MAKE YOUR AD WORK

KEEP IT CLEAN...

If your ad is busy it doesn’t work as well. The most common mistake that the client makes is to try and cram too much content into their ad and it can be detrimental to its effectiveness.

1. The power of assumption: If your company’s name is John’s Fishmongers you don’t have to tell people again and again that you sell fish. They’ll know.
2. It’s all in the timing: Remember that the reader spends on average 2 seconds glancing over your ad so if it doesn't get them in that time it fails to work.
3. Bigger Is better but don't cram it: The bigger your ad is the more impact it has. You’re much better not to fill it just because you have more space.

NO BAD PICS…

Fuzzy, lo-res, grainy or out-of-focus images are detrimental to your advert. Taking pics on your phone do not constitute a print quality image and can make your company look amateurish.

1. Let a pro do the work: The best thing to do is to get a professional to take them, not a pal with a good camera. It might cost a few quid but it pays off in the long run.
2. A means to an end: If you don’t have professional photographer at your disposal then stock imagery can be used. It’s not perfect but it’s better than mobile phone camera pics.
3. Stockists have the stuff: If you’re the stockists of a certain product there’s a good chance that they will have good images that you can use.  Just ask them.

MEET US HALF WAY…

We don’t know your business so we need to get some level of input from you. Sometimes that’s done best by popping into the office to speak the designer or communicating through emails.

1. What tickles your fancy?: Have a look to see what other ads there are in our magazine that you like or have a peak on Google and let us know.
2. Help us to see: We may not know the industry that you work in so we don’t know the faux pas’ and clichés. Best to give us a heads up.
3. We don’t know you: You have your own personal preferences for things like colour and imagery so don’t keep it to yourself.  It saves everyone’s time if you just let us know.

TRUST IN US...

After years of making adverts, our designers know what they’re doing and what works so listen to their input. We deal with hundreds of clients a month so if there’s an issue it’s maybe not with us.

1. Balance it out: If you want your advert spilt into four sections, for example, make sure that the word count and headings are the same size. Keeps it nice and tidy.
2. Simple as that: You can’t really go wrong with your logo, a main header, a good image, a few points and your contact details. Simple as that.
3. Proportion control: Another common mistake is making your logo too big. Your customer  should see what it is you do first rather than who you are.