Website Banners

• 1). Use a free website to design your banner. There are many sites to choose from. The majority of these free websites require an email address and basic personal information before they allow you to design a banner.
  
  
• 2). Select the format for your banner. Website banners appear across the top or along the sides of a web page. The top of the page is an ideal location for visibility and easy reading. You have the option of running a banner along the bottom of the page, but viewer visibility is low. Some sites offer square templates that are added to the body of a web page. These templates are smaller, but effective when promoting an idea or theme inside the body of a page's text.
  
  
• 3). Select a template. Graphic design experience is not required and many websites offer free templates to act as guides for your design. The template allows the user to easily organize text and images effectively.
  
  
• 4). Design your banner. Website banners are typically used as advertisements. Your church or Christian group can use them to notify viewers of an upcoming event. They may also be utilized to share a message, such as a Bible verse or call to prayer. Choose background colors that highlight the text. A dramatic example is a black background with white text, but there are other color options. Test out various color combos before submitting your design.
  
  
• 5). Offset your design with images. Visuals give a banner design character and grab the viewer's attention. A smiling family, or a picture of your church, are a subtle way to make a viewer feel welcome.
  
  

Hanging Banners

• 1). Use your computer or a free website to design your banner. Online programs give template guides, but if you are designing exclusive for text your home computer will suffice.
  
  
• 2). Write down your chosen text. The banner will be printed on multiple sheets of paper that will be attached together. Simple, large text is the most visible in this format. Arrange the text to run across one or two, lines; more than that will force you to use a font size that runs the risk of being illegible. When using an online program simply enter the text, or images, into your chosen template.
  
  
• 3). Use a word program to arrange your text. Type 350 in the word letter size box located along the toolbar. This fills one page with one letter. Type each letter of your text on one page. Save your work. Online programs will also have you save the design to a hard drive.
  
  
• 4). Print each page and arrange your text on the floor. Check for any errors, and then connect the letters with tape or staples.This step will be the same for online programs, depending on which program you use.