28 Jul 10 Things to Check Before Ordering Banners…
Whether you’re promoting an event, advertising your business or creating signage for a sports club, ordering banners should be straightforward. However, a few simple checks before placing your order can save time, money and unnecessary stress.
At Griffin Designs, we’ve produced banners for businesses, schools, charities, sports clubs and community organisations across the UK. Here are ten things we recommend checking before you being ordering banners…
1. Choose the Right Size
Think carefully about where your banner will be displayed. A banner that looks perfect on a computer screen may be too small to read from a distance which isn’t always obvious when ordering banners online.
If your banner will be viewed from across a car park or sports field, larger text and a bigger overall size will make a huge difference.
2. Pick the Right Material
Remember that not all banners are made for the same purpose!
For outdoor use, durable PVC banners are the most popular choice thanks to their weather resistance and long lifespan. If you’re displaying your banner indoors, there may be lighter-weight options available depending on the application.
Choosing the correct material from the beginning means your banner will perform exactly as expected.
3. Make Sure Your Artwork is High Quality
Blurry logos and pixelated images are one of the most common problems we see when ordering banners online.
Where possible, supply vector artwork or high-resolution images. If you’re unsure whether your artwork is suitable, ask your printer to check it before production.
4. Keep Your Message Simple
People rarely stand still to read every word on a banner.
Focus on one clear message with a strong headline and avoid overcrowding the design. A clean, simple layout is usually far more effective than trying to include too much information.
5. Think About Where It Will Be Fixed
Will your banner be attached to fencing, railings, a gazebo or displayed on a wall?
Knowing how it will be installed helps determine whether you need eyelets, hems or another finishing option to make installation quick and secure.
6. Check the Weather Conditions
If your banner will be outside for an extended period, consider the environment it will be exposed to.
Strong winds, heavy rain and direct sunlight can all affect how a banner performs over time. The UK Met Office provides useful guidance on weather conditions that may help when planning outdoor events and displays.
7. Allow Enough Time
One of the biggest mistakes people make when ordering banners is leaving everything until the last minute.
Ordering in advance gives you time to approve artwork, make any amendments and avoid unnecessary delivery pressure before your event.
8. Think Beyond One Event
Can your banner be reused?
Designing without specific dates or temporary information often means the same banner can be used year after year, making it a much more cost-effective investment.
9. Double Check Every Detail
Before approving your proof, take a final look at:
- Spelling and grammar
- Contact details
- Dates and times
- Website addresses
- Logo placement
A few extra minutes of checking can prevent costly reprints later.
10. Choose a Supplier Who’ll Help
Ordering banners shouldn’t feel complicated.
A good supplier will happily answer questions, check your artwork and recommend the most suitable product for your needs rather than simply taking your order.
At Griffin Designs, we believe in making the process as simple and honest as possible. Whether you know exactly what you need or would like a little guidance, we’re here to help.
If you’re ready to get started, explore our full range of banners and display systems here via our website. Here is where you’ll find durable banner options for businesses, events, clubs and organisations of all sizes.
For further advice on designing clear, readable signage, the UK Government’s accessibility guidance also contains useful principles for creating information that’s easy for everyone to read which you can view here.
Taking a few minutes to check these ten points before ordering banners can make all the difference. You’ll end up with a banner that not only looks professional but also works harder for your business, event or organisation for years to come.