Using Flags for Advertisement – What’s The Big Deal?

The benefit of using flags for advertisement

Row of Advertising Flags in front of store.

Advertising Flags have grown in popularity for the last 7-8 years, you have probably noticed the growing popularity of promotional flags dotting the roadside. Feather flags are becoming increasingly popular for various events. Branded flags are particularly effective for outdoor events such as trade shows, festivals, and sporting events due to their visibility and movement.

Custom Flags

Custom feather flags are particularly effective for drawing attention at open house shows, festivals, and other gatherings. These custom printed feather flags are often made from durable materials like polyester, nylon, and vinyl, which offer both durability and visual appeal.

Long and tall feather flags or fat and small teardrop flags, custom flags call out for your attention. Whether they are touting the latest fast food invention or showing you where you can find a a deal, Feather flags have become one of the most popular outdoor advertising tools.

So which advertising flags are the perfect flag for me?

These flags have names like Swooper Flag, Flutter Flag, Teardrop Banner, Teardrop Flags, and Feather flags. Despite the variety of names, they all have a common purpose…get the attention of anyone passing by with a printed custom flag.

Increase visibility

Feather Flags are particularly effective in high traffic areas for outdoor advertising due to their visibility and movement. Event branding at Grand Openings with custom flags can significantly enhance the visibility and impact of your event.

Cost Effect Option

Branded Feather Flags can significantly amplify this effect by incorporating recognizable logos and colors, making them even more eye-catching. Custom Feather Flags can be creatively used for event branding, sports team spirit, community celebrations, political campaigns, and business promotions. One thing for sure, custom printed Feather Flags can be very effective when you need to grab attention.

The power of advertising flags and why they catch our eye.

Open Swooper Flag in front of shop.

There is a reason that these Feather Flags quickly catch our eye, or at the very least summon a glance. It has to do with a human tendency called Passive Attention. This instinct is built into us and serves as a defense mechanism. This is triggered when something stands out in our environment. Our subconscious notices the movement, size, bright colors, and recognizable logos of the Feather Flag and directs attention to it.

Eye Catching Designs

Unique custom flag designs and double sided printing can further enhance this attention-grabbing effect, making the location even more noticeable. This is especially true if the locations next to them have none. Branded Feather Flags can significantly amplify this effect by incorporating recognizable logos and colors, making them even more eye-catching.

A banner flag by any other name…

As mentioned in the opening, advertising flags come in many shapes, sizes and go by many names. A custom Feather Flag can be tailored to specific advertising needs and occasions, making custom promotional flags a versatile option for businesses.

Various printing methods for custom flags include screen printing, digital printing, dye sublimation printing, heat transfer printing, and direct to garment printing. A Feather Flag can be referred to as a Banner Flag, or have the word banner in their name.

Below are the more common names for advertising flags and their unique characteristics that separate them from each other.

Swooper Flags –

The Swooper Flag Flap provides motion for your advertising flags.

Also known as swooper banner, flying banner, flutter flag, logo flag or banner flag. The most popular advertising flag, the swooper flag is one of the first tall promotional flags. Outdoor promotional flags like swooper flags are ideal for catching attention in outdoor settings. The swooper is 11.5 ft. tall and stands a towering 16 foot when mounted and displayed on its aluminum pole.

This flag is designed for movement, as the pole stops about 6-7 inches from the top corner leaving a “flap”. This flap gives the flag its swooper motion. The swooper flap means even with the smallest of breeze the swooper flag can create attention-grabbing movement. This flag works outdoors but is not well suited for indoor use where no wind is present.

You can either choose to have a custom swooper Flag with your logo made or choose from the hundreds of pre-printed flags available that cover a wide range of business categories representing Real Estate, Income Tax Service, Storage and Open flags to name just a few.

The ordering process for custom swooper flags involves consulting with our team, choosing your design options, receiving a quote, making a payment, and managing production and delivery. This flag banner offers more pre-printed flag options than any other advertising flag on the market.

