Print ads are a form of advertising that use print media (like newspapers, magazines, leaflets, and brochures) to reach customers. This vast type of advertising can include anything from direct mail adverts to flyers. As modern advertising started with the invention of the printing press, the first form of print ads were newspaper advertisements which began to appear in weekly newspapers in England; therefore, when designing print ads, you have more than three centuries of creativity to keep in mind. It is easy to create a print ad, but designing a well-thought creative advert that attracts customers is a job for a professional.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhy do we need print ads in a digital world?
While it’s true that the invention of the Internet birthed digital advertising, which changed the world of marketing forever, there are still various reasons why a business should advertise in more traditional ways, like print ads. Customers tend to trust print ads more than their digital counterparts, as they bring a sense of professionality and personalness that is sometimes missing from digital adverts. Since print ads can reach people directly at home, they are seen as more personal. Most people don’t trust emails and online ads, but they are more likely to trust the printed material they can hold in their hands which has been sent to their address.
What makes for an effective print ad?
Apt graphic design is the key to an effective print advertisement. Here are some tips for designing print ads:
- Proper use of white space. The more cluttered your advert is, the more complex and less likely it is to be read. Stick to your message and use white space properly to keep your advertisement easy to read.
- The right photograph. As with almost every ad, a picture says more than a thousand words. A good product photograph is essential for a well-designed print ad. You can use our professional product photographers at Marketing Planet Agency for your commercial photography needs.
- Call to Action (CTA). Including a call to action, like a limited discount code or campaign, can bring urgency to your print ad. Call-to-action statements tell the audience the next step, such as Buy now by calling us or Visit our website for more info.
- Catchy and smart headlines. As this is the oldest form of modern advertisement, choosing the correct headline can make or break your print ad. Choose a clean, straightforward headline that is not so creative that the message is lost.
- Distinct brand. Embrace your brand’s identity while designing your print ad. Even if your product isn’t a unique item on the market, you should market it from an original perspective. This makes for a Unique Selling Proposition or USP.
- Simplicity is the key to an effective print ad. Avoid complex sentences and try to use standard fonts and format.
Types of print advertising
Newspapers
As previously stated, modern advertising started from newspaper print ads. They are the most common and classic way to advertise your business. You can filter your audience by choosing a local, regional, or national newspaper. On the other hand, you have the choice of daily, weekly, or special (like Sunday) editions of newspapers. As with all advertising, choose a setup that works for your brand and product. A small ad in the classifieds has a different effect than a full-page ad in the middle pages of a newspaper. Nowadays, newspapers have a limited readership compared to their glory days, but newspaper advertising is cheaper than ever. Remember that newspapers are still very popular when it comes to certain demographics like seniors. In fact, according to FinancesOnline, 70% of households with an income above $100,000 are newspaper readers.
Magazines
More popular than newspapers, with vastly different setups for your advertising needs. With magazines, you can choose to work with one based on your industry, and you still have all the options you had with newspapers.
Billboards, banners and posters
The most eye-grabbing type of print ads. Billboards are more expensive compared to posters and banners, but they are highly credible. You can print ads and put them up in public locations that allow them, like town centers, bus stations and the like.
Direct Mail
Although e-mail advertising is dead and buried by spam protection, direct mail advertising is still alive and kicking! The main difference between direct mail and its digital counterpart is the personal feeling it brings, which dramatically impacts the receiver, whether they realize it or not’a wide range of print ads like postcards, letters, and brochures can be mailed to your potential customers.
Are you interested in print ads? Marketing Planet Agency can handle all your print ads and graphic design needs. You can mix print ads with our digital advertising services for up to a %400 increase in the effectiveness of your online campaigns. We also offer high-quality auto decals in Vancouver, a highly economical and personal way to advertise your business.