Campaign Time!

There are few political campaign tools that help win votes and build name recognition like yard signs. Whether you're running a smaller local political race or you're a candidate for office in a larger statewide or federal election, yard signs should be an integral part of your campaign plan.

Free yard signs simply don't exist (unless you want to make them yourself, which isn't really advisable). With a little research, though, you can find companies that supply cheap campaign yard signs online that are both professional-looking and effective.

Remember: there are countless printing companies that can provide campaign materials, so it's best to do your homework before settling on a supplier. Production costs, yard sign quality, shipping costs and customer service should all be factors in which business you choose to buy from. Prices are going to vary widely between one company and another, and there are always specials and discounts on price that might be available at different times of the year.

Political signs can play an important role in any election or issue-based campaign. Signs can be used to raise public awareness about a candidate or a cause as well as demonstrate popular support. As such, designing an effective sign is a vital part of any political visibility campaign. This article lists a number of best practices for designing effective political signs.

Not all signs are effective, and some could just as well have spared the candidate his/her money and committee's time. Though designing an effective sign is not rocket science, failure to pay attention to some basics could fail to get your campaign "off the ground".

In order to get the most for your money take a few extra moments to consider the design of the sign before you start getting quotes. Below are 7 tips to creating a successful campaign sign:

1. If you have a shorter name (such as Beth, Ben, etc.) you would want to use a PORTRAIT layout. But if you have a longer name (such as Schwarzenegger :-P) you would need to consider using a LANDSCAPE layout. Sign printers can accommodate both - a PORTRAIT layout for short names, and a LANDSCAPE layout for longer names. Both orientations present the same print area at no penalty in cost or weatherability. Now, if you happen to be a Mr. or Mrs. Smith, or have an otherwise common last name, it would be best to include your first name (JOHN or JANE) in your design to distinguish and avoid confusion with other Smiths who may (or may not be) running.

2. Including the official position you intend to hold after the election is important. Make certain it shows as a recognizable position, and as it would appear on the ballot. Keep your information short and sweet by eliminating extraneous information and specific numbers. Use abbreviations sparingly - preferably not at all. Font size for the office should be equal to surname size.

3. Always choose a dark (high value) color (e.g. black, navy blue, burgundy, red, forest green) for your signs. Never use a low value color (light color) with a low value color. Similarly never use a high value color with another high value color. For example: black lettering on a navy blue background will not show - but white lettering on a red background will stand out well. Lettering and background must always be of contrasting value in order to be readable.

4. Decide if you want one color or two color signs. There has never been a one color design that cannot be improved by adding a second color. A one color sign can say and be everything you need - but using a two color sign gives contrast and helps to draw the eye. Though I would recommend using a 2 color sign, it is important that you keep in mind that two color signs require two films, two screens, two setups, two runs and two cleanups. This costs money. So for a two color sign always expect to pay more per sign.

5. To slogan or not to slogan? A slogan is great for signs placed at stop lights or stop signs, but most drivers are zipping by at 30 plus miles per hour with little time to read what your signs say. If your going to use a slogan, the best way to ensure it gets attention is to keep it simple, short, and to the point.

6. In this age of iconography, most people recognize the appropriateness and symbolism of a school house (SCHOOL BOARD) or a five- pointed star (SHERIFF), a balance scale (JUDGE), a donkey (DEMOCRAT), an elephant (REPUBLICAN), a statue of liberty (LIBERTARIAN), etc. To save precious "word space" on your signs, consider using some iconography!

7. Last, but most important, don't forget your "Authorized and Paid for…" or whatever the exact wording and size and position is as dictated by your local and/or state election boards. It is the candidate's responsibility to find out the regulations and make this known to the printer. If you do not add this disclaimer, you can be fined.

Hopefully these suggestions will aid in your campaign sign creation. For a wider range of ideas, it is helpful to consult galleries on a screen printer's web site. If you have questions, do not hesitate to consult directly with your screen printer - they have the expertise to help.For quick pricing and design options, check out these links!

Cheap Yard Signs for Political Campaigns
Cheap Magnetic Car Signs for Political Campaigns
H-wires for Political Campaign Signs

Gwynn~