The right graphic design can boost your brand and inspire visitors to take action. A poorly designed banner will do the opposite. Before you invest in a graphics designer, it’s important to know what a banner should include. The key to creating effective banners is keeping them simple to read and understand at a quick glance. You should also keep in mind the type of audience you’re targeting with your banner, as well as the industry or website you’ll be posting it on. Here we outline what you need to include in your banner design and why:
Catchy title
Your banner title is the first thing potential customers will see. It is important to keep your title short and simple so that it’s easy to read and understand at a glance. Include your brand name, product name and keywords in the title, along with a few relevant words to help it stand out. A catchy title will encourage people to click on your banner, which is why it’s vital to include the right elements.
Key information about your brand or company
At the bottom of your banner, include a brief blurb about your business or brand. If you’re creating a banner for your own company, include information about the CEO, company headquarters, and any other relevant information. If you’re creating a banner for a client’s company, include information about the client, product name and the world market the product is available in. Keep the blurb short, simple and to the point. A few sentences will be enough to catch the attention of visitors.
An image of your product or service
Image-based banners are more likely to be seen and clicked on than text-based ones. If your banner contains an image, include the product’s full name, along with a brief blurb about the product. If you’re using an image of a product, make sure it’s in focus and easy to read. You’ll also want to consider its resolution and size when choosing a graphics designer. A low-resolution image will get lost in a banner. A blurry image may cause visitors to miss key details, such as your product name or price.
A colour contrast that’s easy on the eyes
The amount of contrast between colours in your design will have an impact on how easy it is on the eyes. High-contrast designs, such as black text on a page of red, are harder on the eyes and may even cause headache. Low-contrast designs, such as blue text on a light blue background, are much easier on the eyes and may even seem like a relaxing experience.
A clear call-to-action
At the bottom of your banner, include a call-to-action (CTA) that encourages visitors to take action. A CTA should be short, simple, and actionable. For example, you could write “Buy Now,” “Learn More,” or “Start a Free Trial.” A CTA helps to direct visitors towards your conversion goals, such as signing up for a trial, purchasing a product, or entering a contest. Before you decide on a call-to-action, make sure you determine what type of audience you’re targeting with your banner. If a large number of visitors will see your banner, try to determine what type of action they’ll be most likely to take.
Final thoughts
Your banner is the first thing prospective customers will see, so it’s important to ensure it stands out. While the information you include in your banner may seem minor from afar, it could have a significant impact on the outcome of a visitor’s experience.
