How To Create Effective Print Ads For Your Small Business That Drive Sales
Whether you are promoting a new startup company/brand or looking to gain new followers for your business or services, utilizing print advertising within newspapers and magazines is still an effective way to build brand awareness and help to generate revenue.
Understanding how to create effective print advertising designs is a way to outshine potential competitors while attracting new potential customers who want to learn more about your brand. Below you will find 10 tips for designing print advertisements that people remember and act upon.
Design Tip 1: Have a Message in Mind
Having a clear message in mind is imperative when making print advertising designs that are effective. Before moving forward, consider the message you want to share and how you would like it conveyed. Brainstorm the sole message and purpose of each print ad and decide what you hope the reader will take away from each ad.
Design Tip 2: Use an Updated Logo
Use an updated and visually-appealing logo that is modern, relevant and suitable for any audience or demographic. Working with professional graphic designers is a way to ensure your advertisements are ready for print production. Having an updated logo is not only a way to stand out as a modern brand, but it is also a way for others to easily remember your brand and what it represents, once they are familiar with your products, services or content.
Design Tip 3: Select the Right Color Scheme
Selecting the right color scheme for your advertising also matters when building a brand presence or local and online awareness. Ensuring the color scheme within your print ad is in sync with your logo/brand colors will help you quickly gain traction with your campaign.
Design Tip 4: Consider the Size of Your Print Advertising Designs
Consider the size of your design when you are working to complete your advertising design. Print design requires a higher DPI (dots per inch). When creating web graphics, the standard DPI is 72. However, print design requires a DPI of 300, which is why it is essential to utilize high-quality graphics, photos, and vector images when working with print design. It is also important to consider the type of media you plan to print all of your designs on before moving forward with final images/designs for your print campaign.
Design Tip 5: Typography Matters
When it comes to Typography, choosing the right font matters, especially if you want your message to make an impact. To find the right font for your print advertising design, compare different online fonts and choose the one that is most legible and is copyright free. You can find more information on typography and font selection by perusing online design-based magazines and communities. Understanding the importance of type can mean the difference between standing out and being glanced over by your target audience.
Design Tip 6: Graphics Vs. Photos
Determining whether you want to use graphics, photos or both within your next print advertising design is also a decision to consider. Graphics that are in vector format are highly recommended for modern, fun and entertaining advertisements. Using photographs of individuals and other objects can help set the tone and mood of an advertisement while sending a direct and specific message. To find more ideas and gather inspiration, review online magazines, books and communities that are dedicated to advertising design.
Design Tip 7: Use Print-Friendly Images and Media
Using print-friendly images and media is an essential part of print advertising. Be sure your designs and photos are print-ready, copyright-free and have a DPI of at least 300. If you are unsure if your graphics are print-friendly consider working with a professional designer.
Design Tip 8: Relate to Your Audience
Be sure your advertisement is one with which your target audience can relate. It is imperative to place ads in locations where individuals have a genuine interest in your brand, products or services.
Design Tip 9: Incorporate a Call to Action
Incorporating a call to action within print advertising design is a great way to generate leads and gain long-time followers and fans of your brand . Adding a call-to-action can be done by providing a smartphone bar code. You can also ad your website URL to direct potential customers to your website for more information.
Design Tip 10: Provide Something in Return
Providing an incentive, such as a contest or giveaway helps generate interest. Adding a bar code is another way to build awareness and help customers learn more about your business.