Hardware options include ground stakes, pole mounts, or a cross base for indoor use.

Custom Feather Flags –

Feather Flags are the most popular of the advertising flags.

A feather flag is also known as a feather banner, blade flag, beach flag, or banner flag. Feather flags are a tall promotional flag that closely resembles the swooper flag. The biggest difference is the pole goes all the top corner of the flag and does not have the “flap”. The feather flag banner has a pole extending all the way to the outside corner which holds the flag out.

The more stationary “windless” nature of the feather Flag allows text and makes these banners better for indoor use. Unlike the swooper flag, the feather flag is available in a variety of sizes and has several hardware options. These options include the standard ground stake, X-mount or cross base, with an optional water bag to help stabilize the flag, or pole pockets for secure installation.

Double sided feather flags feature two feather flag banners sewn together with a blocker layer in the middle, where a single sided flag has the image on one side and a mirror image on the other . Some people choose to put a different design on each side of the double-sided feather flag. The blocker layer of the banners allows for no light to show through the two sides which would interfere in displaying the design.

As far as pre-printed feather flags, there is less variety and availability compared to the pre-printed swooper flags. You can find feather flags being widely used across the world. As the popularity of the advertising flags grows, Feather Flags continue to be the most popular advertising flag.

Teardrop Flags –

Teardrop Banner Pole Detail showing the curved nature of these advertising flags.

Also known as a teardrop banner, or bow flag, teardrop flags can be used as custom event flags for various events and businesses. Custom event flags are ideal for drawing attention at trade shows, festivals, and other gatherings.

The teardrop flag does not fall into the category of the tall advertising flag. Instead, it is shorter and much wider than either the swooper flag or feather flag.

This means the teardrop flag features a much larger proportional print area for your logo and custom artwork. The teardrop banner flag uses the same concept of “windless” action of the feather banner uses to present your logo or design. The fiberglass pole follows the pole pocket, and the flag is stretched tight by the spring tension of the pole.

The teardrop banner utilizes this tension to maintain a unique teardrop shape for continuous graphic exposure. Custom teardrop flags come in three sizes ranging from 7’ to over 13 foot tall when displayed. Teardrop flags are very effective for indoor use at trade shows, conventions, expos and retail environments. A double sided teardrop banner, like a double sided feather flag consists of two banner flags with a blocker layer in between.

The hardware options for the teardrop flag are the same as the swooper or feather flag which include the ground stake and cross base.

Rectangle Flags

These are your standard shaped promotional flags that most of us are familiar with. These rectangle flags are usually 3ft by 5ft, or 3×5. The message can vary depending on the industry, but the old standards can still draw attention, while still being a cost effective option in high traffic areas.

Display and hardware Options

Display and hardware options for promotional flags allow you to present your custom flag banners indoors and outdoors to attract attention.

  • Ground Stake – The ground stake or ground spike, is a type an outdoor mount for advertising flags. This popular mount allows you to display your flag outdoors.
  • Cross Base – The cross base or X-mount allows for you to use flag banners indoors or outside when you are unable to drive a Ground Stake into the ground. When using a cross base it can helpful to add a water bag to use as a counter weight. While the cost of a cross base can be higher than that of the ground stake, the x-mount provides more flexibility in where you can use flag banners.

Common Characteristics Of Advertising Flags

So while the different flag banners may have different names and shapes, they share some common ground. The material and print process are pretty consistent.

  • While a percentage of advertising flags are made using screen printing, most are printed using a process called Dye sublimation printing. Various printing methods for custom flags include screen printing, digital printing, dye sublimation printing, heat transfer printing, and direct to garment printing. This process fuses the ink with the flag material using heat. Sublimation printing decreases fading and produces brilliant, vibrant, long-lasting colors and photographic images due to the bonding of the dye to the fibers of the material, which also allows it to better tolerate harsh chemicals.

