Magazines rely on high-quality photos and content to reach their audiences. However, keeping up with costs and maximizing profits can challenge today’s economy.
Taking an intelligent approach to magazine printing can help publishers keep their costs down without sacrificing the quality of their publications.
Know Your Options
When it comes to magazine printing, you have a lot of options. Different print methods, paper stock choices, and binding services can all impact your final product. It is essential to know your options to find the right combination of quality and budget that works best for your project.
For example, a standard method for magazine printing is offset lithography. This method produces high-quality color reproduction and offers many paper options. It is also an excellent choice for larger print runs because it provides cost efficiency.
Another consideration is the type of ink used for printing. Magazines often use CMYK ink, and the key is ensuring you use rich black. It is essential because if you don’t, your black color will be dark grey instead of true black.
Lastly, it is essential to consider your options regarding the size of your print run. Choosing a more extensive print run can reduce your unit cost, but it is essential to balance that with the fact that you may need to wait longer to deliver your final products.
Get Some Samples
Ultimately, every printed piece that carries your brand’s name should reflect a high-quality look and feel, as print is an inherently tactile experience. That’s why it is essential to request samples from any potential printer. Most reputable vendors are happy to provide them so you can test their capabilities for yourself.
It’s also important to know your printing costs from the outset. Producing your magazine within budget is more accessible with no surprises. There are a variety of factors that determine magazine printing costs, such as the size, paper type, and binding method.
When requesting quotes, specify the binding method you require and the number of pages, including the cover. Also, be sure to include a “bleed” allowance (a tiny margin that will be cut off during the printing process) and to express your page count as the total interior page count plus four (“four” being the number of pages on the front and back covers). This way, there are no surprises later when the order is placed.
See the Quality for Yourself
Magazine printing is a complex business with lots of variables. Your final product depends on everything from the number of pages to how much full-page glossy photography you include to how you design the layout. But even more subtle elements can significantly impact the price, such as the type of paper you choose.
High-quality papers that make your pictures look fantastic cost more than standard paper. However, the effect is often worth it. If you need more clarification about the paper quality you want to use, request paper samples from your printer. It gives you a better idea of the paper’s texture, weight, and color reproduction without spending much money on a large order.
Before sending your final file for print, ask if your printer can do a press check. It involves visiting the printer while your project is being printed and inspecting it as it comes out of the press. It allows you to catch mistakes that may have been made after your approval (like dropping a photo or changing a page number). It’s essential to ensure the final product meets your requirements.
Take a Crash Course on Printing
Magazines are driven by great content, but the production process is also a significant factor in how your publication will turn out. A quality printer can help you save money and ensure your publication looks professional to keep your audience engaged.
Seemingly minor aspects like fonts can make a big difference in your publication’s readability. For example, serif fonts work best with traditional newsprint, while sans-serif fonts can be more complicated to read in smaller sizes. Make sure to choose a legible font that matches your overall branding and will be easy for your readers to decipher.
When selecting a printing partner, it’s essential to ask for client references and contact those clients directly to get their impressions of the company’s work, service, and pricing. It’s also a good idea to tour the printing facility, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how your publication will be produced. It can help you better understand how your production and distribution costs are determined and how quickly a printing company can turn around projects.
Keep Your Designer in the Loop
When it comes to custom magazine printing, every decision you make affects the result. That’s why always keeping your designer in the loop is so important. They can offer valuable insights into printing, help you select the correct paper options, and more.
Remember, every page of a magazine costs money to print. Your spending will depend on how many pages your publication has and whether it’s primarily image-based or text-heavy. The type of paper you choose also influences the cost. High-glossy paper makes photos look great but can be more expensive than standard paper.
Additionally, consider the environmental impact of your production choices. Eco-friendly printing is a growing trend among readers and can help you build credibility and trust with consumers. Incorporate a few of these best practices when creating your next issue, and you’ll be sure to impress your audience.