You’re in the busiest square of your city, surrounded by a crowd of people crushing against each other, clamouring with excitement. There’s some kind of demonstration going on, and a strange person at the front is talking with a megaphone. The sound is distorted, and the crowd is cheering, so it’s hard to hear. You crane your neck around each person, stretching and straining to see the front. What is this about? Finally, the person standing in front of you shifts and you see it: a banner.
One hundred years ago, this situation would have been the same. When we think of important demonstrations, gatherings, and events both today and in the past, banners are some of the iconic, symbolic signs we remember – all around the world. They hang from our favourite shops and other buildings and stand tall beside gleaming, white columns and pillars. They are carried through large crowds on parades and adorn the sides of gigantic stages as our favourite musical artists perform their top hits. Banners are an integral part of our society – they have woven into every fibre, every thread of our culture – and that of many others in the world, too.
This is because banners have been used to intimidate, to inspire, and to command attention for thousands of years. Historians and other scholars tell us that Moses carried a tall banner while leading his people through the desert, looking for the sacred Promised Land. Romans and medieval knights and lords carried them into battle at the sound of ominous drums and heraldic horns, commanding the attention and respect of all who saw their crests, their beloved symbols. Even Japanese, on the other side of the world, proudly carried ornate, beautiful banners into battle.
Connect Your Company to Britain’s Rich History
However, banners are much more than this for the British. This is because they have been present for almost every single momentous occasion in Britain’s history – and not just during battles. They are tied to the history of the United Kingdom’s people, consumers, workers, businessmen, and shops – people who rally for what they believe in, are fiercely proud of their home, and are not afraid to stand up for what is truly right. The British Broadcasting Corporation has actually provided a detailed report as to the extent that this is true – they found that an astounding 2,500 British banners are scattered throughout museums in the United Kingdom, just from the last 250 years. These include 24 banners from the reform crisis of 1829-1832, 28 Whig and Tory election banners, and an incredible 150 banners from the women’s suffrage movement from 1908-1913! One of the oldest dates back to 1840, a trade union banner that was carried in a May Day parade. Another is from 1819, used in the Peterloo Massacre. This banner trend only continued to grow, especially during the First World War.
Today, banners have evolved along side of Britain to become an integral part of the United Kingdom’s businesses. Current banners call consumers to action, commanding their attention and inspiring and motivating them to “buy now” or “visit here!” They communicate a sense of urgency, increasing consumer awareness and preference levels. In fact, scholarly studies often find that banners are extremely successful at building a positive impression on consumer consciousness. The next time they’re thinking about what store they should buy a product from, or what company they should hire for their next project, the logos and colours they saw on banners will pop into their mind.
You can take advantage of this powerful advertising method by placing PVC banners on your storefront, too. It’s a fantastic way to optimize your business’ advertising space. The more consumers that pass by your store and notice it (because your new banner attracted their attention!), the more potential customers you’ll have, and your revenue will increase. After all, you won’t receive business from customers, or they won’t take advantage of a sale if they’re unaware!
Command Consumer Consciousness and More Sales
There are a few strategies you can use to optimize your store’s advertising potential, too. First, consider where you’re going to be hanging your banner. What size will you need? What demographic passes by this area? This may affect your design. You should also consider how you’ll need to hang your banner. If the wind will billow behind it, purchase one that’s mesh. Otherwise, PVC will work fine. Then think about what finishing options you’ll need. Most companies provide hems, eyelets, pole pockets and reinforced holes to prevent tearing. One thing you won’t have to worry about, however, is wear and tear, especially from the weather. Banners are made to last. After a long period of time, they will look just as bright and crisp as the day you bought them.
Next, consider your design options. While you want to ensure you include your logo to cement your brand, the other colours you include in your banner will impact consumer reactions. Warm colours, such as orange and yellow, will make the consumer think of fire, warmth, heat, and happiness. Cool colours, such as blue and green, are relaxing and will encourage your consumer to think about wealth, renewal, and even water. Then consider your slogan. Ensure that it’s catchy so that it will command your consumer’s attention. In addition, choose your font. Is it easy to read? Does it convey the right feeling or mood you want to appeal to your ideal demographic?
With the right strategies, your company’s banner will be just as iconic and powerful as many of the banners that have shaped Britain’s history. At the end of the year, you will be proud of your investment. When your consumers think about your business, they will picture your gleaming, professional sign, your engaging and catchy slogan, and your colourful logo. You will spur your consumers to action, improve your business’ exposure, and connect your company to the iconic, rich history of the United Kingdom.