For a lot of different business campaigns, media and press kit folders are critical for getting the message out about anything a company is doing. Media or press kits are used to promote films or any other kind of product, or to advertise changes in a business. Across so many industries, these tools provide outreach solutions managers can rely on.

When looking for media and press kit printing solutions, there are some different ways to use these services to your advantage. Each business scenario has its own need when it comes to getting quality media press kit results that will be effective for the business strategy, client base, and timeline involved in a project. Business leaders can go to media kit printers:

1. For quick media kit printing service to help out in urgent communications scenarios.
2. For help with design and implementation of traditional print press kits.
3. For new media design and incorporating Cd or DVD visuals into printing media kits.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find same day or quick media kit printing for urgent situations

When you need to get the word out yesterday, turn to press kit printers with online forms and tools you can use for same day or immediate printing to get your folders cranked out as soon as humanly possible.

I recommend: Get same day printing nearly anywhere in the world--including all fifty states--for emergency situations, at HubCast through a convenient online site. Presskits can ship blank press kit materials same day and the company dedicates themselves to getting press kits out fast in times of need.

Look for press kit folders printers offering some light design consultation

Other firms are geared toward helping a business leader skillfully and thoroughly craft a press kit folder, with an eye toward the finished product. Working with these firms through their online and phone systems can help get the results you want.

I recommend: 48 Hour Print offers helpful online tips on media follow-up and best content ideas for your press kit. MDS Press Kit will help those ordering with issues of colors, stock, and more for a bright and attractive solution.

Get interactive media solutions for media kit folders

These days, a slick press kit may very well include more than just paper: as more and more of our visual processes migrate onto the digital screen, business clients like to get video into a press kit when applicable. That's where mutlimedia savvy firms can help arrange for a press kit that includes both print and disc promos.

I recommend: ArtWorks can burn press kit materials to CDs and help out with interactive media solutions for your kits. Ultra Entertainment includes CD and DVD services in creating custom press kits for clients.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always keep your own templates and brainstorming results handy when talking to media and press kit printing shops. Your input is going to be the backbone of the project, even if shops offer design help and assistance with creating materials.

Never underestimate the power of the press. Media and press kit printing is a necessary tool to effectively market your business and get your message broadcast to prospective clients and investors. Not only are media kit folders an impressive way to increase your media exposure, but they are generally an inexpensive way to get your business noticed. Even the priciest press kits are infinitely cheaper than most forms of advertising.

Since the impact of your media kit folders is long-lasting, make sure to choose the right company for your press packet printing.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a company to print your media and press kits, including:

1. Quality
2. Press kit pricing
3. Services such as custom press kits
4. Effectiveness

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Review all the options for press kit folders and contents

Which style gets your message across? Which ones are neat and to-the-point? What kind of features are you looking to include in your media kit folders? If you're going to go to the effort to send it out, you better make sure it'll get the job done.

I recommend: Not sure what your press kit should include? You only get one shot to make a first impression, so make it count. Be sure to include a personalized cover letter and up-to-date company information. Check out more media kit printing tips from Gaebler Ventures.

Compare media kit printers to find the right one for you

Each media kit printing job may influence a different choice in printer. Your main goal is to match the particular job to the printer who can provide the lowest price for the highest quality. Different printers can also offer different techniques, specializing in a certain effect that might fit your particular need.

I recommend: Don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions or even request a sample. What better way to see what a company can do for you than to see what they did for someone else?

Consider service and quality in printing press kits

Your press kit folders are only as good as your printer's service. The right press kit printers will help you manage the process of printing media kits and provide you with essential information throughout the process. A printer's knowledge is key to help you meet your needs. Whether it's recommending a certain technique, ink or even the paper size, choosing the right media press kit printer can make a big difference.

I recommend: Online services offer a gamut service possibilities, from do it yourself to full service. For examples, see VistaPrint's three different options: complete help, upload your own design, or use a type of press kit template.

Shop around for press kit printing bargains

The right printing service, in the long run, can help you become more efficient with all of your media and press kit printing needs. That will not only keep money in your pocket but may even save you time. The most expensive aspect of printing media kits can be the material costs. Next, keep color designs simple to save money on ink. If you have your job printed on color paper, that can keep ink costs low.

I recommend: Press kit pricing ranges widely. Know what it'll cost before it goes to print. Many online services, like Color Printing Wholesale, offer instant pricing.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Relying on only one printer can sometimes mean you are settling for less quality. Some printers may accept a job even though they don't have the particular know-how or equipment to do the job right. They may also end up contracting the work to someone else.
• •  Always ask for cheaper options on paper type and ink, but be careful not to skimp on quality.

