Event-Ready Branding: What Local Businesses Need for Summer Festival Season.
Summer festivals and events are a big deal in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. There's something every weekend: farmer’s markets, Folk Fest, MusicFest. These events are ideal for attracting new and ongoing customers, but the important part is standing out. Banners, flyers, signs, and the right design make you more memorable and approachable. Keep on reading for tips on outstanding design during Summer festivals.
Must-Have #1: A Bold, Branded Booth Banner
It is important to have a banner that is bold and eye-catching. There are a few elements to consider when designing a banner: the text, images, logo placement, and colour. A clear, concise message with a call to action (like make a purchase, sign up for emails) using easy-to-read fonts goes a long way. High-quality images that match the messaging and theme of your brand but don’t overcrowd the banner also help. Using bright, contrasting colours and high-quality materials also goes a long way. Try avoiding unlaminated paper and cardboard. Using materials like vinyl, mesh, and canvas allows your banner to last longer in wet, humid, or hot summer days.
Must-Have #2: Takeaway Materials
Now that potential customers are at your booth, having items they can take away improves the chances that they will remember you and become a repeat customer. Things like rack cards, posters, business cards, and brochures are excellent to have on hand. The handouts should match the banner you have up, same font and colours, but be sure not to overcrowd your material. Including a local map or directions to find your storefront could be a nice touch. It’s easy to get lost in Peterborough and the Kawartha’s. When prepping for Summer Festivals, be sure to accommodate design and printing times. It could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to have materials ready.
Must-Have #3: Branded Merchandise or Packaging
Another more fun thing for customers to have is branded merchandise and packaging. Things like tote bags, apparel, stickers, or labels are great for ensuring customers remember you and are excellent social media advertising. People are more likely to use products like totes, hats, or t-shirts every day, which means they see your brand consistently. They are also easy to take photographs of, which means customers are more likely to share on social media. Free advertising! Be sure to use good quality materials that are more likely to last a long time. For planning purposes, be sure to account for designing and printing as well. Custom items take longer to print than handouts like business cards.
Must-Have #4: Social-Ready Signage
An excellent way to promote your products or services are social media-ready signage. A-frames or posters with QR codes to your page, your Instagram handle, or an event-focused hashtag are great additions. Remember to keep on theme of the event and use your brand. Similar colours throughout all your promotional materials and high quality photos go a long way.
Must-Have 5: Digital Prep Before the Event
Now that you have material for your customers to engage, time to make sure you are ready for the increased traffic. Prepare posts leading up to the event to promote your booth’s location and times, especially on the days you are on site. Having a landing page on your website to orient new traffic keeps things easy for new customers. Focus on things that make you unique and promote the things you feel best about.
The important thing to remember is keep on brand, keep on theme, and prepare early. Last minute design and printing severely affects the quality of promotional material. You want your best foot forward for Summer Festival season! Feeling overwhelmed? Not sure where to start? Want a second look over materials? Book a Festival-Ready design consult with OmniWorx today. We can help you start prep or finalize material today.