Outdoor & indoor signage ideas for small business

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

When it comes to communicating with customers, the right signage can make a world of difference. Potential customers pass by your shop front daily — so make sure you’re grabbing their attention with the right outdoor signage.

Whether it’s a wall decal in your boutique’s fitting room or a poster on your coffee shop’s windows, there are so many ways brick-and-mortar businesses can use signs to reach customers. Here, we’ll cover how to make the most of indoor and outdoor signage at your business.

Where should you use outdoor signage?  

• Hanging a sign above your entryway door is a great place to start. You can also consider using a pavement sign, flag or roller banner to grab pedestrian attention. Make sure to check with your council about local rules and regulations for outdoor signs for businesses, especially if they take up part of the pavement.
• Post your opening hours, phone number and website with a custom window decal. You can use window decals on the inside or outside of your window glass.
• If you have a designated pick-up area or parking spaces, mark them with a flag or A-frame sign so customers know where to pull in.
• Encourage customers to shop local with a heartfelt message in your shop’s window. Posters or foam board prints work really well for this. 
• Do you offer delivery, or provide in-home services? Promote your small business with a magnetic car sign or car decal.

Outdoor signage is also a great way to alert passers-by to promotions or special events.  Creating excitement about a special offer or product can attract new clientele and build loyalty with existing ones. 

• Do you have a timely special — like a latte of the day or product of the month? Use a chalkboard sign to easily adjust offers (and unleash some of your creativity!).
• If you regularly offer a special — like a weeknight discount — remind customers with a custom poster hung in your window. 
• Hosting an in-store event or sale? Hang an easy-to-read vinyl banner or outdoor poster in your window to attract customers — or place an A-frame sign outside your front door letting customers know about the latest and greatest.

What about your indoor signage?

Inside your business, consider signage at all eye levels. Use a variety of signs, from floor to ceiling, that customers can see at a distance and when they get closer. Here are a few ways you can use interior signage:

• Place a tabletop sign by the till that reiterates your shop policies and payment options.
• If you have a cafe or restaurant, use a tabletop sign with a QR
• code that directs customers to the menu or daily specials.
• Use floor decals to encourage directional flow inside your shop.
• Place a poster stand or a foam board print just inside your entrance to remind customers of current sales or promotions.
• Designate displays of on-sale merchandise with posters or roller banners.
• Promote new services (like delivery options or rewards programmes) with a poster or indoor banner.
• Want to display a shop policy or other ‘permanent’ message? Consider showcasing it on something sturdy, like a stylish acrylic sign or a sleek metal one.