INTRODUCTION, The Visibility Advantage Your Competitors Are Using
Most small businesses stick to A3 or A2 posters because they’re “cheaper”.
But here’s the twist
The businesses getting noticed on the high street?
They’re often using A1 posters.
Why?
Because A1 isn’t just bigger paper.
It’s bigger presence.
If your competitor is using A1 in their shop window and you’re using A3, guess who dominates attention?
Let’s break down the real-world uses of A1 posters and why they’re such a powerful marketing tool.
What Is an A1 Poster?
Before we look at uses, here’s a quick reminder:
An A1 poster measures 59.4 × 84.1 cm.
It’s part of the UK A-series paper system and is one of the most popular sizes for large format printing.
A1 is big enough to grab attention
but still manageable for shop windows and indoor displays.
1️⃣ Shop Window Promotions
This is the most common use.
✔ Seasonal sales
✔ Discount announcements
✔ Grand openings
✔ Limited-time offers
A1 posters are readable from 3–5 metres, making them ideal for high street foot traffic.
Authority bias tells us something important:
Larger displays signal importance.
That’s why serious retail promotions often use A1 instead of A4 or A3.
If you’re unsure about scaling, see our guide on which font size is best for a poster to match text properly to A1 dimensions.
2️⃣ Event Advertising
A1 posters are widely used for:
- Music events
- School productions
- Charity fundraisers
- Sports events
- Community festivals
Because they’re large enough to be noticed on walls, noticeboards, and public spaces.
Here’s what most organisers don’t realise:
An A1 poster increases perceived professionalism compared to smaller formats.
And perception influences turnout.
3️⃣ Trade Shows & Exhibitions
At trade events, visibility is everything.
A1 posters are commonly used for:
- Booth branding
- Product launches
- Price lists
- Directional signage
They’re large enough to stand out
but compact enough to transport easily.
For bigger impact, some businesses move up to A0. But A1 is often the sweet spot.
4️⃣ In-Store Branding & Point-of-Sale Displays
Retailers use A1 for:
- Feature product promotions
- Menu boards (cafés & restaurants)
- Service pricing boards
- Window feature graphics
Compared to A2, A1 commands more authority.
And attention equals opportunity.
5️⃣ Property & Real Estate Marketing
Estate agents frequently use A1 for:
- Property listings
- Window displays
- Open house announcements
Why?
Because larger visuals build trust and visibility from the pavement.
Loss aversion insight:
If one agency uses A1 and another uses A3
The larger display appears more established.
5 Key Benefits of A1 Poster
- High Visibility → Prevents customers walking past
- Stronger Authority → Avoids looking small or amateur
- Better Readability → Reduces clutter
- Higher Engagement → Encourages enquiries
- Greater ROI → Maximises marketing spend
If you wait to upgrade your display size, your competitor might already be benefiting from stronger presence.
When Should You Use A1 Instead of A2?
Choose A1 when:
✔ The poster faces the street
✔ Viewing distance exceeds 3 metres
✔ It’s a key promotion
✔ You want maximum impact
Choose A2 when:
✔ It’s indoors
✔ Viewing distance is closer
✔ It’s secondary messaging
If you’re unsure which size fits your campaign, our large format printing service can guide you before production.
Because printing the wrong size often leads to costly reprints.
The #1 Mistake Businesses Make with A1 Posters
Designing it like an enlarged A4.
A1 requires:
- Strong headline hierarchy
- Bigger font sizes
- More spacing
- High-resolution imagery
Professional layout planning makes the difference between “big paper” and “big impact”.
That’s why businesses working with experienced providers like Social Media Max often see stronger engagement from window marketing.
Before vs After
Before:
A3 in shop window. Hardly noticed.
After:
Bold A1 promotion. Clear offer. Increased foot traffic.
Sometimes, the upgrade isn’t the message.
It’s the scale.
Final Thoughts
Common uses for A1 posters include:
- Shop window promotions
- Event advertising
- Trade show displays
- Retail branding
- Property marketing
A1 isn’t just larger paper.
It’s a visibility strategy.
And visibility drives sales.
👉 Ready to grow your business with professional A1 poster printing?
Contact Social Media Max today.
Don’t wait your competitors won’t.