What is a Step & Repeat Banner Pattern?

What is a “Step and Repeat” Banner?

Red carpet banners might be the best way to explain what an example of a “step and repeat banner” is. It’s a type of banner design you typically see at award shows, marketing events, media and press conferences. They’re also referred to as backdrop banners because they are commonly used as a backdrop for photos and video at those types of events.

The most commonly noted origin of “step and repeat” is connected to the practice of the talent, or celebrities “stepping” onto the red carpet, pose for pictures, and leave. The next person then steps up and “repeats” the process.

The “step and repeat pattern” is a duplicate image pattern that includes two to three logos or designs in repeating rows throughout the backdrop.

Step and repeats are a great way to increase your brand’s awareness.

Backdrop Banner Benefits

Step and repeats fabric backdrops are a high-quality, cost-effective way to get your logo and company name prominently displayed in the backgrounds of photographs that will be used in print, on television, across social media platforms, and on your and other organization’s websites. They reinforce branding at press conferences, media events of all sizes, grand openings, fundraisers and other corporate events.

• Easy Advertising - Step and repeat banners that bear your company’s branding are prime advertising real estate. People often use photos of themselves posed in front of one as their profile pictures on Twitter and Facebook, and love uploading them to their Instagram account. The photos get a lot of engagement, which is like on-going free advertising for your brand.
• Promote Yourself - Take pictures of yourself with the executives, celebrities, or industry thought leaders who attend your events. Then use the images time and again to gain recognition for your brand.
• Stand Out from the Crowd - Step and repeats are impressive backdrops to your booths at trade shows. They look professional, attract more people, and give you an edge over the competition.
• Great ROI -  Once you see how effective a step and repeat can be, you’ll come up with dozens of ways to use it. Take it along to charity events you sponsor, to job fairs, or anywhere where you want to liven things up and get people in a fun and festive mood. They also pay for themselves many times over – you only need to buy a new one if you rebrand your business.

How Backdrop Banners Work

To get the most mileage out of your step and repeat banner, consider these key points before you invest.

Step & Repeat Graphics:

Step and Repeat backdrop banners can be ordered in several sizes with different material options. Technically, you can use a step and repeat pattern with any type of retractable banner or wide banner display. The wider your banner is, the better the step and repeat pattern is going to look and the more prominent your logos will be in the design. The standard height for step and repeats is eight feet and widths can vary based on backdrop. Your logo should be small enough to fit in the frame while still being readable no matter how many people are in the shot.

Portability:

Most step and repeats roll or fold up nicely for storage and transportation, and many include storage totes. The better quality the stand, the easier it will be to assemble. It’s well worth the investment, especially if there will be times the banner is being put up by one person.

Ease of Setup:

There are multiple types of banners you can choose to use as a step and repeat backdrop. Even banners as compact as 24”W have been used as step and repeat displays. If you’re choosing a retractable banner for this type of design for an event such as a grand opening or marketing event where there are going to be pictures of that banner, possibly with people in front of it, you may want to consider sizes such as 47’W and 62”W. Best results with a step and repeat graphic pattern on a retractable display are achieved with a larger backdrop, such as a pop up, retractable, or even illuminated display.

Step and repeats are a simple solution that offer a huge opportunity for promoting your brand. Their many uses make them perfect for a variety of events, big or small. Use one to give your next event the professional branding that will get your company the exposure it deserves.