Short answer: the best LED sign messages are short, specific and easy to read while walking past, like OPEN · FRESH COFFEE, WALK-INS WELCOME or HAPPY HOUR 4-7 PM. Below are 25 message ideas sorted by business type, each short enough to scroll comfortably on a 16-row sign.
Prices and times in these examples are placeholders. Swap in your own before you hit play.
What makes a good scrolling message
- Keep it under about 40 characters. A passerby only has a few seconds. If a message needs a full sentence, split it into two messages.
- Lead with the most important word. OPEN, SALE or the product name should come first.
- Use a separator. A dot between ideas, like ICE · LOTTO · ATM, is easier to read than a long run of words.
- Be specific. "ICED LATTE $4" beats "GREAT DRINKS".
- Rotate. The iPixel Color app lets you schedule a list of messages, so you can run three or four in a loop instead of cramming everything into one.
Message ideas by business type
Coffee shop
Morning traffic moves fast, so lead with what you sell and one reason to stop. Swap the drink special as the day goes on.
- OPEN · FRESH COFFEE
- ICED LATTE $4 TODAY
- PASTRIES BAKED DAILY
- WE HAVE OAT MILK
Smoke and vape shop
Use the sign for store services and stock updates. Keep it clear that you serve adults only, and follow your state and local rules on tobacco and vape advertising.
- OPEN 24 HOURS · ATM INSIDE
- 21+ ONLY · ID REQUIRED
- HOOKAH · GLASS · ACCESSORIES
- LOTTERY · CBD · ATM
Barber shop
People walking by want to know one thing: can I get a cut right now? Tell them.
- WALK-INS WELCOME
- NOW OPEN SUNDAYS
- KIDS CUTS $18
Hair, nail and beauty salon
A first-visit offer gives new customers a reason to walk in. Gift cards are worth promoting before holidays.
- 20% OFF FIRST VISIT
- GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE
- OPEN 7 DAYS
Restaurant and bar
Time-based messages work well here. Run the happy hour message in the afternoon and switch to the live music message at night.
- HAPPY HOUR 4-7 PM
- TACO TUESDAY · 2 FOR $5
- LIVE MUSIC FRIDAY 9 PM
- NOW HIRING · ASK INSIDE
Grocery and liquor store
Services like EBT, ice and an ATM are often why someone stops. Put them on the sign so people do not have to guess.
- WE ACCEPT EBT
- ICE · LOTTO · ATM
- FRESH PRODUCE DAILY
Home and party
The sign plugs into a power bank, so it can go wherever the party is.
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIA
- MERRY CHRISTMAS
- GAME ON · DO NOT DISTURB
- WELCOME HOME
Make your messages work harder
Use color and animation with care
The app lets you pick colors, effects, emoji, pixel art and animations. A little goes a long way. One bright color on a dark background is usually easier to read than a rainbow of effects.
Post in more than one language
The sign shows text in any language. If your neighborhood speaks Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Korean or anything else, run the same message in each language as part of your loop.
Match the message to the time of day
A coffee shop might run breakfast specials in the morning and a pastry deal after lunch. A bar might switch from happy hour to live music. Because changes take seconds from your phone, there is no reason to leave a stale message up.
Turn it off when you close
The included remote has 2, 4 and 8-hour shut-off timers, so the sign can switch itself off after closing.
Which sign size shows the most text?
All three PIXELLAB Soft LED signs have the same 16-row height, so the letters are the same size. Longer signs show more characters at once. The 52-inch sign fits a standard shop window and is the most common choice for the messages above. The 35-inch sign is good for a door or behind the register, and also for home and party use.
FAQ
How long should an LED sign message be?
Aim for under about 40 characters. Split longer ideas into separate messages and run them in a loop.
Can I add emoji to the sign?
Yes. The iPixel Color app supports emoji, pixel art and animations along with text.
Can I show different messages at different times?
Yes. You can change the message from your phone any time and schedule a list of messages in the app.
Can I use the same message ideas on more than one sign?
Yes. One app can control several signs, so you can run messages across a whole frontage. If you supply several stores, ask about carton pricing on our contact page.