Want to nail your next roller banner design? You’re in the right place. Whether you call it a pull up banner, pop up banner, or a trade show display, the principles are the same. Make it bold, clear, and built to stop people in their tracks.
In this guide, we’ll break down 7 genuinely useful tips (with real examples) to help you get your pull up banner design spot on.
Jump to:
- Tip 1: Lead with your main message
- Tip 2: Less is more
- Tip 3: Use high-quality images
- Tip 4: Match your design to the occasion
- Tip 5: Use a roller banner design template
- Tip 6: Add a Simple Call to Action
- Tip 7: Think outside the box
- Banner Design Ideas by Industry
- Common Roller Banner Design Mistakes to Avoid
- 3 Spoof Roller Banner Designs
1. Lead with your main message and logo
The top third of your roller banner is prime real estate. That’s where eyes go first, so make it count.
What to include:
- Your logo
- A clear headline (your main selling point)
- A bold offer or attention-grabber
Examples:
- “Free Trial – No Sign-Up Needed”
- “Now Open in Birmingham!”
- “Exhibition-Quality Catering from £7/Head”
Keep it readable from 2–3 metres away. Think bold fonts, high contrast, and no faff.
2. Keep it clean – Less is more
Your roller banner isn’t a brochure. It’s more like a mini billboard. Use big headings, minimal text, and icons rather than paragraphs.
Bad example:
“Our team offers fully customised, affordable, personalised web development, graphic design and mobile app solutions.”
Better:
“Websites that convert. Free mock-up today.”
Roller banner design should be clear and simple
3. Use high-quality Images
Low-res or blurry images instantly make your banner look cheap. Crisp, clear visuals make your brand look the part.
Image tips:
- Use 300dpi resolution
- Choose pro photography or quality stock
- Leave space so nothing gets cropped awkwardly
Need help? Our free design service ensures your artwork is print-ready.
4. Match your roller banner design to the occasion
Context is everything. A banner made to stand out at a trade show won’t necessarily work in a reception or retail space. Here are some tailored tips:
Trade Show Banner Design
- Lead with a one-liner pitch
- Add contact info at waist height
- Use a scannable QR code
Pop Up Banner Design for Events
- Bright colours = more eyeballs
- Say where to find you: “Stand B4”
- Use icons or arrows for direction
Roll Up Banner Design for Retail
- Feature offers or time-limited deals
- Add social proof (e.g. star ratings)
- Put CTAs near the bottom third
5. Use a roller banner design template
Templates save you time and ensure a clean, consistent layout. They’re especially helpful for bleed zones and sizing.
Quick tips:
- Leave a 100mm bleed at the bottom for the stand
- Keep all vital content away from the very edges
Downloadable templates:
- 80cm x 200cm Template (PDF)
- 85cm x 200cm Template (PDF)
- 100cm x 200cm Template (PDF)
- 120cm x 200cm Template (PDF)
- 150cm x 200cm Template (PDF)
Need help choosing a size? Our roller banner size guide has the answers you need.
6. Add a simple call to action
What do you want people to do? Tell them, clearly.
Effective CTAs:
- “Scan to Book”
- “Ask for a Free Sample”
- “Your Brand Name” in bold
Got a QR code? Make sure it’s big enough and easy to scan from a distance.
7. Think outside the box
Not every retractable banner design has to be safe and corporate. Inject a little humour or surprise and you’ll grab more attention.
Fun ideas:
- Make your coffee banner look like a takeaway menu
- Style your service list like a Netflix homepage
- Use fake warning signs with real CTAs
Just keep the message clear and the branding consistent.
Roller Banner Design Ideas by Industry
Need a head start? Here are some sector-specific ideas:
Gyms & Fitness
- Before/after shots
- Big “Join Now” CTAs
- Add client reviews or ratings
Cafés & Coffee Shop Marketing
- Close-ups of food
- Daily specials or top sellers
- Match your brand’s colours
Salons & Beauty
- Showcase treatments or your space
- Use soft, elegant tones
- Add your social handles
Trades & Construction Branding
- Bullet-point your services
- Display trust badges
- Make your phone number huge
Use roller banners as an event backdrop or to entice people to take action
Common Roller Banner Design mistakes to avoid
Don’t fall into these traps:
- Waffly blocks of text
- Pixelated images from Google
- Forgetting the 100mm bleed
- Poor contrast (e.g. pale yellow on white)
- Overcomplicated fonts and clashing colours
Tip: Stick to 2 fonts and 2–3 colours max. Clean and confident wins.
3 Spoof Roller Banner Design Ideas
Good design doesn’t always have to be serious. Here are some fun roller banners we made to prove the point:
Starbreaks
A spoof coffee banner inspired by a familiar green mermaid. Rounded fonts, calm colours, and a laid-back vibe.
Design takeaway: Brand consistency and clear hierarchy = always a win.
Use a clear hierarchy to make your roller banner design easy to read
Flatpack Assembly Company
A fake furniture company banner styled with blocky blue and yellow IKEA tones and a confused shopper image.
Design takeaway: Familiar colour palettes build instant trust.
Keep your roller banner design consistent with your company branding
Now Frying Chicken
A fake fast food banner in bold reds and shouty fonts, just like the real thing.
Design takeaway: High contrast and clear messaging stop people in their tracks.
High contrast colours help capture attention of passersby
Great roller banner design doesn’t need to be complicated. Keep it bold, focused, and brand-aligned, and you’ll stand out for all the right reasons.
Need a hand? Check out our full range of roller banners or get in touch to use our free design service.
