDDLERS OR SOLICITORS INVITED” weatherproof card
Indiana	Bloomington	“No Solicitation” or similar wording
	LaPorte	“No Soliciting” or similar wording
	Tipton	“No Solicitors”
	Westfield	Westfield Police Department provides stickers, decals, or signs freely to any resident of the city or post other clearly stated wording
Iowa	Mount Pleasant	“No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Solicitations Allowed,” or similar wording
Iowa	Des Moines	Any wording clearly stated & posted
Kansas	Basehor	“No Solicitors”
	Fairway	“No Solicitors,” “No Trespasser,” or similar wording
	Lansing	“No Solicitors” or “No Trespassers”
	Manhattan	“No Peddling,” “No Solicitations,” or similar wording
	Neodesha	“No Solicitation,” “No Solicitors,” or similar wording
Kentucky	No information available	Contact your municipal clerk’s office
Louisiana	Caddo Parish	Any wording clearly stated & posted
	Central	“No Solicitation” sign according to §12:152(a) \| HOAs may assign no peddling areas with the City Clerk
	DeSoto Parish Police Jury	“No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Solicitations Allowed,” or similar wording
	Hammond	“No Solicitation”
	Natchitoches	“No Canvassers,” “No Solicitors,” “No Peddlers,” or similar wording
Maine	No information available	Contact your municipal clerk’s office
Maryland	Baltimore County	“No Soliciting” or similar wording
	Gaithersburg	Any wording clearly stated & posted
	Laurel	“No Soliciting” or similar wording
	Middletown	“No Solicitation,” “No Peddling,” or similar wording
	Prince George’s County	“No Soliciting”
Massachusetts	Holyoke	“No Peddler,” “No Solicitors,” “No Agents,” or similar wording
	Quincy	“No Trespassing” or “No Soliciting”
	Revere	“No Solicitors”
	Salem	“No Trespassing” or “No Soliciting”
	Westfield	“No Soliciting”
Michigan	Ada	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” “No Sales,” “No Trespassing,” or similar wording
	Atlas	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” “No Salespersons,” “No Trespassing,” or similar wording
	Bedford	“No Soliciting,” “No Peddling,” “No Salesman,” or “No Trespassing”
	Bloomfield	“No Soliciting,” “No Solicitation,” or similar wording
	Brighton	“No Solicitors” in at least 1 ½” letters
Minnesota	Bayport	Minimum 3 ¾” x 3 ¾” sign with 48pt font “Peddlers and Solicitors Prohibited”
	Caledonia	4” x 4” with 48pt font “No Peddlers, Solicitors or Transient Merchants” or “Peddlers, Solicitors, and Transient Merchant Prohibited”
	Chaska	“Peddlers and Solicitors Prohibited”
	Crosslake	4” x 4” with 48pt font “No Peddlers, Solicitors or Transient Merchants” or “Peddlers, Solicitors, and Transient Merchant Prohibited”
	Eagan	Any wording clearly stated & posted
Mississippi	Biloxi	“No Panhandlers or Solicitors” or similar wording
	Columbus	“No Peddlers Allowed”
	Diamondhead	“No Peddlers or Solicitors” or similar wording
	Gulfport	“No Peddlers or Solicitors” or similar wording
	Jackson	Any wording clearly stated & posted
Missouri	Branson	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” “No Peddling,” or similar wording
	Des Peres	“No Trespassing,” “No Solicitors,” or similar wording
	Gladstone	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” or similar wording
	Miner	“No Peddlers,” “No Canvassers,” “No Solicitors,” or similar wording
	Raymore	“No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Solicitors Allowed,” or similar wording
Montana	No information available	Contact your municipal clerk’s office
Nebraska	Bellevue	“No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Solicitations Allowed,” or similar wording
	Fremont	“No Peddlers Allowed” or similar wording
	Nebraska City	“No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Solicitations Allowed,” or similar wording
