Magazine: Submit Advert
Submit an Advert
There are three ways you can submit an advert to SpotLight:
1/ Let us create the entire advert for you
2/ Let us help you to create the advert
3/ Create the advert yourself and send it to us.
1/ Let us create the entire advert for you
If you don't want to create the advert yourself, or haven't the time to do so, then just contact us and our art department will create the entire advert for you.
OR
2/ Let us help you to create the advert
If you would like to have a go at creating the advert yourself, but don't really know how to go about it, then here are some handy hints to get you started.
How to choose the right size
When it comes to advertising, size DOES matter. When you have decided roughly what you want to say, make sure that it will fit comfortably in the size you have chosen, using font sizes that are clearly legible. If you are not sure, ask for our advice.
If you haven’t already selected an advert size, then click here to see what sizes are on offer.
What to say
The old adage “white space sells” is largely right. Whatever you say - say it briefly!
People reading your advert need a hook. You should aim for one key word, short phrase or image that will jump out at people and say what you do clearly, e.g. Dog Grooming, Pizza Delivery, or an image of either of these.
Once you have told people what you do - tell them what you want them to do now, i.e. phone, email, attend the event, as appropriate. The action you wish people to make should be clear, unambiguous and in easily legible type.
Styles to use
Try not to use more than two different font styles. One for the Heading/Strapline and then maybe another for the text. General text should be no smaller than 7 points. Although smaller can still be legible, you want to make it easy for people to read.
Sans serif fonts (without tails) work well in headings and serif (with tails) for smaller type.
Balance
The advert should be well balanced - this is often a subjective thing but you should try and make the advert flow so that your eye is not taken in different directions. Often, when you think that the advert just does not look right, it is the balance that needs adjusting. This could include changing the alignment of the text, moving an image or changing colours.
Using Colours
Similar to fonts, you should try to limit the amount of colours that you use to minimise colour distraction. Colours should help to lift the advert but not overpower it. Use colours that balance/complement each other. Again this is a bit subjective, but if you end up with clashing colours this will inevitably distract the reader.
If all of this sounds just one step too much for you, then just give us a call and we will do it all for you.
OR
3/ Create the advert yourself
Completed artwork should be sent in PDF or JPG format.
Straightforward advertisements can be supplied in MS Word documents or hard copy and will be reset free of charge.
Email the content to us.