
Choosing the right banner for your marketing and branding efforts can feel overwhelming with so many options available. At Smartpress, the online division of The Bernard Group, we offer a diverse selection of custom banners designed to effectively deliver your message.
Whether you’re a small business, non-profit organization, or a large corporation, custom banners are a vital component of a successful print marketing strategy. Let’s simplify the world of banners by exploring their definition, the various banner materials and banner types available, and the necessary accessories for professional installation.
Explore our wide selection of high-quality banners and displays.

What is a Banner and Why Do You Need One?
Custom banners are a powerful tool in your visual marketing arsenal. Whether you opt for bold branding or a subtle design, well-executed advertising banners ensure your message is seen, leading to improved engagement and results.
Banners for advertising are incredibly versatile. Intentionally designed significantly boost event attendance, drive sales growth, enhance brand visibility, and support various initiatives, from product launches and recruitment drives to general brand awareness.
Follow our guide to design effective business signs.
Banner Materials: Choosing the Right Foundation
Selecting the Best Banner Material for Your Needs: When comparing different banner types, considering the intended installation environment and the banner material is essential. At Smartpress, we offer indoor and outdoor materials that are durable and provide vibrant print.
For high-wind outdoor locations, our durable 8 oz. mesh banner is an excellent choice. The 15 oz. smooth vinyl blockout banner guarantees your message stands out clearly on both sides. For environmentally conscious businesses, our non-PVC polyethylene banner is a 100% recyclable and eco-friendly option.
At Smartpress, we can customize a wide variety of banner materials:
- 8 oz. Mesh
- 13 oz. Scrim Vinyl Matte
- 13 oz. Smooth Vinyl – Opaque Matte
- 15 oz. Smooth Vinyl – Blockout
- Non-PVC Polyethylene
- Soft Knit
- Soft Flag
Dive deeper into our eco-friendly materials.
6 Essential Types of Banners for Advertising & Events
As a leading online printing company, Smartpress specializes in producing a comprehensive range of business printing materials, including six distinct banner types tailored for various advertising and event needs.
From hanging banners with versatile mounting options to portable retractable banners perfect for trade shows and impactful step and repeat banners for brand visibility at events, our banner selection caters to specific promotional goals while offering the flexibility for diverse campaigns and locations.
Enhance your brand visibility, direct and guide event guests and promote new products or locations with our six popular banner types:
- Hanging Banners
- Retractable Banners
- Step and Repeat Banners
- Table Throws
- Tension Fabric Displays
- Feather Flags

Hanging Banners
Ideal for indoor or outdoor use, hanging banners provide immediate visibility for your message. These custom printed banners are perfect for building brand awareness, announcing new services or promoting grand openings. They are easy to install with various hanging hardware options such as grommets, ball bungees, pole pockets and wooden dowels. Get creative with placement to maximize your brand’s exposure and grab attention from a distance, like hanging them on walls, along fences and near events entrances.

Retractable Banners
Portable retractable banners offer a convenient and professional display solution for trade shows, conventions and pop-up events. These roll-up banners are designed for easy setup and takedown, coming pre-assembled and stored within the stand, complete with a carrying care for effortless transportation.

Step and Repeat Banners
Specifically designed for indoor use, step and repeat banners ensure your guests (and brand) strike a pose at fundraisers, red carpet events, grand openings and conferences. These backdrop banners prominently feature your brand name and logo on durable matte vinyl, increasing guest engagement through memorable photo opportunities. They are easy to install with an adjustable banner stand to accommodate your space requirements.
See why step and repeat banners are so effective at any event.

Table Throws
While not always thoughts of as traditional banners, custom table throws effectively display your branding and messaging. Utilizing full-color dye sublimation printing, these logo table covers ensure your brand and graphics create a brilliant business presence at trade shows, charity 5k races, recruitment events and more. Available in 6’ and 8’ table length options, they seamlessly complement your other marketing materials and event themes.

Tension Fabric Displays
When considering impactful event displays and trade show banners, tension fabric displays offer a lightweight and portable solution. Featuring vibrant dye sublimation printing on fabric, these displays are easy to assemble with a simple interlocking push-button system. The fabric graphic stretches smoothly over the frame, creating a professional yet eye-catching backdrop. They also serve as excellent partitions, temporary cubicles and backdrops for virtual meetings.

Feather Flags
Drawing attention to your biz, event or promotion is easier than ever with custom feather flags. Available in razor, teardrop and sabre shapes, with the option for double-sided printing, these flags are fully customizable for your marketing objectives. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, they include pole and base options that are easy to set up and durable enough for any weather conditions. Use promotional flags to guide foot traffic, announce open houses, highlight special announcements and more.
See feather flags in action – then design and print your own.
Banner Accessories: Ensuring a Professional Look
Our diverse range of banner types requires the right accessories for proper installation and display. You’ll find all the necessary hardware conventially listed in the dropdowns on each product page. For hanging banners, options like grommets, ball bungees and pole pockets with wooden dowels enhance durability and presentation. Our step and repeat banner stands feature a telescopic design that adjusts easily to your banner’s size.
Banner hardware is not only crucial for the structural integrity of your banner but also for its visual impact. Think about it: If your banner is installed loosely or wrinkled, it won’t get your message across successfully or professionally. So we offer the accessories to make your banner look amazing.
Simply select your hardware on each product page or check out other accessory options here.

Order Your High-Quality Custom Banners from The Bernard Group & Smartpress Today
So there you have it- six different types of banners, along with insights on how to leverage them to your marketing efforts at events and around your business, plus easy access to essential installation accessories.
Partnering with The Bernard Group’s online division, Smartpress, ensures your custom banners send a loud and clear marketing message. With complete personalization options, your banners will seamlessly integrate with your overall print marketing strategy. Create your design and upload your print-ready file today.