Banner Design Tips for Small Businesses

If you’re a small business, then you know how expensive advertising your company is. Therefore, you are no doubt looking for ways to not only advertise on a budget but choose a route that is effective as well. One of the better ways of accomplishing that goal is by designing your own banner. However, simply putting your name and logo up on a large display isn’t going to do the trick. Thus, the following list includes some important banner design tips to keep in mind.

Material & Your Brand

Perhaps the first thing your chosen banner company is going to ask you is what type of material you want your banner to be made out of. You are going to be presented with everything from paper to vinyl material. There are a lot of factors that are going to contribute to your decision, such as weatherproofing and overall cost. This is why you should always consider the location of your banner. Is the banner going to be located within an area where dirt is often lifted? Do you live within a city that receives a large amount of rain or wind? All these factors should come into play before choosing a material. The last thing you want to do is spend hundreds of dollars on a banner that isn’t going to last.

Presentation

One often forgotten factor is the presentation of your company. If you’re marketing yourself as a high-end bridal company, but you advertised on cheap paper, then clients might not believe your claims. Now, this doesn’t mean you should go crazy and spend thousands on the very best material known to man but to simply choose an option that is presentable.

Less is More

Yes, we understand that your small business offers a lot of services, but attempting to cram them all in within a banner isn’t going to bring in the clients. The fact of the matter is that you are going to need to keep your banner’s message short and sweet. Most people seeing the banner won’t stop their car to read the whole thing, and thus you need to get your message across quickly and efficiently. If you’re planning to place a banner beside your company and next to the street, five to eight words is as much as you should place. You may add some visuals to add to the message, but these should also not be overdone.

Size Does Matter

As stated above, most drivers aren’t going to stop their car and come read your banner. In fact, if they can’t even read it, they won’t spend any time looking at your services. This is why it is so important to choose a banner that is appropriate in size to the street you’re advertising towards. Large and visible letters should be your number one priority for outdoor signs.

Color & Contrast

The color used on your banner should be one that reflects that of your brand. However, the most common mistake made when it comes to banners is that the brand color is then overrun by the rest of your advertisement. This can confuse potential customers as they see your banner. In fact, it could even make your logo forgettable. Always keep in mind your logo in comparison to the rest of the colors used in your advertisement.

Graphics & Fonts

The key to an effective banner design is simplicity. This is why it is imperative that you avoid choosing fonts that are both too elaborate and too difficult to read. You should make sure that the fonts used within your banner don’t exceed two types. You must also communicate with your banner creator to ensure that the font quality is up to your standards.

No matter if you’re advertising your grand opening or your next big sale, banners are a great route to go. However, understanding what makes a good and effective manner is key to having a successful event. Therefore it is highly recommended to utilize the tips posted above for your next banner design.

Alex
 

Alex is a small business blogger with a focus on entrepreneurship and growth. With over 5 years of experience covering the startup and small business landscape, Alex has a reputation for being a knowledgeable, approachable and entrepreneurial-minded blogger. He has a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing small business owners, and is able to provide actionable advice and strategies for success. Alex has interviewed successful entrepreneurs, and covered major small business events such as the Small Business Expo and the Inc. 500|5000 conference. He is also a successful entrepreneur himself, having started and grown several small businesses in different industries.