Technology

What is a Poster? Tips for Creating Effective Advertising Posters

What is a poster? Why should we use posters? What are the benefits of using posters? How can we make a poster beautiful and effective? These are probably the questions that many marketers and designers have when they first learn about posters. Let FPT Shop answer these questions through the following sharing.

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18 February, 2024

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Poster is an effective marketing tool to promote products, services, events, etc. So what is a poster? Let’s find out all the information about a poster right below this content.

What is a poster? What is a poster used for?

A poster is a visual communication tool that uses images and text to convey a message to viewers. Posters are usually printed on paper, fabric, plastic, or other materials and are hung in public places such as streets, schools, shopping centers, etc., to attract the attention of passersby.

Now that you know what a poster is, what is a poster typically used for? Posters can be used for various purposes such as:

Advertising: Posters are an effective way to promote new products and services to potential customers.
Announcements: Posters are used to announce events, conferences, promotions, etc.
Education: Posters can be used to convey educational messages about topics such as health, environment, etc.
Decoration: Posters can be used to decorate houses, offices, cafes, etc.

What makes a poster different from other publications?

Posters have different characteristics compared to banners, standees, or flyers. Let’s distinguish posters from these publications.

Poster vs. Banner

Banners are large display materials that are usually hung high or stretched between two points. Banners can be made of fabric, nylon, canvas, etc. Banners are often used to advertise big events, promotional programs, or political campaigns. Banners have larger dimensions than posters and aim to attract the attention of viewers from a distance. Posters usually have smaller dimensions than banners and aim to provide specific information to viewers up close.

Poster vs. Standee

Standees are medium-sized artifacts usually made of rigid paper or cardboard and placed on a stand. Standees are often used to promote products, services, or events at points of sale, exhibitions, or conferences. Standees are easy to move, utilize space effectively, and create intimacy and interaction with customers. Posters do not have a stand but can be hung on walls or bulletin boards and cannot be easily moved. However, posters can be hung in various places, not limited by space.

Poster vs. Flyer

Flyers are smaller-sized publications, usually printed on A4, A5 paper, etc., and directly distributed to recipients. Flyers provide more detailed information about products, services, events, etc. and are suitable for introducing them in detail.

Advantages of using posters in marketing campaigns

Posters are effective communication tools in marketing campaigns because they have several advantages:

Attract attention: Posters can attract viewers’ attention through images, colors, and concise messages.
Wide reach: Posters can be placed in various public places such as streets, bus stops, supermarkets, schools, offices, restaurants, hotels, etc., to reach a large number of potential customers.
Cost-effective: Posters have lower costs compared to other advertising media such as newspaper ads, magazines, TV, internet, etc. Additionally, posters can be reused in multiple locations.
Word-of-mouth marketing: Posters can create a viral effect when viewers share information about posters with others through word-of-mouth or social media. This helps enhance brand recognition and credibility of the promoted product or service.

Current types of posters

Advertising posters

This is the most common type of poster used to promote the brand, products, and services of businesses. Advertising posters aim to attract customers’ attention, increase brand awareness, and create an impression of products or services. When designing advertising posters, Designers often focus on the product’s features and benefits.

Art posters

This type of poster showcases the creativity and ideas of the designer. Art posters are also used to promote cultural and artistic events such as movies, music, fine arts, etc. Art posters have high aesthetic value, representing the style and personality of the designer.

Propaganda posters

This type of poster aims to raise public awareness about social issues such as environmental protection, disease prevention, protecting the rights of women and children, etc. Propaganda posters usually include contacts of the organization implementing them and are hung in public places for easy access to people.

Communicative posters

This type of poster helps businesses make an impression on customers by presenting the brand logo, policies, principles, achievements, missions, values, visions, etc. of the business. Communicative posters are usually attached to walls in offices, stairs, etc. Another form of communicative posters is campaign posters that call for votes for candidates.

Community posters

This type of poster functions to promote information to the public and is often related to social issues, events, activities, etc. Community posters are usually hung in crowded places such as intersections, flyovers, highways, or near administrative offices. Community posters can be used for propaganda, education, campaign, or introduction.

Subject-specific posters

This type of poster is designed specifically for an individual or a specific group of people. Subject-specific posters usually have the image of the subject in the center and stand out the most. Subject-specific posters are printed and presented professionally and artistically to attract attention and make an impression on viewers. Subject-specific posters are often used by celebrities to promote their personal image, events, or products.

Opinion posters

This type of poster aims to influence the thoughts and behaviors of viewers. Opinion posters are not a common type of poster but have deep significance. Opinion posters often have images, quotes, or messages that encourage, inspire, or argue. Opinion posters can be used to inspire, build belief, or change attitudes in life.

What size should a poster be?

Posters come in various sizes, with the most common being: A0, A1, A2, A3… Besides, posters can be customized to fit specific purposes.

Some standard poster sizes nowadays include:

Horizontal posters: 90 x 60 cm, 60 x 40 cm, 50 x 70 cm, 42 x 30 cm, 30 x 21 cm.
Vertical posters: 60 x 90 cm, 70 x 50 cm, 40 x 60 cm, 30 x 42 cm, 21 x 30 cm.
Basic movie posters: 27 x 40 cm.
Movie posters in waiting areas, buses: 40 x 60 cm.

Note:

When choosing the poster size, you need to consider factors such as the hanging position of the poster, the target audience, and the content of the poster.
Posters need to be designed with high resolution to ensure sharp images.

Learn more: What is email marketing? How can you make effective email marketing?

Conclusion

Hopefully, the information shared by FPT Shop has helped you understand more about what a poster is and given you new tips to design more effective marketing posters. Good luck!