A local gym, ordered a footpath sign to promote membership earlier this year and returned to order another sign for next year’s campaign. After receiving their latest sign the manager told us it was already on the roadside — and shared a photo demonstrating clear placement and visibility.
How businesses commonly use footpath signs
Small local businesses — gyms, cafés, retailers and service providers — use footpath signs to share time-sensitive messages such as membership deals, event notices and seasonal offers. A footpath sign and a sandwich board sign can be positioned at storefront entrances or at roadside locations to reach both pedestrians and passing traffic.
Compared to other forms of local advertising, printed footpath signage is:
- Low-cost to produce and maintain
- Reusable — the sign base can be kept and the printed boards swapped
- Effective for location-specific campaigns
Designing a sign that works
Design choices affect how well your message reads from the street. When creating a footpath sign design, consider the following:
- Message clarity: Keep wording concise. Use one clear call to action (for example, “Join Today — 20% off till Jan 31”).
- Font and contrast: Select fonts that remain legible at a glance and use high-contrast colours for outdoor readability.
- Hierarchy: Make the main offer or action the largest element, followed by secondary details (dates, phone number).
If you design your own art, tools like our Canva guide help you create a layout that meets printing requirements and keeps the sign readable from a distance. The gym used our quick design tool (Canva) to produce artwork themselves. They created a simple, readable roadside message and. The result is a fast, affordable way to raise awareness locally and support membership drives or short-term promotions.
Material and placement considerations
Choosing the right material and location helps your sign last and perform well:
- Durable materials: Use ACM boards for outdoor use. See our ACM board product for options.
- Placement: Place signs in open sightlines, away from obstructions and where they comply with local council rules. Consider the direction of foot and vehicle traffic when positioning the sign.
- Visibility at different times: If you run evening promotions, ensure lighting and reflective contrast are considered.
Timing and production workflow
Campaign scheduling matters. Allow sufficient time for design, proofing, printing and delivery. Many small businesses keep one sign base and order replacement printed boards ahead of new promotions — this shortens turnaround time and saves cost.