How to Make Your Business Stand Out in a Tourist-Heavy Season

Posted by W.A. Fisher Co | July 29, 2025

Summer tourism is a blessing—more people, more energy, more opportunity. But with that comes increased competition. In towns and regions where tourists flood in for a few key months, every local business is vying for attention. So how do you make yours the one people remember, walk into, and talk about?

At WA Fisher, we help local businesses across the Northland and beyond stand out with smart signage, bold visuals, and creative branding. Whether you’re on a bustling Main Street or tucked near a trailhead, these are tried-and-true ways to catch the eyes (and wallets) of seasonal visitors.

1. Start with Your Signage

Tourists don’t know the area. They’re relying on visual cues to make decisions—your sign is your handshake.

Tips to optimize:

Make sure your main sign is bold, readable, and not sun-faded
Use window decals or sidewalk A-frames to highlight seasonal specials
Consider adding a tagline or short description: e.g., “Coffee. Pastries. Local Vibes.” or “Gifts Made in Minnesota”

WA Fisher can help: We create everything from durable aluminum signage to fun, seasonal sandwich boards and window vinyls. If you need it to pop, we’ll make it shine.

2. Brand Like a Destination

Don’t just be another shop—be a photo op. Can people take a picture with your logo? A mural? A quirky cutout?

Add life-size cardboard cutouts or branded backdrops outside your door
Use a branded wall or mural that begs to be Instagrammed
Add hashtags or location tags to encourage social shares

This kind of low-effort marketing can create free visibility all season long.

3. Highlight “Local” in Your Visuals

Tourists love the local feel—lean into it with signs and messaging that scream authenticity.

Try signage that says:

“Locally owned since [Year]”
“Proudly serving [Town] for 20+ years”
“Made in Northern Minnesota”

You can also use maps, vintage photos, or town names as visual cues in your displays to build that local pride.

4. Simplify Navigation for First-Timers

Don’t assume tourists know where to go once they spot your door.

Use signs like:

“Gift Shop Entrance ➤”
“Order at Window” or “Patio Seating in Back”
“Yes, We’re Open!”

The smoother you make their experience, the more likely they’ll stay (and spend).

5. Merch it Up

Branded merchandise isn’t just a souvenir—it’s walking advertising.

Whether it’s:

Hats, mugs, or shirts with your logo
Tote bags that mention your town or shop
Seasonal stickers or magnets

Make sure the branding is clean, clever, and camera-friendly.

Let WA Fisher Help You Be Unmissable

We specialize in creating bold, custom signage and branded visuals for local businesses in tourist towns just like yours. From design to installation, we help you leave a lasting impression long after the tourist season ends.

Ready to refresh your signage before the next big weekend?
Let’s talk! Contact WA Fisher today for a quote or quick consult.