A Christmas promotion needs more than a good offer. Customers need to notice it, understand it and know what to do next. Whether you are preparing a shop window, promoting festive bookings or organising a seasonal event, planning your signs together helps keep the message clear from the first glance to the point of purchase.
October is a useful time to work through your requirements, confirm your artwork and discuss your required delivery date. Here is a practical checklist to help you choose the print you need without filling every available space.
1. Start with one clear objective
Decide what you want the promotion to achieve before choosing a banner size. Are you encouraging people to visit a Christmas market, book a festive meal, explore a gift range or return for a particular shopping weekend?
Write down one main action for each sign. An outside banner might introduce the promotion. A window display might explain the offer. A board near the counter might help customers choose between products. Giving each piece a job makes it easier to decide what belongs on it.
For example, a venue advertising festive bookings could lead with “Christmas bookings now open”, followed by the venue name and a short booking address. The full menu and booking conditions can sit on the linked page rather than competing for space on the banner.
2. Map the customer's route
Think about where someone first encounters your business and what they need to know at each stage. Walk the route yourself if possible.
- Before arrival: an entrance banner or promotional board can introduce the event or offer.
- At the window or entrance: explain what is available and when.
- Inside: use display boards to highlight a range, price point or booking opportunity.
- At the next step: make the till, booking desk or collection point easy to identify.
You may only need two or three well-positioned pieces. Check that new displays do not hide opening hours or other information customers already rely on.
3. Match the print to the location
The best starting point is where and how your print will be displayed. Consider whether it is indoors or outdoors, how it will be supported and how long the campaign will run.
Printed banners give you space for a simple seasonal message. PVC and mesh options suit different display conditions; the fixing method and exposure matter as well as the material. If your proposed location is exposed, discuss the application before choosing your banner.
Printed boards are useful when you want a rigid display. Correx, Foamex and aluminium composite offer different characteristics, so choose around the intended use rather than appearance alone. For an indoor promotional area, explore the exhibition and indoor display range too.
Measure the available space and check the product specification before ordering. A board is only one part of the display: its support and fixing arrangement need to suit the location.
4. Keep the message readable
Lead with the information that matters most. “Christmas gifts in store” or “Festive bookings now open” gives the reader a clear starting point. Follow it with a short supporting line and one action.
Use strong contrast and leave space around the headline. Keep decorative seasonal artwork from competing with dates, prices or booking details. Check the design at a scale that reflects the intended viewing distance; something readable on a laptop may be difficult to follow across a car park.
If you use a QR code, test it from a printed sample at a realistic size and distance. Include a short web address where practical, and make sure the destination page explains the same offer.
5. Check dates, details and artwork together
Before approving print, check the campaign start and end dates, opening times, prices and any offer conditions. Ask someone who has not created the design to read it through. They are more likely to spot an unclear instruction or missing detail.
Then check the artwork against the specific product's guidance. Confirm the dimensions, orientation, bleed and file requirements. Keep important text away from trimming and finishing areas, following the guidance for the item you are ordering. Do not assume one artwork file will fit every banner and board format.
6. Work backwards from the day you need it
Your deadline is the day the display needs to be ready, which may be earlier than the promotion launch. Allow time for artwork preparation, approval, production, delivery and setting up the display.
Confirm current turnaround and delivery options before making commitments around a launch date. If you have a fixed event date, share it at the enquiry stage alongside the delivery postcode. That gives the team the information needed to discuss suitable options.
Your Christmas signage order checklist
- The promotion and the action you want customers to take.
- The display location and whether it is indoors or outdoors.
- Width, height, orientation and quantity for each item.
- How each banner or board will be supported or fixed.
- Artwork files, checked dates and correct contact details.
- Delivery postcode and the date the display must be ready.
Ready to plan your festive print? Browse banners and printed boards at Banners&Boards. If you need help choosing, email info@bannersandboards.co.uk with your sizes, quantities, display locations and required date.