Looking for a simple way to get more people to notice your business? Whether you’re announcing a sale, launching a new product or promoting an upcoming event, a well-designed poster can help get your message across.
Posters remain a popular marketing tool for businesses of all sizes. They’re affordable, versatile and easy to display in shop windows, offices, restaurants and other locations where potential customers are likely to see them.
But not every poster serves the same purpose. Some are designed to attract immediate attention, while others build brand awareness or provide useful information.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 types of posters to promote your business, explain when to use them and help you choose the right poster size for your marketing needs.
Advertising posters are one of the most common types of promotional posters. Their main purpose is to introduce a product or service, highlight its benefits and encourage customers to take action. You’ll often see these posters in retail shops, shopping centres, salons and other businesses promoting their products or services.
A successful advertising poster usually includes an eye-catching image, a short headline and a clear message explaining what’s on offer. For example, a beauty salon might display a poster advertising a new facial treatment, while a gym could promote its membership packages. The key is to focus on one main message rather than trying to fit every detail onto the poster.
Best poster sizes: A2 posters are a practical choice for advertising in shop windows, reception areas and other indoor spaces.
If you’re running a special offer, seasonal discount or clearance sale, promotional posters are a straightforward way to spread the word. These posters are particularly effective for retailers, restaurants, beauty salons and local businesses wanting to encourage customers to visit during a limited-time promotion.
A good sale poster makes the offer immediately obvious. Bold text, contrasting colours and a prominent discount can help attract attention. For example, a clothing shop might display a poster reading “Up to 50% Off Selected Styles”, while a café could advertise a lunchtime meal deal.
Include important details such as the promotion’s end date, any relevant terms and where customers can take advantage of the offer. Avoid overcrowding the design. Customers should be able to understand the main promotion within a few seconds.
Best poster sizes: A1 posters offer plenty of space for large headlines and promotional graphics, making them suitable for prominent shop window displays
Event posters can help promote everything from grand openings and networking sessions to exhibitions, workshops and live performances. Their purpose is simple: tell people what’s happening, when it’s taking place and why they should attend.
An effective event poster should include the event name, date, time, location and booking details where relevant. Visuals are particularly important. A music venue might use an image of the performing artist, while a restaurant promoting a themed evening could feature food photography.
Businesses can display event posters in their premises or, where permission has been granted, in suitable community spaces. Adding a QR code can also make it easier for interested customers to visit a booking page or find further information.
Best poster sizes: A3 posters are ideal for community noticeboards, reception areas and smaller indoor displays.
Launching something new gives you an opportunity to attract attention from both existing and potential customers.
Product launch posters are designed to create interest in a new product, collection or service before or around its release. Unlike general advertising posters, they usually concentrate on one particular launch.
A strong product photograph, memorable headline and clear launch date are often enough to communicate the message. For example, a fashion retailer could introduce its latest clothing collection with a large lifestyle photograph. A café might promote a newly introduced drink using an appealing image and the words “New on the Menu”. Try to highlight what makes the new offering worth discovering rather than filling the poster with too many features.
Best poster sizes: B2 posters provide a generous display area for product photography and promotional artwork.
Not every poster needs to advertise a discount or encourage an immediate purchase.
Brand awareness posters focus on helping people recognise and remember your business. They communicate what your brand represents through consistent colours, imagery, typography and messaging. These posters are especially useful in offices, showrooms, reception areas, exhibitions and customer-facing spaces.
For instance, a cleaning company might display a poster highlighting its commitment to reliable service, while a fitness studio could reinforce its brand identity using motivational imagery and a recognisable slogan.
Unlike direct promotional advertising, brand awareness posters generally focus on building familiarity over time Keep your logo and branding consistent with your other marketing materials so customers can recognise your business wherever they encounter it.
Best poster sizes: B1 posters are worth considering for larger branded displays where visibility matters.
Retail window posters are designed to catch the attention of people passing your premises, while point-of-sale posters communicate with customers already inside.
They can be used to highlight best-selling products, introduce promotions, advertise new arrivals or draw attention to particular departments. Window posters work best when the main message is visible at a glance. A bold headline, clear photograph and minimal supporting text are usually more effective than a crowded design.
Inside the shop, posters placed near tills, shelves or product displays can help customers discover relevant offers. For example, a convenience store might promote a meal deal near the checkout, while a homeware retailer could feature its latest seasonal collection in the shop window.
For posters suspended where both sides are visible, double-sided posters can make use of the available display space.
Best poster sizes: A0 posters are suitable for larger shop windows and prominent retail displays.
Restaurants, cafés, pubs and takeaway businesses can use posters to showcase food, drinks, special offers and seasonal menus. A well-designed menu poster helps customers see what’s available without needing to ask for more information.
Food photography is particularly useful for attracting attention, especially when promoting a featured dish, new menu item or limited-time special. For example, a café could display a breakfast deal near its entrance, while a takeaway might advertise its latest pizza offer behind the counter. Make sure the prices are easy to read and the layout is not overcrowded.
For displays that are handled frequently or need additional protection, laminated posters can be a practical option.
Best poster sizes: A4 posters work well for compact countertop displays and smaller menu notices. Larger posters may be better for wall-mounted menus.
Informational posters are designed to explain something clearly rather than simply advertise a product. They can communicate instructions, explain services, display useful guidance or present information visually.
Infographic posters take this approach further by using illustrations, icons, charts and short sections of text to make information easier to understand.
