Banners are a common part of a website design, which is why they’re often referred to as “banner ads.” Web banners are an effective way to promote products and services, and are one of the most affordable forms of advertising. But they need to be designed properly to ensure maximum click-throughs and conversions.
How to Make a Good Banner Ad
A web banner ad should contain three key elements: a logo, text, and a call-to-action (CTA). You should also consider the layout and hierarchy of your design.
It’s important to create a relationship between the different elements of your web banner, as this will help viewers understand what you’re trying to say. Using color is an effective tool for this, as it triggers strong emotions and can be used to create likeability.
Adding an image to your banner can be beneficial, but it should only be used if the image has a meaningful message and isn’t distracting. It should be small enough to not eat up too much of your banner space, but large enough to get attention.
You can use photos, illustrations, or any other type of image in your web banner. Adding effects and filters can make the image sharper, brighter, or more focused. Play around with these effects to add a unique touch to your web banner.
How to Choose Images
When choosing images for your banner, it’s best to pick ones that are authentic and have a sense of reality. This will help you establish trust with your audience, and can make a difference in the success of your campaign.
The most popular image file formats include JPG, PNG, and GIF. However, HTML5 files are preferred because they’re supported by most browsers, and don’t require additional plugins to view them.
Typography is another aspect of your banner that needs to be carefully considered. You should choose a font that’s easy to read, but that also conveys the meaning of your text. Try to avoid a thick, scripted font or an all-uppercase font, as these tend to confuse customers and make the text hard to read.
It’s also a good idea to stick with a single style of font, so that your design doesn’t look too cluttered or confusing. If you’re feeling adventurous, try custom typography in your web banner, as it can add a creative edge to your design.
Creating Contrast
Creating contrast in your banner can help the reader see the text clearly. It can also make the banner more interesting and appealing.
This type of contrast can be achieved by combining different colors or adding texture to the background, such as in this example from Visa. The colors in this ad are vibrant and stand out against the dark background, which helps draw the eye and make the message more obvious.
The ad also uses hierarchy to its advantage, with the photo being front and center. The text works alongside it just enough to not get lost, which can make a big impact.