10 Common Mistakes People Make Before Printing Large Advertisements
- October 8, 2025
Large-scale advertising—like billboards, hoardings, mall displays, and banners—is one of the most powerful ways to showcase your brand and attract attention. However, many business owners make mistakes before sending their designs for printing, which can make ads look unprofessional or fail to grab attention. Avoiding these mistakes is crucial because a poorly designed or printed advertisement can waste money, damage your brand image, and fail to reach your target audience effectively. By understanding common errors and how to fix them, business owners can ensure their large-scale ads leave a lasting, positive impression.
1. Using Low-Resolution Images
Many designers create graphics on computers using RGB color mode because it looks vibrant on screens. However, printers use the CMYK color model, and colors often change when converting from RGB to CMYK. Ignoring this can lead to dull or inaccurate colors in your final print. Always convert your designs to CMYK before sending them to print, and check color proofs to ensure your advertisement appears exactly as intended.
2. Ignoring Color Modes (RGB vs. CMYK)
Digital billboards are booming, especially in urban centers. Unlike traditional billboards that display one static image, digital billboards rotate multiple ads and can show real-time updates, such as current events, live scores, or weather. This versatility allows businesses to create dynamic campaigns that resonate with audiences. Some digital billboards even have touch-sensitive screens, enabling viewers to interact with ads, which can enhance brand recall.
3. Overlooking Bleeds and Margins
Another common oversight is neglecting bleeds and margins. Bleed is extra space around the edges of your design that ensures no important content is cut off during printing and trimming. Without proper bleeds and margins, text, logos, or images can get partially cut, making your advertisement look unprofessional. Always leave sufficient margins and set up proper bleed areas when preparing large-format designs.
4. Choosing the Wrong File Format
The file format of your design plays a crucial role in print quality. Using formats like JPEG can lead to loss of quality, especially for large prints. Instead, use professional printing formats such as PDF, TIFF, or AI files. These formats preserve quality, maintain sharpness, and are compatible with professional printing equipment, ensuring your large-scale advertisement looks flawless.
5. Poor Font Choices or Small Text
Text is an essential element of any advertisement. Many businesses choose fonts that are too fancy or too small, which become difficult to read from a distance. For large ads like billboards or banners, it’s important to use bold, simple, and readable fonts. Keep the main message clear and avoid cluttered text to make sure viewers can quickly understand your advertisement even from far away.
6. Ignoring Viewing Distance
Large advertisements are designed to be seen from different distances. Many mistakes happen when designers forget to consider how far the audience will be. For example, a billboard viewed from a highway requires larger text and simpler designs, while a mall banner can have more detailed graphics. Always design with the viewing distance in mind to ensure maximum readability and impact.
7. Skipping Proofreading
Spelling and grammar errors can make a large advertisement appear unprofessional. Even a small typo in a billboard or a banner can affect your brand image. Always proofread your text multiple times or have someone else review it. Taking this simple step can save you from embarrassment and help maintain your brand’s credibility.
8. Using Low-Quality Materials
The material you choose for printing plays a vital role in the durability and appearance of your ad. Using low-quality flex, vinyl, or ink can result in ads that fade, tear, or get damaged easily, especially in outdoor conditions. Always select durable, weather-resistant, high-quality printing materials like PVC flex, mesh vinyl, acrylic sheets, and UV-resistant inks to ensure your advertisement remains vibrant and long-lasting, making a strong impression on your audience.
9. Not Testing Colors or Samples
Colors often appear differently on screen than they do in print. Many businesses skip printing a sample or proof, which leads to color discrepancies in the final output. Always request a sample print to verify color accuracy, alignment, and overall design. This simple precaution ensures that your final advertisement matches your expectations perfectly.
10. Ignoring Professional Help
Finally, one of the biggest mistakes is attempting large-scale printing without professional guidance. Large advertisements involve technical aspects such as file preparation, material selection, color management, and installation, which can be overwhelming. Seeking help from experienced printing and advertising professionals ensures high-quality results, prevents costly mistakes, and saves time.
Conclusion:
Creating large-scale advertisements requires attention to detail, careful planning, and an understanding of printing processes. Avoiding mistakes like low-resolution images, incorrect color modes, poor materials, and skipping proofs can make a huge difference in the effectiveness of your ad. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure your large prints are clear, professional, and eye-catching.
If you are looking for the best printing company in Lucknow, Adon Publicity—a leading Outdoor Advertising Agency is your trusted partner. With years of experience in large-format printing and high-quality materials, Adon Publicity ensures that your advertisements look perfect every time. From billboards and mall displays to banners and hoardings, they handle every detail with precision and expertise.
To know more about us, our services, and how we can elevate your brand’s visibility, visit our website or get in touch today. For inquiries and personalized solutions, don’t hesitate to contact us—our team is always ready to help. Partner with Adon Publicity and make sure your next large-scale print campaign is a true success!
Check out this guide on preventing wide-format printing mistakes.
Share
