Of course you want a new awning. It’s hard to imagine a small business that can’t benefit from the addition of an awning or canopy. They can be one of your most valuable business investments. But if you aren’t an awning expert, how do you know what to get? Or even where to start your quest for a new awning?
These five tips will get you headed in the right direction.
1. Think about your business goals first.
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Are you just starting out? You’ll want your new awning to introduce your business and establish a strong presence for your physical location and your brand.
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Do you want a new awning to replace something you already have, or upgrade the appearance of an established business?
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Do you have plans – or a dream – to expand your store or your product line any time in the next 5-8 years? For instance, you may not have outdoor seating now, but you might want to add that later.
Today’s awnings have great life expectancy, so you’ll want to consider your overall business plan as well as more obvious immediate needs when planning your new awning. Thinking ahead will help you make strategically sound decisions, so your new awning will continue to work hard on your behalf as long as possible, even as your business grows or changes.
2. Custom is critical.
It’s important that your new awning is uniquely yours, so your business stands out and your branding is clear and consistent. Custom fabrication by a professional awning manufacturing company ensures you’ll get the high-quality materials and workmanship required to assure durability and reliability. A new awning you might find in a retail store or online is not intended for long-term commercial use.
3. Find out what’s available before making any decisions.
Making assumptions about what you can or cannot have, or simply not understanding the amazing range of options available for a new awning today, means you’re likely to overlook some alternatives that could be more interesting or more versatile. You don’t want that.
4. You can start small and add on.
Super-tight budget? Many small businesses, especially those just starting out, are capital-poor. But that’s no reason you can’t have a great new awning. Start with your entrance. A new awning over your front door gives your exterior an immediately distinctive look, draws attention to your business and welcomes patrons. It will make your place easier to find, no matter how petite it is.
As your business grows, you can add more awnings. Each new awning is like an exterior remodel – giving your business a visual upgrade and renewing interest from existing and prospective customers. It says “we’re growing!” You can add on to shade your windows or create more usable space outdoors. And you can add coordinated window blinds that help shade windows, increase privacy inside and give you more promotional “real estate” on the exterior.
5. Don’t wait till the last minute.
This is so important, we could have made it Tip #1. Treating a new awning as an “accessory” is a common mistake made by small business owners. While it’s true that a custom-made new awning can be fabricated in a surprisingly short time, it’s not as simple as picking up a potted plant to set by the front door (though that may be a nice touch, too).
For small businesses, an awning is an essential aesthetic and marketing tool. Planning ahead will help you get the new awning you want, and it will be the awning you need to build your business and achieve the greatest return on your investment.
Photo credit: NCinDC via Flickr