Want more customers walking through your door?
All small business owners want to catch the attention of passersby. After all, more eyes equals:
- More walk-ins
- More sales
- More brand awareness
Here’s the problem:
Most stores fail to stand out. They feature weak signage, poor lighting and no curb appeal. Which means people just walk right by without noticing.
Without a strong first impression, you’re invisible.
Best tips for small business owners on how to use storefront neon signs to capture foot traffic and convert passersby into customers.
Let’s jump in!
What’s inside this guide:
- Why First Impressions Decide Everything
- Why Storefront Neon Signs Work So Well
- How To Design Storefront Neon Signs That Convert
- Where To Place Your Sign For Maximum Impact
Why First Impressions Decide Everything
You only get one shot at a first impression.
It takes 3 seconds for a passerby to make a judgement about your store. If they walk in or walk away depends on that snap decision. And that decision is based on what they see from the street.
Think about your own behaviour for a second…
Passing by a store with a dark window, no visible branding or logo and a rundown appearance… Most likely you’ll walk by. But see that brightly lit store with clear signage saying something to you… You may just stop and stare.
It only takes 3 seconds to make a first impression. And neon open signs are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to help you win that judgment for your store front.
Statistics show this too. Research shows that 70.5% of consumers are unlikely to visit a store that lacks proper signage. That means you’re losing out on a significant majority of possible patrons because they don’t know you’re there.
Business owners who purchase storefront neon signs purchase all that lost pedestrian traffic back. Best of all, the sign sells for you around the clock once it’s installed with zero effort.
Why Storefront Neon Signs Work So Well
So why do storefront neon signs grab so much attention?
Ok, here’s the TLDR version: They learned light/colour/shapes produce automatic reactions from the human brain. The human brain is programmed to notice things that glow. It’s why moths fly toward porch lights.
But there’s more to it than that…
They Stand Out At Any Time Of Day
Static signs fade into the backdrop of our lives. After years of staring at them every day, people stop seeing them. Neon signs on storefronts don’t suffer from this problem because:
- They glow brightly at night
- They catch the eye even during daylight hours
- They look modern and well kept
- They suggest the business is open and active
Translation: Your store gets noticed when other stores don’t.
They Show You’re Open For Business
“Closed” means just keep walking. But dang it if a lit up “Open” sign isn’t an invitation.
Eliminates wondering if you trade or not. Customers won’t second guess if you’re open…. They’ll just come on in.
Massive impact on pedestrian traffic. Countless potential customers pass by businesses when they’re closed during off-peak hours. Flip on a bright neon sign and you’ve solved that issue right there.
They Make Your Brand Look Premium
Cheap signs reflect poorly on your business. Bright attractive professionally made neon signs do just the opposite. They communicate to your customers:
- You care about quality
- You take pride in your store
- You’re worth checking out
Don’t take this lightly. Your storefront defines your products in the eyes of your customers before they walk through your door.
How To Design Storefront Neon Signs That Convert
Not all neon signs operate similarly. Sign design matters just as much.
Here are the key things to get right:
Keep The Message Short
Optimal storefront neon signs use between 1-3 words at most. Past three words becomes unreadable from sidewalk distance.
Stick to simple messages like:
- “OPEN”
- “COFFEE”
- “TATTOOS”
- Your business name
Pick The Right Colour
Colour matters more than most people think. Different colours trigger different feelings:
- Red: Excitement and urgency
- Pink: Fun, trendy, feminine
- Blue: Trust and calm
- Green: Fresh, natural, healthy
- Yellow: Cheerful and friendly
Choose colours that fit your brand and audience. Bright red probably isn’t suitable for a wellness studio. And soft pastels probably aren’t good for a tattoo shop.
Make It Visible From A Distance
Your sign needs to be readable from across the street. That means:
- Use thick, bold lettering
- Avoid fancy fonts
- Make sure the sign is big enough for your space
- Keep the background simple
The golden rule? If you can read it from 20 metres away in daylight, you’re good.
Where To Place Your Sign For Maximum Impact
Now for the part most business owners get wrong… Placement.
Great storefront neon signage is worthless if it is in the wrong location. Learn how to do it right.
Window Placement Beats Above The Door
When your sign is in your window it is at eye level. Eye level is exactly where you want it. Door signs are good for brand recognition. But window graphics are what will grab attention.
Avoid Visual Clutter
Don’t clutter your window with cluttered signs. One large neon sign with concise wording will always outperform five tiny signs fighting to be seen. Keep it simple.
Light It Up Day And Night
Neon signs on store fronts should be on during business hours and a bit after closing. This creates brand awareness when your business is closed. Customers who walk by at night will remember you when they need your product.
Tip: Set your sign on a timer. This conserves power and prevents you from forgetting it on.
Final Thoughts
Storefront neon signs are one of the simplest ways small business owners can attract foot traffic. They are inexpensive, attention grabbing, and work tirelessly to guide customers inside.
To quickly recap the key points:
- First impressions decide whether someone walks in or walks past
- Storefront neon signs grab attention day and night
- Short, simple messages always perform best
- Window placement beats above-the-door every time
- A timer keeps your sign working for you
Signage is important. Here’s why. 56% of companies report that exterior signage contributed to new customer growth. Over half of businesses attribute new patrons to their signage.
If you’re a small business owner battling chains, big-box stores or even just the store across the street… Upgrading your business with a storefront neon sign may be the easiest improvement you make all year. It won’t break the bank. It just might pay big dividends.