Press kit folders serve as both promotional and educational materials to communicate about your business with the media. The power of the press is substantial and not to be taken lightly. It's especially helpful when you're announcing the launch of a new product or service, so that reporters have helpful background on your company.

Without the proper training on how to make media kit folders, you'll spin your wheels with design effort and money on printing something that may immediately land in a reporter's trash bin. There are a number of online resources from webinars and conferences to tutorials. You can also consult with public relations experts on additional or ongoing training as needed.

Consider the following background for your training:

1. Not only is an online press kit folder economical, it also shows your commitment to technology.

2. When selecting a press kit template, think visually. What pictures, logos or other graphics will get your point across in a clean, simple message?

3. Before printing press kits, receive the proper training on how to make your kit relevant by writing to current events.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Obtain manuals and books on media and press kit printing

Training manuals work best for long-term projects such as developing a media kit. That way you can use it as a reference as different issues arise during the process. Your whole team will be able to grab the manual and access the information as well.

I recommend: Shock PR's book, the "Start Up PR Training Manual," answers to basic questions like "What is a press kit?" and "What is a press release?" You can instantly download "How to Create Powerful Press Kits & Online Media Kits" manual and even receive telephone coaching from 101PublicRelations.com.

Go through media kit printing online tutorials

While training manuals may be a good in-hand reference, new ideas are always surfacing regarding media kit printing. The web allows posting of new information on a constant basis and you're most likely to find updated information online.

I recommend: Find out what to include from Popbug - Extreme Internet Marketing Tools & Tutorials. Also get format and assembly tips from JIAN Tools For Sales.

Utilize professional consultant firms for media and press kit printing education and training

Some people learn best by one-on-one training with an expert. Public relations consulting firms can help you in all areas of marketing your business, even developing and implementing a media relations policy and related materials.

I recommend: Both The Creative Collective and KB Consultants can help educate you on developing press kits.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To most effectively deliver your custom press kits, make sure you have the correct person on your address label. All that effort will be for naught if it doesn't land on the right reporter's desk.

A media and press kit promotes a company or an individual. Writers, models, actors, bands, and other performers often put together press kits to generate new business. They send these kits to the media, to potential large buyers, and/or to reviewers or sales reps. Your purpose for the kit will determine what you include, but all kits have some common elements:

1. A cover letter

2. Press release

3. Fact sheet

4. Past press coverage

5. Photos and images

6. Business cards

Then, depending on the purpose of your press kit, you need to tailor it to your specific business or service. All of the items in your press or media kit need to look professional. Here are some terms that will help when you approach a printer.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Bleed

If any of the pieces you're having printed run all the way to the outer edge of the paper, they need to be designed a little larger than actual size to allow for an extra margin. This ensures that the image prints to the edge of the paper. The bleed is the part of a printed document outside the bounds of the final size of the piece. The standard bleed is 1p6 (1 pica, 6 points), or 1/4 of an inch.

I recommend: Printernational defines bleed and shows how to allow for it before taking your documents to a printer.

Brochure layout

Brochures are usually bi-fold or tri-fold pieces printed on large-sized paper. Before you head off to the printer, though, be sure your brochure is well-designed and properly laid out. Brochure layout can be tricky because you must place the material in the correct spot so it ends up in the proper position after the paper is printed and folded. Consider also whether or not the brochure will be mailed; if it will, allow space for mailing labels.

I recommend: The Cape Higher Education Consortium gives tips for designing a brochure.

Thermography

Business cards can be printed using thermography (classic raised printing) rather than flat printing. If you're trying to make an elegant impression, you may want to consider using thermography.

I recommend: The International Paper Company describes thermography in printing and its uses.

Soy inks

Many printers now offer the option of soy or vegetable inks in addition to the traditional ink. Marketers interested in going green appreciate the opportunity to choose an ink made from a renewable resource. Advantages of soy ink, in addition to its environmental benefits, are its vibrant colors, stability, and lower rub-off.

I recommend: Design, Typography & Graphics talks about going green with your marketing by using soy inks.

Posters

Some people like to include posters in their marketing kits. Many posters are printed on heavyweight, satin-finish photo paper, which gives the poster its glossy finish.

I recommend: FlowerAdvisor Lifestyle explains what you need to know when you're having a poster printed.

Watermarked letterhead

Print your cover letter on top-quality business stationery. Your letterhead provides your first introduction to a potential client, a business, or the media. For the best impression, choose a letterhead with a watermark. A watermark is faint image that is visible when the paper is held up to the light.

I recommend: Secure Paper Products provides tips on designing your own watermark for your letterhead, and wiseGEEK explains the different ways watermarks are made.