The Do’s and Don’ts of Designing Graphics for Trade Show Displays

Trade shows are powerful platforms for businesses to showcase their products, services, and brand to a targeted audience. One of the most important elements of your booth’s design is the graphics. Graphics not only convey your message but also make an immediate impression, attracting visitors to your booth. The success of your trade show presence can depend largely on how well your graphics are designed. Here’s a guide to the do’s and don’ts of designing graphics for trade show displays to help you make the most of your exhibition.

 

Do’s:

1. Keep it Simple and Clear

When designing graphics for your trade show display, less is often more. Avoid clutter and too much text. Your audience should be able to grasp the key message within a few seconds, so focus on simple, bold visuals and concise copy.

• Tip: Use a large headline or tagline that clearly communicates your core message. It should be legible from a distance.

2. Use High-Quality Images

Make sure the images you use are high-resolution. Blurry or pixelated visuals can give a poor impression of your brand and make your display look unprofessional.

• Tip: Use professional photography or high-quality stock images that match your brand’s style and message

3. Maintain Brand Consistency 

Your trade show display graphics should reflect your brand identity. Consistency in colours, fonts, logos, and messaging across all of your marketing materials is crucial for reinforcing your brand’s presence.

• Tip: Refer to your brand guidelines for font, colour schemes, and logo usage to ensure consistency across all materials.

4. Focus on Readability 

Visitors will only have a few seconds to glance at your booth, so ensure your graphics are easy to read from a distance. This means choosing a font size large enough for visibility, and contrasting colours that stand out.

• Tip: Use bold fonts for headlines and ensure there’s enough contrast between text and background colours to improve legibility.

5. Use the Power of Colour 

Colours can evoke emotions and influence perception. Make sure your colours align with your brand and the message you’re conveying.

• Tip: Choose bold, high-contrast colours that grab attention. 

6. Incorporate Call-to-Action (CTA)

A strong call-to-action encourages trade show visitors to take the next step—whether that’s scanning your QR code, visiting your website, or booking a demo. Make sure your CTA is prominent and actionable.

• Tip: Phrases like “Learn More,” “Get a Free Quote,” or “Book a Demo” are clear and direct.

7. Prioritize Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Highlight your unique selling proposition clearly and concisely. What makes your product or service stand out from the competition? This is the key message you want to communicate.

• Tip: Focus on one or two main points—don’t overload your display with too much information.

8. Think About the Layout

Ensure that the design of your graphics flows well and leads the viewer’s eye in a natural progression. Important messages or visuals should be at eye level and arranged in a logical order.

• Tip: Use the “Z-pattern” layout (left to right, top to bottom) for easy readability.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t Overload with Text

While it’s important to include information, too much text can be overwhelming and ineffective. Keep it concise and to the point.

• Avoid: Long paragraphs or excessive details. Trade show attendees won’t spend time reading dense blocks of text.

2. Don’t Use Too Many Fonts

Using too many fonts in your display can be distracting and reduce visual harmony. Stick to one or two complementary fonts to keep things clean and professional.

• Avoid: Mixing more than three fonts. This can create a chaotic and unprofessional appearance.

3. Don’t Forget About the Size of Your Graphics

Make sure your graphics are appropriately scaled to the size of your display. A tiny image or overly small font will be difficult to see from a distance.

• Avoid: Scaling down graphics too much or using elements that appear too small to be legible from the far side of the booth.

4. Don’t Use Low-Quality Visuals

Low-resolution images or graphics will appear pixelated and cheap. These visuals will hurt your brand’s credibility and may drive attendees away.

• Avoid: Using stock images that are low resolution or clip art that feels amateurish.

5. Don’t Overcrowd with Information

It’s tempting to fit as much information as possible into a trade show display, but it’s counterproductive. Too much detail can make your booth look cluttered and confusing.

• Avoid: Trying to tell visitors everything about your product. Focus on the core message and leave them wanting more.

6. Don’t Use Too Many Colours

While it’s important to make your display eye-catching, overuse of colours can confuse the message and detract from your brand’s identity.

• Avoid: Using too many bright colours or clashing colour schemes. Stick to 2-3 dominant colours for balance and visual appeal.

7. Don’t Neglect the Vertical Space

In a trade show booth, there’s often a lot of vertical space to work with, so don’t limit your graphics to just the horizontal areas. Utilize the height of your display for impactful visuals.

• Avoid: Only placing graphics at eye level—use the vertical space to reinforce your message.

 

The design of your trade show graphics plays a pivotal role in how your brand is perceived. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a display that attracts attention, communicates your message effectively, and leaves a lasting impression.

Remember: simplicity, clarity, and brand consistency are key. Your graphics should not only look professional but also act as a powerful tool to engage and convert potential customers at the event.

Best Displays offers graphic design services if you are in need of professional eye catching graphics for your next display!

Good luck with your trade show booth design, and make sure your graphics are just as unforgettable as your brand!