What You Need to Know About A-Boards: A Versatile Outdoor Advertising Solution
In today's competitive business world, capturing the attention of potential customers is more crucial than ever, and with an overcrowded online marketplace that’s getting more and more difficult to break into, sometimes the traditional ways are worth reappraisal.
A-boards, the portable and highly customisable signs that you often see displayed on pavements and streets, have proven to be an effective marketing tool for hundreds of years. In this blog, we’re exploring the concept of A-boards, their history, ideal locations for their placement, available sizes, planning permission requirements, design considerations, and the various types of A-boards you can obtain from VKF Renzel.
Whether you're a small business owner or a marketer looking to maximise your advertising impact, this comprehensive guide will help you make informed decisions about using simple, colourful and eye-catching A-boards to promote your business.
What Is an A-Board?
An A-board, also known as a pavement sign or a sandwich board, is a freestanding advertising display that is generally positioned outside a business to inform and entice pedestrians into entering your store. They consist of two connected boards that form an "A" shape from the side, hence the name. A-boards are designed to be highly portable and easily folded or disassembled for convenient arrangement and storage.
These versatile signs provide a highly visible physical platform for promoting products, services, daily specials or upcoming events, often featuring eye-catching graphics and concise marketing messages. A-boards offer the advantage of being highly striking and accessible to passing pedestrians, allowing businesses to communicate directly with potential customers right on their doorstep.
The History of A-Boards
Wooden A-board pavement signs have a long history dating back several centuries. These signs originated as a simple and portable means of advertising or conveying information to passers-by. Owing to how far back they were first used, the exact origins of A-board signs are unclear, but they have been used in various forms throughout history. In medieval times, wooden A-boards were common, often hung from hooks or displayed on the ground to attract attention. These early signs typically featured hand-painted or carved messages.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, A-boards became more standardised and gained popularity among businesses. They were often made of wood and featured hinged panels that could be opened or closed. The signs would be placed on the pavement outside shops, pubs or inns, advertising products, services or special offers.
With the advent of mass production in the 20th century, A-board signs became more accessible and affordable. Materials like metal and plastic were introduced, making the signs more durable and weather resistant. A-board signs have continued to evolve with the introduction of digital displays and LED technology, allowing for dynamic and eye-catching signs that can be easily updated.
Ideal Locations for Setting Up A-Boards
Choosing the right location for your A-board is essential for maximising its visibility and impact. Most businesses would consider having an A-board in front of their store, but they can also be used to signpost people towards your store and offerings from a little further away too. Areas with high footfall such as shopping streets or centres, busy road junctions and near public transportation hubs are always popular choices for attracting the highest number of people.
Before placing your A-board signs, it is important to consider local regulations and ensure that the placement of your pavement signs doesn’t obstruct pedestrian flow or create other safety hazards.
Do You Need Planning Permission for A-Boards?
The need for planning permission for A-boards varies depending on local regulations and authorities. In some areas, you may require consent from local authorities before placing an A-board on public property. It is crucial to research and comply with relevant rules to avoid penalties or potential conflicts. In certain cases, businesses may also need to consider additional permits for specific locations, such as historic districts or conservation areas.
Available Sizes for A-Boards
A-boards come in a range of sizes to suit different advertising and business needs. The most common size we supply is A1 (594x841mm), as many of our A-boards are designed to take printed posters and this is a great size for pavement advertising. The standard A1 size will also help keep printing costs reasonable. The choice of size depends on factors such as the amount of information to be displayed and the visibility required to attract attention from a distance. We also supply sizes A0, A2, and A3 – you can use the ‘insert size’ filter on our A-board product page to narrow down your search for the perfect size.
When it comes to A-frame chalkboards, the size isn’t such a big issue as all the graphics will be written straight on the surface of the board. When you’re browsing our wide selection of A-boards, you’ll see all the dimensions listed in the product information under each design, so you’ll always know exactly what you’re getting.
Planning a Design for Your A-Board
The design of your A-board plays a vital role in capturing attention and conveying your message effectively. Consider the following factors when planning your design: use bold and legible fonts, include eye-catching colours, limit text to essential information, use high-quality images or illustrations, and ensure a cohesive branding message that aligns with your business values.
If you’re using a chalkboard a-frame variation, the chalkboard pens we supply come in a variety of bright, vibrant colours and the only limit to your designs is your imagination. Either way, simplicity and clarity are key, as pedestrians typically have limited time to absorb information while passing by. Experiment with different layouts and take note of any that seem to be particularly good at capturing the attention of your customers.
Types of A-Boards Available
A-boards come in various types, each catering to different business needs. The most common types include wooden A-boards, which offer a traditional, rustic charm; metal A-boards, providing durability and a sleek look; chalkboard A-boards, allowing easy customization with chalk or liquid markers; waterproof A-boards, ideal for outdoor use in inclement weather; and specialised A-boards such as drinking stations for dogs, combining advertising with practicality. Choosing the right type depends on factors such as your branding, intended use, budget and desired aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
Throughout their history, A-board pavement signs have remained a popular and effective advertising tool due to their affordability, versatility and ability to directly target pedestrians as they pass your storefront. They are still commonly used by small businesses, cafes, restaurants and shops to attract potential customers and convey information about offers and services because they work.Incorporating A-boards into your marketing opens new opportunities to engage with your target clientele right on your doorstep. If you’d like any more information or guidance, our friendly team will be happy to help – just call us on 01527 878311 or email us at sales@vkf-renzel.co.uk.