Signage regulations can be the bane of small business owners, but there’s one bright spot: Temporary signage often has a fast track from concept to execution. Most municipalities allow exemptions for short-term signage.
For example, if a business person wants to promote a year-end sale, in most cases local signage codes allow signs to be posted for a few weeks without the requirement to obtain permission from City Hall. And the news gets even better for Main Street merchants. Sidewalk signage, large vinyl banners with grommets and large vinyl stickers applied to street facing thoroughfares are permitted in most municipalities without a visit to City Hall.
Here are three ways to use temporary signage to boost your drive-by and walk-in traffic:
- Large, perforated vinyl screen prints are a marketing miracle as they allow light to come into your storefront, while taking advantage of a large “canvas” to give a powerful shout out to passersby. When the promotion is over, the sticker is easy to remove.
- Place A-framed signs on the sidewalk in front of your storefront. Underscore your message by placing signs 10 to 20 feet apart. Be considerate of your neighbors when positioning the signs. You don’t want to block pedestrian traffic. Buy a few spare boards so you can change out your message during the day. For example, you can switch out a lunch menu for a dinner menu as the day progresses.
- Hang a vinyl banner over the facing of your storefront. You’ll have a large landscape to send out a clear message to passersby for a fraction of the cost of erecting a wooden sign. If you plan to reuse the sign, add grommets, which will extend the life of the sign.
Changing out your temporary signage regularly will catch more attention than a permanently erected sign, and temporary signage is an economical choice, too. It’s also a great way to start off the New Year!