Outdoor Billboard

Tips to Remember When Printing Outdoor Billboards

Printing outdoor billboards requires strategic planning and attention to detail to ensure maximum impact. This is particularly important for sectors like advertising, marketing, and public relations, where billboards serve as powerful tools for brand visibility and message dissemination. Effective billboard design and printing can significantly influence public perception and drive consumer actions, making it essential to get every aspect right. This article will cover crucial tips for printing outdoor billboards, including understanding your audience and location, simplifying your message, choosing high-quality images, ensuring readability, and selecting durable materials. Following these guidelines, you can create compelling billboards that capture and retain attention.

What Is A Large Format Printing?

large format printing

First, what is a large format printing? Large format printing is a printing method that produces large-scale prints, typically ranging from 18 inches to several feet wide, used for various applications such as banners, posters, billboards, and trade show displays. This technique utilizes specialized printers and large rolls of paper or other printable materials, allowing for the creation of high-quality, detailed images and graphics on a grand scale. Large format printing is essential for businesses and marketers looking to create impactful visual displays that can capture attention from a distance, offering versatility in materials and finishes to suit different environmental conditions and aesthetic requirements.

Tips to Remember When Creating/Printing Outdoor Billboards

Without further ado, here are some tips when designing and printing outdoor billboards:

1. Understand Your Audience and Location

Before you start designing your billboard, it’s crucial to understand your target audience and where the billboard will be placed.

  • Demographics: Who will see your billboard? Tailor your message and visuals to appeal to your target audience.
  • Location: The location influences the design. A billboard in a high-speed traffic area should have large, easily readable text, while one in a pedestrian-heavy area can afford more detail.
  • Viewing Distance: Ensure your design is legible from the average viewing distance of the billboard’s location.

2. Keep the Message Simple

Billboards are typically viewed for only a few seconds, so your message needs to be clear and concise.

  • Short Text: Use a maximum of 7-10 words. Your message should be quick to read and easy to understand.
  • Clear Call-to-Action: If you want viewers to take action, make sure it’s clear and straightforward. For example, “Visit our website” or “Call now.”
  • Bold Fonts: Use large, bold fonts that are easily read from a distance. Sans-serif fonts are generally more legible on billboards.

3. Use High-Quality Images and Graphics

The visual elements of your billboard are critical in capturing attention.

  • High Resolution: Use images with a resolution of at least 300 DPI to avoid pixelation.
  • Relevant: Choose visuals that support your message and resonate with your target audience.
  • Vibrant: Use bright, vibrant colours to catch the eye and stand out against the surroundings.

4. Prioritize Readability

Readability is key for billboards, as they are often viewed from a distance and at high speeds.

  • High Contrast: Use high-contrast colour combinations (e.g., black text on a white background) to make the text stand out.
  • Avoid Clutter: Keep the design uncluttered. Too many elements can make the billboard difficult to read.
  • Text Placement: Place text in areas that are not obscured by the environment, such as trees or buildings.

5. Consider the Viewing Angle

The angle from which the billboard will be viewed can impact the design:

  • Upward Angle: For billboards placed above eye level, ensure important information is placed lower in the design.
  • Horizontal Angle: For billboards viewed from the side, consider how the text and images will align and remain readable.

6. Utilize Effective Color Schemes

Colour plays a significant role in billboard design.

  • Brand Colors: Use colors that align with your brand identity.
  • Visibility: Choose colours that stand out in the environment where the billboard will be placed. For example, a billboard in a green, wooded area should avoid green text.
  • Psychological Impact: Consider the psychological impact of colours. Red can create a sense of urgency, while blue is calming and trustworthy.

7. Incorporate Your Brand Identity

Your billboard should reinforce your brand identity.

  • Logo Placement: Ensure your logo is prominent and easily recognizable.
  • Consistent Branding: Use consistent fonts, colours, and imagery that align with your other marketing materials.
  • Tagline: If applicable, include your brand’s tagline to reinforce your message.

8. Choose Durable Materials

Billboards are exposed to the elements, so durability is crucial.

  • Weather-Resistant Materials: Use materials that can withstand rain, wind, and sun. Vinyl is a popular choice due to its durability and weather resistance.
  • UV-Resistant Inks: Use UV-resistant inks to prevent fading from sun exposure, ensuring your billboard remains vibrant for the duration of the campaign.

9. Work Using Quality Large Format Printers

Working with quality large format printers is essential for producing high-impact, professional-grade prints. These printers deliver superior resolution, vibrant colors, and precise detail, which are crucial for applications such as billboards, banners, and trade show displays. Investing in high-quality equipment ensures consistency and reliability, allowing businesses to meet the demands of large-scale printing projects efficiently and effectively. Quality large format printers also offer versatility in printing on various materials, ensuring the final product withstands different environmental conditions and maintains its visual appeal over time.

10. Consider the Installation Process

The installation process is critical for ensuring your billboard looks great once it’s up:

  • Professional Installation: Hire professionals to install the billboard to ensure it’s done correctly and safely.
  • Lighting: If your billboard will be viewed at night, ensure proper lighting is installed to keep it visible.
  • Maintenance: Plan for regular maintenance to address any weather-related damage or wear and tear.

Best Large Format Printing in 2024

Printers for Wide Format Printing 2

Some of the best printers are:

  • TrueVIS VG3 Series Printers/Cutters
    The TrueVIS VG3-540 / VG3-640 Series Printers Cutters combine cutting-edge printing technology with precise cutting capabilities, delivering outstanding graphics and designs with vivid colours and exceptional precision.
  • Roland VersaSTUDIO BN2 Series Desktop Printer/Cutters
    Offers a compact yet powerful solution for high-quality printing and precise cutting, making it perfect for small businesses and creative endeavours. Its versatile capabilities and user-friendly design make it an ideal choice for producing a variety of graphics and designs with exceptional detail and colour.
  • TrueVIS AP-640
    Blending the rapid drying and eco-friendly attributes of resin printing with the remarkable colour rendition, user-friendly operation, and dependable performance synonymous with TrueVIS Series printers
  • Roland Model LG-640 / LG-540 / LG-300
    Designed to deliver high-quality UV printing on a variety of rigid and flexible substrates, allowing businesses to produce stunning graphics, signage, and promotional materials. With their advanced UV ink technology and precise printing capabilities, these printers offer exceptional colour accuracy, durability, and versatility, making them ideal for a wide range of applications in the graphics and printing industry.

Creating and printing an effective outdoor billboard involves careful planning, design, and execution. By understanding your audience, keeping the message simple, and prioritizing readability, you can create a billboard that captures attention and delivers your message effectively. High-quality images, durable materials, and professional printing and installation services are crucial for achieving the best results. By following these tips, you can ensure your billboard stands out and makes a lasting impression on viewers.

Are you in the process of starting or expanding your large format printing business and in need of expert guidance on purchasing the right printing machine? Look no further! Our team of industry experts is here to provide you with valuable insights and expert opinions to help you make the best decision for your business. With a deep understanding of the large format printing industry, we can assist you in selecting the ideal printing machine that meets your specific requirements and budget. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and let us help you make the right investment for your business’s growth and prosperity.