A ready-made template or a custom design? One is quick and cost-effective, the other gives you full creative freedom and helps your brand stand out. Which should you choose to make your advertising wall truly impressive? Discover how to get the most out of it and attract your customers’ attention!

Advertising walls are one of the most popular tools in offline marketing. They ensure booth visibility, grab attention, and display your advertising message clearly. On top of that, these systems are reusable and come with interchangeable, high-quality prints.

Your advertising wall should act as your brand’s calling card. But that raises the question: should you go for a ready-made template or opt for a custom design? If you're facing this choice, here are a few tips to help you decide.

When is a ready-made template the right solution?

Some design tools, such as Canva, offer pre-made templates that are visually appealing and easy to adapt. This lets businesses create a professional design quickly—without hiring a graphic designer. All it takes is adding your logo, adjusting the colors, and updating the content. But what are the pros and cons?

• Fast turnaround and simple setup: with a ready-made template, you can prepare your design almost instantly. There's no need to write a detailed brief or wait for the designer’s input. That’s especially useful when you need an advertising wall quickly—for example, for an upcoming trade show or promotional event.

• Lower cost compared to custom projects: templates save not only time but also money. You avoid the cost of a custom design, making this a practical choice for one-off events or when your marketing budget is tight.

• Limited personalization and uniqueness: templates do have their downsides. They might not align perfectly with your brand’s style or the specific dimensions of your advertising system. Some display setups use non-standard proportions or require structural elements to be considered—difficult to accommodate in a generic template. Plus, there’s always the chance that a competitor might show up at the same event with the exact same design.

A custom-designed advertising wall – why is it worth it?

A tailor-made advertising wall gives your company full control over the appearance of the display. It’s the right choice for brands that want to stand out at trade shows, events, or conferences by building a consistent and memorable visual identity.

• Perfect match with your brand’s visual identity

A custom-designed wall becomes a true representation of your brand. Every element – colors, typography, layout – is aligned with your brand guidelines. This ensures that your message is clear, consistent, and immediately recognizable. That’s especially important in busy spaces where visitors decide whether to approach your booth in a matter of seconds.

• A design tailored to your display system

A custom project allows you to make full use of your display system’s potential. You can choose walls with unique shapes or specific dimensions that best fit your space and booth concept. This helps create a standout look that captures attention and sets your brand apart from the competition.

Tips for designing an effective advertising wall

If you’re planning to create a custom-designed advertising wall, here are some tips to help you develop a strong and impactful graphic.

Match the design to the nature of the event

Are you hosting a press conference, attending an industry event, or showcasing at a trade fair? Each of these settings has its own character, so your advertising wall should reflect the tone and purpose of the occasion.

Root the design in your brand’s visual identity

Your advertising wall should be aligned with your company’s branding. Using the right colors, logos, and graphic elements strengthens brand recognition and creates a cohesive visual presence.

Take the physical space into account

If the wall is part of a larger booth setup, make sure its design fits the layout of other elements such as counters, screens, or meeting areas.

Choosing between a template and a custom design depends on your goals, budget, and expectations. Templates are ideal when time and costs matter most, but custom designs offer greater freedom to build a strong and unique brand image. No matter which option you choose, it’s essential to fine-tune your graphic and adapt it to the context of the event. A well-designed wall is more than just a display—it’s a strategic tool that draws attention and supports your marketing goals.