A-boards are one of the most eye-catching tools to attract attention and bring new business through your door. Whether you're an independent café or a store on a bustling high street, A-boards are a staple for businesses looking to engage passers-by and highlight promotions. Here’s your complete guide to A-boards and how to maximise their potential for your business.
What is an A-Board?
An A-Board is a very common, freestanding, double-sided outdoor sign designed to
showcase your business, offers, or announcements to the public. Resembling the shape of
the letter “A” when viewed from the side, these boards act as signposts, helping you attract
customers by positioning your brand at eye level. A-Boards are commonly used in high-
footfall areas to capture attention from both directions, making them ideal for busy locations
or quieter streets where visibility is key.
Types of A-Boards
Choosing the right type of A-Board depends on your business needs, style preferences, and
messaging strategy. At Signwaves, we offer a range of A-Boards suited to various business
requirements, including:
● Classic A-Board: Durable and rust-resistant, this sleek, portable frame is perfect for vinyl graphics or digital prints, offering a professional solution for clear, eye-catching messaging.
● Chalkboard A-Boards: Great for cafes, restaurants, or retail, chalkboards allow you
to update messages daily with customisable text or artwork.
●Snapframe A-Boards: With a convenient snap-open mechanism, snap frames make
changing posters simple and secure. They’re popular for both indoor and outdoor use due to their hassle-free message-changing ability.
Each type of A-Board offers flexibility, making it easy for you to update your messaging to
suit your daily needs.
What’s the Difference between A-boards and Sandwich boards?
While both A-boards and sandwich boards aim to boost visibility, they serve slightly different
purposes:
● A-Boards: These static signs are freestanding, usually positioned outside your
business, and are often double-sided.
● Sandwich Boards: Often wearable, sandwich boards allow your message to be
mobile. These are particularly effective for on-the-go promotions, where staff can
actively engage with the public, handing out flyers or samples as they move around.
Why Use A-Boards for Advertising?
The primary purpose of A-Boards is to deliver a quick, clear message that resonates with
those passing by. Here’s why they’re so effective:
● Increases Foot Traffic: An engaging A-Board can draw attention and encourage
potential customers to enter, particularly for businesses not on the main high street.
● Flexible Messaging: Easily updateable, A-Boards are ideal for promoting daily
specials, events, or new products.
● Boosts Local Awareness: An A-Board can create local awareness and provide an additional marketing touchpoint for new or lesser-known businesses.
Where Should You Position Your A-Board?
Strategic placement of your A-board is key. Here are a few ideal locations:
● Directly Outside Your Shop: For high visibility, place your A-Board outside your
business to catch attention immediately.
● High Footfall Areas: If your business is off the main path, consider positioning your
A-Board near busy intersections or central walkways.
● Near Entrances: Positioning it at your entryway lets customers know about
promotions before they step inside.
Do You Need Permission to Use an A-Board?
Local councils may have specific rules for outdoor signage, so it’s essential to check
regulations in your area. Some councils require permits for pavement displays, particularly in
areas where space is limited. Adhering to guidelines ensures you won’t face fines or be
required to remove your signage unexpectedly.
Are A-Boards Weatherproof?
At Signwaves, we provide durable, weatherproof A-Boards, built to withstand the
unpredictable British weather. Our Classic A-Board and Snapframe A-Boards feature a protective
coversheet that shields your graphics from rain and wind, ensuring they look sharp and
professional in all conditions. For outdoor use, choosing a weather-resistant A-Board will
help maintain a polished appearance and protect your investment.
Designing an Effective A-Board
An A-Board needs to grab attention quickly, so simplicity is essential. Here’s how to create
an effective design:
● Use Bold Fonts: Opt for large, readable fonts so your message is clear, even from a
distance.
● Keep It Short: Aim for short, impactful messages that get your point across in
seconds.
● Add Colour: Colourful designs are more likely to catch the eye; just make sure your
colour choices complement your brand.
● Include Graphics: Consider using imagery or illustrations that enhance your
message without overwhelming the text.
How Long Does It Take to Get an A-Board?
At Signwaves, we pride ourselves on efficient service and quality products. Our standard A-
Board options are ready to ship, with custom printed graphics available for quick turnaround.
Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming promotion or need a long-term signage solution,
we’ve got you covered.
Explore our range of A-Boards and find the perfect match for your business. Unsure what
you need? Just get in touch with us and we can help you.