Let’s be real—designing banner ads might seem like a breeze, but it’s all too easy to mess them up. And a poorly designed banner can mean wasted ad spend and zero clicks (ouch). To save you from common pitfalls, here’s a list of the top mistakes marketers make when designing banner ads—and how to avoid them like a pro.
1. Overloading with Text
Ever seen a banner ad that looks like someone tried to write a novel? Too much text is overwhelming and drives people away faster than you can say “click here.” Keep your copy short, sweet, and to the point. A catchy headline, a clear benefit, and a call-to-action (CTA) are all you need.
Fix It: Stick to 2-3 short lines of text max. Less is definitely more when it comes to banner ads.
2. Ignoring Visual Hierarchy
If everything in your ad is competing for attention, then nothing will stand out. Without a clear visual Hierarchy, viewers won’t know where to look or what to do.
Fix It: Use bold headlines, contrasting colors, and logical layouts to guide the viewer’s eyes. Make your CTA pop with a standout button or font.
3. Choosing the Wrong Colors
Colors matter—big time. Using clashing colors or ones that don’t resonate with your audience can make your ad look unprofessional or even repelling.
Fix It: Use colors that align with your brand and the emotions you want to evoke. For example, blue is trustworthy, red is energetic, and green feels fresh.
4. Neglecting Mobile Optimization
Did you know that a huge chunk of internet traffic comes from mobile devices? If your banner ad isn’t optimized for mobile, you’re basically leaving money on the table.
Fix It: Test your ad design on different screen sizes to ensure it looks flawless everywhere, especially on smartphones.
5. Forgetting a Clear CTA
Your banner ads sole purpose is to drive action. If your CTA is missing, unclear, or too small to notice, viewers won’t know what to do next.
Fix It: Use a bold, action-oriented CTA like “Shop Now,” “Sign Up,” or “Learn More.” Make sure it’s prominent and visually distinct.
6. Poor Image Quality
Nothing screams “unprofessional” louder than blurry or pixelated images. It instantly kills credibility and trust.
Fix It: Always use high-quality, properly sized images. Avoid stretching or distorting visuals.
7. Overcomplicating the Design
Trying to cram too many elements into a small space can confuse and overwhelm viewers.
Fix It: Aim for simplicity. Stick to one core message, one image, and one CTA.
Ready to Supercharge Your Ads?
Now that you know what not to do, it’s time to create banner ads that shine. And if you’re looking for an easy, done-for-you solution to get your ads up and running, check out MAP! With expert strategies and tools, you’ll have high-performing ads without breaking a sweat. Click here to learn more and start your journey!