6 Types of Banners for Your Business or Event
| Updated on 5/31/24

6 Types of Banners for Your Business or Event

With so many types of banners, it can be hard to know which one is best for your marketing and branding. When you print online with Smartpress, you get many options that can easily get the job done.

 

Whether you’re a small business owner, nonprofit or major corporation, custom banners are an essential piece of your print marketing puzzle. Let’s simplify your banner conundrum and dig deeper into what are banners, different banner materials and types, as well as any accessories you may need to install yours.

 

Explore all of Smartpress’ banners and displays.

 

 

A custom banner printed with The Kovar Brothers in shades of pink and purple hanging in front of an audience.

 

What is a Banner?

 

Custom banners play a huge role in your visual marketing strategy. Whether you go big and bold with your branding or subtle and simple, banners ensure your message gets seen and your metrics get a boost.

 

There are many types of banners for advertising, and when designed with intention, all of them can increase event attendance, produce an uptick in sales, grow your brand visibility and more. Ideal for events of all kinds, product promotion, even hiring and recruitment, banners are an attention-grabbing asset you don’t want to do without.

 

 

What Materials are Banners Made of?

 

When weighing the pros and cons of different banners, it’s crucial to consider where you plan to install them and what material banners are made of. At Smartpress, we offer indoor and outdoor materials that are durable and provide vibrant print.

 

For instance, our 8 oz. mesh is ideal for windy outdoor spaces, while 15 oz. smooth vinyl blockout ensures your print stands out on both sides. Non-PVC polyethylene is 100% recyclable and a great eco-friendly option. At Smartpress, we can customize a wide variety of banner materials:

  • 8 oz. Mesh
  • 13 oz. Scrim Vinyl Matte
  • 13 oz. Smooth Vinyl – Opaque Matte
  • 15 oz. Smooth Vinyl – Blockout
  • Non-PVC Polyethylene
  • Soft Knit
  • Soft Flag

Dive deeper into our banner materials.

 

 

6 Different Types of Banners for Advertising & Events

 

As a premium online printer, we specialize in creating all of the assets in your broader business printing strategy, and that includes six banner types for advertising and events.

 

From hanging banners with grommets and pole pockets to portable retractable banners and Instagram-worthy step and repeat banners, they can cater to specific promotions yet are versatile enough to suit multiple campaigns and event spaces.

Enhance your brand visibility, direct and guide event guests and promote new products or locations with our six banner types:

  • Hanging Banners
  • Retractable Banners
  • Step and Repeat Banners
  • Table Throws
  • Tension Fabric Displays
  • Feather Flags

 

 

 

A hanging banner custom printed with Threadwell Store Opening and a person pulling on a sweater.

 

Hanging Banners

For indoor or outdoor use, hanging banners get your message noticed instantly. These custom banners are ideal for creating brand awareness, announcing a new service or promoting a grand opening. They also install easily with hanging hardware options like grommets, ball bungees, pole pockets and wooden dowels. Get creative with placement to maximize your brand’s exposure and grab attention from a distance, like hanging them on walls, along fences and near events entrances.

A woman in a black outfit standing in front of a retractable banner printed with a green, white and black design.

 

Retractable Banners

Easy to set up and easy to take down, retractable banners are the portable banners you want for trade shows, conventions and pop-up events. This is one of those banner styles that’s all about convenience, as the banner comes pre-assembled and rolled into the stand, while an included carrying case keeps your message on the move.

 

 

 

A woman wearing a black outfit standing next to a green and white step and repeat banner.

 

Step and Repeat Banners

For indoor use only, step and repeat banners ensure your guests (and brand) strike a pose at fundraisers, red carpet events, grand openings and conferences. These backdrop banners display your brand name and logo professionally with durable matte vinyl and increase guest engagement with fun photo opportunities. Plus, they’re easy to install with an adjustable banner stand to accommodate your space.

 

See why step and repeat banners are so effective at any event.

A table throw draped over a table and printed with a blue background, black illustrations and Smartpress in white.

 

Table Throws

You may not think of table throws as a type of banner, but they display your branding and messaging just the same. With full-color, dye sublimation printing, these logo table covers ensure your brand and graphics create a brilliant business presence at trade shows, charity 5k races, recruitment events and more. In 6’ and 8’ table length options, they perfectly complement your other marketing materials and event themes as a whole.

 

 

 

A woman in a black outfit standing in front a tension fabric display printed with Mauro Provisions in black and white.

 

Tension Fabric Displays

When considering different kinds of banners, also think about displays for events, trade shows and presentations. Tension fabric displays are easily portable and put a spotlight on your brand with vibrant dye sublimation printing. With a simple interlocking push-button system, the frame comes together in no time, while the pillowcase-like fabric design slips snuggly over it. These displays even make excellent partitions, false cubicles and backdrops for virtual meetings.

A woman wearing a black T-shirt and jeans standing next to a green and white feather flag.

 

Feather Flags

Drawing attention to your biz, event or promotion is easier than ever with custom feather flags. In your choice of razor, teardrop and sabre shapes, plus double-sided printing, these flags are totally customizable for your marketing intent. For indoor and outdoor use, they include pole and base options that are easy to set up and durable enough for any weather conditions. Print yours to guide foot traffic, for open houses, special announcements and more.

 

See feather flags in action – then design and print your own.

 

 

What Accessories May You Need for a Banner?

 

As you may have guessed, our six different types of banners don’t just install themselves. What you may not have guessed, is that all the accessories and hardware you need to install them are available in the dropdowns on each product page. For your hanging banners, grommets, ball bungees and pole pockets with wooden dowels enhance the strength of the banners, while our step and repeat banner stand features a telescopic design that adjusts easily to your banner’s size.

 

Banner hardware not only reinforces the strength of your banner, but also the look and overall impact. Think about it: If your banner is installed loosely or wrinkled, it won’t get your message across successfully or professionally. So we offer the accessories to make your banner look amazing. Simply select your hardware on each product page or check out other accessory options here.

 

 

A hanging banner with Behind the Print in white text and a woman holding a booklet open.

 

Order Your Custom Banners from Smartpress

 

So there you have it. Six different types of banners, how to use them to your marketing advantage at events and around your business, plus install accessories right at your fingertips. All that’s left now is for you to decide which one is the one for you (and maybe it’s two…).

 

When you print with Smartpress, custom banners send a loud and clear marketing message. And with complete personalization, that message is branded, vibrant and coordinated with your overall print marketing strategy. Create your design and upload your print-ready file today.

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