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Custom flags are one of the most effective ways to bring more people to your door. They feature vibrant designs that put your business on the map. Their stature helps your offer reach as many passersby as possible.
Flags are also durable and quick to set up and take down. They deliver high impact whether you’re promoting seasonal deals, events, or new products.
Want more people walking through your door but not sure which flag to choose? This blog is for you!
Key Takeaways
- Custom flags boost foot traffic by making your business more visible from the street;
- Keep one short message per flag. Use big letters and strong contrast for better readability;
- Flags are versatile. They are perfect for trade shows, exhibitions, company branding, advertising, and even checkout counters.
How Can Custom Flags Help You Get More Traffic?
Many businesses assume customers will naturally walk in once the doors are open. In truth, foot traffic depends heavily on visibility, especially if you have just opened.
Sometimes people decide to enter a store on the spot. So what makes them walk in? More often than not, it’s the signage.
Movement, height, and contrast draw the eye, and research shows motion is especially hard to ignore. Flags communicate that your business is open and guide customers toward the entrance.
Tips to Effectively Use Custom Flags to Attract More Customers
Flags provide ample room to brand your business, advertise sales, guide customers, or let people know you’re open. Learn how to do it right.
Choose the Right Flag for Your Location
A few factors are important when choosing a flag for your business. Consider physical location, wind conditions, and, of course, your budget.
Feather Flags for Roadside Visibility
Outdoor feather flags are tall, durable, curved, and sleek. They flutter in the wind, elegantly drawing people’s attention to your message. You can print both sides of the flag so that drivers see your offerings from either direction. Install feather flags in front of your commercial premises, retail stores, restaurants, or real estate agencies.
Econo Feather Flags When You Need Several
Econo feather flags feature a free-flying edge that flutters easily in the wind and catches the eye. Since econo feather flags are more affordable, you can buy them in bulk. Install them along a sidewalk, in a parking lot, or at an event booth to maximize impact.
Teardrop Flags for Windy Spots and Tight Sidewalks
Custom-printed teardrop flags’ curved frame and narrow silhouette keep the fabric taut, making them suitable for breezy conditions and tight spaces. Their teardrop shape captures attention and can be customized with any message. They are great for retail stores, sporting events, real estate, farmers’ markets, and restaurants.
Rectangle Flag Banners for Longer Messages
Personalized rectangle flags provide plenty of room for your promotional content thanks to their large surface. Use them at corporate events, grand openings, and sports venues. Announce sales, promote your brand, or share your message indoors and outdoors.
Pole Flags for Shopping Centers and Plazas
Custom pole flags are an excellent addition to busy areas, such as shopping malls, plazas, and big markets. Printed with your logo or artwork, pole flags make your storefront stand out from its neighbors. They can display anything from promotional discounts to emergency warnings.
Comparison Table of Custom Flags
Here is a comparison of flags by shape, standout feature, placement, and best use.
| Flag Type | Shape | Standout Feature | Best Placement | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feather Flags | Tall and curved | Double-sided printing; easy to read while waving | Roadsides and storefronts | Roadside and new businesses, retail stores, restaurants, real estate agencies |
| Econo Feather Flags | Tall with a free-flying edge | Budget-friendly, so you can buy several | Sidewalks, lots, and event booths | Multi-flag displays and events on a budget |
| Teardrop Flags | Tall and narrow with a rounded top | Stays taut in moderate wind | Tight sidewalks and breezy corners | Retail stores, sporting events, real estate, farmers’ markets, restaurants |
| Rectangle Flag Banners | Vertical rectangle | Most room for longer messages | Storefronts and event floors | Corporate events, grand openings, sports venues, sales announcements |
| Pole Flags | Classic flag on a pole | Helps your storefront stand out from its neighbors | Building fronts in busy areas | Shopping malls, plazas, big markets |
Write a Message People Can Read in a Few Seconds
Now that you’ve picked the right flag for your business, let’s make sure your message gets noticed. Here are a few tips to help it stand out.
Stick to One Message per Flag
Every flag should be clear and concise, conveying one message. Is it a seasonal sale or a new product launch? Stick to that one idea and let it do the work. People rarely stop to read a sign that crams in several messages.
Use Big Letters and Strong Contrast
Drivers have only three to five seconds to notice and process an outdoor flag. Big letters and strong contrast make your flag readable instantly.