Common Fabric Options

  • Banner flags are most often made with polyester fabric, while some can be Nylon.

The most common flag material for advertising is generally polyester or nylon, each has its own small advantages, but both are excellent for indoor and outdoor use with a wide variety of display options.

Polyester:

  • Durability: Polyester is generally more durable and resistant to UV radiation, which means it more able to withstand outdoor use better than nylon.
  • Vivid Colors: It retains colors well and is less prone to fading over time compared to nylon.
  • Cost: Polyester flags are often more affordable than nylon flags.

Nylon:

  • Lightweight: Nylon is a lighter fabric than polyester fabric, which can make it easier to fly in light wind conditions.
  • Quick-drying: Nylon dries quickly, making it suitable for areas with frequent rain or high humidity.
  • Bright Appearance: Nylon has a shiny appearance that some people prefer for its aesthetic appeal.

Printing Options for Advertising Flags

Digital Printing: Offers vibrant colors and allows for detailed designs. It’s suitable for smaller quantities and designs with gradients or complex artwork.

Screen Printing: Ideal for larger quantities and solid colors or simple designs. It may be more cost-effective for bulk orders but can have limitations with color gradients and intricate details.

The dye sublimation process stands up well against fading, but as with any material, direct sunlight will weaken and fade colors. So the amount of direct exposure to sun and heat will affect how long the flag will last. In urban areas where a high amount of traffic occurs, pollution can be a factor in the wear.

Bringing your flag indoors during extreme weather conditions will help it last longer. Placement in direct sun and exposure to pollution may diminish the life of your flag as well. The primary goal is to attract attention to your business, so display the banner flag wherever it serves your business the most.

How long do Advertising Flags Last?

The short answer is six months to several years. Polyester fabric flags are a good quality, highly durable, and weather-resistant, making them suitable fabric for long-term use. The long answer to this question lies in the maintenance of the feather flag. Several factors come into play when talking about the longevity of promotional flags.

Considerations:

  • Climate: If your area experiences a lot of sun and UV exposure, polyester might be more suitable due to its UV resistance.
  • Weight: If you need a flag that flies well in light breezes, nylon’s lightweight nature might be advantageous.
  • Purpose: For flags that are frequently flown outdoors, durability is key, making polyester a good choice. For indoor flags, such as feather flags, or those flown in moderate weather, nylon could be sufficient.

Caring for Custom Flags

Proper care of your custom flag is essential to keeping your investment in pristine condition. A custom flag that is constructed of fabric has the advantage of being thrown in the washing machine to remove dirt. This is something that is not possible with vinyl flags.

  • Ultimately, the choice between polyester and nylon depends on your specific needs, such as weather conditions, desired appearance, and budget. Both materials are popular and effective for flag-making, with their own set of advantages and considerations.

Cost Effective Advertising purposes

Whether a custom or pre-printed flag for business promotion, or for indoor and outdoor events like an open house or festival, affordable promotional flags effectively draw attention to your business, organization, or event.

Single sided flags are a cost-effective option for businesses looking to maximize their advertising budget. Promotional flags provide a high return on investment working 24 / 7, advertising your business for about .60 cents a day.*

*Based on the worst case scenario of the flag lasting 6 months.

Ordering Process for Advertising Flags

To order custom flags, you typically consult with our team, choose design or logo and printing options, then receive a quote, make a payment, and manage production and delivery.

  • Big Tex Banners offers a wide variety of options for your business including full color printing options at no additional charge and free shipping.
  • Big Tex Banners offers an online design tool to create the exact look for your business. If designing is not your thing, Big Tex Banners offers a free design service to create eye catching full color banners using your print ready logo or images. This makes getting an effective design simple and easy.
  • Big Tex Banners offers both double and single sided banners. Single sided advertising banners are printed on one side with a reverse image on the backside.
  • Big Tex Banners offers fast turnaround, in most cases if you buy today your order ships tomorrow.
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