Whether your business is on a busy pedestrian thoroughfare or tucked away on a quiet street, the right types of shopfront signs can make a difference in drawing customers inside. As you explore sign ideas, think beyond simply showing people where you’re located. Signs capture people’s attention with fun messages, promotions and spotlights on special offerings.
Your shopfront is often your first impression on a potential customer. This is your chance to project the image you want potential customers to have of your business. People will judge the inside of your shop by how it looks on the outside. So, the overall style and messaging on your shopfront signs will affect whether people come in for a look or walk past.
Let’s look at the different types of signage you can use to attract customers to your shop. And since your sign is only as good as its message, we’ll cover some handy writing tips, too.
- Signs play a variety of roles. They show your location, promote your brand, spotlight offers and of course, grab attention.
- A shop’s sign can be the reason why customers walk in… or walk past without stopping.
- Readability, simplicity and attention-grabbing content are key to an effective sign.
5 shop sign ideas to grab the attention of passers-by
1. Define each sign’s purpose
When it comes to exterior signage, you have a few options — so before you place an order, consider what you need your sign to do. Banners and posters are ideal for spreading brand awareness or promoting special events, while window stickers are helpful in communicating more permanent information like business hours and contact info. Pavement signs are another great option for catching the attention of passers-by for your brick-and-mortar space.
Check out our Ultimate guide to signage design for help designing an effective sign.
2. Draw people inside
People strolling past your business aren’t just pedestrians — they’re potential customers. And ideally, your shopfront should be impossible to just pass by. A-frame signs are a popular choice as they’re two-sided and readable from both directions, while a chalkboard sign is ideal if you want to regularly update your message and add some of your own personality. Bars often decorate these with witty handwritten notes to draw people in from the street. No matter which style sign you choose, remember that you’re advertising outdoors, so it needs to be weatherproof.
3. Prioritise readability
Potential customers will be looking at your shopfront signage when they’re on foot, in a car or on a bike. So, make sure the text size and font style is large enough — and easy to read quickly or from a distance. Contrast is something else to keep in mind when thinking about readability. The difference between the colour and tone of the text that you use and the background will affect your sign’s readability. Instead of printing lightly coloured text on a white banner, go for dark text on a white or yellow background to ensure plenty of contrast. Unsurprisingly, your font choice and size also affect readability considerably.
Ready to start designing? Follow the rules of our Letter Visibility Chart.
4. Make your message stick
Customers could potentially pass by your business up to 30 times a month if it’s near their home or on their commuting route. And remember, your signage is always visible, even when you’re closed — a perfect opportunity to showcase your brand 24/7. Window stickers are a great way to display useful information after you’ve closed for the day. Potential customers can check out your opening hours, visit your website and hopefully come back the next day.
5. Consider copy
Now that you’ve decided what kind of signage you need, here are some signage writing tips for getting your message across.
Avoid clutter. Less is definitely more when it comes to signage. When customers are reading your messages from further away, it pays to keep things simple and aim for a short message on a simple and clean background.
Stick to sentence case. All caps are the written equivalent of raising your voice. If you’re warning of DANGER, then it makes perfect sense to write in all caps. But if you’re inviting someone to try a new product or come inside, use sentence case. It creates a more conversational tone.
Keep your message short and sweet — but incentivise the reader to take action, whether it’s coming inside or encouraging customers to ask for help. Messages like ‘Ask about our gift-wrapping service’ prompt conversation and create a friendly vibe.
Be specific. You have limited space, so stick to the essentials. Including a call to action and a timeframe helps create a sense of urgency.
Types of signs
As you explore various shop signage ideas, consider which type of sign is best for you. Consider things like:
- Your budget
- Whether it needs to be seen by pedestrians or car passengers
- The space around your shopfront
- Whether the sign will be temporary or permanent
Take a look at these types of signs:
Neon Signs
If your shop is open at night, a neon sign can be the beacon customers need to find you. Neon signs are cool, customisable and in a lot of cases, a little bit edgy, making them perfect for indie and alternative brands. You can also create animations within a neon sign by setting the light to flicker or alternate in another way, which draws attention and sticks in people’s minds.
Source: by rikiraH via 99designs by Vista
Window stickers
A window decal can be a bold, yet physically unobtrusive way to grab attention — provided your shop has tall windows! Generally, window stickers either cling to the glass or are suspended by strings, both of which turn your shop’s windows into valuable advertising space.
A-frame signs
A-frame signs are a classic choice for any business situated on a street with lots of pedestrians. They’re small, they’re portable and they don’t take up much space on the pavement. If you want a permanent message, you can have one printed, or if you want to advertise daily specials or short-term sales, go with a dry erase or chalkboard A-frame sign!
Flags
Flags are an excellent choice for any business that wants temporary signage. This is because they’re very easy to stick in the ground and take out when you don’t need them anymore. Consider a flag sign for your grand opening, a collaboration with another small business or to advertise a promotion or change, like new business hours.
Interested in more sign ideas? Here are 17 outdoor signage ideas for your small business.
Apply these shop sign ideas to your business today
As a small business owner, crafting your brand is an important first step toward success. Getting people through the door is one of the next steps. Your signage does more than show people your location; it shows them why they should come in and take a look around. That’s why your sign needs clear messaging, smart positioning and of course, great design.
Sign ideas FAQ
What are some types of creative sign ideas for my shopfront?
A few shopfront sign ideas include:
- Neon Signs
- Chalkboard displays
- Window vinyls
- A-frame signs
- Flags
What’s the best type of sign for my shopfront?
The right sign depends on your brand identity, target audience, goals for the sign and location. Consider whether you need a permanent or movable sign, whether you’re advertising a short-term promotion or your long-term brand and location, and what each type of sign communicates about your brand.
What materials are best for durable and weather-resistant shop signs?
Materials like metal, acrylic, PVC and treated wood are durable choices for shop signs because they can withstand various weather conditions and require minimal maintenance.
How often should I update my shopfront signage?
It’s good practice to refresh your signage every two to three years, or sooner if it starts looking worn or outdated. Seasonal or promotional updates can also keep your shopfront engaging and relevant.
