The goal of any business is to generate more business. For
business owners with a storefront, that generation can sometimes feel difficult
because many people shop online. So business owners need to find ways to draw
customers to their storefront.
A custom awning is one method you can use to draw attention
to your storefront. What's more, a well-designed and maintained awning can help
you promote your brand. Keep reading for considerations that will help you
choose the right awning for your business.
Function of the Awning
First, decide what the function of the awning will be. An
awning for a home is usually meant to provide shade to make the outdoor space
more usable. That function can work for your business, too. For instance, the
presence of an awning in front of a store can inspire passersby to stop and
look into your shop even if it's sunny or rainy. They may then be intrigued enough
to enter.
Another consideration is the energy savings you could see
with the right design of your awning. The provision of a sunshade isn't just
comfortable for potential customers. It prevents the sun from entering the
front of your business, so you won't have as many cooling costs if you choose a
shade awning. It will also protect the materials in front from becoming faded
or warped from UV rays.
That said, business awnings are often about more than
providing protection from the elements. An awning in front of a business can
actually draw attention. Decide what message the awning should convey. This
decision will help drive your choice in style. The awning is going to be in
front of your business every day, so make sure you send the right message with
it.
Design of the Awning
Decide what overall ambience you want to convey with the
front of your business. Do you want it to feel homey or look trendy? If you
want a homey ambience, you may choose a style with a scalloped skirt like you
might find at home. If you want your business to feel more modern and trendy,
you'll keep the lines clean.
While you design the awning, another important consideration
is the color. One school of thought is to choose a light awning so some
sunlight can still filter through. However, you're also making a statement
about your brand while trying to draw attention to your storefront. Therefore,
you might choose a bold color or one that's in your logo.
Also consider putting your logo on your awning, even if your
logo is essentially just your business name. If you want potential customers to
call your business, add the phone number. You can also consider the
incorporation of elements that relate to your business. For example, if you
sell bikes, you could incorporate bike wheels into the design.
Material of the Awning
Another consideration is the material for the awning. Most
homeowners choose fabric awnings. A fabric awning could work for your business
too. Manufacturers usually start with fabric that they coat for
weatherproofing. Acrylic-coated fabrics are good for humid areas because they
resist mildew. Vinyl-coated fabrics are beautiful when backlit.
Your other two main options are metal and fiberglass.
Manufacturers can mold aluminum awnings into a number of styles. They provide
more shade than fabric awnings. Fiberglass awnings are more customizable,
especially in terms of how much shade they convey.
While you consider which material you want for your awning,
keep maintenance in mind. The awning is a visual representation of your brand,
so it must be in good repair. Weigh your options between the durability of a
metal or acrylic awning against the increased cleaning of the fabric.
Choose an awning that will draw customers to your business.
Contact
Sunstate
Awning
for help designing your business awning.
