How to Design a Poster That Actually Gets Read

Printed posters are still very much in use so how can you get yours to stand out?

2 min read

Posters are a great way to promote your business, event, or special offer or message, but how many actually get noticed? The truth is, people are bombarded with visual content every day, so your poster needs to stand out and make an impact.

Here’s how to design a poster that grabs attention and gets results.

1. Start with a Clear Goal

Before you design, ask yourself: What is the purpose of the poster?

Common poster goals include:

Promoting a sale or special offer
Announcing an event
Raising awareness about a service

Knowing your goal will help you create a focused and effective design.

2. Create a Bold, Eye-Catching Headline

Your headline is the first thing people will see, so it needs to be strong and attention-grabbing.

Good poster headlines:

Are short and to the point
Use action words (e.g., "Don’t Miss Out!" or "50% Off Today!")
Highlight a benefit (e.g., "Get Your Free Consultation Now")

3. Use High-Quality Images

Visuals are crucial for an engaging poster. Choose high-quality images that are relevant to your message.

Image tips:

Use original photos or high-resolution stock images
Avoid blurry or pixelated visuals
Ensure images support the poster’s message, not distract from it

4. Keep the Text Short and Readable

People skim posters, so make your content easy to digest.

Best practices:

Use bullet points to highlight key details
Keep sentences short and straightforward
Use simple language that’s easy to understand

5. Make Important Information Stand Out

Your poster should answer key questions: Who, What, When, Where, and How.

Essential details to include:

Date, time, and location (for events)
Special offers or discounts
Contact details (website, phone, email, social media)

6. Choose the Right Colours and Fonts

Colours and fonts can make or break your poster’s readability and appeal.

Design tips:

Stick to your brand colours for consistency
Use bold colours to highlight key points
Avoid overly decorative fonts—keep it clean and legible

7. Include a Call to Action (CTA)

A strong CTA tells the reader what to do next.

Examples of effective CTAs:

“Call now to book your appointment!”
“Visit our website for more details.”
“Show this poster for 10% off your next purchase.”

8. Print on Quality Material

A flimsy poster is less likely to make an impact. If budget allows, choose a thicker paper stock or a glossy finish for a more professional look.

9. Test Before Printing

Before printing multiple posters, do a test run:

Check for typos or missing details
Print a sample to see how colours appear
Ask a colleague or friend for feedback

Final Thoughts

A well-designed poster is a powerful marketing tool. By using bold headlines, strong visuals, clear messaging, and a compelling call to action, you can create a poster that actually gets noticed and drives results.

Need help designing a poster for your business? Let’s chat! 😊