How to Submit a Creative Ad Design Request for a Client

City Lifestyle’s creative design services provide your clients with high-quality, on-brand ads while saving them time. Working with our design team ensures all assets meet publication specs, preventing formatting issues and production delays.

While it's ideal for clients to manage their ads, there are times when a publisher may need to submit a creation request on their client’s behalf. This can happen if the client can't access the system, faces technical issues, or requests help due to time constraints or unfamiliarity. In such cases, the publisher steps in to ensure the ad materials are submitted on time. Final, full approval from your client by the final deadline must be secured to keep the issue on schedule for production.

1. In ARC, navigate to the Reporting tab on the left-hand side of the home page.
2. Select the “Ads List” report from the drop-down menu to display.
3. Select the current month you are working on at the top of the Ads List.
4. Locate the Status column for the business you are working on and click “Submit Ad.”
5. Click “Select” under the Let Us Create Your Ad option. 
6. Select what the Goal of the Ad is. The section allows only one option to be chosen, to align with your client’s Marketing Objectives.
7. Section 1 - Select Template: Use the category filters on the left side of the page to narrow down the options.
8. Select the template you would like to use. Only one template can be chosen.
9. Section 2 - Ad Copy: This section is for the final ad text. Only content entered in the copy fields will be included in the advertisement.
   1. Include all text that should appear in the ad, such as headlines, service or product descriptions, testimonials, and key messaging. Do not include design notes or instructions. All text entered here will be copied directly into the ad and formatted by the designer. 
   2. Business Details: Add your client’s business website, address, and phone number. This will also be entered into the ad.
10. Once filled in, click Next Step.

11. Section 3 - Add Images: Add Images, Files, or Ad Inspiration: Upload all files you want included in the ad or referenced by the designer. This may include (but is not limited to) logos, high-resolution images such as main visuals or headshots, and QR codes.

    Note: AI inspiration may be submitted to convey the intended look & feel for the ad; however, all assets such as icons, images, logos, copy, and QR codes must be submitted as separate files or typed into the creative request. 

12. Click Next Step.
13. Section 4 - Customization Notes: Include any other information about the ad that you think would be helpful. This section pulls contact details directly from your client’s account profile. It includes the main contact details, Website, Phone number, Address, and additional contact information such as their social media tag handle. You can fill in any areas that are blank or need editing. Details changed here will not update what we have on file for the customer.
14. The blank box at the bottom of the page is for the customization notes. Type any notes to the designer to ensure that the ad reflects your client’s vision, highlights their key messages, and meets their expectations. Clear and detailed notes help the designer understand preferences, avoid miscommunication, and deliver an ad that aligns with your goals.
15. Click Next.
16. Step 5 - Additional Uploads: Here is where you can upload any additional files or images to support the ad. You will have the option to upload additional images from your files or select an image from Adobe Stock.
    1. You may also upload inspiration images to help guide the design. These are used strictly as a visual reference so the design team can better understand the style and direction envisioned for the ad. Please note that designers cannot pull elements or copy directly from inspiration images—they are used for inspiration purposes only.
       1. Note: AI inspiration may be submitted to convey the intended look & feel for the ad; however, all assets such as icons, images, logos, copy, and QR codes must be submitted as separate files or typed into the creative request. 
17. (Optional) Selecting an image from Adobe Stock:
    1. Search for an image using a related description of what you’re looking for. 
    2. Click on the image you want to use in the ad.
    3. Copy the file number.
    4. Paste the file number in the design request.
    5. Click Submit.
    6. Next to each file, there will be a section to label the image/file with a small note for reference, though detailed descriptions should be added in the “Customization Notes” field. 
       1. Note: The field next to uploaded images and files does have a character limit and will cut off if too much text is entered. 
18. When you are satisfied with what you have provided in the request, select the Green Review button at the bottom of the screen.
19. Review the Creative Ad Request to ensure all information is accurate, all images are uploaded, and everything is ready for the design team’s review.
    1. Important Note: The system does not allow for saved drafts, so all creative design request submissions must be fully completed in one entry. Ensure that all required fields are thoroughly filled out with accurate details before submitting. Any partial or incomplete submissions will be rejected, and the design process will not begin until all necessary materials are provided correctly.

Best Practices for Providing Designer Notes: 

• Be Specific: Clearly describe what is wanted. Vague comments like “make it pop” or “make it high-quality” can be interpreted in different ways. Instead, say something like, “Please use bold colors for the headline to make it stand out.”
• Organize Notes by Sections: If your ad has multiple sections (headline, body text, images), break notes into categories. This helps the designer follow each element without missing details. 
• Use Bullet Points or Numbered Lists: This makes it easier for the designer to follow the notes and check them off as they complete the requests.
• Design Services include designer access to Adobe & Google fonts. If the brand font is not available through those, the designer will attempt to match the font and will need the font file provided.

Examples of Effective Designer Notes:

• “Please use the brand colors (blue, 1D25C2, and gold, C29B1D) for the background, and keep the text in white for better readability.” If you say blue without providing a reference image, the designer may not know what shade of blue you have in mind, so be as descriptive in the details or if possible, provide specific Hex color codes for best results.
• “Feature the 20% off promotion prominently at the top in a larger, bold Arial Black Font.”
• “Use the attached logo labeled the main logo in the bottom right corner and ensure it's sized consistently with the other elements.”
• “Make the background image 30% transparent with a dark tint filter, reference photo labeled background inspiration.”