	York	“No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Solicitations Allowed,” or similar wording
Nevada	Carson City	“No Peddlers,” “No Peddling,” “No Solicitors,” “No Soliciting,” “No Trespassing,” “No Day Sleeper,” or similar wording
	North Las Vegas	“No Peddlers” or similar wording
	Reno	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” “No Day Sleeper,” or similar wording
	Sparks	“No Trespassing,” “No Peddlers or Agents,” “No Solicitors or Agents,” “No Salesmen,” or similar wording
	Washoe County	“No Trespassing,” “No Peddlers or Agents,” “No Solicitors or Agents,” “No Salesmen,” or similar wording
New Hampshire	Claremont	Any wording clearly stated & posted
New Hampshire	Concord	“No Peddlers,” “No Trespassing,” “No Solicitors,” or similar wording
New Jersey	Audobon Borough	Do Not Knock Registry sticker provided by the municipal clerk’s office
	Magnolia	Do Not Knock Registry sticker provided by the township clerk’s office
	Sayreville Borough	Must register for the Do Not Knock List & then post an up to 6” x 9” sign with clear wording
	Tewksbury Township	“No Solicitors,” “No Soliciting,” or similar wording
	Berkeley Heights Township	Any wording clearly stated & posted
New Mexico	Alamogordo	Any wording clearly stated & posted
	Carlsbad	“No Trespassing,” “No Peddlers,” “No Agents,” “No Solicitors,” “No Advertisements,” or similar wording
	Farmington	“No Solicitors” or “No Peddlers”
	Hobbs	“No Soliciting”
	Las Cruces	“No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Solicitations Allowed,” or other variations
New York	Goshen	3” x 4” weatherproof card “Only Solicitors Registered in the Village of Goshen” or “No Solicitors Invited”
	Kenmore	“No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Solicitors Allowed,” or similar wording
	Syracuse	“No Solicitors” or similar wording \| No Solicitors List kept by the Syracuse Central Permit Office
	Tonawanda	Any wording clearly stated & posted
	White Plains	Do-Not-Knock registry & sticker is available to purchase from the City Clerk’s office
North Carolina	Black Mountain	“No Solicitation”
	Elon	“No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Solicitations Allowed,” or similar wording
	Forest City	Any wording clearly stated & posted
	Highlands	“No Trespassing” or “No Soliciting”
	Sanford	“No Soliciting” or similar wording
North Dakota	Fargo	Minimum 3” x 4” with ⅓” tall letters, “NO SOLICITORS” available for sale by the City
	Grand Forks	Any wording clearly stated & posted
	Mandan	10 square inches; “No Trespassing,” “No Soliciting,” or similar wording
Ohio	Akron	Minimum 2” x 3” with ⅓” tall letters, “No Solicitors” or similar wording
	Bay Village	“No Peddlers, Solicitors or Canvassers Allowed” or similar wording
	Huber Heights	“No Solicitors” or similar wording; Do Not Solicit list kept by Chief of Polics
	Marysville	Minimum 2” tall letters, “No Solicitors” or similar wording
	New Albany	Minimum 3” x 4” & ⅓” tall letters, maximum 1 square foot surface area, “No Peddlers or Solicitors Invited”
Oklahoma	Del City	“ONLY SOLICITORS LICENSED IN DEL CITY, OKLAHOMA, INVITED” or “NO SOLICITORS OR PEDDLERS” for sale by the City
	Edmond	“No Solicitors,” “No Trespassers,” or “No Trespassing”
	McAlester	“No Solicitors”
	Nichols Hills	“No Solicitors,” “No Solicitations,” or similar wording
	Oklahoma City	“No Solicitors,” “No Trespassers,” or “No Trespassing”
Oregon	Lebanon	Any wording clearly stated & posted
	Ontario	“No Canvassers or Solicitors” or similar wording
	Roseburg	“No Solicitations,” “No Peddlers,” or similar wording
	Sheridan	Minium 6” x 8” with ½” tall letters, “NO SOLICITATION” & reference §5.32.080
	Tualatin	Any wording clearly stated & posted
Pennsylvania	Bensalem	“No Soliciting”
	Kennett Township	“No Soliciting” or similar wording
