Printed signs and promotional materials can be an effective way to communicate information, promote products, and attract attention. But even a well-designed printed piece needs the right support to be displayed effectively.
A printed sheet placed flat on a counter or leaning against another object may be difficult to see. A display that doesn’t have adequate support can also become unstable or difficult to position.
This is where easel backs can make a difference.
Easel backs provide support that allows printed materials to stand upright on tables, counters, shelves, and other surfaces. For commercial printers, retailers, marketers, and POP designers, they offer a simple way to turn printed materials into functional displays.
What Are Easel Backs?
Easel backs are support components attached to or used with printed materials to help them stand upright.
They can be used with different types of printed displays, depending on the size, weight, format, and intended application.
Easel-supported displays can be useful for:
- Retail signage
- Countertop promotions
- Product information
- Promotional displays
- Event signage
- Trade show materials
- Tabletop displays
- Point-of-purchase displays
Instead of requiring a wall, frame, or permanent mounting system, an easel back can allow a printed piece to stand independently on a suitable flat surface.
Why Are Easel Backs Important for Printed Displays?
The purpose of a printed display is to make information visible.
If a sign cannot stand properly or is positioned too low, customers may overlook it. The right support can improve the way the printed piece is positioned and presented.
Easel backs can help:
- Keep printed displays upright
- Improve visibility
- Create a more professional presentation
- Make countertop displays easier to position
- Reduce the need for permanent mounting
- Support temporary promotional campaigns
For businesses that frequently change their signage or promotional materials, an easy-to-use display support can also make setting up campaigns more convenient.
5 Ways Easel Backs Make Printed Displays More Effective
1. Improve Display Stability
A printed display needs to remain in position throughout its intended use.
An unsupported sign can slide, lean, or fall over, particularly when placed on a busy counter or table.
An easel back provides a dedicated support structure that helps the printed piece remain upright.
This can be especially useful in retail stores, reception areas, trade shows, offices, and other locations where displays need to remain visible throughout the day.
The appropriate easel should be selected based on the size, weight, and format of the printed piece.
2. Improve Visibility
A sign that is positioned upright is generally easier for customers to see than one lying flat on a counter.
Easel backs allow printed materials to be positioned at an angle or upright orientation, depending on the display design.
This can make promotional messages, product information, pricing, and other content more noticeable.
For point-of-purchase applications, positioning can be particularly important because customers may only have a short amount of time to notice and understand the message.
3. Create a More Professional Presentation
The support structure is part of the overall display experience.
A printed piece that is properly supported and positioned can look more organized and intentional than a loose sheet placed on a surface.
For businesses presenting promotional or informational materials, this can contribute to a more professional environment.
Easel-supported displays can be used to present:
- Product information
- Promotional offers
- Company messaging
- Event information
- Menus
- Directional information
- Marketing materials
The printed design and the support system should work together to create a finished display that looks appropriate for the environment.
4. Make Displays Flexible and Easy to Position
One advantage of tabletop and freestanding displays is flexibility.
Unlike permanently mounted signage, an easel-backed display can generally be placed where it is most useful and repositioned when needed.
For example, a retailer may use a display:
- Near a checkout counter
- Beside a promotional product
- On a display table
- At a reception desk
- At an event
- On a trade show table
This flexibility can be particularly valuable for temporary campaigns and promotions.
When the campaign changes, the display can be replaced or repositioned without requiring permanent changes to the retail environment.
5. Support Temporary and Recurring Promotions
Retailers and businesses often need to update their promotional messaging.
Seasonal offers, product launches, events, sales, and other campaigns may only run for a limited period.
Easel-backed displays can provide a practical solution for these temporary applications.
A business can create a printed display for a specific campaign and place it where customers are most likely to see it.
Once the promotion ends, the display can be removed and replaced with new messaging.
This makes easel-supported displays useful for businesses that regularly refresh their marketing communications.
Where Can Easel Backs Be Used?
Easel backs can support a wide range of display applications.
Retail Stores
Retailers can use easel-supported signs to highlight promotions, products, prices, and special offers.
Countertop Displays
Smaller printed pieces can be positioned on checkout counters, service desks, and other customer-facing surfaces.
Trade Shows
Easel-backed displays can provide an easy way to present product information or company messaging on exhibition tables.
Events
Businesses and organizations can use tabletop displays for event schedules, instructions, menus, promotional messages, and other information.
Offices and Reception Areas
Printed displays can communicate company information, announcements, directions, or visitor information in reception and office environments.
Choosing the Right Easel Back
Different displays have different requirements, so the easel should be selected based on the application.
Consider the Display Size
Larger printed materials may require a stronger or appropriately sized support structure.
Consider the Material
The weight and rigidity of the printed piece can affect which type of easel is appropriate.
Consider Where It Will Be Used
A display intended for a busy retail counter may have different requirements from one used in a quiet office environment.
Consider the Display Duration
Temporary promotions may have different requirements from displays that are intended to remain in place for longer periods.
Consider the Overall Appearance
The easel should complement the printed piece and provide a finished presentation appropriate for the brand and environment.
REDI-Easels for Printed Display Applications
REDI-Easels are part of the REDI-Products range of display solutions designed for professional print and display applications.
The REDI-Products product portfolio includes different easel options intended to support printed displays in a variety of applications.
For printers, POP designers, marketers, and businesses producing printed displays, having appropriate display support can help turn a printed sheet into a ready-to-present display.
When selecting an easel solution, consider the size and weight of the display, the intended placement, and how the finished product will be used.
Easel Backs vs. Flat Printed Materials
A printed sheet and an easel-supported display can serve very different purposes.
| Flat Printed Material | Easel-Supported Display |
|---|---|
| Usually placed on a surface | Designed to stand upright |
| Can be difficult to see from a distance | More visible to customers |
| Requires another support surface for positioning | Includes dedicated display support |
| Less suitable for tabletop messaging | Useful for countertop and tabletop displays |
| May appear less structured | Creates a more finished presentation |
The right format depends on the application, but an easel back can provide a simple way to improve the functionality of printed materials.
Tips for Creating Better Easel-Backed Displays
Keep the Message Simple
Customers should be able to understand the main message quickly. Avoid filling the display with unnecessary information.
Choose the Right Display Size
Make sure the size of the printed piece works with the intended location and viewing distance.
Use Strong Visual Hierarchy
Important information should be easy to identify at a glance.
Consider Placement
Position the display where customers naturally look or move through the space.
Match the Display to the Environment
The finished display should complement the surrounding retail, office, event, or promotional environment.
Why Choose REDI-Products?
REDI-Products provides specialty print and display solutions for commercial printers, POP designers, marketers, and other professionals.
Its product range includes easel backs, signs, literature holders, counter cards, pocket folders, specialty paper, and other display and print products.
This range allows print professionals to select different solutions depending on the requirements of their project.
For applications where printed materials need to stand independently, REDI-Easels provide a practical support option that can help improve the presentation and usability of the finished display.
Make Your Printed Displays More Effective
A successful printed display needs more than an attractive design. It needs to be positioned correctly, remain stable, and communicate its message clearly.
Easel backs provide a simple way to add support and functionality to printed materials, making them useful for retail promotions, countertop displays, trade shows, events, offices, and other applications.
By choosing the right support for the printed piece, businesses and print professionals can create displays that are easier to position, more visible, and better suited to their intended environment.
REDI-Products offers REDI-Easels and other display solutions designed to help printers and businesses create professional finished displays.
Looking for the right support for your next printed display? Explore REDI-Easels or contact REDI-Products to discuss your display requirements.
