Banner design is a very important factor in effective online advertising.  Banner are basically made up of images and text, and made more appealing by multi-media designs such as Flash animation.  But how does one make an attractive and effective banner design? Here are 8 guides for online marketers:

1. Headline: Think of a catchy and witty phrase that will sum up what your offer is all about.  An attractive headline gets results especially if it’s interesting enough for Internet users to take notice.

2. Related content.  Make sure that the content that is displayed on the banner is related to products and services that are found on your site. Most users click on ad banners and expect to get real information on products and services. 

3. Insert logo and URL. In order to promote your brand name, include your logo and website address! This way the visitor will be more enticed to visit your website. 

4. Make use of the words “free” as well as “click here”.   These words are proven to entice internet users to check on your banner.  It is second nature for anyone to check on anything that is free.  This especially works for online stores which really give something for free. Highlight this feature of your website and expect a significant increase in your CTR or click through ratio.

5. Be wary of your file size! Remember that your banner should have a small file size so that it can load quickly, even before a visitor goes to another page.  The smaller the size of a banner, the easier it is to load the banner. 

6. Make it colorful. Use bright colors and catchy fonts for the banner.  Do not however sacrifice the readability of the text for too bright font colors.

7. Make it look professional. Make a professional-looking banner to add attractiveness and credibility to your product or website.

8. Make it quick.  Remember, at most it takes 10 seconds for internet users to view the topmost portion of any website, so you have to give your company’s message within this time frame.