Based on USSC sign legibility guidelines, each inch of letter height adds about 25 to 30 feet of reading distance for most common font and color combinations. So if you want people to read your flag from 150 feet away, aim for letters around five to six inches tall.
Show light text on a dark background or dark text on a light background to create high contrast. It catches the eye faster and is easier to read from a distance.
Put Your Logo and Key Word Near the Top
Put the essential information near the top so people can see it from afar. Feature your logo or brand name with one keyword that defines the core idea. If you’re a real estate agency, for example, showcase “Open House” or “For Sale.” For wayfinding information, simply put your name so people know they have reached the final destination.
Leave Phone Numbers and Web Addresses for Up Close
Display contact information on the lower part of your flag, since it is more accessible to people who are close to the sign. Feature your phone number and web address. You can also provide a QR code people can easily scan to visit your website.
Give People a Reason to Stop Today
You’ve picked your flag, designed it to stand out, and found the right spot. Now give people a reason to stop by today, not someday.
Announce a Grand Opening
Let everybody know you have opened a new branch of your store, restaurant, or office. Share the news with your neighborhood so your new location can gain recognition. Use short phrases like “Grand Opening” or “Now Open” that are easy to read from afar.
Promote a Sale or Limited-Time Deal
Running a sale? Bold words like “SALE,” “50% OFF,” or “This Weekend Only” are easy to spot from the road. Add a deadline to create urgency and take the flags down when the sale ends.
Show Off Seasonal Products
Flags are easy to swap out, making them great for time-sensitive offers. As fall arrives, promote pumpkin spice drinks. In spring, show off patio furniture, and before winter, advertise snow tires.
Point People to an Event
Flags can guide people to the venue in which you’re hosting a sidewalk sale or community event. If you’re using several flags, keep them in the same colors so the design stays consistent. Feature a simple arrow or “This Way” message to make directions clear from a distance. Place them at the entrance to help visitors find their way.
10 Ways Businesses Use Custom Flags
Businesses use flags as a versatile marketing tool to build brand awareness and engage customers. Here are 10 ways businesses can use custom flags.
Storefront Displays
Your storefront is the first thing people see when they pass by. Eye-catching flags that convey essential information will serve as your silent salesperson. Choose bold feather or rectangle flags to highlight your brand name, invite people in, or announce your latest offer.
Street-Level Advertising
Flags bring your business closer to the street, where drivers and pedestrians can see it. Keep your design minimal so people catch your message at a glance. Teardrop flags are suitable for narrow sidewalks. Wall-mounted pole flags are a great option if you don’t want to use a freestanding display.
Seasonal Promotions
Seasonal promotions work best when your flags are ready before the season starts. Order them a few weeks early, so they’re up by the time people start to search for specific products.
Grand Openings and Product Launches
Flags can turn a product launch into an event. Put a tabletop teardrop flag on a table to announce what’s new, like “New Menu” or “Now Serving Breakfast.” A matching flag on every table sparks curiosity and gets guests asking about your latest offer.
Outdoor Events
Festivals, fairs, and farmers’ markets are crowded and noisy. A tall flag above your booth helps visitors find you from across the crowd. Your flag also becomes an easy meeting point, like “meet us at the blue flag.”
Trade Shows
Trade show floors are packed with identical-looking booths. A flag near your booth will add height, so attendees can spot it from the next aisle. Pair your flags with roll-up banners for a consistent look.
Sports and Community Sponsorships
Install branded flags along the arena to keep your name in front of the audience. You can also display the event date, time, or any other important information. Econo feather flags make placing several flags around the venue more affordable.
Real Estate Open Houses
Place open house flags at the main intersection or in the front yard and feature an “Open House” message with an arrow. Your potential clients will see your offering and will know where to go.
Point of Sale
Mini teardrop flags stand 21 inches tall. Use them on checkout counters and front desks. They work well to showcase a daily special, a new product, or a last-minute offer. Customers are more likely to purchase when they see your promotional message while paying.
Office Buildings and Business Parks
Every building can look the same in a business park. If you want to cut through the noise, install a wall-mounted pole flag at your entrance. Display your company name in bold letters or feature directional arrows so that people find you quickly.
Your next customer may be driving past your business, so give them a reason to hit the brakes. A bold flag, a short promotional message, and a great offer can make them stop and walk through your door. Design your custom flag in minutes with our sign design tool and watch people step in and shop.