Pull-up banners (also called roll-ups) are simple to order and easy to get wrong. Most of the banners that fail at events fail for the same handful of reasons. Here are the ten pull-up banner design mistakes we see most often, with a quick fix for each.
1. Treating the banner like a brochure
The mistake: Paragraphs of text, full service lists and company history.
The fix: One headline, up to three short points and a call to action. Put the detail in a flyer or brochure you hand out beside the banner.
2. Text too small to read
The mistake: Headline sized like it is on an A4 page.
The fix: Print a small section at full size or view the design at 100% on screen from a few metres away. If you can't read it, enlarge it.
3. Important content at the bottom
The mistake: Website, phone number or QR code in the bottom 30 cm.
The fix: Move them to chest height. The bottom is hidden by the base, tables and people.
4. Low-resolution images
The mistake: Logos and photos taken from websites or social media.
The fix: Use vector logos (AI, EPS, PDF) and original high-resolution photos. Check resolution at full banner size.
5. Busy backgrounds behind text
The mistake: Headline placed over a detailed photograph.
The fix: Add a solid or semi-transparent panel behind text, or place text on a plain section of the image.
6. Poor contrast
The mistake: Grey text on a mid-blue background, or yellow on white.
The fix: Use strong contrast — dark on light, light on dark.
7. No clear call to action
The mistake: The banner looks nice but doesn't tell people what to do.
The fix: Add one action: “Scan to book,” “Ask for a demo,” “Visit us at booth B12.”
8. Forgetting the bleed and base allowance
The mistake: Artwork sized exactly to the visible area, leaving white gaps or cropped content.
The fix: Use the correct template including bleed and the hidden bottom section. See our roll-up banner size guide.
9. Too many fonts and colours
The mistake: Four fonts and six colours competing for attention.
The fix: Two fonts, two or three brand colours.
10. Stretching an existing design
The mistake: Taking an A4 flyer or social media post and stretching it to banner proportions.
The fix: Rebuild the layout for the tall, narrow format with the logo and headline in the top third.
Quick self-check before ordering
- Can I understand the banner in three seconds?
- Is the logo visible over a crowd?
- Is the call to action at chest height?
- Are images sharp at full size?
- Does it still work if the bottom 30 cm is covered?
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest pull-up banner mistake?
Too much text. Banners are signposts, not reading material.
Can you check my design before printing?
Yes — our team reviews artwork before printing and can suggest fixes.
Where can I learn the positive rules?
Read our roll-up banner design guide and browse our roll-up banners.