The Problem We Wanted to Solve
We started by noticing something simple. In a world that leans heavily on digital, it has become harder for independent businesses to be seen. Online adverts disappear in seconds, competition is intense, and rising costs mean many great local businesses never get the attention they deserve.
Posters and banners are not new, but traditional billboards are expensive. And let’s be honest, your customers are not standing on busy roundabouts or dual carriageways. They are spending time in their favourite local cafés, shops and community spaces.
So the question became simple.
How can local independent businesses be seen where people actually spend time?
The Spiky Carrot way of getting seen
We place your brand in front of real people, inside trusted independent businesses, using beautifully printed posters that actually get noticed. Here’s why.
- Time to notice People spend 15 to 30 minutes in cafés and local spaces, giving your brand genuine time to be seen.
- Borrowed Trust Appear in a beloved location and gain an instant “local seal of approval,” turning recognition into leads.
- No competition No algorithms, no scrolling, and no digital clutter. Just your message, clearly visible.
- Brand awareness Your advert builds familiarity and recall, helping people remember your business long after they leave the location.
Taking your poster beyond the wall
We do more than hang a poster. We bridge the gap between your physical poster and the digital world in a few simple ways:
- Social collaboration We create shared content with the venue, promoting your business across local social channels.
- Your Business Profile Your own listing in our online community directory helps local customers find you and strengthens your online presence.
- The Carrot Club Your poster is featured in our digital magazine, putting your brand in front of hundreds of UK business owners.
Our FramesHandcrafted in Sandbach
Our venues love our frames because they add to the look and feel of the space. We use two frame styles, chosen to suit each location, and both are made from premium hardwood. The wood is sourced from Africa, profiled in Italy, and carefully assembled right here in Sandbach.
Each frame includes an anti-glare screen, so your advert stays clear and easy to read in any light. Every venue is different, and we make sure your poster looks right in every single space.
Our Advertising Packages
A brief outline of what every package includes:
- *Professionally printed A3 posters on premium 350gsm matt stock
- Dynamic QR code tracking to monitor scans and performance
- Full installation from print to display
- 12-month business profile on our online coummity directory
- Social media promotion & ad location collaboration
*Poster printing: £15 per poster
Poster Design
We’ll work closely with you to design a poster that feels true to your business and stands out in real spaces.
The Local Launch
A great option for businesses looking to test local advertising and build awareness.
- One A3 framed poster advert in a single local location
- One full-page advert in The Carrot Club magazine
The Town Takeover
Perfect for businesses ready to grow their reach and stay visible all year round.
- A3 framed poster, rotated across four local locations throughout the year
- Two full-page adverts in The Carrot Club magazine
Our Design Services
Let’s talk creative. We know many business owners are not designers and do not always have the time to create a poster that truly catches attention. That is why we offer an in-house design service to help bring your advert to life.
- Base rate of £150 per poster
- Discounts available for multiple posters used across a 12-month campaign
Ready to get your brand on the wall?
Tell us a little about your business and what you are looking to achieve. No pressure and no jargon, just a friendly chat about how we can help you get seen.
Thank you for getting in touch
We’ve received your enquiry and a member of the Spiky Carrot team will be in touch shortly.
FAQs
- Can I choose which specific locations my ad appears in?
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While we handle the strategic matching to ensure you reach the right audience, we always discuss the proposed locations with you first. We want to make sure you’re 100% happy with where your brand is being seen.
- Will my competitor be advertised in the same location?
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No. We offer category exclusivity per location. If you are a local solicitor advertising in a specific café, we won't place another solicitor’s ad in that same venue for the duration of your campaign.
- How often do the posters get rotated?
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For our Growth Package, we rotate your posters every three months. This keeps your message fresh and ensures you get seen by different local "tribes" across the Spiky Carrot network.
- Do I need to provide my own artwork?
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You are more than welcome to provide your own design (we’ll send you the specs!). However, if you'd like a professional touch, our design team can create a bespoke, high-impact poster for you for a one-off fee of £150.
- Who handles the printing and installation?
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We do! Our service is completely end-to-end. We handle the premium printing on 350gsm stock, the framing, and the physical installation. You don't have to lift a finger.
- What happens if a frame or poster gets damaged?
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Don't worry—part of our "Zero Hassle" promise includes regular maintenance. If a frame is damaged or a poster looks anything less than perfect, we’ll pop in and replace it immediately at no extra cost to you.
- Are there any hidden costs?
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None at all. The monthly investment covers the space, the maintenance, the directory listing, and the social media promotion. The only extra (and optional) cost is the one-off fee if you choose to use our professional design service.
- How does being featured on your website help my business?
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Your business gains visibility online, with customers able to find you through our site. Plus, our SEO efforts improve your page’s quality, helping more potential customers discover your business.