Signage and branding are vital for schools on open days to create a positive first impression and reinforce the school’s identity and values. This can differentiate your school from others and build trust with prospective students and parents. Branding materials like open day signs can be used to showcase the school’s achievements, special programmes, and extracurricular activities, giving a comprehensive view of what the school offers. In this article, we’re going to discuss which display products are effective for open days and some other tips you should follow when designing your graphics.
Which display products are best for open days?
Banner stands
These are commonly used for open days as they are highly portable and can be stored and reused every year. Banner stands combine affordability with a large graphic display area, and can be used anywhere. Above all, a great choice for simple, stand-out displays in hallways, classrooms or the reception.
Pavement signs
Pavement signs are ideal for indoor and outdoor use for providing directional and promotional information. They are a small and portable display solution meaning they can easily be moved to different locations. They are also a great way of advertising your open day to passers by to attract more visitors. We have a wide selection of frame styles including A board frames, swing signs, flexible panels, chalkboard pavement signs and water-fillable signs.
PVC banners
Ideal for school entrances and exits to help visitors locate the event and encourage prospective families and students to come in and explore your school’s offerings. Our high-quality full-colour printed advertising banners are produced in-house using the highest quality inks and print equipment to ensure a stunning print finish.
Bundle display kits
Display kits are an easy way to order everything you need for your open day. They contain a range of displays such as pop up banners, backdrops, counters and more, create an inviting space for interacting with visitors. We have options for welcome areas, outdoor areas information displays. They combine impressive, high-quality bespoke graphics and practical stand furniture for a showstopping display.
Easels
Great for promoting open days, extracurricular activities or Ofsted achievements. Easels can hold a range of different displays from notice boards, chalkboards or posters, and can be interchanged easily. Additionally, they are great for showcasing student’s impressive school work.
Feather flags
Flags are ideal for attracting attention across a distance in locations like courtyards, car parks and school grounds. They are very versatile and can be used to advertise your open day and direct visitors. They are available with a choice of different bases for reliability in different weather conditions or ground.
Custom bunting
Personalised bunting is great for adding a personal and professional touch to areas around the school. They are a fun and attractive option perfect for special events, and can be used indoors or outdoors.
Digital signage
A unique display solution designed to attract attention and add an extra dimensions to your school tour. These screens are perfect for displaying a slideshow of promotional images or videos from extracurricular clubs, degree courses, or sports days. All of our digital display screens are built to commercial standards and include a 3-year warranty & lifetime tech support as standard.
Tablet stands
Digital tablets provide an interactive element to your open day and allow for more detailed information to be presented. Visual exploration is great for visitors to engage and get to know the school better. We have a range of tablet holders, covering nearly every model on the market, as well as having options for floor-standing, counter top or wall-mounted tablet stands.
Literature displays
Literature stands are great for displaying open day brochures or other important booklets you want to showcase. Place these in the school reception or faculty hubs to encourage visitors to pick them up before they start touring the school. Brochure racks are available in a range of floor-standing, wall-mounted, desktop or counter top options.
What design best practices should I follow?
Keep it short and sweet
Open days are exciting but can be busy & overwhelming environments. Visitors won’t have time to read through lengthy amounts of information on every banner stand, poster or pavement sign. This is why it’s crucial to focus on concise and intentional design for your displays. Highlight key information, and leave the other details for the brochures.
Brand consistency
To achieve a professional image and reinforce the school’s identity, consistent design is important. This means using the same colours, fonts, language, and other design elements across all displays to ensure branding consistency and a sense of unity. This not only enhances professionalism but also makes the school more memorable and recognisable.
High-quality images
It is crucial to use high-quality images and graphics, particularly on large displays. This not only makes graphics easy to see or read but also helps to reinforce a professional image. Additionally, it’s best practice to use photographs that feature your school premises. However, if you do need to include some stock photos, there are plenty of copyright free image databases online. Lastly, make sure you have permission from any individuals appearing in the photos taken around site.
Interactive elements
To impress your visitors and encourage them to engage and get to know your school community, interactive displays are the way to go. Incorporating QR codes on your open day signs with clear calls to action allows you to present more detailed information while providing a seamless user experience. These can be used to link towards forms, social media, schedules and brochures or round maps. However, use them sparingly in relevant and valuable contexts. Overloading your displays with QR codes results in more work for the visitors who may become overwhelmed and stop using them.
Effective signage and branding on open days is crucial for creating a lasting and positive impression on prospective students and their families. Clear and strategically placed signage can help to prevent confusion by highlighting key areas, ensuring a smooth visitor experience. Using a range of display products and considering our design best practices help to show your school in its best light for your next open day.