	London Grove	“No Peddling or Soliciting” or similar wording
	Marshall Township	Any wording clearly stated & posted
	Wilkes-Barre	“No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Solicitations Allowed,” or similar wording
Rhode Island	Bristol	“No Soliciting”
	Exeter	“No Solicitation”
	Newport	3” x 4” weatherproof card with ⅓” tall letters sold by the Chief of Police, “Only Solicitors Registered in Newport Invited” or “No Solicitors Invited”
	North Kingstown	4” square, “No Solicitations”
	Warwick	“No Peddlers or Solicitors” of similar wording
South Carolina	Berkeley County	“No Peddling,” “No Soliciting,” “No Canvassing”
	Newberry	“No Soliciting”
	Walterboro	“No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Solicitations Allowed,” or similar wording
	York	“No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Solicitations Allowed,” or similar wording
	Tega Cay	“No Peddlers Allowed,” “No Solicitations Allowed,” or similar wording
South Dakota	Miller	“No Peddlers Allowed”
Tennessee	Clarksville	“No Peddling,” “No Solicitation,” “No Trespassing,” or similar wording
	Farragut	“Peddlers or Solicitors Prohibited” or similar wording
	Gallatin	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” or similar wording
	Lakesite	Minimum 1” tall letters, “Peddlers Prohibited,” “Solicitors Prohibited,” “Peddlers and Solicitors Prohibited,” or similar wording
	Mt. Juliet	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” or similar wording
Texas	Addison	Minimum 3” x 4” weatherproof card with minimum ⅔” letters, “No Solicitors”
	Eagle Pass	“No Solicitors”
	Haltom City	Minimum 2” x 4”, “No Peddlers”
	Keller	Minimum 3” x 4” weatherproof card with minimum ⅔” tall letters, “No Solicitors”
	Taylor	Minimum 3” x 4” weatherproof card with minimum ⅔” tall letters, “No Solicitors”
Utah	Alpine City	“No Solicitation”
	Ballard	Minimum 16 square inches, “No Soliciting,” “No Solicitors,” “No Trespassing,” or similar wording
	Harrisville City	“No Soliciting,” “No Solicitors,” “No Salespersons,” “No Trespassing,” or similar wording
	Layton City	“No Soliciting,” “No Solicitors,” “No Salespersons,” “No Trespassing,” or similar wording
	Magna Metro Township	“No Soliciting,” “No Solicitors,” “No Salespersons,” “No Trespassing,” or similar wording
Vermont	No information available	Contact your municipal clerk’s office
Virginia	Bedford	Any wording clearly stated & posted
	Damascus	“No Soliciting”
	Fairfax	Any wording clearly stated & posted
	Gate City	“No Soliciting,” “No Solicitors,” or similar wording
	Halifax	“No Soliciting”
Washington	Arlington	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” “No Trespassing,” or similar wording
	Carnation	Any wording clearly stated & posted
	Cheney	“No Peddlers or Solicitors” or similar wording
	Dayton	“No Peddlers,” &ldquoNo Solicitors,” &ldquoNo Trespassing,” or similar wording
	Morton	“No Trespassing,” “No Peddlers,” “No Soliciting,” or similar wording
West Virginia	No information available	Contact your municipal clerk’s office
Wisconsin	Berlin	“No Soliciting” or “No Solicitors”
	Chippewa Falls	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” or similar wording
	Hammond	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” or similar wording
	Jackson	“No Peddlers,” “No Canvassers,” “No Solicitors,” or similar wording
	Thiensville	“No Peddlers,” “No Solicitors,” or similar wording
Wyoming	Cheyenne	“No Solicitors” or similar wording
	Green River	“No Commercial Solicitors,” “No Commercial Solicitations,” “No Solicitors,” or “No Solicitation”
	Laramie	“No Solicitors” or similar wording
	Powell	Minimum 2” x 4” with 48pt font, “No Peddlers, Solicitors or Transient Merchants,” “Peddlers, Solicitors, and Transient Merchants Prohibited,” or similar wording

