Are you using printed booklets? Are you looking to make the most of them? Then we have some ideas that will help make sure your printed booklets are working hard to achieve your business goals. Here are six tips to get the best from your printed booklet.
1) Different Printing Shops
Printing services are similar but not all of them provide equal value. There are many factors that determine whether a printing company can deliver value and quality service. When you’re looking for a printing shop. Look at more than their website—reviews, recommendations, and portfolios are important parts of finding a good printer. For example. If your booklet needs spot UV or foiling on cover stock cards, make sure they do it before you choose them. If there is any aspect of your project that you aren’t sure about, don’t be afraid to ask for samples or clarification; it’s better to know ahead of time what it will cost and how long things will take than after everything is printed.
2) Check for Test Pages
Check your pages to ensure they don’t have any errors or missing items. Also, be sure that all images are clear and not distorted. The first copies of a new book will usually be for testing purposes. So take your time checking that everything is correct before you send them out. If there are any mistakes, ask for another proof copy before sending it off to customers or clients. Remember, you’re responsible for proofreading your booklet thoroughly before it goes out into circulation. Use a Proofreader: A proofreader should read through every word on every page and check spelling, grammar and punctuation throughout the booklet.
3) Consider Trim Size and Paper Thickness
When designing your booklet, it’s important to consider both trim size and paper thickness. That said, paper thickness is generally a more important factor when it comes to printing cost. Because of that, many designers opt for a less expensive paper grade in order to keep costs down—but doing so can result in dull colors or text that’s difficult to read (not exactly what you want when you want your customers or clients reading through your materials). If keeping costs down is a priority, be sure to choose a thicker, higher-quality paper grade. A 150-pound cover stock is good starting point—it still won’t break the bank but should offer better color saturation and overall print quality than other options.
4) Consider Binding Styles
From paperback to hardcover, spiral binding to staples, there are various ways you can bind your booklet. But which binding style is best for you? The choice largely depends on what type of print job you have in mind. For example, saddle-stitched booklets are great for small printing jobs because they’re fast and inexpensive—but when dealing with a large print run. Look for a sturdier solution like perfect binding or perfect spiral binding. Whichever style you choose will ultimately depend on your booklet design and print quantity; we’ll discuss how these two factors can impact your binding style later in our post!
5) Look For a Coloured, Glossy Cover
While you might have a favourite colour or printed design. It’s important to consider what colours and typefaces are likely to catch your audience’s attention. It may sound obvious, but if you hand a potential customer a booklet with a dark green cover that blends into everything else on their desk. They’re less likely to pick it up or keep it around. On top of looking for colour and quality, ensure that both your cover and first page has your business information so that people know who made it. This will also allow them to connect you back via social media if they like what they see.
6) Ask About Sample Books
A design book is a great place to get a lot of information about what type of booklet you want, how much it will cost and how long it will take. With your project in mind, visit two or three vendors (at least) and ask questions like: How many free samples can I have? Can I see an example of your work? What happens if I want changes after printing has started? And where do you store my booklets until they are ready for shipping? Any reputable printer should be able to answer these questions easily—and without pressure tactics. They’ll also be upfront about any hidden fees or extra charges.
