While they appear old-fashioned, print ads in India remain one of the effective advertising tools. Among other forms such as magazines and newspapers, flyers provide trust too. However, how do you ensure that a print ad captures someone’s attention while relaying your information at the same time?
This guide will cover everything you need to create print ads including how to design them step by step. Whether you wish to advertise a product or an accompanying social message, this guide will make the work easier for you.
What Are Print Ads?
Print ads are advertisements located in tangible objects such as newspapers, magazines, or leaflets. Unlike online ads, print ads focus more on visuals, texts, and design, for they hope to make a greater impact.
Consider an inspiring tagline in a newspaper or a striking ad in a magazine that caught your attention. In contrast to digital ads, print ads capture imagination, evoking emotion on a personal level.
Why Print Ads Are Still Popular in India
The growth of print ads in India can be attributed to the reason mentioned above. Regardless of their literacy level, a great majority of people in cities and villages alike look up to newspapers as their primary source of information.
Print advertising is much more believable than ads found on social media platforms and other online avenues.
Print ads allows for a more targeted approach when it comes to customizing language and style for specific areas or regional groups.For printed ads, especially full-page ones, greater monetary value is attached to the intellectual property compared to the imagination that went into creating the ad.
The Power of Social Messages in Print Ads
The best print ads are not only effective in selling a product, but in delivering an important message as well. For instance, Ogilvy India’s “Save Water” campaign incorporated a clever ad featuring a half-filled glass of water and the phrase “Don’t waste it. Millions wish for it.” Such simple innovation made people change their priorities immediately.
6 Steps to Create Great Print Ads
Follow these easy steps to create a print ad that stands out:
1. Identify Your Audience
Consider whom you are designing the advertisement for. The style and message will change if it is aimed at younger tech savvy millennials or a more local rural audience. Continue considering their taste when selecting imagery, text, and colors.
2. Do Not Overcomplicate Things
Your advertisement should communicate the most important information in seconds. Use a short sentence and bold imagery to emphasize the most important idea. This is what Apple did with their ‘Shot on iPhone’ advertisement where they used a simple picture of the product and minimal text.
3. Construct with Visual Hierarchy
Lead the reader’s eyes through the advertisement. Begin with enticing headlines, followed by straightforward descriptions, and conclude with a company logo or call to action.
4. Match The Brand
Think of the mood your ad is trying to convey. For example, black and gold would convey luxury, while bright hues would appeal to younger audiences. Make sure the font used is easily readable, while also ensuring the color scheme fits your brand.
5. Make Use of Images
Images are one of the key components readers are drawn to so make sure they are of the highest quality to enhance their engagement towards the ad. High quality images boost attention and increase consumer interest. Make use of skilled photographers or advanced stock photos. Blurred or pixelated images can hinder an ad, so avoid at all costs.
6. Include a Call-to-Action (CTA)
The same way an advertisement is important in printing, it prompts the user to do something after reading it. Simple CTAs such as “Call Now,” “Visit Our Store,” or “Scan this QR Code” will gartner immediate attention from the reader.
How to Create a Print Ad in Photoshop
Don’t worry if you are learning design tools for the first time. Photoshop makes life easy with its plethora of options, and creating print ads is easier than you think.
Starting with the Correct Measurements: Start a new file and select the canvas size (for example, A4). For print quality, choose a 300 dpi resolution and set color mode to CMYK.
Sketch the layout: Decide on the positioning of your text, images, and blank spaces.
Text And Imageries Addition: Import your images and add your headlines and taglines using the text box.
Keep It Clean: Do not use excessive effects on the ad. Stick to simple designs that won’t take away the audience’s attention from the actual message.
Why Use Print Ads?
Easy creation offers many advantages to your campaign through print advertising:
Lasting Impact: Unlike digital media that gets lost fast, magazine ads are evergreen for weeks and even months.
Distraction-free environment: Print media does not include annoying pop-comments or interruptions such as the digital world.
Builds credibility: Having a feature in reputable magazines and papers gives a boost to your brand identity.
Boost Your Message
The issue of creating a print ad has been simplified with this exhaustive guide. For promotion advertisements and awareness campaigns, a focus on strong boasted messaging along with visuals will go a long way.
Struggling with an idea? Browse our collection of design resources or templates for guidance. An ad is not tremendous just because it is noticed; it is impactful when it lingers in the mind of the viewer.
