How to Pick the Perfect Sidewalk Sign for Your Pilates Studio

Jamie and I have been in your shoes—running a business, trying to get noticed, and figuring out how to communicate our brand to passersby. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your studio’s look, picking the right sign for your Pilates studio is crucial.

Fun Fact: Our very first sign we made was a chalkboard sign that unfortunately didn't hold up to the weather well!

Here’s a little guide we put together to help you navigate the process.

Understanding Your Pilates Studio’s Specific Needs

First, let’s talk about what makes your Pilates studio unique. Pilates is all about precision, control, and a sense of calm. Your sign should reflect these values. Here are a few things to consider:

• Visibility: Is your studio easy to find? If you're tucked away in a building or not on a main street, a larger sign can be helpful to guide clients to your location.
• Aesthetics: Your sign should align with the serene and professional atmosphere of your studio. We recommend clean lines, calming colors, and smooth features.
• Durability: Depending on your location, your sign might need to withstand various weather conditions. Make sure it's made of materials like carbon metal or stainless steel that can handle the elements if it’s going outside.
• Branding: Your sign is a significant part of your brand’s first impression. It should incorporate your logo, color scheme, and any taglines that convey your studio’s mission. We also recommend including your social handles. We've seen QR codes work well before too but it needs to be designed well.

Exploring Sign Options

Once you have a clear understanding of your needs, it’s time to explore the different types of signs available. Here are a few popular options, along with their pros and cons:

1. Metal Signs

   • Pros: Durable, professional look, can be custom-made to any shape.
   • Cons: Can be heavy, might require special mounting, can be more expensive.
   • We recommend using stainless steel especially if your sign will be outdoors since many other metals will rust easily.

2. Wooden Signs

   • Pros: Natural look that can be very inviting, customizable with paint or engraving, lighter than metal.
   • Cons: Less durable than metal, cheaper, and can be affected by weather (especially rain and sun).
   • If you're using a wooden sign outdoors, make sure to apply a protective topcoat to seal and protect the sign.

3. Acrylic Signs

   • Pros: Sleek and modern, highly customizable, relatively lightweight.
   • Cons: Can be more prone to scratches, may not be as durable in harsh weather conditions.

4. Vinyl Banners

   • Pros: Very cost-effective, easy to produce, lightweight, and portable.
   • Cons: Less durable, can look cheap if not designed well, may not withstand harsh weather.
   • We do not recommend vinyl banners, they look tacky!

5. Mirrored Signs

   • Pros: Unique and eye-catching, adds a touch of elegance, reflects surroundings which can create a dynamic look.
   • Cons: Requires cleaning, can be more expensive, needs to be handled carefully.

Making the Final Decision

Now that you have a better understanding of your specific needs and explored the different options, it’s time to make a decision. Here’s a step-by-step approach to how we choose the perfect sign:

1. Evaluate Your Budget: How much are you willing to spend? Remember, a sign is an investment in your business’s visibility and brand.

2. Consider Your Location: If your studio is in a bustling area, you might want something more durable like a metal or mirrored sign. For quieter, more serene areas, a wooden or acrylic sign might be more appropriate.

3. Think About Maintenance: Are you willing to clean and maintain your sign regularly? Mirrored and acrylic signs might need more upkeep compared to metal or vinyl.

4. Visualize the Design: Sketch out or use design tools to visualize how each type of sign would look with your branding. This can help you see which material and design align best with your studio’s vibe. If you need help, feel free to e-mail us info@signsandmirrors.com and we can help! Canva is a great free tool, Figma and Photoshop also work well.

5. Get Feedback: Sometimes it helps to get a second opinion. Ask your clients, friends, or even passersby what they think of your design choices. Once again, we're here for you as well at Signs and Mirrors.

Our Top Recommendations for Outdoor Sidewalk Signs

For a Pilates studio, here are a couple of our favorite options:

• Mirrored A-Frame Signs: These are not just functional but also incredibly stylish. They catch the eye and add a touch of elegance, perfect for attracting new clients while keeping your brand’s serene aesthetic.

• We're biased, but we think we have one of the most beautiful A-Frame Mirrored Sandwich board signs on the market! Here's one we recently designed for a Pilates customer!

• Custom Wooden A-Frames: If you’re going for a more natural and inviting look, wooden A-frames can be fantastic. They’re easy to customize and maintain a warm, welcoming presence.

• Check your local woodworker for some great options!

Remember, the right sign is out there waiting to help elevate your studio’s presence. Take your time, consider your options, and choose a sign that not only guides clients to your door but also embodies the spirit of your Pilates studio.

Happy designing!

-Jamie and Alan