4 Things to Know Before Buying a Custom Vinyl Banner

Written by NextDayFlyers ● Updated on March 12, 2025

Vinyl banners have always been a popular choice for businesses looking to promote events, sales, or their brand. Even with the rise of online marketing, physical banners remain a popular type of advertising, and for a good reason—they offer great value and plenty of benefits.

From their budget-friendly pricing and buy more, save more models to their resilience to outdoor elements, banners simply offer better deals to help spread your message or announce your latest campaigns. Plus, they can be reused multiple times, thus providing long-term visibility for businesses.

With all these perks, it’s no surprise that many businesses are eager to get their own custom vinyl banners. But before jumping in, here are four key ideas to consider before ordering.

Know Your Purpose

Before ordering a vinyl banner, consider why you need it. Are you promoting a business, announcing an event, or setting up a trade show booth? It could be for a party or a special occasion celebrating a company milestone. Knowing the purpose will help you make the right design choices.

A business promotion might need a bold, professional look emphasizing the sale or new product lines, while an event banner could be more fun and eye-catching. Make sure the design matches the occasion and grabs attention.

If you want to get the most out of your banner, consider how long you'll use it.

Vinyl banners are versatile and can work for multiple events or year-round promotions. You can also design specialized banners for specific seasons or holidays. Planning ahead ensures you invest in banners that stay useful for a long time.

Choose the Right Size & Placement

While many believe that "bigger means better," with vinyl banners, sizes are determined by location and use. A small banner works great for indoor events, trade show booths, or table displays, while a larger one is better for outdoor promotions where you need to grab attention from a distance. Consider where your banner will be displayed and choose a size that fits the space.

With regards to banner placement, you'll also need to determine how to set up your vinyl banner. Will the banner be mounted on a wall, or will it be hung from the ceiling? Will you need stands, grommets, or zip ties to install them? Answering these questions opens you to many possibilities for customizing your banner size and designs.

A good tip to learn is to measure the display area and check the surroundings to determine the correct banner size and maximize your banner placement.

Pick the Right Vinyl Material

Once you've determined the objective, location, and proper banner size, you should now think about the type of vinyl banner you want. Most banner printing groups offer multiple vinyl banner materials that work for different environments. Some even offer unique texture or finish that adds to the overall design.

Mesh vinyl (9 oz.) is perfect for windy outdoor areas. The perforated holes allow air to pass through, preventing the banner from flapping too much in the wind.

Scrim vinyl (13 oz.) is commonly used for its versatility and ease of use. It works well both indoors and outdoors and it's easy to work with, making it a solid choice for most business promotions.

Matte vinyl (18 oz.) is the best option for long-term outdoor promotions. The thicker vinyl material makes it more durable and weather-resistant. It is resilient to heavy rain or direct sunlight without fading.

Banner Design Tips

If you've got the size, material, and theme down, it's time to focus on the banner design.

First, make your vinyl banner visible and easy to read, even from a distance. You can play with different color combinations to make your banners stand out. Use contrasting hues for the background and text to help grab attention and improve readability.

Put your business name or your specific promotion in the most prominent position. Include a strong call to action that encourages customers to support your event or participate in the sale.

Keep the message concise and focus on the key details that matter most. Also, don't forget the essential information. If you're promoting a sale, launching a new product, or announcing an event, ensure that the most relevant details stand out. Include your business/event address and contact details. You can also add a QR code to your website so passersby can easily access your online information.

Conclusion

Vinyl banners are a tried and tested way to draw more eyes to your brand and campaigns. It is also the perfect medium for sharing an important message or promoting new events.

But to make the most of your banner, you must choose the right size, material, and design. A well-planned banner lasts longer and does a better job of catching attention. Likewise, there’s always a perfect vinyl banner for every need, from small indoor displays to large outdoor signs.

Ready to bring your banner idea to life? At NextDayFlyers.com, you can easily design and order a custom vinyl banner perfect for your brand. We print high-quality, vibrant displays that grab attention and leave a lasting impression.