In this blog, we’ll show you how you can create a powerful message for your Vancouver sandwich board sign that can be proudly displayed in front of your business.
There are many ways to advertise your business, and sandwich board signs are one of the best. They are extremely versatile, budget-friendly and customizable allowing business owners to change up their message in an instant. It’s no secret that most of us walk around in our own worlds and don’t notice the shops we walk past.
A well-placed and cleverly written sandwich board can snap us out of a daze, possibly stopping us from daydreaming to take a second glance at the amazing offer on the sidewalk sign. Because sandwich board signs are so effective, it’s essential that your message has an impact and is written with the customer in mind. Let’s take a look at how we do this.
What Should You Advertise on a Sandwich Board Sign?
What you say on your sandwich board sign makes a strong first impression. It can be the deciding factor to whether a person becomes a loyal customer or walks on by. Take time to get your message right, and don’t be afraid to play around with a few ideas to see what works.
Before you decide on what type of signage, you need to think about your overall strategy and what you want to say to your customers. While on some days you might just be directing people into your store. On other days your sandwich board can let customers know about a discount or something special. A few ideas include:
- Food or drink menus
- Discounts on products
- Promotions
- Special events
- Business news
City Guidelines for Vancouver Sandwich Board Signs
Vancouver sandwich board signs are allowed on the sidewalk only if you follow the city guidelines for placement. These include:
- One sandwich board on city property per storefront. Size must be no larger than 60 cm x 90 cm (23.5 in x 35.5 in)
- Place the sign directly in front of the store that it’s advertising
- The sign must be at the property line or up against the building wall (not causing an obstruction on the sidewalk or by the curb)
- Sandwich board signs must display information on the products and services only from your business
- Ensure your sandwich board meets the criteria set out by the Advertising Standards Canada
It’s important to follow the above guidelines when using sandwich board signs for your business. If you fail to comply, you’ll initially receive a warning and then you’ll be fined.
How To Craft a Message for your Sandwich Board Sign
You need a powerful message to draw in customers – something that will distinguish yourself from your competition. Here are five tips that you’ll find useful in creating the perfect message for your Vancouver sandwich board sign that will spread word-of-mouth advertising and have you busy in no time.
Use Wayfinding Signage
People like directions. We despise not knowing where we’re going. This is where sandwich board signs come in extremely handy, directing customers into your store, rather than letting them walk on by. On a busy high street, potential customers get distracted by the noise and may not even notice your store without a sidewalk sign in front of them.
In Vancouver, most shops don’t always get prime locations either because they are not available or the rent is too high and as result, they need to rely on well-crafted signs to point customers in the right direction. A sign hung up high outside the shop, will largely go unnoticed. A sandwich board can be placed in the line of sight in front of your business, with a big arrow directing customers where you want them to go.
Entertain Customers
They say laughter is the best medicine, and it’s also a great marketing strategy. If you can craft a sandwich board message that’s humorous, you’ll likely get a new customer and a few pics on Instagram! Nobody likes to be sold to so being funny in your sales message makes the person forget they are actually being sold to.
Other ideas include being quirky or even a little strange! Everyone has seen the buy one, get one free message before, but if you can add something a little different, your message will stand out from the rest. Even if they don’t buy straight away, a quirky message keeps you top of mind.
Add Topical References
Using topical or pop references in your sandwich board messages is another way to grab attention. What’s going on in the news, which TV programmes are exciting viewers, are any big sports games on? Current affairs can be used to your advantage, with a mention on the sandwich board.
An example includes when the Game Of Thrones TV series was gripping the nation. Fans would come running into your café to drink a ‘’Westeros’’ cocktail or eat a ‘’Jon Snow’’ burger. Have a think about who your target market is and what TV and pop culture they’d be into and use it occasionally in your marketing messages.
Keep Text on Your Sign to a Minimum
Marketing experts say keeping your sandwich board message under seven words is advised. Humans are busy and we’re not very good at concentrating for long periods of time. If a customer is faced with a wall of text, it’s likely they’ll never get past the first sentence.
Write your message, then write it again and again, each time eliminating useless words. Less is more as the saying goes and cutting down wordy sentences will get your message read.
Grab Attention with Visuals and Contrasting Colours
Visuals are a great way to break up text and create a little interest. They also stand out and get seen further away, possibly pulling in customers from across the street. Contrasting colours will make your sandwich board text easy to read. Think black on white or white on black so your message jumps out.
Better Sidewalk Signs
These simple sandwich board tips will help you turn passers-by into paying customers. You can have the best business in the world, but if no one knows you’re there and what you do, it can be hard to stay busy.
A sandwich board is just one tactic to market what you do. Combine it with great social media content and a customer-friendly website and your business will thrive.
If you have any questions or need help with your sandwich board sign, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. BC Retails Supplies is here to help.