How To Create a Chalkboard Display That Really Works - Part 1

A chalkboard displayed outside your premises is a great way of attracting passing custom. Poor presentation, bad spelling, and scruffy chalk marks on a board will give the impression of a lack of care. And this reflects on your business too!

• Writing a chalkboard without planning the layout could potentially mean that your words don’t all fit on the board – meaning you have to rub everything out and start again!
• Too much information will make the chalkboard look crowded, and is likely to put people off reading it at all.
• Not cleaning your chalkboard thoroughly before starting a new display will leave it looking smudged and untidy.
• Poor spelling and grammar really give an impression of a lack of care. Anyone reading a misspelt sign is more likely to concentrate on the bad spelling than the information.
• Drawings on chalkboards that do not have any link with the message only serve to confuse. This mistake is more common than you might think!
• A chalkboard with a message that is out-of-date or remains unchanged for a long time suggests a ‘can’t be bothered’ attitude. Eventually people will ignore the sign altogether, even when you do get round to changing it.
• A chalkboard display that is all words and no pictures looks dull and uninteresting. People may glance at it but not take the time to actually read it.

• Spend time planning and designing your board.
• Use graph paper to plan the layout to make sure your message fits on the board!
• Make sure you have all the equipment you need before beginning: pastel pencil for drawing your layout, good quality chalks or chalkboard pens, the design you are working from, and any stencils you have planned to use.
• Keep your message short and to the point. Display key details, but don’t overcrowd your board with too much information.
• Make sure your chalkboard is completely clean before you start!
• After cleaning your chalkboard, wipe over with cola or stout to remove any lingering stains and give the board a good black finish.
• Use chalkboard stencils to create a professional-looking display.
• Make sure you have used correct spellings and grammar.
• Change your message regularly to generate interest and to make sure your board is read regularly.
• Always make sure the information on display is up-to-date and correct.
• Use pictures and bold colours to make certain your chalkboard grabs the attention of potential customers.