Could your business use more customers? Could you use a boost in sales, especially through the summer months? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you need to add sandwichboard signs to your marketing. They’re an inexpensive way to get foot traffic from the sidewalk and through your doors. They can also make your business stand out, which makes it more memorable.

 

Sandwichboard signs have a long, effective history.

The sandwichboard sign (also called A-frame sign) came into being way back in the 1800s. Unlike most signs today, these weren’t stationary. Instead, a man would strap boards with advertising to his front and back and walk through high traffic areas. Can you believe this initial sign design is so old it was first coined by Charles Dickens? He described these advertisers as “a piece of human flesh between two slices of paste board.” Their use faded away until the Great Depression, where they came roaring back as an inexpensive yet very effective way to advertise.

 

Portland foot traffic is increasing.

Portland is all about walkability scores. And Portlanders are showing their agreement in great strides. The Downtown Portland Clean & Safe District conducts pedestrian counts twice a year, and trends show that much of downtown Portland is seeing a significant rise in foot traffic. (Some areas saw anywhere between an 52% and 80% increase!) With more hotels and condos going in, this trend will only increase. If your business is in the city, the best time to add sandwichboard signs to your marketing was yesterday. The second best time is today. If you don’t, you’re missing out on significant opportunity to grow your customer base and your profit.

 

 

Signage reminds the public that you're available

 

 

A-Board signs get you noticed.

According to The New York State Small Business Development Center, studies show that businesses that use signage purposefully placed outside on the premises, increase their sales and profitability. A FedEx study discovered that more than 2/3 of people made a buying decision based on signage alone. The same group were compelled to enter a store based on its signage, and told others about the store based on its signage. Use color, humor, and keywords like “free” or “today only” to make your signage even more effective. You can even consider your A-frame sign as your first customer service rep.

 

Sandwichboard signs are inexpensive.

Sidewalk signs can be the most effective ways for a brick-and-mortar business to build profitability. While large companies with hefty budgets may opt for billboards, local small business find A-frame signs to be a cost-effective way to reach their local market. Your frame can be made from a variety of materials. There’s a style to meet every need and every budget. They’re durable, reusable, and easily portable.

 

Sandwichboard signs allow for flexible messaging.

The low cost of sandwichboard signs allows you to get the word out in multiple places without breaking the bank. Place one in the front of your business, and one of each corner to point the way to your products or services.

You can even get A-frame signs with changeable faces, which allows you to keep your messaging flexible while still keeping your costs low. Experiment with various marketing tactics to discover which works best with your pedestrian crowd. Change wording with the season or with your product specials. Experiment with color and graphics to see which gets the greatest response.