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June 18, 2018November 20, 2020

Political Yard Signs, What You Should Know

Navigating the World of Political Yard Signs

Table of Contents
Political Yard Signs
Issues Posting Signs
Is Removing Signs Legal?
What Should a Sign Say?
Designing Your Sign

The election landscape has transformed in recent years, thanks to tech-savvy campaigns and the wave of social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube, among others. Nonetheless, the election year tradition of displaying political yard signs continues to be a mainstay in neighborhoods across America. As part of an overall election strategy, political campaign signs are an invaluable means for getting the word out and rallying voters to the booths.

Especially in the increasingly crowded field of candidates running for President of the United States during the 2019-2020 presidential campaign season, name recognition is the name of the game! Presidential campaigns work tirelessly to make sure their candidates are known to the masses, and this grassroots practice of posting election season yard signs is a cost effective way to get the job done.

Getting Out the Vote!

Timing is everything. Generally, election signs should be displayed beginning early in a campaign cycle and, while every area will have local laws governing time limits for how long signs can remain posted, the general rule of thumb is that signs must be removed within seven to 10 days after an election.

Election Season Sign Posting Conundrums

Political signs are legal in most neighborhoods throughout the country, though there are widespread rules that state where, how, and when these campaign signs can be displayed. Neighborhood residents are free to post election signs in their yards, as long as the property owner gives permission to do so.

Displaying yard signs on rental property can be a bit more complicated, especially when owner and tenant have opposing political views, or when a renter doesn’t prefer to express political views at all.

Many factors play into this decision, including whether the leaseholder has exclusive use of the yard, there is a clause in the rental contract specifying the rights of the occupant and the owner, or whether political signs are prohibited. Before posting election signs, be aware of the regulations specified in your lease. Additionally, homeowners’ associations (HOA’s), which are considered private property, are allowed to set regulations regarding whether political signs are permitted in homeowners’ yards.

Public areas, on the other hand, require a bit more consideration and proper planning to avoid costly fines and having signs permanently removed. There are usually rules regulating – or barring – the posting of political signs. For example, restrictions may limit where signs can be placed, for example not near traffic lights or signs, easements along roadways, or between private properties. Be sure to check with your local jurisdiction for the latest guidelines.

Is it Illegal to Remove Election Signs?

Removing political signs not located on your property will likely be considered as trespassing, theft, or property damage (all of which are illegal), and may result in a misdemeanor charge against the individual(s) who remove them. If you think political signs should not be posted in a specific public venue, it is best to contact local authorities and leave the decision (and sign removal) to them.

Each state has specific laws on electioneering boundaries that require polling places to remain campaign free on Election Day and creates buffer zones where political signs and other campaigning practices are prohibited.

What Should my Campaign Sign Say?

When used strategically, yard signs can considerably impact a political campaign. Randomly posting election signs is an ineffective way to secure votes. To get the most out of every campaign sign, focus them in areas where your candidate has a legitimate chance of securing a win and post them on private property where they are most likely to be noticed by actual voters (rather than those who are not your constituents).

Often referred to as information shortcuts, election signs also serve as a persuasive means of voter motivation and can guide uninformed voters to connect a candidate’s name with family, friends, or neighbors whose opinions are valued.

Design your Political Sign

CustomSigns.com has an exceptional selection of political signs for every election campaign, designed to make your candidate’s name stand out! To best build name recognition and interest in your platform, less is more. The most effective political signs will include your name and the office you are running for and, often, your campaign slogan. This is not the space to promote a candidate’s policies or platforms. Be aware that many campaign finance laws mandate signs to include a disclaimer clearly identifying what person or organization has provided funding for the sign itself.

Made of corrugated plastic, our campaign signs come with H Stakes for easy installation, measure 18 x 24 inches, include your choice of single or double-sided printing, and optional lamination for extended outdoor use.

