>> Why are window graphics helpful?

Window graphics are a low-cost option for advertising your brand and quickly makes customers and passers-by aware of your business. There are many ways that window graphics can be helpful.

Location

Finding the location of a business can sometimes prove very difficult if they are not signposted strategically. Applying window graphics to your window space can ultimately point your brand out, making it easier for customers to spot you.

Exposure

Graphics can be used as a clever marketing tool. Think about it this way; you could spend thousands on a billboard advertisement or save your money and advertise your brand on your window. It will be easier to measure, too.

Where you have ample space to show your brand off, why not utilise that?

Using one-way window graphics means that you can use the whole window too (not just a small section) and still see out from the inside. This technique is also known as ‘contravision’. When you are out shopping, you’d be surprised at the imagery our brains take in, so making sure your window graphics are aesthetically pleasing is a must.

Privacy

In specific sectors, privacy is very important to the clients. Take the hair, beauty and cosmetics industry, for example – many businesses in this sector use frosted window graphics so that passers-by can’t look at the customers inside.

Customers prefer to stay private and relaxed and using window graphics helps them feel less exposed to the public. Opaque window films are also available if your customers prefer complete privacy.

>> Which sectors use window graphics?

Sports Facilities

Football stadiums, Gyms and other leisure facilities use window graphics at their venues. Stadiums use window graphics on their main entrances when introducing new players to the clubs, big wins in their leagues and team pictures to engage visitors and boost morale on match days.

For example, Derby County FC uses the large window panels at their stadium to show support to the team and fans. Manchester United typically adds lines of their football chant to keep spirits high when fans arrive on match days. Chelsea features their players and current sponsorships with other brands.

Financial Institutions

Various graphics are used in banks; they usually consist of general information such as opening and closing times, contact details and website. They also typically include small graphics across the windows, known as manifestation graphics – which are applied to large windows/doors to help stop customers and visitors from walking into the glass and injuring themselves.

Hospitality

In Hospitality, graphics advertise general information such as logo, recruitment, offers and facility benefits. In hotels, privacy films may also be used to provide guests with added privacy in places such as the spa, swimming pool or bedroom/bathrooms.

Professional Services

Professional services are everything from estate agents and contractors to accounting firms and salons – they use window graphics in different ways. Estate agents and accountancy firms will use their window space to apply window graphics with professional logos. Salons will use them to show offers, and information passers-by will look twice at.

Education

In the education sector, colours are significant, especially in the early years’ department. Window graphics can be designed so they are as vibrant or as dull as needs are. Many nurseries use bright window graphics to cover windows entirely so the outside cannot see in for the safeguarding of the younger children.

They are also used to promote upcoming events and keep everyone informed of term dates, off days and other events such as conferences and parents’ evenings. They are a great way of sharing your institution’s mission, vision, and core values.

>> What are the different types of window graphics available?

Contravision:

Contravision is a type of vinyl used so that people can see out, but nobody else can see in. This vinyl contains holes that offer a clear view out at all times. The perforations mean that no bubbles can appear in the vinyl without ruining the overall look. This option is a great way to advertise on the outside of the window without losing any light.

Window Tint:

Window tints are great for protecting your business or car from the sun, however, when using window tints on vehicles, the front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through, and the front side windows must allow at least 70% of light through.

This solution can also provide privacy whilst still allowing light to pass through and keeping rooms cooler on hot days.

Solar Films:

Solar films are great for reducing glares from the sun and heat. When the sun is shining through your windows all day, it can make a room extremely hot and uncomfortable. These work by having a reflective appearance that helps rebound the sun’s light away before it can pass through and increase the temperature of a room.

Etched Vinyl:

This type of vinyl is designed to look as if the glass it has been applied to has been etched or blasted. This gives a visual impression that the glass may have been processed by chemical etching or sandblasting.

These tend to be used on windows and doors to stop people from walking into the glass as required by Regulation 14 (Health and Safety) Regulations 1992.

Frosted Vinyl:

Frosted vinyl is another form of manifestation window graphics. This can be used for total coverage of windows on meeting room windows and doors for a sense of privacy.