Common Design Mistakes That Undermine Hoarding Boards

In construction, property development, and site branding, hoarding boards do more than mark boundaries—they deliver public-facing messages that offer safety, promotion, and visual impact. Used to advertise upcoming projects, reinforce branding, or share information, they’re a vital marketing tool. However, poor design can waste this opportunity, leaving a weak impression. In this blog, we’ll highlight common design mistakes that undermine hoarding boards and show you how to avoid them. From printed banners to durable aluminium sign boards, we’ll share practical tips for creating professional, eye-catching hoardings that truly deliver results.

1. Overcrowded Layouts

One of the most common mistakes is trying to fit too much into a single design. This often includes too many images, long paragraphs, excessive logos, and background patterns that make the board feel busy.

An overcrowded layout can confuse viewers and distract from your key message. It also reduces readability, especially for people passing by quickly.

How to fix it:

• Focus on one clear message per board section.
• Allow your design to breathe with the use of white space.
• Keep text short, using headings or bullet points where possible.
• Use no more than two typefaces for consistency and simplicity.

Think about what the viewer should take away in just a few seconds—and let that message shine.

2. Low-Resolution or Poor-Quality Graphics

Another issue that can seriously damage your brand image is using low-resolution images or logos. When designs are printed on large hoarding boards, any flaws become more obvious. Blurry logos or pixelated photos instantly make a site look unprofessional.

This is especially true when using aluminium sign boards, as the crisp and durable material will highlight poor-quality graphics even more.

How to fix it:

• Always use high-resolution images (at least 300 dpi at actual print size).
• Provide vector files (like .AI, .EPS or .PDF) for logos and illustrations.
• Check with your printer about recommended image formats and resolution settings.

When in doubt, test-print a small section to see how the final output will look.

3. Inconsistent Branding

Building recognition and trust requires brand consistency. Unfortunately, many companies fail to maintain a consistent look across all their hoarding boards. Using different fonts, colours, or outdated logos leads to confusion and weakens your brand identity.

This mistake often happens when multiple people are involved in the design process without clear brand guidelines.

How to fix it:

• Stick to your brand’s official colour palette, logo style, and font selection.
• Create or request a branding guide to share with designers and print teams.
• Apply the same layout rules to all hoardings across different sites for consistency.

Clear branding makes your business look more established and professional.

4. Ignoring Viewing Distance

When people walk or drive past a construction site, they only have a few seconds to take in the hoarding design. Small text, thin fonts, or overly detailed graphics can be lost at a distance, especially on larger or taller boards.

This mistake turns an expensive advertising opportunity into a wasted one.

How to fix it:

• Use large, bold fonts that are readable from 5–10 metres away.
• Choose colours that contrast strongly with the background.
• Avoid placing important text or logos near the bottom of the board where they might be blocked or overlooked.

Designing with distance in mind ensures your message gets across quickly and clearly.

5. Lack of Purpose or Clear Messaging

Some hoarding boards include only generic graphics or logos, missing the chance to communicate something meaningful. Without a clear message or call to action, the hoarding becomes forgettable.

This is a missed opportunity to share your company’s mission, promote future developments, or drive traffic to a website.

How to fix it:

• Decide what the purpose of your board is: to inform, promote, reassure, or inspire.
• Include a short headline, a supporting sentence, and a call to action (like a website, phone number, or QR code).
• Tell a story—what’s being built, who is behind it, and what it means for the local community.

Make your hoarding work as a silent salesperson, even when no one is on-site.

6. Non-Compliance with Regulations

Hoarding boards must meet certain health, safety, and advertising regulations, depending on local councils and the nature of the project. Failing to include required signage—or using inappropriate content—can lead to fines or removal of the boards.

For example, some sites may require specific health and safety warnings or restrict promotional content depending on the area.

How to fix it:

• Check local council rules regarding hoarding signage, lighting, and placement.
• Include necessary warning signs, such as “No Entry” or “CCTV in Operation”.
• Avoid offensive or misleading graphics.

Partnering with a professional signage company can help ensure all regulations are met before printing.

7. Using Inappropriate Colours or Poor Contrast

Colour plays an important role in how people react to and understand your message. Using dull colours or poor contrast between background and text can make the board hard to read, especially in bright sunlight or rainy conditions.

For example, using dark grey text on a black background may look sleek on a screen but will be nearly invisible from a distance.

How to fix it:

• Use high-contrast colour combinations like black on yellow, white on blue, etc.
• Avoid colours that fade quickly in sunlight—opt for UV-resistant inks.
• Test your design in different lighting conditions before printing.

Colour is not just about style—it’s about function and readability.

Tips for Getting It Right

Designing an effective hoarding board doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are a few final tips to help you get the best results:

• Work with professionals who understand hoarding design and printing requirements.
• Ask for mock-ups or previews of your design to spot issues early.
• Use durable materials, like aluminium sign board, especially for long-term projects.
• Maintain your hoarding boards by cleaning and replacing damaged panels regularly.

A well-maintained hoarding board reflects a well-managed project.

Conclusion

Hoarding boards are often the first thing people see when passing by a building site or development project. Done well, they boost your brand, build interest, and improve site appearance. But common design mistakes like poor-quality graphics, inconsistent branding, or unclear messaging can spoil their potential.

By avoiding the errors outlined in this guide—and focusing on clarity, consistency, and compliance—you can create hoarding boards that truly stand out.

For expert help with hoarding board design and printing, trust the team at Hoarding Print Company. We specialise in creating high-quality, regulation-compliant signage that leaves a lasting impression.