Newsletters remain a powerful tool for marketing, community building and overall communication despite how digital the world now is. While newsletters can be delivered electronically, there is still nothing that quite compares to a tangible printed newsletter. A well-designed and professional printed newsletter will leave a lasting impression on your audience. Let’s explore helpful newsletter printing tips in today’s blog that will help you elevate your newsletter game.
Design for print
You may think it doesn’t matter, that a design is a design right? Well, sort of. Designing for print is going to require a few modifications that digital design does not. When you design for print, you need to keep a few things in mind, such as margins, bleed, and safe zones. These are critical elements that ensure a polished and professional final product. Margins are the designated spaces between the content and the edge of the paper which serve as both an aesthetic and practical purpose by preventing your design elements from getting too close to the edge. Bleeds extend beyond the trim to ensure that the background colors or images extend to the very edge of the paper after the trim, unless otherwise desired. This prevents unwanted white borders. Safe zones are the inner margins within that help avoid losing important elements in the design to the trim.
Another thing to keep in mind when designing for print is image resolution. High-quality images of no less than 300 dpi will look crisp and clear. If you opt to use graphics that are less than 300 dpi, you risk blurry and pixelated images in your final printed product.
Choose your paper wisely
Selecting the right paper stock will actually make a big difference in your newsletter. The paper that you choose can significantly impact the look and feel, so make sure to consider factors such as weight, finish, and texture. If sustainability is an important value for your brand and audience, consider opting for environmentally friendly paper choices such as recycled papers.
A heavier weight paper exudes a sense of quality and durability, while the finish, such as glossy, matte or satin, will impact the visual appeal. The texture of the paper can convey a certain simplicity or elegance. A thoughtful paper selection will enhance your audience’s experience so make sure to put just as much thought into this as you did your design.
Design in the CMYK color profile
When it comes to print, designing in CMYK is crucial to ensure accurate and vibrant color reproduction in the final printed product. Unlike the RGB color mode, which is often used for digital displays, CMYK is specifically tailored for the four-color printing process. Designing in CMYK provides colors that mirror the capabilities of traditional printing presses, meaning what you see in your digital design is what you will see in your final printed product.
Proofread
Proofreading your newsletter is an important step that should not be overlooked. This will ensure accuracy and professionalism from a grammatical standpoint. The last thing you want is to print a few hundred newsletters just to find you missed a typo. Thorough proofreading should involve a meticulous review of all text, graphics and layout for any inconsistencies or errors. Check spelling including grammar, punctuation and formatting, as well as potential image overlap, hard to read designs, etc. No matter how small a project may seem, make sure to always include the proofreading step.
Binding on a budget
If you are printing a longer newsletter that is more than a single page, consider different binding options. Of course these options will be dependent on your budget, but if it allows for it, you can have some fun here. Consider a saddle stitch or spiral binding to produce an even more professional newsletter experience for your audience. Similarly, you could consider opting for a gloss or matte coating to enhance the visual appeal further.
Distribution Plan
Before you send your newsletter off to the printing press, establish your distribution plan. This will help you determine how many newsletters you will need to print and ensure you are getting the most for your dollar. Additionally, if you plan to mail your newsletters, you can work with your printer to find the best bulk mailing options for cost savings. Some print services also offer mailing services. Here at Printivity we offer mailing services that include address verification, addressing and sorting and paperwork delivery. Utilizing a mailing service not only saves you money, but also the time it would take for you to prepare all of the mailings yourself.
Ready to print your newsletters?
Printing a newsletter involves some care and consideration especially when it comes to the design, paper and distribution. Follow our newsletter printing tips and you can create a professional newsletter that not only captures your audience’s attention but also leaves a strong and lasting impression. Whether you are printing for a business, personal project or community event, Printivity is here to help you bring your newsletter from digital design to its final printed format. Contact customer service for any questions, quotes, or help at 1-877-649-5463.
