Retractable banners are excellent for trade shows, exhibitions, and other industry events. If you have been tasked with creating a retractable banner, make sure to check out these graphic design tips. Use these tips to create an awesome banner that hooks your targeted audience.

1. Lead with Your Logo

The first thing that your customers see should create a lasting impression. Make sure to include your logo and headline at the top, right at the eye level of your target audience. Generally, it’s not necessary to have your business name separately if it’s part of your logo. A logo helps you create a distinct brand identity and helps customers identify your brand quickly.

2. Make It Easy to Read

The best way to get the attention of passers-by is by making the text catchy and easy to read. Play around with different font styles and sizes to find the best fit. Here are a few font style tips to keep in mind while designing your retractable banner:
  • Most customers read the banner from left-to-right and top-to-bottom, so position your text accordingly in this format.
  • Use different font sizes to break up and organize the written content.
  • Make sure that every piece of text on your banner is legible from at least five feet away.
  • Font sizes above 100pt in Illustrator or Photoshop are good standards for legibility.
 

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Banner

Less is more when it comes to graphics design for outdoor banners. The primary purpose of retractable banner stands is to captivate the attention of potential customers. Once their interest is piqued, you can provide them with other information at your trade show booth. Too much information can make the reader disinterested and make your banner look cluttered. Focus on just one headline and include two to three supporting images or logos to convey the message.

4. Experiment with Color

There are endless ways to create something eye-catching and memorable when it comes to colors and banner designs. You can design a banner on a white background, or you can make it pop out by going with bold colors. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while choosing colors:
  • Match the banner colors with your brand colors. Use colors from your logo or other advertising material to create a cohesive design.
  • Again, less is more. Don’t overcrowd the banner with dozen colors. Instead, choose one primary color and two or three complementary colors to create a pleasing look.
  • When printing graphics on top of a color background, make sure the graphic’s background is transparent so that it blends perfectly with the rest of the design.
 

5. Finish with a Call-to-Action

The CTA (call-to-action) is a short message that gets the reader to complete the desired action. Ideally, the CTA occupies the bottom one-third of the outdoor sign. Next to your brand logo, the CTA is the most critical piece of information on the banner, so it’s okay to devote extra space to it. Examples of powerful CTAs include: call us to receive a free gift, get your free sample, or follow our brand on social media for loyalty points.