Before Your Order: 10 Things to Know Before Buying a Banner

Ordering a banner online? Before you “Add to Cart”, there’s more you should learn and prepare to ensure your banner turns out exactly as you imagined. You’ll need to have a clear purpose, a polished design, and all the necessary technical details in place — and this is where a solid checklist comes in.

Determine all the elements you need for your promotional banner to keep things on track to avoid costly mistakes. We put together a helpful guide to walk you through everything you need to prepare. From design specs, content, to other technical banner must-haves, this checklist ensures your banner is well-rounded and print-ready.

Banner Texts, Content, and Purpose

1. Your Banner’s Purpose

• Begin by determining the purpose of your banner. Is it to promote a sale, announce an event, or increase brand awareness? Your purpose will guide your design decisions, your layout, and your overall brand message.
• You can also tie your designs with your banner’s objective. Use fun and bright tones to promote a positive campaign, or opt for a simpler, neutral layout if you are advocating a serious message.

2. Banner Headline and Main Message

• Your headline is the first thing people will read, so make the most out of your first words. Keep the message concise, bold, and straightforward.
• An insightful and easy-to-read headline helps your banner grab attention quickly and ensures your message is understood at a glance.
• You may also want to make your main message more prominent by placing it at the center, with bright and large letters.

3. Contact Details and Call-to-Action

• Don’t forget your essential details. Information such as event dates, store locations, or business hours should be visible and easily visible to passersby, so they know which brand is running the banner campaign.
• Most importantly, include a clear call-to-action (CTA), such as “Call Now” or “Visit Us Today.” Your CTA should clearly instruct people on the next step and help convert attention into tangible action.

Banner Design and Visual Elements

4. Banner Layout and Orientation

• Decide on your layout, starting with whether your banner will be horizontal or vertical. The banner’s orientation will now impact your image and logo placement, the size and prominence of your message, and other layout elements.
• Create a rough layout to help onlookers and readers guide their eyes, ensuring the most important elements are seen first. Afterwards, focus on the images and colors that will be used in your banner.

5. Brand Logos and Other Branding Elements

• Maintain consistency in your branding by using high-resolution logo files, company images, and other brand assets, such as specific fonts, color codes, and taglines to reinforce your identity.
• If you have multiple branding elements, it helps to sort and organize which colors, images, and designs to use for your banner. Look back at your banner’s purpose and you’ll get an idea of which logos and images to use. Do not try to put everything in your banner.

6. High-Resolution Images and Graphics

• Ensure that all your photos, logos, and custom graphics are clear and high quality (150-300 dpi).
• Use compelling images that will support your brand message and call-to-action. Showcase your brand’s value and maintain sharpness whether viewed up close or from a distance.

7. Color Scheme

• Choose a layout with a consistent color scheme that reflects your brand and grabs people’s attention. Most brands often have their signature colors as part of their branding, but you may also choose colors and tones that will complement your brand’s logo and your marketing objectives.
• You may also consider the banner’s location and choose appropriate hues that will complement the areas where they’ll be displayed. Go for colors that ensure your banner stands out in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Final Checks Before Printing

8. File Format and Bleed Settings

• Proper setup ensures a clean, professional finish. Once you finalize your text and designs, create a first draft of your banner design using a reliable layout template. These often include bleed, trim lines, and safe zones to prevent any text or design elements from being cut off during printing.
• You can usually download these templates and modify them using your preferred image editing programs and professional software. Save your design in the correct file format, typically PDF, AI, or PSD, as specified by your printer’s requirements. Also, set your colors to CMYK and ensure that the images have a resolution of at least 300 dpi to guarantee accurate colors and high-quality print results.

9. Banner Size and Placement

• Measure the exact space where your banner will be displayed. You should also check the viewing distance and surrounding elements in the area.
• Once you have your measurements, note the banner dimensions and size accordingly, and input them accurately into your printing service’s order form. The right size makes your message easier to read and ensures it fits perfectly in your chosen location.

10. Mounting or Display Options

• After confirming your banner’s location, consider next how your banner will be installed. Will you hang it with grommets, slide it onto poles, or display it with a stand? These choices typically affect your banner’s finishing details and layout margins.
• Inform your printing service so that they can add these mounting elements into your banner after printing. In some cases, they also offer mounts, grommets, and retractable stands, making it easier to set up your banner.

Some Final Thoughts

Ordering a banner online becomes much easier when you’ve taken the time to plan and prepare your design in advance. Even with a trusted printing partner, you can still minimize the likelihood of back-and-forth revisions, printing errors, and unexpected layout issues. With everything in place, you can focus more on how and where to use your banner to its full potential.

You can trust Signs.com to bring your vision to life with precision, care, and high-quality printing that leaves a strong impression on your audience. But it’s in your ballpark to create press-ready files that will maximize your banner printing.

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