A poster has one main job: to grab attention quickly and communicate a message clearly. Unlike flyers or brochures, posters are often viewed from a distance and for only a few seconds, so good design is essential.
A well-designed poster doesn’t try to say everything — it focuses on making one clear message stand out.
Start with a strong headline
Your headline is the most important part of a poster. It should be readable at a distance and easy to understand at a glance.
A good headline should:
- Be short and clear
- Use large, bold text
- Communicate the main message instantly
Avoid long sentences or clever wording that takes time to understand. If someone can’t grasp the message in a few seconds, they’ll likely move on.
Think about viewing distance
Posters are often seen from several feet away, so text size matters.
As a rough guide:
- Headlines should be large enough to read from a distance
- Subheadings should be clear from a few steps back
- Body text should only include essential information
If the poster will be displayed in a window or on a wall, simplicity is key.
Use imagery with purpose
Images can make a poster more eye-catching, but they need to be high quality and relevant.
Good poster images should:
- Be sharp and high resolution
- Support the message, not distract from it
- Be large enough to make an impact
Avoid using multiple small images or low-resolution pictures, as these can make the poster feel cluttered or unprofessional.
Keep the message focused
One of the most common poster mistakes is trying to include too much information.
A poster works best when it focuses on:
- One key message
- One event, product or offer
- One clear call to action
Extra details can often be moved to a flyer, leaflet or website.
Include a clear call to action
Your poster should always tell people what to do next.
This could be:
- Visit a website
- Call a phone number
- Attend an event
- Scan a QR code
Make sure the call to action is easy to spot and not lost among other text.
Choose the right size and finish
Common poster sizes include A3, A2 and A1. The size you choose should reflect where the poster will be displayed and how far away it will be viewed from.
Paper choice also matters:
- 170gsm is popular for indoor posters
- Laminated posters offer extra durability
Check layout and print setup
Make sure:
- Text isn’t too close to the edge
- Bleed is included if colour runs to the edge
- Images are high resolution
- Colours are set correctly for print
Need help with your poster design?
If you’re unsure about layout, size or paper choice, we’re happy to advise or help with the design. A clear, well-designed poster can be a very effective way to attract attention and communicate your message.
If you’d like help choosing the right option, just get in touch.