These poster types are useful in offices, gyms, healthcare settings, educational environments and customer service areas. For example, a dental practice might display information about oral hygiene, while a gym could use an infographic to explain how a particular exercise programme works.
Businesses can also use informational posters to explain ordering processes, membership benefits or how their services work. Focus on making the information useful and easy to follow. A clear heading, logical layout and readable text will help customers find what they need.
Best poster sizes: A2 and A1 can accommodate larger diagrams and illustrations. Custom-size posters are also useful when the artwork needs to fit a particular frame or display area.
Seasonal posters help businesses make the most of key shopping periods and events throughout the year. Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Black Friday and summer sales all create opportunities to promote relevant products and offers.
These posters usually feature seasonal colours, themed imagery and a message that connects with what customers are looking for at that time. For example, a florist could promote Mother’s Day bouquets, while a restaurant might advertise a Christmas party menu.
Campaign posters can also support community initiatives, fundraising activities and awareness events. If you’re running a campaign across several locations, keeping the colours, fonts and overall design consistent can make your message more recognisable.
Plan your artwork and printing ahead of time so your posters are ready before the promotion begins.
Best poster sizes: A2 and A1 posters are versatile options for seasonal promotions in shop windows, entrances and customer-facing spaces.
Outdoor advertising posters are useful when you want to reach people beyond your premises.
Businesses can use them to promote local events, services, special offers and other announcements in suitable outdoor display locations. They are particularly relevant for local businesses such as garages, gyms, restaurants, estate agents and event organisers. Because outdoor posters may be viewed from a distance, the design should communicate the main message quickly.
Use large text, high-contrast colours and a short headline. Contact details or a website address should be easy to find without making the design feel crowded.
The material matters too. Standard paper posters may not be suitable for prolonged exposure to rain or moisture. For more exposed locations, waterproof PVC poster printing provides a more weather-resistant option.
Always check that you have permission to display advertising in the chosen location and that the poster is securely installed.
Best poster sizes: A1 and A0 are suitable options for larger outdoor advertising displays, depending on the space available.
Choosing the right poster type is only part of the process. The size you print can also make a difference to how easily customers notice and read your message.
A small poster might be ideal for a noticeboard or countertop, while a larger format may be better suited to a shop window or prominent advertising display.
Here is a quick guide to some of the most popular poster sizes.
| Poster Size | Dimensions | Recommended Uses |
|---|---|---|
| A4 | 210 × 297mm | Countertop notices, small menus and information displays |
| A3 | 297 × 420mm | Event posters, reception areas and community noticeboards |
| A2 | 420 × 594mm | Product advertising, promotional offers and indoor displays |
| A1 | 594 × 841mm | Retail promotions, brand awareness and larger shop window posters |
| A0 | 841 × 1189mm | Large shop window displays, exhibitions and prominent advertising |
Before ordering, think about how far away people will be when reading your poster.
A design intended for close-up viewing can contain more detail, while a poster aimed at passing customers should have a larger headline and less text.
Whatever type of poster you choose, a few simple design principles can help make your message clearer and more engaging.
Your poster should communicate one main idea. Whether you’re advertising a discount or promoting an event, make sure the most important information stands out. Avoid long paragraphs and unnecessary details that make the design difficult to scan.
Clear, relevant images can help your poster attract attention and communicate its purpose. Use photographs and graphics that are suitable for printing at your chosen size. Low-resolution images can become blurry or pixelated when enlarged.
A decorative font might look attractive on screen but could become difficult to read from a distance. Use clear typography and make sure there is enough contrast between the text and background. Try to limit the number of different fonts and colours to maintain a consistent appearance.
Tell customers what you want them to do after seeing your poster. This could be “Visit Us Today”, “Book Your Place”, “Shop the Collection” or “Scan to Find Out More”. Make the action easy to follow and include the necessary contact or booking details.
A design can look excellent on screen but produce disappointing results if the artwork isn’t prepared correctly. Check the required dimensions, bleed, margins and image resolution before submitting your file. For further guidance, read our tips on how to create an effective poster design.
It depends on what you want to achieve. Product advertising posters help showcase your services, sale posters promote discounts, and brand awareness posters help customers recognise your business. Choose a design that matches your message and the audience you want to reach.
A3, A2 and A1 are commonly used for business promotions. A3 is convenient for smaller indoor displays, A2 provides more space for advertising, and A1 is useful when you need greater visibility. The right size depends on the display location and viewing distance.
Popular locations include shop windows, reception areas, retail displays, cafés, restaurants and exhibition spaces. Choose places where your target customers are likely to notice the message. Always obtain permission when displaying posters on premises or in public spaces you do not control.
Posters can be a useful part of a small business marketing strategy, especially when reaching local customers. They can advertise special offers, promote events and introduce products without requiring an ongoing digital advertising campaign. Results will depend on the design, location, audience and offer.
Gloss finishes can make photographs and colours appear more vibrant, but reflections may affect readability in bright lighting. Silk or other lower-glare finishes can be a good choice for text-heavy posters and displays where clear reading is particularly important.
From advertising posters and seasonal promotions to event announcements and informative displays, there are plenty of ways to use printed posters to promote your business.
The most effective approach is to match the poster type to your marketing goal. Think about what you want customers to notice, where they’ll see your poster and what action you’d like them to take. A clear message, eye-catching design and appropriate print size can help your business make a stronger impression.
Whether you’re promoting a small local event or preparing a large retail campaign, Cheap as Prints offers a range of poster sizes, materials and finishes to suit different business needs. Choose the right poster for your next promotion and give your message the attention it deserves.
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