When it comes to turning passing foot traffic on a busy trade show floor into customers, nothing is more important than your booth’s graphic design.
Great graphics can often work like great conversation starters. In the brief 3-5 second glance usually given by passing attendees at an event, your booth space must quickly show who you are, what you offer, and the benefits of your product or service.
If your booth graphics succeed, they spark a conversation, which can lead to a sale. But if they fail, they'll send visitors away faster than a pushy salesperson. So, how can you ensure that your trade show display's graphics grab attention, share your key messages, and build lasting connections?
We're sharing our top 10 tips for designing eye-catching booth graphics for your next exhibit. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, these tips will help you create an unforgettable display that attracts attendees and showcases your brand.
Avoid Poor Image Quality
Nothing turns a potential customer off faster than blurry, pixelated, or poorly-colored images. To avoid this visual faux pas, consult with an experienced designer to ensure your images have the necessary resolution. For back wall images, aim for a minimum of 200 dpi. High-quality images make a big difference in the overall appearance of your booth. After all, what use is a great design if it isn’t delivered with similarly great visual quality?
Be Mindful of Text and Image Placement
Organize your text and logos on the top third of the panel to match the eye-line of potential customers. When designing and placing text, think about where shelves, counters, furniture, and people will be. This will help ensure your message is visible and easy to read.
Less is More
Prioritize images and text to keep your booth from looking cluttered. Stick to your branding guidelines and use colors that complement your flooring and furnishings. This will help determine how much of the graphic will be seen and keep your booth looking clean and professional. Don’t underestimate the value of an understated color palette to help your graphics pop.
Establish Visual Priority
Determine the focal point of your graphics and what is most important for attendees to see as they approach your exhibit. This will help you create a visually appealing and engaging display, and will quickly establish your messaging for passing foot traffic.
Choose the Right Font Selection & Size
When it comes to fonts, less is more. Use a font size that is legible from at least 10 feet away, and select fonts that are easy to read. Small, light-colored fonts can be difficult to decipher and may not attract attendees. Avoid overly detailed or complex fonts, opting instead for simple and bold typefaces that are clear and easy to read (even at a distance).
Pick Color Combinations Wisely
Select colors that reflect your brand but are also easy to see and don't clash. A well-thought-out color scheme will make your booth more visually appealing and memorable. A more subdued color scheme can be effective in helping the bolder color in logos or emphasized graphics stand out.
Check for Incorrect or Misspelled Words
Double-check your messaging and spelling to ensure your booth looks professional. Keep your wording simple and easy to read to avoid confusion and make your message clear. Nothing turns off a potential customer faster than messaging that’s full of errors.
Avoid Too Much Text
Remember, no one wants to read any more than they have to! So don’t overload your booth with too much text or too many images. A cluttered booth can be off-putting, overly complex, and difficult to navigate. Stick to the essentials and let your visuals speak for themselves.
Don't Forget About Lighting
If your budget allows, consider adding lighting to your back wall or choosing a backlight exhibit design. Good lighting can draw attention to your booth and create a welcoming atmosphere while adding extra dimensions of visual interest and depth.
Inspect and Maintain Your Graphics
If you own your graphics, be sure to inspect them and set up your exhibit display before packing it for the show. Make sure you have all the necessary parts, and that your graphics are clean, wrinkle-free, and undamaged. Taking the time to check your booth graphics beforehand can save you stress, headaches, and precious time at the event.
In conclusion, just remember that designing custom trade show booth graphics doesn't have to be difficult. By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating an exhibit that showcases your brand, attracts attendees, and leaves a lasting impression.
Focused on Exhibitor Success
Helping exhibitors have a successful show is our top priority. If you’re looking for a partner to help with exhibit planning details, download the exhibitor budget worksheet and continue reading our next article in this exhibitor roadmap.
If you are exhibiting at a GES show, click here to find your show and look for GES Exhibit Flooring+, discount flooring packages, and GES Exhibit Furnishings+, discount furniture packages as well as Exhibit Systems+, trade show booth rentals with custom fabric graphics.
