Best Web Banner Designers

What a good banner package includes

Banner gigs are usually priced per set of sizes. Check that the package states:

• Sizes: the exact list of dimensions.
• Static or animated, and formats such as JPG, PNG, GIF or HTML5.
• File size limits for your ad network.
• Variations for testing different headlines or images.
• Source files for later edits.
• Revisions and delivery time.

Design the largest and smallest sizes first and approve them before the rest. Once the layout works in both extremes, adapting it to the other sizes is quick and consistent.

How to brief a banner designer

1. The offer and one headline.
2. The call to action, such as Shop now or Book a call.
3. Sizes and file limits from your ad network or website.
4. Brand files and product images.
5. The landing page the banner links to.
6. Deadline for your campaign.

Make sure the banner matches the landing page. Visitors who click an offer should see the same offer, image and wording when the page opens; a mismatch wastes the click. It also makes visitors wonder whether they are in the right place.

If you run ads regularly, ask for a banner template system: one master design that can be adapted quickly for new offers and seasons. It keeps your ads recognizable while cutting the cost and time of each new campaign, especially when you need many sizes every time.

What drives the price

• number of sizes
• static versus animated or HTML5
• variations for testing
• custom illustration or photo editing
• source files and templates
• rush delivery for a campaign

Ask for a few variations with different headlines or images, then let the ad platform show which one gets more clicks. Small changes, such as a different product photo or a clearer offer, can make a large difference, and you will only know by testing them side by side.

Red flags

• Files that exceed the network's size limits.
• Text too small to read in small banners.
• Missing sizes from your list.
• Images with no license information.
• Flashing animation that may break ad rules or annoy viewers.

Check every banner at actual size on a real screen, not zoomed in on the design file. Small banners often need a shorter headline or a simpler image than the large ones to stay readable.

To run display and search ads, see our search ads guide. For the text, read our ad copy guide, and for the page people land on our landing page design guide.

Quick pre-order checklist

• I have the exact size list and file limits.
• I have one headline, an offer and a call to action.
• The banner matches the landing page.
• I will get source files for updates.
• I will check every size at actual size.