The Proper Elements of an Effective Outdoor Banner

Spring is here and you may be looking to add a fresh new look to gain visibility for your business.  Designing a sign can be a painstaking process if you’re unfamiliar with the proper elements that are required to have a standout sign.  In particular, designing outdoor banners have their own set of best practices, which we will cover here.  Before you can go ahead and start designing your outdoor banner, you’ll have to ask yourself some questions.   For instance, how long will my sign be used?  What materials should I use in creating the sign?  Whether you’re creating an outdoor banner to announce Spring festivals, sponsoring an event at a ballpark, or using it as a parade banner, it’s important to understand the best design practices and materials needed so that the sign will perform the way it should, for as long as it should. 

Consider these 5 design and structural elements prior to spending time designing your outdoor banner:

1. Use a simple, but bold design 

Let’s face the facts, a sign that is cluttered, hard to read, and just plain ugly will probably do the opposite of what you need it to do.  Instead of falling for the notion that you need to share as much information as possible, use only the most valuable information such as your company logo, location, date and contact information.  Use your creativity to create a bold, eye-catching look that is memorable and appealing.

2. Be colorful

Nowadays, printing technology allows you to create signs comprised of virtually any colors, real-life pictures and graphics.  Your only limit is your imagination, so tap into your inner creativity to showcase your brand by using vivid colors, graphics and photos.

3. Use correct color contrast

This is a key element that’s often overlooked and it can totally ruin the look of your outdoor banner.  Just because it’s possible to print any color and combination of colors, doesn’t mean that any combination will work well together.  For example, blue letters on a black background would be a huge mistake.  The key is contrast.  That is why black letters on a white background stand out so much.  Basic principle, use colors that help the other colors stand out!  Otherwise, your outdoor banner will be very hard to read and not deliver the full extent of your message. 

4. Choose correct material to withstand Mother Nature

Remember that your outdoor banner will be exposed to the outdoor elements.  You have to take into account factors such as wind, rain, snow, and the harsh sun.  Lucky for you, a professional sign company can create outdoor banners that can withstand those elements.  If you need a banner to last for months, then it’s always a good idea to invest in a more durable material that will keep your sign looking fresh.

5. Consider where your outdoor banner will be displayed

Take into consideration where you will be hanging or displaying your outdoor banner.  Will it be attached to a pole, hung from a fence, or stood on the ground?  Each use will require a different method of stabilization.   For example, pole banners are a highly effective way to stand out and they attach to the side of a pole by way of a top/bottom pocket sleeve. 

Outdoor banners can be extremely powerful in gaining visibility and conveying a message for your brand if they are designed and used properly.  It’s never a bad idea to seek professional assistance in the design and implementation of your outdoor sign and there are lots of reputable companies that can help you create a customized solution.