The physical storefront of a business is one of the brand’s most valuable marketing assets. Whether decked out with elaborate holiday displays or outfitted in eye-catching and artful custom designs, store windows contribute to the brand story — and they can attract customers. Window graphics are one of the most flexible, durable, and cost-effective ways to create a physical storefront that boosts business.
Standard window signage with attractive logos or text can work wonders for marketing, but window graphics have plenty of uses beyond that single application. Learn the types of window graphics that you can use to build your brand.
Essential Window Signage
Window signage increases the visibility of your brand. Window signage in a retail store at a small, local shopping center helps potential customers navigate the area and understand the array of items they can shop for. The most essential window signs are ones that highlight the name, type of business, address, and business hours — every storefront needs this type of signage.
Large-format logos displayed on windows, typically printed on vinyl, pack a punch and can attract foot traffic or capture the interest of passersby. Digital printing makes it possible to customize every aspect of window signage, from the colors used in the design to the style of the lettering. All of these components are part of your brand experience and contribute to your customers’ (and prospective customers’) impressions of your brand.
Window Signage for Storefront Address Lettering
Window signage with clear directional cues, a type of wayfinding signage, ensures your customers will find you and your packages will be delivered accurately. Adding simple but clear information, such as your address or business hours, makes it easier for customers to find information about your business (without needing to pull out their phones).
Vinyl Lettering
While vinyl lettering can certainly be used for addresses or business hours, large-format vinyl lettering can be used to list products offered or the type of business you are promoting. A children’s toy shop may have a playful logo and descriptive name, but vinyl lettering displaying words like “books,” “toys,” and “sports” will clarify for visitors what they can find inside the store.
Vinyl lettering can also be used to add important directives to the entrance of a building — like a note reminding visitors that pets are not allowed inside a restaurant — to clarify any rules or requirements.
Promotional and Seasonal Window Graphics
Brands may choose window graphics to promote specific offers or products. Fans of a local restaurant may learn of a new weeknight dinner special, thanks to the window graphics they see as they drive through the neighborhood. Or a cosmetic services brand may want to highlight a new service offered — a specific type of facial, for instance — with a window graphic that lists the benefits of the service. In these instances, window graphics are ideal for promotional advertisements because they are easy to customize, print, apply, and remove as needed.
Vinyl window graphics are ideal for seasonal promotions and offers, such as holiday specials, sales, or even events. When the holiday season comes around, businesses can add eye-catching themed graphics to their windows to promote a message — and they can be removed at the end of the season.
Window Graphics for Privacy
Not only are window graphics great marketing tools, but they are also incredibly functional. Adhering films and vinyls to windows can create a sense of privacy or divide spaces. Privacy window graphics can be used for interior and exterior windows. There are so many styles of privacy window graphics to choose from that it is easy to customize and adjust based on your aesthetic and functional goals.
Frosted Film
Many businesses choose frosted films, or etched glass films, because they offer the look of etched glass — and the privacy that comes with it — without the added cost. Frosted films and privacy films come in varying degrees of opacity. The design allows for light to enter the space but obscures objects on either side of the window.
Mirrored Film
Mirrored window film turns a window into a mirrored surface. When applied, one side of the film is mirrored, and viewers on that side cannot see through. The other side of the window does not have a mirrored finish, and viewers can see through it.
One-Way Film
Similar to mirrored film, one-way film obscures the view of a window from one side. Mirrored window film is the most recognized type of window film, but perforated film offers the same effect. A design is printed on the film, but it is constructed with small holes that make it possible to see through one side. Viewers on the printed side of the film cannot see through, but viewers on the opposite side can.
Window Graphics for Temperature Control, Light, and Glare
Window graphics may be beneficial in buildings where temperature control, light, and glare cause issues. Tinted films and perforated vinyl can deflect the sun’s rays and help to regulate the temperature inside a building.
Tinted Window Film
Tinted window film provides a degree of privacy and can also reduce light and glare in overly bright rooms. Tinted films range from dark to light, so it’s easy to adjust the degree of coverage provided by the film. In an office setting where computer monitors are difficult to see due to too much sunlight, a window film improves visibility without sacrificing natural light entirely.
UV-Blocking Window Film
Sunrays can damage skin, art, upholstery, and furniture, and UV-blocking window film serves to reduce that damage. When applied on a window, UV-blocking film reflects harmful rays without entirely keeping light from a space.
Perforated Vinyl or Film
Both perforated vinyl and film make it possible to display a message, block light and glare, and maintain visibility. When applied on the exterior windows of a building, perforated vinyl or film can help regulate the internal temperature of the building by reflecting light. People inside the building will still be able to see through the window film, and people outside the building will be able to read clear brand messaging.
Window graphics are an incredible marketing and functional tool for businesses big and small. Customized window graphics highlight the brand story and attract customers, and materials like privacy films and tinted films enhance the experience for people inside a building.
Find the Right Window Graphics for Your Business With Reveal GFX
If you’re interested in learning which type of window graphic is best for your business, contact us today to speak with an expert.