Our election signs come in a wide selection of styles to compliment any campaign, are economically priced starting under $10, and quantity discounts are available. Easily place your order online, connect with us, or call (877) 251-9444 for fast, efficient, personal service. Most orders ship next business day!

For additional information on effective signs, please see our related blogs:

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June 4, 2018August 8, 2023

Share Your One-of-a-Kind Style with a Custom Front Car Tag

UPDATED: October 8, 2019

Americans unite when sharing a passion for a cause. We’re also a nation of individuals who enjoy embracing (and sharing!) our one-of-a-kind identities. Today, our need for self-expression is most often shared via all forms of social media, along with any other ways that allow us to proudly express our individuality.

One exceptionally popular way for expressing your individual style is with a personalized license plate that displays something unique that you want to share with others. And, if you live in one of 19 states that do not require official license plates on your front bumper, the sky’s the limit to your creativity!

(These states do not require a front plate: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.)

Fun fact – There are nearly 10 million vehicles in the United States with custom license plates that allow drivers to express themselves with personal mantras or to use as an inspired way to market your business, products, or services to the masses.

The Customsigns.com Advantage

CustomSigns.com has the personalized plates for you. We offer a hip, trendy line of colorful custom license plates that are sure to be noticed wherever your travels take you!

In addition to a variety of custom templates and options, our license plates feature UV protective coating that will last through the sun-drenched days of summer and those freezing temperatures from old man winter!

Designing Your Custom License Plate is Easy

Choose from dozens of popular templates or design your license plate from scratch with our easy-to-use Design Wizard
Upload the pictures, images, or logo of your choice
Choose your text, along with font style, size, and placement

Get Inspired With One of These Popular License Plate Ideas

Market your business to the masses by including your company name, logo, phone, and/or social media information (Or, create a custom car magnet perfect for advertising everywhere your travels take you!)
Applaud our brave service members and veterans, proud military spouses, military parents, and children
Support your favorite nominee or ballot issue during election season or all year long with a political candidate license plate
Give a one of a kind family reunion gift by adding names, monograms, and/or family photos to personalized license plates
Proudly display the Greek letters of your sorority or fraternity on campus and all around town
Show off your pampered pooch or favorite feline everywhere you’re out and about
Celebrate life events, including ‘Just Married!’ or your favorite ‘Mr. & Mrs.’
Pay tribute to a loved one by proudly displaying a memorial license plate in his or her honor

Give One of Our Fun Front Tag Ideas a Go!

Known for enjoying life’s adventures? OFFWEGO

Have a favorite furry feline? MEOWWW

Are you a true blue Harry Potter fan? HOGWARTS

Have no internal compass on the roadways? IM LOST

How about your love of the beach and surfing? SALTLIFE

Love all things food and going on culinary adventures? FOODIE

Hate peas? IH8PEAS

Make it memorable and fun! At CustomSigns.com, our goal is to provide you with the highest quality products, at the best prices, provided by the best customer service, and delivered to you exactly how you designed them. In most cases, if you design it, we can do it! Most order ship next business day.

License Plate FAQs

What is the difference between a custom license plate and a vanity plate?

These terms are often used interchangeably and share the same meaning.

In the US, if a vanity (or personalized license plate) is government issued, the owner of the motor vehicle has paid an additional fee for specific license plate letters and/or numbers that usually represent a recognizable phrase, slogan, abbreviation, or personalized names or initials. Rules vary by state.

If the license plate is not government issued, for example, a front license plate displayed in a state that does not require one, then a vanity, or custom license plate, is one that can be specially designed to display almost any text or images. Individual states may have rules in place governing what can and cannot be displayed on unofficial license plates.

How Do I Get a Personalized License Plate?

To personalize a license plate required by the Department of Motor Vehicles, visit a local motor vehicle service center in your state. Non-government issued license plates can be purchased through any license plate retailer.

NOTE – We are unable to produce custom plates that may pose a security risk, including, but not limited to, anything that resembles an official license plate for police, fire, law enforcement, government, or other security agency. Some states, like Texas, have cracked down on custom plates, particularly plates that suggest vulgar and crude meanings.