Print-Ready Ad Production Process for Clients
This guide will walk you through what to expect after submitting your ad to City Lifestyle and how to manage any revision requests. The print-ready ad production process ensures that all ads meet City Lifestyle’s quality and content standards. By maintaining high standards for design, format, and content, we help you present your brand in the best light possible.
How the Print-Ready Ad Process Works
- Submitting Your Ad
- After you submit your ad, our Production team reviews it to ensure it meets City Lifestyle’s quality standards for image quality, layout, content, format, and ad requirements.
- Proactive Submission for Early Review
- We encourage you to submit your ad as early as possible, especially if you feel it may not meet our specifications or policies. Working ahead allows extra time for any necessary adjustments. If you’re uncertain about specific requirements, you can reach out to your publisher for a first-look review to help ensure the ad meets all standards before the final review process.
- Receiving a Revision Request
- If any adjustments are needed, the production team will send an email via ARC with details on the required changes. You’ll also be able to see the revision request in the Customer Portal with a “Needs Revision” status.
- Making the Corrections
- Please review and complete the necessary changes to your ad as outlined in the feedback. Make sure all revisions are addressed to avoid further delays.
- Resubmitting Your Ad
- After making the corrections, resubmit the ad through the Customer Portal for another review. The production team will:
- Approve the Ad: If all issues are resolved, the ad will be approved.
- Request Further Revisions: If additional changes are needed, the production team will provide updated feedback. This process will repeat until the ad reaches approval.
- After making the corrections, resubmit the ad through the Customer Portal for another review. The production team will:
- Final Approval and Deadline
- Once your ad meets all standards, it will receive final approval for print. To ensure your ad is published in the upcoming issue, it must reach approved status by your final submission deadline.
- Deadline Note:
- If your ad is not approved by the deadline, is denied after the deadline, or a required revision isn’t completed by 10 a.m. CT on the ad deadline day, the submitted ad will be rejected, and a previously run ad or a house ad will be used instead.
- Previously Run Ad: If there is a previously approved ad of the correct size without date-sensitive details, it will be rerun.
- House Ad: If no suitable ad exists, a house ad will run in its place. Please note that you will still be invoiced for this insertion.
- If your ad is not approved by the deadline, is denied after the deadline, or a required revision isn’t completed by 10 a.m. CT on the ad deadline day, the submitted ad will be rejected, and a previously run ad or a house ad will be used instead.
Tips for a Smooth Review Process
- Submit Early: Whenever possible, submit your ad ahead of the deadline to allow time for any needed revisions.
- Review Feedback Carefully: Address all revision points before resubmitting to avoid further delays.
- Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about a revision, reach out to your publisher for clarification.
By following these steps, you’ll help ensure your ad is approved smoothly and efficiently. Thank you for partnering with City Lifestyle to maintain high-quality, professional advertising!
Common Revision Requests and Solutions
| Revision Request | Explanation | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Low Resolution Imagery | The image or ad quality is too low, leading to pixelation in print. | Replace the low-resolution image(s) with a high-quality image (300 DPI) for clear print quality. |
| Blurry or Unclear Image | The image appears blurry, pixelated, or lacks clarity. | Ensure images are sharp and high-quality; replace blurry images as needed. |
| Missing 2 of 3 Ad Requirements | The ad is missing at least two of the following elements: a logo, contact information, or a call to action. | Add the missing element(s) so the ad meets the ad requirements. |
| Spelling or Grammar Error | There is a typo or grammatical error in the ad text. | Review and correct all text errors; proofread carefully before resubmitting. |
| Incorrect Ad Dimensions | The ad does not match the required size specifications. | Resize your ad to the specified dimensions, including bleed requirements. |
| Safe Area Violation | Important elements fall outside the safe area and may be cut off in print. | Move essential content within the designated safe area. |
| Expired Offer/Coupon | The coupon or offer has an outdated expiration date. | Update the offer or coupon to a valid date for the issue month. |
| Out-of-Season Ad Content | Ad content is irrelevant for the publication’s season (e.g., holiday ad in a non-holiday month). | Adjust content to match the season or timing of the publication issue. |
| Non-compliant Content | Content does not meet City Lifestyle’s content policies. | Work with your publisher to revise the content according to City Lifestyle’s guidelines. |
| Multi-Page File Submission | The ad file includes multiple pages instead of a single-page format. | Submit as a single-page file; ensure the file format meets submission guidelines. |
| Unauthorized Use of CL Logo | The ad includes the City Lifestyle logo without prior authorization. | Remove the logo to comply with City Lifestyle’s brand guidelines. |
| Cut-Out Style Coupon | The coupon is formatted for cut-out, which is not allowed. | Adjust to a promo-style design to fit within the ad, avoiding any cut-out style. |