While curb appeal is often associated with residential homes, it is just as important for small businesses and business owners. A potential customer who arrives at a boutique or a restaurant or a yoga studio might decide not to enter if the establishment appears unmaintained or looks shabby. Would you like to create a strong first impression? Here are some tips on how to increase your business’s curb appeal.
Front and Entrance
The front and entrance of your business are important factors in being noticed and encouraging people to come inside to see what your business is all about. Create an aesthetically and inviting atmosphere by:
- Painting the siding (if applicable), doors and trim
- Keeping the façade clean and tidy
- Making the most of your windows (if you have them) – add an eye-catching display; remove smears and fingerprints regularly (inside and out); use windows and the glass panes of doors for signs (business hours, contact information, special event posters)
- Having available parking – while being able to park on the street in front of your business, having easy access parking is even better
Landscaping Your Business Property
Your landscaping design should include plants, shrubs, and small trees that provide a variation in size, color, and texture.
For instant curb appeal, nothing improves a business’s exterior like landscaping. A little can go a long way. It can be as simple as adding foliage wherever you can regardless of how much space is available.
- Place decorative planters on either side of your main entrance
- Use planters and window boxes to add colour and visual interest
- Use overhangs or exterior walls for hanging baskets and planters
- Container gardens against an exterior wall to add warmth to a cement or dark brick exterior
Make the perimeter of your property and/or parking lot more visually appealing by planting flowering hedges – include a mix of spring-blooming, summer-blooming, and pine hedges for flowers throughout each season.
Readable Signage
A big part of a business’s curb appeal is how you “advertise.” Readable, eye-catching signage is an important factor in attracting new customers and encouraging repeat customers to keep coming back. Ensure any sign you install on your storefront is:
- Large enough to read from a distance but doesn’t overpower the exterior
- Easily visible – dark text on a light background
- Eye-catching – choose fonts that are bold yet easy to follow
- Legible and readable – all components spaced appropriately
- Spelt correctly
Pay Attention to Lighting
Another effective way to improve your business’s curb appeal is outdoor lighting. To decrease electricity costs and attract customers while protecting your property, upgrade and/or add lighting to the following places:
- Pathways
- Signage
- Foliage
- Exits and entrances
Types of outdoor lighting include: floodlights, wall pack lights, motion sensor lights, uplights, and path lights. Most types of outdoor lighting for businesses are available as LED fixtures – a cost-effective way to upgrade lighting on your business property.
