In the bustling world of brick and mortar retail, your storefront’s first impression can make or break a sale. The data is clear: a staggering 76% of consumers admit to entering a store they’ve never visited before simply because the signage caught their eye. On the other hand, nearly 60% of shoppers will avoid a business that has no sign at all. A well designed, well placed sidewalk sign isn’t just decoration; it’s a powerful tool that can increase sales by an average of 10%.
While any sign is better than no sign, not all are created equal. To truly capture attention on a busy street, you need something that stands out. This is where rounded sidewalk signs come in, offering a unique and friendly advantage.
Why Shape Matters: The Appeal of Rounded Sidewalk Signs
When potential customers are walking by, their brains are subconsciously processing shapes. Research shows that people have a natural preference for curved objects over those with sharp angles. In one study, participants liked objects with rounded contours significantly more than similar objects with pointed edges.
A sign with a distinctive silhouette, like the half circle top of many rounded sidewalk signs, leverages this psychological preference. It feels more approachable, welcoming, and playful compared to standard rectangular boards. This gentle shape naturally draws the eye, making passersby more likely to pause and read your message. In a sea of squares, a curve is memorable. Choosing a creative shape helps your sign become part of your brand’s personality, making your business more inviting from the curb.
Best Practices for Your Sidewalk Sign
Once a unique shape like a rounded sidewalk sign has captured someone’s attention, the message and placement have to do the heavy lifting. Following a few key principles will ensure your sign works as hard as you do.
Keep Your Message Short and Sweet
A person walking by has only a few seconds to absorb your message.
Be Brief: Stick to a single, compelling headline. “Fresh Sourdough Daily” is more effective than a paragraph about your baking process.
Prioritize Legibility: Use big, bold fonts. A good rule of thumb is to have one inch of letter height for every ten feet of viewing distance. If you want someone to read your sign from 30 feet away, your letters should be at least three inches tall. Inside your space, pair the message with a coffee menu board or wall sign for quick, high-contrast updates.
Use High Contrast: Classic white on black or black on white offers the best readability from a distance. A cluttered or low contrast sign will be ignored. One café saw a 25% increase in morning foot traffic after using bold, oversized text on its sidewalk sign.
Strategic Placement is Everything
Where you place your sign is just as important as what’s on it. The goal is to intercept foot traffic before people walk right past your door. Position your sign where it’s most visible to approaching pedestrians, often slightly away from your entrance and closer to the main flow of traffic.
Just be sure not to create an obstacle. Many cities require a clear path of at least 36 inches on the sidewalk for accessibility. In windy areas, add a low-profile weight like a Sandbag for A-Frame Signs to keep your board secure without scratching the sidewalk. Always check your local regulations, as some areas require permits or restrict sign placement to business hours.
Inject Personality and Keep it Fresh
Your sidewalk sign is a direct reflection of your business. Over 68% of consumers believe a store’s signage reflects the quality of its products or services.
Keep the content fresh by updating it daily or weekly with specials, seasonal greetings, or a clever quote. This gives regulars a reason to look at your sign every time they pass. A funny or witty message humanizes your brand, lowers social barriers, and might even get shared online. A sign that is clean and well maintained signals that you care about the details, building trust before a customer even steps inside. Carry the same tone inside with tabletop signage at the register to highlight specials or add-ons.
Choosing a Quality Sign That Lasts
A sidewalk sign is an investment in your business, so it pays to choose one built for the long haul. Your sign has to withstand sun, rain, and wind, and a flimsy sign that looks weathered can do more harm than good.
Invest in Weather Resistant Materials
Look for rounded pavement signs made from durable, high quality materials. Powder coated aluminum is an excellent choice for outdoor use because it resists rust, chipping, and fading. A sturdy, well constructed sign signals quality and permanence. For example, the George & Willy Rounded Sidewalk Sign is crafted from powder coated aluminum with quality fasteners to ensure it looks great for years. If you need even more street presence, consider the Large Sidewalk Sign for bigger graphics and visibility. Investing in a sign that is backed by a solid warranty provides peace of mind and is one of the most cost effective marketing decisions you can make.
Make it Your Own: Branding Your Sign
Your business signage should be a seamless extension of your brand identity. Consistency across all your touchpoints can increase revenue by up to 33%. To achieve this, look for a sign that provides a clean slate for your branding.
Many of the best rounded sidewalk signs arrive as a blank canvas, ready for you to customize. Prefer a classic folding format? The A-frame board sign range offers the same blank canvas in a compact, portable design. You can work with a local signwriter to apply a weatherproof vinyl decal of your logo and branding. This gives you a professional, custom look without the high cost and long lead times of full fabrication. By matching the fonts, colors, and logo from your website and interior, your sidewalk sign becomes a cohesive and welcoming handshake for your business. Explore a full range of cohesive business signage to create a consistent look from the sidewalk to the checkout counter, and add a wall hanging sign for visibility from down the street.
Your Quick Guide to Rounded Sidewalk Signs (FAQ)
What makes rounded sidewalk signs so effective?
Rounded sidewalk signs stand out from traditional rectangular signs due to their unique, friendly shape. Psychologically, people are more drawn to curved shapes, making these signs feel more approachable and memorable on a busy street.
How do I put my logo on a blank sidewalk sign?
The easiest and most professional method is to have a local sign shop create and apply a custom vinyl decal. This is a durable and weather resistant solution that allows you to perfectly match your brand’s logo, fonts, and colors. If you want changeable letters built in, the Letter Sidewalk Sign lets you update messages without reprinting.
Are rounded sidewalk signs durable enough for outdoor use?
Absolutely, provided you choose one made from the right materials. Look for signs constructed from powder coated aluminum or steel, as these finishes protect against rust, fading, and chipping. A quality sign is designed to withstand daily exposure to the elements.
How much do rounded sidewalk signs cost?
Prices can vary based on size, material, and brand. For a high quality, design focused option like the George & Willy Rounded Sidewalk Sign, you can expect to invest around $420. This is a long term marketing asset that works for your business every day.
What is the best message for a sidewalk sign?
The best messages are brief, easy to read, and have a clear call to action or a touch of personality. Focus on one idea, like “Happy Hour 3-6 PM,” “Fresh Flowers In,” or a witty quote that reflects your brand’s voice.
Where is the best place to put my sidewalk sign?
Position your sign in the path of oncoming foot traffic, a little bit out from your entrance, to catch people’s eyes before they pass. Ensure it doesn’t block the walkway and complies with all local regulations for sidewalk clearance. For extra clarity at the door, pair it with an Open Sign so people know you’re trading.
