For businesses relying on foot traffic, capturing attention and sparking curiosity from passersby is essential. A strategically placed sidewalk or outdoor sign can be the deciding factor that draws people in, especially in busy areas where businesses compete for attention. Using signage to catch the eye and invite customers in is one of the most effective—and cost-efficient—ways to increase foot traffic. In this blog, we’ll explore different types of outdoor signage, design tips, placement strategies, and more to help you make the most of sidewalk and outdoor signs.
Why Sidewalk and Outdoor Signage Matters
When people walk or drive by your business, you have just a few seconds to capture their attention. Outdoor signage is your chance to make an instant impression and turn a passerby into a paying customer. Signage that’s well-placed, clearly visible, and engaging can:
- Boost Brand Awareness: Even if someone doesn’t enter immediately, they’ll remember your brand, especially if they see your sign regularly.
- Communicate Special Offers: Outdoor signs are ideal for advertising limited-time promotions, discounts, or new arrivals that might entice customers to visit.
- Enhance Customer Experience: Signs make it easier for people to find your location and get a sense of your brand’s personality before they walk through the door.
For businesses in areas with high foot traffic or lots of local competition, outdoor signage can be a powerful tool for standing out from the crowd and bringing in new business.
Types of Outdoor Signage for High Visibility
Different types of outdoor signage have different impacts, so choosing the right ones for your business is essential. Here are some effective options:
1. A-Frame Signs
A-frame signs, also known as sandwich boards, are one of the most popular sidewalk sign options for small businesses. They’re portable, versatile, and can be easily updated with new messages. A-frame signs are especially useful for:banner
- Daily Specials: Restaurants and cafes can use A-frame signs to showcase their specials or featured menu items.
- Promotions: If you’re running a limited-time discount or sale, an A-frame sign placed outside can help catch the attention of shoppers.
- Directional Messages: A-frame signs can direct foot traffic, guiding people towards your entrance or alerting them if your store is tucked away.
2. Sidewalk Decals
Sidewalk decals are a fun and creative way to grab attention without taking up space. These decals are applied directly to the pavement, offering a unique way to communicate with potential customers. They can:
- Guide Foot Traffic: Use arrows, footprints, or even catchy phrases that lead people to your store.
- Advertise in a Unique Format: Creative graphics and messages on the sidewalk can stop people in their tracks and make them curious about your business.
- Create a Photo Opportunity: Fun and visually appealing decals can prompt people to take photos, giving your business free social media exposure.
3. Banners
Banners are perfect for outdoor promotions and can be highly visible from a distance. These are especially useful for larger events or announcements, such as:
- Grand Openings or Anniversaries: Use banners to make a big impression for special events that invite the community.
- Seasonal Sales: Promote holiday or seasonal sales with large banners placed in visible locations.
- Brand Awareness: Banners with bold, branded colors and your logo can be placed around your business to ensure people know where to find you.
4. Directional Arrows or Signposts
If your business is in an area with limited visibility—such as a mall, strip center, or a spot that’s off the main street—directional signage can make a significant difference. Signs with arrows or clear directions help guide people to your door. These can be placed:
- At Intersections: Point potential customers towards your location if they’re in the vicinity.
- In Parking Lots: Make it easy for people to find you once they’ve parked.
- Alongside Walkways: Lead people through walkways, malls, or busy areas with simple, visible directions.
Design Tips for Effective Outdoor Signage
Creating effective outdoor signage goes beyond simply putting up a sign. To capture attention and make an impact, it’s essential to think about the design elements that contribute to readability, appeal, and branding.
1. Use Bold, Contrasting Colors
High contrast between background and text colors makes your sign easy to read from a distance. Bold colors like red, yellow, and blue stand out, especially in busy or crowded areas. For example, using a dark background with white or yellow text creates a clear visual contrast that’s easy to read even from afar.
2. Keep the Message Simple and Direct
Less is more when it comes to sidewalk signage. People walking by have only a few seconds to take in your message, so keep it short and direct. Use simple, action-oriented language. Examples include:
- “50% Off Today Only!”
- “Fresh Coffee & Pastries Inside!”
- “Turn Left for Handmade Gifts”
3. Incorporate a Call-to-Action
Effective outdoor signs encourage people to take immediate action. Adding a call-to-action (CTA) invites passersby to engage with your business. Use phrases like:
- “Stop In for a Free Sample”
- “Visit Us for Today’s Special”
- “Shop Our New Collection Inside”
4. Include Key Brand Elements
Make sure your sign reflects your brand identity. Include your logo, use your brand colors, and choose fonts that align with your business’s personality. This helps reinforce brand recognition and makes your business more memorable.
Best Locations for Placing Outdoor Signs
Even the most attractive, well-designed sign won’t be effective if it’s not placed in the right location. Here are some tips on where to position outdoor signs for maximum impact:
1. Near High-Foot-Traffic Areas
Placing signs where people walk by frequently increases the likelihood of your sign being noticed. High-traffic areas like sidewalks, intersections, and shopping centers are ideal spots for A-frame signs or banners.
2. Near Competitors or Complementary Businesses
Positioning your sign near competitors can help you capture attention from people who are already interested in your type of business. Alternatively, place signs near complementary businesses. For example, a coffee shop could place a sign near a bookstore, or a spa could place one near a yoga studio.
3. Visible Parking Lot Locations
If your business has a parking lot or shares one with other stores, placing signs near the entrance and exit points can increase your visibility. This is particularly effective for banners or A-frame signs that direct customers toward your storefront.
4. Key Points Along Walkways
Strategically place directional signs along pathways leading up to your business. This helps keep potential customers on track and creates a seamless journey from street to storefront. Sidewalk decals with arrows or footsteps can be effective in guiding people to your door.
Weatherproofing and Durability for Outdoor Signs
Outdoor signs are exposed to the elements, so it’s essential to ensure they are durable and weather-resistant. High-quality materials and protective coatings help keep your signs looking fresh and professional, even in challenging weather conditions. Here are some durability tips:
- Use UV-Resistant Inks: Sunlight can cause colors to fade over time. UV-resistant inks maintain their vibrancy and clarity longer, which is especially important for long-term outdoor signs.
- Choose Waterproof Materials: Waterproof or weather-resistant materials, such as vinyl or treated wood, protect your signage from rain, snow, and other elements.
- Invest in Quality Frames: For A-frame signs and banners, use sturdy frames that won’t be blown over by wind. Weighted bases or sandbags can help keep the signs in place.
Benefits of Reusable Outdoor Signage
For businesses that frequently host events or run promotions, reusable outdoor signage can be a cost-effective solution. Here’s why reusable signs are valuable:
- Flexibility for Multiple Events: Reusable signs can be used for recurring promotions or seasonal events, saving money on printing new signage each time.
- Easy Updates: Some signs, like A-frames, allow you to swap out posters or inserts. This makes it easy to update messages without replacing the entire sign.
- Sustainable Option: Reusing signs reduces waste, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Investing in quality, reusable signs that last over multiple events contributes to sustainability.
Conclusion
Sidewalk and outdoor signage can be one of the most powerful tools in a small business’s marketing toolkit, especially when strategically designed and placed. From A-frame signs that highlight daily specials to banners that celebrate a grand opening, outdoor signs make a memorable impression on potential customers.
At TNT Signs, we specialize in creating high-quality, eye-catching signage that’s designed to maximize visibility, communicate clearly, and enhance your brand. Whether you need a durable outdoor banner, a colorful A-frame sign, or custom decals, our team is here to help bring your vision to life. Contact us today to learn how our signage solutions can help increase foot traffic and boost your business’s presence in the community!
