Common mistakes for trade show graphics include text, color, graphics and maintenance. Follow these 10 rules to avoid any graphic mistakes.
The most common trade show display graphic mistakes usually involve text,
color, graphics and maintenance. If your booth has any of these mistakes, it could be an instant turnoff for attendees. But if you follow these simple rules then an attendee visiting your booth can turn into a promising lead.In January,
Exhibitor Magazine released a list of the top 10 small-booth and trade show display graphics mistakes and rules to avoid such mistakes.
1. Too Many WordsThree seconds is all you have to catch someone’s attention and having too many words may hinder that. Combine crisp, relevant text along with a strong graphic to create a cohesive message that will draw them into your booth.
Rule: Limit yourself to six or 10 words
2. The Wrong WordsDon’t waste words with needless information about your company that is not needed. Stay on point with what your company can do for the attendees and do it in as few words as possible.
Rule: Keep a direct message
3. Competing ColorsHaving colors that clash can make your text hard to read. Be sure to have contrasting colors such as light on dark (white on black) or dark on light. Be careful to float text over images and graphics, especially busy areas, since it could cause readability issues.
Rule: Use light and dark text combinations
4. Artsy FontsText that is hard to read will turn away attendees. Leave the art to the graphics and the images and keep text very conservative. Having fancy text makes it difficult for people to read and understand your message.
Rule: Stick with simple sans and sans serif fonts
5. Tiny TypeAttendees don’t want to worry about struggling to read your text because of its size. The general rule of thumb is for every three feet your text should be at least an inch tall. If an attendee is 12 feet away from your booth your text should be at least four inches tall.
Rule: All text should be more than four inches tall
6. Text Below Eye LevelKeep text as high as you can, and if possible within the top two feet of your booth. This keeps your text from being blocked by anyone in your booth and is more viewable from a distance. If your text doesn’t fit into this space, make sure you keep it above eye level.
Rule: Text is best placed at top of booth
7. Too Many ImagesHaving several images can district from what your overall message is. Creating one or a few larger images, that are clearly focused, helps keep your message on track.
Rule: Use large, cropped images
8. Poor Image QualityMany times people think a company logo or image can be enlarged and maintain its crispness and clarity, but that is not always the case. Often, these low-res images become blurry and grainy. Use the most original file and high resolution graphics to complete your booth, and if needed consult a trade show display graphic designer.
Rule: Use high resolution graphics and work with a graphic designer
9. Bad LightingThe choice to light your booth comes down to a very simple question of wanting people to see your booth. Having poor lighting decreases the ability for your graphics to be seen. Place lights, no less than 100-watt halogen or LED, every two to three feet for maximum coverage.
Rule: Lights placed every two to three feet<
10. Nicks And DingsAccidents will happen, but generally wear and tear can be reduced with careful handling and cleaning. Starting with a laminate that will protect your graphics is a good first step. Also careful assemble and careful storing, using plastic or paper sheets between graphics is important. If you have to clean your graphic use light Windex, being extremely careful near the edge. Use a multipurpose cleaner for marks and sticky substances, and rubbing alcohol along any magnets.
Rule: Clean and maintain, if needed replace graphics
