4 Ways to Boost Business with an A-Frame Sign
The humble a-frame is often overlooked by businesses for more expensive or modern marketing techniques that they assume will bring better results, like advertising online and in print. At the end of the day, however, if you have a brick-and-mortar store – especially if you’re in the retail or hospitality industry – an a-frame sign should be your best friend.
Customisable, durable, double-sided, highly visible, portable and affordable, a-frame signs (or sandwich boards as they are also known) are reliable and tried and tested in their marketing methods.
They may be simple in design but are incredibly versatile, and can be used for a range of purposes such as shop signage, directing traffic, major event announcements, personal safety messages, garage sales and more.
So, if you have a physical shop, office or venue and want to get some on-street attention, keep reading for our top 4 tips on how to make the most out of an a-frame sign…
1. The Footpath
The most obvious place for an a-frame sign is on the footpath outside of your building.
Even if you’re on a busy high street, in a strip of shops, it can be hard to notice one business over another when you’re just walking past. The most common view for a pedestrian is the window display, and a brand name isn’t always easily definable here.
A-frame signs give you a chance to get noticed properly by passers-by. By having one on the footpath out the front of your store – or if you’re in a shopping centre, a few metres from the door – you’re clearly drawing attention to who you are and what you do.
For better brand awareness, ensure your sign isn’t too basic or generic, and incorporates your brand colours, font and logo.
2. Giving Directions
Another great use for an a-frame is directional signage.
Not all shops or offices are situated in high traffic areas. Some can be difficult to locate in a built-up area, or tucked away in a lane or suburban street, whilst others may not have parking or vehicle access. This is where a sandwich board sign can solve the issue.
By putting it somewhere where people can and will see it (on a street corner, at the entrance to a plaza etc) they’ll know that you are nearby and open for business – much like how a real estate agent will promote an open for inspection or an auction.
To avoid any confusion, add left, right, up or down arrows so potential customers / clients know which way to walk or drive, and add the distance such as ‘200m’ so they know how far. It can also help direct people away from certain areas too.
3. Point of Purchase
Once you have customers in your store, you can still use a-frames to further improve your chances of a sale or service.
A popular practice is to place an a-frame sign somewhere prominent inside the premises, such as next to the service counter or a section of merchandise, to tell customers about your latest stock and current / upcoming promotions.
By advertising something like ‘buy 1 get 1 free’, ‘50% off’ or a new product saying ‘try in-store today!’ you have a shot at getting some impulse sales. The aim is to encourage an unplanned purchase by drawing attention to a surprise deal.
Because these signs are double-sided, you can display two different messages at the same time too.
4. Special Events
If you’re in a position to take your business on the road or host / showcase at an event, an a-frame sign will come in handy here too.
Lightweight and compact for easy transportation, it’s the perfect festival, trade fair or convention companion, and they are especially useful if you’re set up outdoors as they are very weather resistant.
Here at Branchflowers CNC Routing, we often make a-frames out of film-face plywood or birch ply with logos and text engraved or 3D v-carved in. This does away with the need for a sign writer or temperamental, stick on decals.
If you’re interested in getting an a-frame sign made up for your business, get in touch with us today!
(Businesses featured on the signs in the pictures are The Wood Roaster, Dimattina, Anaca Studio, Trumble Bar & Cafe and the Australian Sports Museum).