Where there are a lot of retail stores in Singapore and more customers mean more sales, banner printing is a highly effective way to attract attention to your shop without spending too much. A well-designed banner helps draw the attention of people passing by and convinces them to become customers, no matter the nature of the event.
Even so, putting your logo and a simple message on vinyl is not enough to create the right banner. The article we’re preparing will teach retailers in Singapore how to print banners the proper way.
So they achieve the right results without making any common errors.
✅ DO: Make Use of Local Cultural Relevance in Design
Designing banners for Singapore should always be recognize its culture and season. People in this mixed society are from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities, and they all have their own likes and concerns.
- On the occasion of Chinese New Year, people commonly decorate in red and gold and say greetings such as “福” for luck or “招财进宝” to wish for wealth or treasures.
- For the Malay communities, the banners they use during Hari Raya need to represent respect and should feature old-style patterns as well as shades of green.
- Taking knowledge of local holidays, language, culture, and food; your banner can be more interesting.
Sometimes, using multiple languages in one text can help your audience understand it better. Speaking some Chinese or Malay in your advertising can really help your campaign succeed among the right people.
❌ DON’T: Overcrowd Your Design
There is a tendency to put all the information there: about the products, the discounts, the store, the contact number, the social media handles but less is more in the case of banner printing.
What is wrong with overcrowding?
- Designs that are visually dominating are more difficult to read.
- A viewer tends to give a banner a few seconds at most- (particularly in busy shopping districts).
- An excess of text or graphics decreases understanding and general usefulness.
Solution: Keep to a single central message. Make it hierarchical: large headline, a support-message or call-out, as needed, and an obvious call to action (e.g., “Visit Us Today!”, or “Limited Time Offer”).
✅ DO: Use the Right Font Sizes for Readability From Afar
Your banner may appear excellent on a computer display, however, can it be read by a person, who is located 10 meters away?
The following is a rough guideline to banner text readability:
- Headlines: 70 pt and more large banners (should be readable 1015 meters distance).
- Sub-headers: 30-50 pt.
- Body copy or contact details: 20 -30 pt.
Another key point: Helvetica, Arial, or Roboto fonts are easy to read and have a sans-serif font. Do not use too decorative fonts at the expense of readability.
Top tip: To save on printing the whole banner only to find out that the design is unclear or not visible, test your design by printing a small part at actual size to get it right before printing the entire banner.
❌ DON’T: Use Materials or Finishes That Look Cheap
One of the printing errors that are normally committed when printing a banner is the compromise of quality over cost. On the one hand, you should not disregard the budget; however, on the other hand, your business may appear unprofessional because of bad material choices.
What does a cheap banner appearance entail?
- Flimsy, tearable vinyl or fabric.
- Uneven or faded colours because of low quality ink
- Low-grade finishes with wrinkled or curled edges
- Blocky logos or pictures
How to prevent it:
- PVC 440gsm or 510gsm are suitable when a long life is required
- Outdoor banners should use UV resistant ink to avoid fading
- Always work with high-resolution pictures (minimum 150 dpi at big prints)
- Choose hemming and eyelets as a way of fixing banners in a clean manner
It is possible to invest slightly more initially and have banners that last longer and which retain their appearance and reflect your brand positively.
✅ DO: Design for Reusability
Think long-term. Rather than printing a banner every time there is a slight promotion, think about producing modular or evergreen banners.
Reusable banners:
- You should not mention definite dates or time unless it is necessary
- Insert/change temporary details with velcro panels/pockets
- Attention to brand identity and overall messaging (ex. 50% Off Until June 15)
This will help you save money as well as minimise wastage which is in line with the increasing trends of sustainability amongst businesses in Singapore.
❌ DON’T: Ignore Local Weather Conditions
Singapore has a tropical climate which essentially translates to abundant sunshine, moisture in the air and frequent showers. When your banner is to be used outdoors, then ensure that it is weatherproof.
Best practices:
- Waterproof material such as tarpaulin should be used
- Select UV inks resistant inks
- Avoid tearing for large banners should have wind slits
Indoor banners are another thing – lightweight fabric or roll-up PVC stands can be more suitable.
✅ DO: Choose the Right Placement and Size
An excellent design will not make much sense when no one is able to view it. Select a size and place the location to be highly visible, but not hinder motion.
- Small storefront? Vertical roll-up banners should be used.
- Roadside visibility? Choose a broad and horizontal banners.
- Inside malls? Fabric banners can be hung to give an elegant appearance.
Frequent Asked Question (FAQ)
Q1: What is the ideal size for a banner in a retail setting?
It depends upon where you are. A typical pull up banner size is 850mm x 2000mm. Where it is to be used outdoors, or overhead, 2m x 5m is typical. Scale each time on the basis of space available and the anticipated viewing distance.
Q2: How long do printed banners last in Singapore’s climate?
Outdoor banners can be made to last 6 12 months with UV-resistant ink and good PVC. With care, indoor banners can be used over a number of years.
Q3: Can I reuse my banner for different events?
Yes, when made with general messages and no dates. There are also interchangeable options such as velcro panels or acrylic pockets.
Q4: What should I avoid including on a retail banner?
Keep off excess text, small-resolution images, crowded graphics or extremely elaborate fonts. Stay on point with your message.
Q5: Where should I print my banner in Singapore?
Find a quality local print shop with design assistance, material choices and quick turn around. A Printer based in Singapore can also guide you on HDB, URA or mall regulation on the use of banners.
To be conclude, Banner printing remains one of the most powerful tools for retailers in Singapore. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure your banner draws attention for the right reasons.
