Title: Sidewalk Signs - Seven Tips for Attention-Grabbing Sidewalk Sign Messages

Sidewalk signs are moveable signs supported by their own frame and most often formed in the cross-sectional shape of an "A". A sidewalk sign can be a very effective form of outdoor advertising for small businesses, particularly in high-traffic areas, if your message attracts the right attention.

You need to keep your sidewalk signs simple to be effective. You only have seven lines of four inch letters on a typical sidewalk sign, and research has shown that you have typically less than 3 seconds for a potential customer to read your message.

1. Focus on what your customer wants. Place your key benefit at the top of the message, preferably the top two lines. A supporting message can be placed below but most likely won’t be read at first glance. Emphasize what makes your store unique compared to your competitors. Do you offer a lower price, better selection, free trials?

2. Increase readership by displaying your sidewalk sign consistently and rotating its message. People are creatures of habit and drive the same route each day. Use this opportunity to build readership. Bring your sign out each morning and change its message every 3-4 days.

3. An old adage in the billboard industry is to keep it under seven words. If your message is longer, break it down to several messages and display it on your sidewalk sign over a few days.

4. Use a positive voice with action verbs in your message. Your sidewalk sign's message has to be clear to your readers. If your message is confusing, your readers won’t stop and ask for clarification--they’ll go somewhere else.

5. Keep your sign clean. Your sign is your first impression. Make it a good one. Replace broken or missing letters. A little Windex goes a long way!

6. Treat your readers as neighbors by occasionally displaying on your sidewalk sign community announcements, holiday celebrations, or charitable events.

7. Repeat any newspaper, radio or direct mail advertisements on your sidewalk sign.

To write attention grabbing sidewalk signs you need to keep it simple and consistent. Plan different messages, cut them to seven words and consistently display your sidewalk sign each day.

Learn more about using and purchasing sidewalk signs at http://www.alphabetsigns.com