Did you know A-boards are technically called ‘advertising boards’ in the UK? Most of us just think of them as those fold-out signs outside cafés promising the ‘best flat white in town’. However, there’s a bit more going on behind the scenes.
For starters, you can’t just put one anywhere
Local councils have rules about where A-boards can go, especially on busy pavements. They can’t block access for wheelchair users, pushchairs or people with visual impairments. In some areas, you even need permission.
They’re also surprisingly effective
Because they sit at eye level and right in a pedestrian’s path, they grab attention in a way that big billboards don’t. Advertising is getting more and more creative, and an effective campaign can boost your business. A witty message or a chalk-drawn special can tempt someone in on the spot. Impulse decisions love an A-board. A company that specialises in signs Exeter can help enhance your business and give it a presence. You can find more information at //exeter.nettl.com/signs/.
But weather is their natural enemy
One gust of wind and your lunch deal is halfway down the high street. That’s why many businesses use weighted bases or sturdy wooden frames.
There’s also a bit of psychology involved
Cool handwritten chalk messages often feel more personal and local, which suits independent shops. Printed, branded boards feel more corporate and polished. The style says something about the business before you even walk in. They’re called A-boards because, from the side, they form the shape of a capital A.