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Outdoor Marketing Signage 101


Making a strong first impression is vital for small businesses trying to stand out in a competitive marketplace. Outdoor marketing signage strategically grabs customer attention before they set foot into your establishment. 


There are many different types of signage options that can help build your brand image, increase visibility, and attract potential new customers. Read on to learn how to utilize eye-catching outdoor marketing to drive new leads, sales, and foot traffic through your front door.

Signs—Your Silent Salespeople

Impactful outdoor signage performs tirelessly as silent salespeople for small businesses aiming to build a powerful brand image. Signs prominently placed outside storefronts identify your establishment and clearly communicate your offerings and messaging to passing traffic 24/7. 

Types of Signs


Choosing the optimal outdoor signage for your business is crucial to maximize visibility and conversions. The ideal options depend on your brand, location, goals, and budget. 


Some sign types offer portability, while others provide durability. Others incorporate attention-grabbing shapes and motions. 


Carefully weigh the benefits of each to determine the best signs to effectively communicate your messaging to passing traffic.

A-Frame Signs


Portable and versatile A-frame sidewalk signs effectively showcase daily specials, new arrivals, or promotions. Their maneuverability allows businesses to strategically place them in high foot traffic areas during operating hours or for special events to attract customer eyes.

Outdoor Swing Signs


Rugged outdoor swing signs withstand wind, rain, and sunlight. Their eye-catching swinging motion displays key information like business hours or parking directions to guide prospective customers.

Round Swivel Signs


Round swivel signs incorporate unique shapes and rotating mechanisms guaranteed to grab attention. The curvy form stands out from standard signage and identifies your business location. Adding swivel motion creates further impact.

Banners That Grab Attention


Displaying outdoor banners provides small businesses with dynamic and affordable outdoor marketing options fitting nearly any promotion or event. Banners attract customer's eyes and convey impactful branding, messaging, and calls to action.

Types of Banners


Selecting the right banner style requires weighing factors like durability, visibility, portability, and cost. Popular options each offer unique benefits to display your brand messaging effectively. 


Some banner materials are ideal for permanent outdoor use, while others are designed to handle wind. Certain styles incorporate eye-catching motion to grab attention. Consider the pros and cons of different banner types to determine the best fit for your needs.

Vinyl Banners


Durable vinyl banners resist weather and can be customized to reflect your unique brand identity and messaging. They effectively promote grand openings, sales, or special events outdoors.

Mesh Banners


With mesh banners, windy outdoor conditions won’t blow your marketing dollars away. These banners allow air to freely pass through the fabric while maintaining a polished appearance and promoting your business.

Feather Banners


Tall feather banners demand attention with their vertical format and dramatic swaying motion. They create marketing impact when positioned at trade shows, special events, or permanently outside your storefront.

Posters for Impact


Bold, creative posters deliver timeless, high-impact marketing. Large format posters placed in strategic locations inform audiences and get your messaging noticed.

Types of Posters


Choosing the right poster style involves considering visibility, positioning, size, and purpose. Some styles are designed for window displays, while others are better for freestanding boards. Large formats stand out from a distance. Carefully select the poster options that best fit your audience and goals.

Window Posters


Engage passing foot traffic and inspire impulse stops by showcasing eye-catching window posters. Feature new products, sales, or other dynamic promotions on your storefront glass.

Poster Boards


In high-foot-traffic areas, oversized poster boards make bold statements. Use them to announce upcoming events, launch a new product line, or convey impactful branding.

Tents for Branding


Pop-up and large event tents allow companies to directly engage potential customers by establishing a presence and showcasing products at fairs or festivals. Tents furnish businesses with on-site environments to highlight their brand identity.

Types of Tents


The ideal tent solution depends on venue size, booth footprint, branding space, and ease of setup. Some tents offer compact pop-up convenience, while others provide expansive event space. Prioritize key needs like portability and customization when selecting tent options.

Pop-Up Tents


Portable pop-up tents provide customizable shelter and promotional space for vendors. Quick and simple installation makes your brand visible at any outdoor venue.

Event Tents


Roomy event tents furnish businesses with ample on-site real estate to make an impression. Larger tents allow more versatility in branding, decor, and activity options at crowded fairs or markets.

Flags for Dynamic Display

Flags dynamically attract attention with constant motion. Strategically placed flags help your messaging visually stand out from the competition.

Types of Flags


Factors like location, portability, and shape help determine the ideal outdoor flag to display your branding dynamically. Some flag varieties are designed for permanent outdoor installation, while others can be positioned as needed. Different shapes and vertical formats creatively capture attention. Prioritize visibility and impact when selecting flag options.

Teardrop Flags


The unique shape of teardrop flags captures eyes outside storefronts, events, or other outdoor venues. Permanently installed flags identify your location. Portable teardrop flags direct foot traffic at special events.

Feather Flags


Feather flags sway and dance gracefully to attract attention with their tall rectangular designs. Indoor or outdoor placement ensures your messaging gets noticed from all angles.

Beyond the Basics


Expand your outdoor marketing efforts beyond traditional signage with supplemental branded items. Consider how potential customers encounter your business in person and around town. Unique options like wraps, signs, and handouts further promote your brand.

Vehicle Wraps


Transform company cars and trucks into moving billboards by wrapping them with customized graphics. Vehicle wraps allow you to advertise your brand everywhere you drive.

Yard Signs


Yard signs provide affordable localized marketing—position signs outside your bricks-and-mortar location. Or you can distribute free signs to satisfied residential customers for organic word-of-mouth advertising.

Event Marketing Materials


Carry your branding beyond large format signage with event marketing materials like flyers, brochures, and business cards. These creative items help small businesses make a complete impression and close deals.

Sign Design and Creation in Alexandria and Arlington, VA


Ready to elevate your outdoor marketing initiatives? The right approach and quality signage leave lasting positive impressions. Let’s start a conversation today about crafting an outdoor signage marketing plan that showcases your unique brand story.


Let the experts at AlphaGraphics of Alexandria and Arlington, VA, help you create the ideal sign for your business, event, or organization. In addition to signage, we also offer professional design, printing, and marketing services that will make a huge impact. Contact us today at (703) 549-2432 or email us at US635@alphagraphics.com to learn more!

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