Did you know that print ads remain to be one of the most powerful marketing tools in this digital age? Did you also know that print advertising can drive the most “Likes” to your Facebook page?
While it can be difficult to look at the art of print in this age where the world is dominated by viral videos and social media, print advertising remains to be relevant. Whether it is large format billboard advertising or small scale posters that you want for your business, printed marketing products have not lost their flare in the market.
Print Advertising and Social Media
Social networking has become necessary for entrepreneurs to be able to reach their customers. However, the idea behind it is really just “plain old networking,” which has been around much longer than these social media giants such as Facebook and Twitter.
What is a business card if it is not used as a social medium? Once you hand a client your business card, then you are making a social connection and giving him or her the chance to do the same with you.
It is very easy to integrate social media to any type of print marketing campaign. You can include your address, contact number and social networking URL.
Here at FA Daniels, we’ve done print marketing for small and large businesses alike. We know how to create a professional printed advertisement even for clients with a tight budget. Most small businesses do not have the resources needed to have ads on TV and other advertising channels, so what can a small business do?
- Make use of small-scale advertising. Unless you can afford billboard advertising, you will have to go with small scale prints such as posters, banners, cards,
- Make sure that you have your logo or your business name printed. Inform your viewers what your business is all about. For instance, instead of just saying “FA Daniels LLC,” say “FA Daniels Printing Company.” Unless your business gives people enough idea of what it is all about, then it is always necessary to mention it.
- Provide a visible call-to-action and support it with an equally visible contact information. Tell people why they should contact you and what you can do for them, and then proceed with your contact details.
- Provide a short additional information about your business and how you intend to help the reader. Make it sound as natural as it can be. Avoid grammar/spelling problems. Lastly, make sure that your readers will be able to read it easily.
- It is almost always necessary to add visual elements or graphics. This can be a professional picture or infographics that are related to your business.
- Information hierarchy – the higher it is on the list, the more important it is. The important elements of your advertisement must be found on top of the texts. Also consider the size of the letters and the boldness of the font used to highlight certain information.
- Less is more – Overwhelming your audience with information is not a good idea. Keep the design as simple and attractive as possible.
- Use space wisely – Do not use an advertisement space just because you can or you want it. Put your message on the center of the printed advertising space to make it easier to read.
- Use the perfect font – Okay, we know that there is no such thing as a “perfect font,” but fonts can make an impression to your audience and says things about the kind of business you have. Use “sans serif” fonts and other business-like fonts that look simple and clean. Some of the most annoying fonts that you should avoid include comic sans, papyrus and curlz.
10. Use contrasting colors for backgrounds and text to make your ad readable. Your best bet is to use a light background behind a dark font to make the ad easier to read.
11. Ask for specifications for each printed material. This will help you determine which sizes are needed, which resolution is best, the acceptable file formats, the unacceptable file formats, and many other things.
12. Have another person review your ad to double check spelling errorsor missing/incorrect information.
With all these in mind, we guarantee that you will be able to create printed advertisements that will attract potential clients and strengthen your social media influence.