Understand Your Audience #

Before you start designing, you need to consider your target audience.
Consider their demographics, preferences, and needs to tailor your design accordingly. For more detailed local audience insights, explore our community information pages.

Simplify Your Message #

Keep your message clear and concise.
Avoid overwhelming the reader with excessive information.
To ensure the audience understands your primary idea, generate a central message or Call-To-Action.

Eye-Catching Headline #

Write a compelling headline that draws readers in.
Make use of readable and bold fonts and consider adding a tagline that summarises your main points.

High-Quality Imagery #

Use high resolution images and graphics that are relevant to your message.
Crisp and clear visuals will enhance the overall quality of your print ad, contributing to a more professional appearance. See some of our past online magazines for inspiration.

Colour Palette #

Select a colour scheme that works well for your brand and elicits the feelings you want readers to feel.
Make sure the colours you’ve selected complement each other to create a visually appealing design that also improves readability.

Font Selection #

Opt for fonts that are easy to read.
To establish hierarchy and draw attention to crucial information, combine different font styles.
To keep things looking tidy and professional, try not to use too many different fonts.

White Space #

Embrace whitespace to create a clear and uncluttered layout.
Whitespace highlights important aspects of your advertisement and directs the viewer’s attention.

Brand Consistency #

Keep your brand’s elements—such as fonts, colours, and logos—consistent.
This improves brand recall and strengthens brand identity. Download our media pack to ensure your materials align with our print specs.

Hierarchy of Information #

Arrange data in a hierarchical structure, giving priority to the most crucial details.
In a logical flow, direct the viewer’s attention from the headline to the supporting details.

Unique Selling Proposition #

Highlight your business’s/product’s unique selling points and clearly communicate what sets you apart from the competition. You can showcase this in our business directories.

Call-to-Action #

Don’t forget to include a strong call to action.
Provide instructions to the audience on the next steps, whether it be:

• Visiting a website
• Making a purchase
• Getting in touch with your company

Size and Format #

Consider the format and size of the magazine in which your advertisement will run.
Make sure your design blends in perfectly with the selected print media. Explore our East Dorset magazines to see layout examples.

Final Note #

By adhering to these tips, you can create print ads that are both memorable and compelling.

These guidelines focusing on clarity, impactful visuals, and thoughtful design elements contribute to the effectiveness of your print advertising, leaving a lasting impression on your target audience.