Designing a Press Advert

When designing a newspaper or press advert in County Mayo it is important to consider the main point you want to communicate, with a focussed and clear approach. It isn't enough to just feature your logo next to a phone number, each advert should have a clear message for your target audience.

Newspaper adverts in County Mayo can be very powerful, and provide an immediate response from potential customers. However, it is important to remember that this impact is relatively short lived, as todays newspaper is usually lighting tomorrows fire, so you really have to focus your message for maximum impact.

A key aspect of advertising design is to invest in a distinctive and recognisable logo or corporate identity. This will tie the advertising to your business, premises, uniforms, vans and brochures, to give a more consistent and professional business image.

For me, there are three clear types of press advertising in County Mayo:-

• Directory Advertising
• Call To Action Advertising
• Brand Building Advertising

Directory Advertising - This is where your company details are listed with everybody else in your area. Your business doesn't necessarily stand out, but relies on the value of the directory as a reference for your customers to look up your details.

Call To Action Advertising - You should make make your advert unique and noticeable, and generate interest with a specific offer or product. 'Special Offer', 'Contact us now for...' and 'The first 10 to register...' etc.

Brand Building Advertising - This is more of a long term method of promoting your business or service, by illustrating your unique selling points and inspiring confidence in your potential customers. 'We can provide a complete...' and 'For all your [service] needs...' etc.

"Keep to only one clear message per advert, for maximum effect."

Because of these different approaches, usually the first thing I ask clients when they approach me for a press advert is 'what do you want it to do?'.

By this I mean, what is the objective of the advert? Is it:-

• To raise the profile of your business in County Mayo?
• To match your local competition in County Mayo?
• To launch a start-up or small business?
• To generate new enquiries for your products or services?
• To advertise a particular event?
• Something else..?

You need to know your own business and have a clear strategy on how to achieve these objectives and reach your target audience. For example:-

• What are your unique selling points?
• How can you inspire customer confidence?
• What are you offering?
• Who are you aiming at?
• What are your competitors doing?
• How do you want to present your business?
• Is your advert a one-off or part of a campaign?

How do I get started with an advertising design?

In order for me to produce an effective advert design in County Mayo, I will need the following information:-

1. Your logo or brand
2. High quality text to go in the advert
3. Examples of any brochures or websites to match to
4. The size of the advert and budget available
5. Who your main customers are
6. How the advert is to be used
7. Who your competitors are
8. What sort of image you want to project
9. Examples of any adverts that you like

When you approach Infiniti Mixed Media, I will then be able to:-

1. Check through the information supplied
2. Estimate the cost of the job and provide a Design Order

Once the Design Order is agreed I will be authorised to go ahead and:-

1. Design the logo (if required)
2. Design the advert visual
3. Present it to you as inkjet or electronic proofs
4. Make any amendments as necessary
5. Produce final artwork
6. Supply final artwork on CD Rom

If you require further information on how Infiniti Mixed Media can assist you in developing a press advert in County Mayo, you may consider booking a design consultation or contacting me for an estimated cost.