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How to Design an Effective Newspaper Advertisement

How to Create a Newspaper Advertisement Layout

Newspaper advertising is still a strong source for generating sales. However, you have to make your ad relevant and attractive to readers. When you want to place an ad in the newspaper, a representative will ask you for your newspaper advertisement layout. This layout is the most important part of advertising in a newspaper.


  1. Make a decision on which ad size you want. Typically newspapers offer a full, half or quarter page for an ad. You will need to ask for their specification sheet to understand exactly how to layout your newspaper ad for advertisement.

  2. Use your favorite design program to create a layout. Photoshop and InDesign are popular among user you need to create newspaper layouts. These programs are user-friendly, but you need to know the basics about the options available in these programs. If you are new to graphic designing, be patient and try different effects before trying to come up with an actual layout for your advertisement layout.

  3. Adjust the size of the template in your software programs to fit those specifications given by the newspaper. You want to do this before you start designing the newspaper ad layout. Shrinking the template after a layout is created will cause disproportions and unwanted effects.

  4. Fill in your advertisement layout and make the important words bold in your ad. You need to capture the reader's attention. Think of all the other ads that will be displayed in the same spot. Make your ad different enough to be noticed in a sea of words.

  5. Make sure you have the basic information in the ad and stick to your point. You only have so much space for the ad, so use it wisely. Your contact information is important, so do not over crowd it with too much information.

  6. Send your newspaper advertisement layout to the newspaper for approval. As long as you follow the specification sheet this should be easy. If you have questions on some of their specs, call and ask them to explain the specs to you further. Hopefully this will reduce the chances of your layout being rejected or sent back for corrections.